Living in Mentone, Next Door to Redlands
Mentone is the small, unincorporated community on Redlands’ eastern edge, along Highway 38 at the foot of the road into the San Bernardino Mountains. It started as an 1880s orange-grove colony and still feels rural in places, with larger lots, room for animals in some areas, and quiet streets named after Mediterranean towns and gemstones. Homes are part of the Redlands Unified School District, and downtown Redlands is about ten minutes west.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Outdoor Adventures
Community-Oriented Living
Mentone at a glance
| Best for | Buyers who want more land and a quieter, small-town feel close to Redlands |
|---|---|
| Home styles | Older ranch homes on larger lots, some horse and ag-zoned properties, and newer tracts |
| Getting around | Highway 38 (Mentone Blvd / Lugonia Ave) west to Redlands and I-10, east to the mountains |
| Schools | Redlands Unified School District, including Redlands East Valley High School |
| Government | Unincorporated San Bernardino County; ZIP code 92359 |
| Median price | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
| Average days on market | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
What it's like to live in Mentone
Mentone feels like the country edge of Redlands. Some streets have sidewalks and newer homes; others have wide shoulders, deep lots, citrus trees, and neighbors with chickens or horses. It’s home to about 9,500 people, and locals jokingly call it “Mentone Beach.”
You’re positioned between two worlds. Redlands’ shops, restaurants, and I-10 are a short drive west, and Highway 38 heads east through Mill Creek Canyon toward Forest Falls and Big Bear, so weekend hikes and snow trips start right from your street.
Community roots run deep. Mentone’s Portuguese American families, many with ties to the Azores, have celebrated the Festa do Espírito Santo here since 1919.
From Mediterranean dream to citrus town
In 1886, W.H. Drew and N.K. Fairbanks formed the Mentone Corporation and bought about 3,000 acres between Crafton and the Santa Ana River. They named it after Menton, the town on the French Riviera, because the climate and plants reminded them of the Mediterranean, just without the sea. That’s why east-west streets carry names like Anzio, Salerno, and Naples, while north-south streets are named for stones like Sapphire and Amethyst.
The founders built the Hotel Mentone in 1892, modeled on the Hotel del Coronado, hoping to draw tourists. Visitors never came in large numbers. It became a sanitarium, was demolished in 1917, and some of its lumber ended up in local homes. Navel oranges did better, and the town’s motto, “Oranges on the Rocks,” is a nod to the groves that once covered the area.
Homes in Mentone
Mentone offers some of the most varied land options near Redlands: modest older ranch homes, properties on a half acre or more, some lots zoned for horses or small agriculture, and newer subdivisions with standard suburban lots. For buyers who want space without moving to the high desert, it’s one of the closest options.
What buyers should know in Mentone
- Unincorporated means county rules. Permits, zoning, and code enforcement go through San Bernardino County, not the City of Redlands. Confirm what’s allowed for animals, ADUs, or outbuildings before you buy.
- Check water and sewer service. Some properties are on septic systems. Ask how the home is served and inspect septic systems during escrow.
- Review hazard disclosures. Mentone sits near the Santa Ana River and the foothills, so look closely at flood and fire hazard zones and get insurance quotes early.
- Look for special taxes on newer homes. Some newer tracts carry Mello-Roos or other assessments. Check the property tax bill, not just the list price.
Getting around and nearby
- Highway 38. Mentone’s main road runs west into Redlands and east into Mill Creek Canyon and the San Bernardino Mountains.
- Downtown Redlands. State Street, the Redlands Bowl, and the Arrow train are roughly ten minutes away.
- Crafton Hills and Yucaipa. Crafton Hills College and Yucaipa’s parks and shopping sit just to the south and east.
- I-10. Reached through Redlands for commutes to Loma Linda, San Bernardino, and Riverside.
Mentone real estate market
[ADD 2–3 SENTENCES MONTHLY: median sale price, price per square foot, days on market, and homes sold in Mentone (ZIP 92359), with the month and source. Consider noting how Mentone prices compare with nearby Redlands.]
A strong fit if you want
A bigger lot, room for animals or a workshop, Redlands schools, mountain access, and a slower pace.
Think it through if you need
City services and a city council, walkable shopping, a short freeway on-ramp, or a property with no septic or hazard-zone questions.
Why buy or sell in Mentone 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. Mentone properties vary a lot, from horse properties to new builds, so pricing them takes a close look at the land, the zoning, and the comps, not just square footage. Sellers get marketing that shows off what makes the property different, and buyers get help sorting out county rules before they commit.
Mentone FAQ
Is Mentone part of Redlands?
No. Mentone is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, next to Redlands’ eastern edge. It shares the Redlands Unified School District, but county government handles services.
What school district serves Mentone?
Redlands Unified School District. Redlands East Valley High School is located in Mentone.
Can you have horses in Mentone?
On some properties, yes. Animal rules depend on the parcel’s county zoning and lot size, so check the specific property before you buy.
Why is it called Mentone?
Its 1886 founders named it after Menton, France, because the climate reminded them of the Mediterranean.
Thinking about Mentone?
Whether you’re looking for land near Redlands or selling a property that doesn’t fit a standard comp, let’s talk about your next move.
Len Group Redlands – Keller Williams Redlands | DRE #02167691 | (909)844-8024
Get started today.
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.