Living in Downtown Redlands & the Historic Core
Downtown Redlands is the city’s walkable historic center: State Street shops and restaurants, Arrow rail at the old Santa Fe Depot, and Smiley Park’s library and Redlands Bowl just to the south. Homes here are mostly early-1900s period houses on tree-lined streets, with a smaller number of condos and townhomes close to the core.
Historic Charm
Vibrant Community
Culture and Entertainment
Downtown Redlands at a glance
| Best for | Buyers who want walkability, character homes, and transit access |
|---|---|
| Home styles | Historic period homes, bungalows, and cottages, plus some condos and townhomes |
| Getting around | Arrow train at Redlands–Downtown station; I-10 a few minutes north |
| Anchors | State Street, Orange Street, Smiley Park, and the Santa Fe Depot District |
| Median price | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
| Average days on market | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
What it's like to live downtown
Daily life centers on State Street and Orange Street. You get locally owned shops, coffee, restaurants with patios, and Orange Street Alley, the covered walkway locals call Umbrella Alley. More than 40 murals are painted around State Street, and a Saturday morning market brings the neighborhood out every week.
Events are part of the deal. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival runs free concerts in Smiley Park through the summer, and downtown hosts art walks, car shows, and the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Living close means you walk to all of it, and it also means occasional crowds and street closures.
Historic homes in Redlands' original core
Redlands grew around the railroad. The Santa Fe line reached the city in 1888, and the ability to ship navel oranges by train built the citrus economy and the downtown that came with it. The depot area is now the Redlands Santa Fe Depot District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just south of downtown, the Smiley Park Historic District is one of the city’s best-preserved residential areas. It’s roughly bounded by Brookside Avenue, Cajon Street, Cypress Avenue, and Buena Vista Street, and most of its homes predate 1913, when a freeze hit the orange industry and building slowed.
What buyers should know about older homes
- Inspections matter more. Plan for a thorough general inspection plus sewer line, roof, and foundation checks. Original electrical and plumbing are common in homes this age.
- Historic rules can apply. Ask whether the home sits in a designated historic district or is a local landmark. That can affect exterior changes, additions, and window replacements.
- Ask about the Mills Act. Some historic homes qualify for property tax savings in exchange for preservation commitments. Confirm eligibility with the City of Redlands before you count on it.
- Get insurance quotes early. Do it during your contingency period, not after. Older roofs and wiring can change pricing.
Getting around: Arrow rail and freeway access
The Arrow train opened in October 2022, and the Redlands–Downtown station sits at 351 N. Orange Street, right beside the historic depot. Arrow runs daily between Redlands and the San Bernardino Transit Center, where you can connect to Metrolink trains toward Los Angeles. A limited number of weekday San Bernardino Line trains also serve the downtown station directly.
Arrow also stops at the Esri campus and the University of Redlands, so downtown residents who work at either can commute by train. By car, I-10 is a short drive north.
Downtown landmarks
- A.K. Smiley Public Library. Built in 1898 as a gift from Albert K. Smiley, still the city’s main library, and on the National Register.
- Lincoln Memorial Shrine. Behind the library, the only museum and archive dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War west of the Mississippi.
- Redlands Bowl. The 1924 amphitheater in Smiley Park, home of the free summer music festival.
- Santa Fe Depot District. The historic depot, the Packing House District shops and restaurants, and the Arrow station.
Downtown Redlands real estate market
[ADD 2–3 SENTENCES MONTHLY: median sale price, price per square foot, days on market, and active listings for the downtown/Smiley Park area, with the month and source. Example: As of October 2026, homes in the downtown area sold for a median of $___, spending an average of __ days on market.]
A strong fit if you want
Walkability, historic architecture, train access, and being close to events and restaurants.
Think it through if you need
A large lot, a newer low-maintenance home, a three-car garage, or a quiet street on event nights. Inventory downtown is limited, so good homes move fast.
Why buy or sell downtown with Leo
I’m Leo Dominguez, host of Smart Moves with Leonard on YouTube and a Redlands REALTOR® with Len Group Redlands at Keller Williams. I also teach at the University of Redlands, so downtown is where I work, teach, and spend my evenings. My background is in digital marketing, which means sellers get listings marketed like a brand, and buyers get someone who knows how to find homes before they hit the big sites.
Downtown Redlands FAQ
Is downtown Redlands walkable?
Yes. The core along State and Orange Streets is compact, and Smiley Park, the library, and the Arrow station are all within a few blocks.
Can you take a train from downtown Redlands to Los Angeles?
Yes. Take Arrow from the Redlands–Downtown station to the San Bernardino Transit Center and transfer to Metrolink, or catch one of the limited direct weekday San Bernardino Line trains.
What kinds of homes are in downtown Redlands?
Mostly historic homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially in the Smiley Park Historic District, along with some condos and townhomes near the core.
Are historic homes harder to buy?
Not harder, but they need more homework: deeper inspections, early insurance quotes, and checking for historic district rules or Mills Act eligibility.
Thinking about downtown Redlands?
Whether you’re buying your first historic home or selling one, let’s talk about what’s happening on your street.
Len Group Redlands – Keller Williams Redlands | DRE #02167691 | [(909)844-8024
STEP 1
CHOOSE TO BUY OR SELL A HOME.
During our phone call, we’ll introduce you to our customized real estate buying and selling process, crafted to alleviate your concerns and streamline your experience
STEP 2
GET A CUSTOM BUY OR SELL PLAN.
We will create a tailored plan for your home buying or selling journey, ensuring you make a well-informed financial decision that aligns with your family’s needs and timeline.
STEP 3
ENJOY PEACE OF MIND.
Our specialized and personal approach is aimed at reducing your worry and stress, enabling you to relax and genuinely enjoy the process of buying or selling your home, free from feeling overwhelmed.