Moving to Redlands, CA? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Redlands, California, is a city located in the heart of San Bernardino Valley, surrounded by the natural beauty of some of California's highest mountain peaks and largest forests. However, Redlands isn't far away from some of California's largest cities. It’s only 60 miles away from Los Angeles and even closer to San Bernardino and Anaheim.

Redlands got its name from the red-adobe-colored soil of the region. The iron-rich and rocky soil is perfect for citrus trees, but many other crops struggle to grow. This is why, since its beginning, Redlands has been home to a large number of orange groves dating all the way back to 1882 when the first grove was planted.

If you're thinking about moving to Redlands, CA, or are just interested in learning more, we've put together a helpful guide that will explain everything you need to know about this beautiful city we call home.

Whether you're looking for a short walking trail or an arduous hike, you'll find it in Redlands. The San Bernardino Valley is home to plenty of nature trails that are well cared for, with minimal elevation changes. For the slightly more adventurous, there are dozens of trails along the foothills of the mountains that provide a spectacular view of the valley. 

For the most adventurous, San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect place to hike. Rivers, streams, and mountains come together to provide an amazing natural setting for miles and miles of rigorous hiking.

Here is a selection of the best hiking trails in Redlands, CA.

Easy

Jacinto Loop and Overlook Bench Trails

Sage Road Loop - Caroline Park

San Timoteo Canyon Creekside Trail

Medium

Scott Canyon Trail - South Hills Preserve

Oakmont Trail Loop

West Ridge and Canyon Road Loop - South Hills Preserve

Hard

Santa Ana Divide Trail

McKinley Firebreak Trail

Cram Peak Ridge Trail

VISIT A MOUNTAIN LAKE

Redlands is only about an hour away from several large lakes nestled among the San Bernardino Mountains. Here are a few of the nearest lakes and the activities available at each one.

BIG BEAR LAKE

Located northeast of Redlands, Big Bear Lake is one of the region's most beautiful lakes. The lake offers breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and vibrant wildflowers in the spring. Whether you visit in winter for skiing and snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort or during warmer months to enjoy golfing and water sports, there’s something for everyone. At an elevation of 6,759 feet, this alpine lake and the surrounding town provide a refreshing escape from bustling city life, inviting visitors to relax, explore, and soak up the natural beauty year-round. Historically, Big Bear Lake was one of the sites of the California gold rush and has long been a popular vacation spot for celebrities. On busy weekends, Big Bear Lake might see upwards of 100,000 visitors!

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

This zoo near Big Bear Lake takes in animals in need of rehab and educates the community on the diverse species found in the area. You'll see bears, bald eagles, and many more animal species.



Boulder Bay Park

Visitors of this park will enjoy the beautifully manicured grounds, the paved walkways, and easy access to the water. This park is a popular place to boat, swim, and launch kayaks. It also offers amazing views of the rock formations and mountains surrounding the lake.

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California due north of Redlands, is a serene and picturesque destination that beckons travelers year-round. Surrounded by towering pine trees, Lake Arrowhead offers breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails or simply enjoying the view, the natural beauty is awe-inspiring. From boating and water skiing in the summer to snow sports in the winter, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures. 

The entire San Bernardino National Forest envelops the area, providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Stroll through the quaint village, where cozy coffee shops, charming boutiques, and delightful restaurants await. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and savor the mountain atmosphere. Lake Arrowhead also hosts seasonal events, from summer concerts to festive holiday celebrations. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, this mountain retreat has it all.

Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat

Explore Arrowhead Lake from the historic Lake Arrowhead Queen tour boat. The tour lasts about 45 minutes as the captain describes the history of the homesteads along the shore and the many famous residents who have or still call Lake Arrowhead their home.

Mackay Recreational Park

This free park on a largely private lake offers volleyball courts, a playground for children, a zipline, large open spaces, picnic areas, and more. Because this park is located on a hill above the lake, the views of Lake Arrowhead are spectacular!

Visit Prospect Park

This 11.4-acre park is one of the most spectacular features of Redlands. Visitors will enjoy plenty of walking paths and a spectacular view of Redlands. There are plenty of pavilions and picnic tables for visitors to use. The entire park is dog friendly, as long as they are kept on a leash.

Prospect Park even has a castle that visitors can enjoy. It's a popular spot for photoshoots, as is the entire park. Prospect Park is also home to an outdoor amphitheater that seats 400+ and hosts the Redlands Summer Theater Festival.

The Redlands Bowl

Every Tuesday and Friday during the summer, Redlands puts on the Redlands Bowl Music Festival, the longest continually running free music festival in the country. Since its beginning in 1924, the Redlands Bowl has been providing the community with a place to come together and enjoy music. Thousands of visitors enjoy the music festival each week throughout the summer.

Best Restaurants in Redlands, CA

Tartan of Redlands



If you're looking for a good steak, you can trust Tartan of Redlands to deliver. Tartan has been serving the Redlands community delicious food for decades. It also serves burgers, fries, pasta, and other items you'd expect to find at a steakhouse.

Eureka! Redlands

If you're looking for a good burger, it will be hard to beat Eureka! Redlands. This gourmet restaurant specializes in hamburgers and other comfort foods, using only the highest quality beef on brioche buns to craft its burgers. It also serves killer chicken sandwiches, salads, and more.

Bricks and Birch

This restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizza, pastries, and coffee. You'll find the classic cheese and pepperoni pizza, but Bricks and Birch is best known for its more inventive pizzas. These include butternut ricotta, jalapeno popper, mushroom brie, Thai, and more. There’s even special named pizzas, including the Ron Swanson, Swineapple, Triple B, Magpie, and Rocket Man. You’ll have to check out the menu to learn more!

Local Attractions in Redlands, CA

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine serves as both a museum and a memorial to Abraham Lincoln, one of the most impactful presidents of the United States. This shrine was originally gifted to the city by Robert and Alma Watchorn in 1932. The construction of the shrine includes reinforced concrete faced with limestone plates upon which are inscribed excerpts from Lincoln’s speeches.

History buffs, fans of President Lincoln, and anyone with an eye for beautiful architecture will find paying the Lincoln Memorial Shrine a visit well worth the trip.

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens

This Victorian-era chateau was inspired by a French castle visited by the woman who commissioned the building of the home, Mrs. Cornelia Hill, in 1897. It is a superb example of the Victorian era in Redlands and has been immaculately preserved to the present day. The home’s second owners, Helen and John Kimberly, added the beautiful Italian Renaissance-style gardens on part of the home’s six-acre estate. After the Kimberlys’ passing, the home was gifted to the people of Redlands. 

Presently, the interior of the home serves as a museum that offers guided tours. The gardens surrounding the home are free to visit. Kimberly Crest is frequently used for photoshoots, weddings, and other events.

Historical Glass Museum

The Redlands Historical Glass Museum is the only museum west of the Mississippi River dedicated to displaying glassware made by American glassmakers and artists. The museum houses over 6,000 pieces of glassware and sculptures that the public can see from 12 to 4 p.m. on weekends. The museum also offers guided tours for those who want to learn more about the pieces and artists who sculpted them. The museum is a 1903 Victorian house, which gives you two reasons to visit!

Cost of Living in Redlands, CA

Redlands, California, offers a lifestyle that balances natural beauty with urban convenience. However, as with most of California, this lifestyle comes with a price tag. The cost of living in Redlands is above the national average but is still more affordable compared to other communities in southern California.

The typical home price stands at over $618,000, which is about 72 percent higher than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit costs an average of over $2,000 per month, exceeding the national average by about 37.8 percent.

Transportation and utility costs are about average compared to the nation, as are grocery costs. Residents of Redlands do tend to have a bit of money when it comes to healthcare costs. Redlands comes in about 15 percent lower than the national average. These savings can certainly build up over time. 

Learn more about the cost of living in Redlands, CA.

Education

With 25 schools serving approximately 19,918 students, the Redlands Unified School District focuses on fostering a love for learning, promoting academic excellence, and cultivating responsible and compassionate citizens. The student-to-teacher ratio is 22 students per classroom, which aligns with the state average. In terms of quality, the district ranks seven out of 10 compared to other California school districts, surpassing 68.9 percent of them.

Redlands also has institutions of higher education. The University of Redlands is a four-year university that offers a variety of degrees. It consistently ranks among the top colleges in the West.

Here’s more about the educational systems in Redlands.

Employment

There are quite a few large employers in and around Redlands, making it a great place to live for professionals seasoned in their careers and those just starting out. Healthcare and education are two of the biggest industries in Redlands, with many of the city's residents employed at the hospitals, clinics, and schools in the area.

Many residents of Redlands work in the surrounding communities of San Bernardino or Riverside, two larger communities with a wide variety of employment opportunities. 

Here are the current job openings in Redlands, CA.

Transportation

Redlands may not have all the public transportation options you’d find in Los Angeles or other larger cities, but Redlands is connected to other communities throughout the San Bernardino Valley via Omnitrans buses. Residents are able to travel to and from the most popular areas in the valley. If residents take the Omnitrans bus to the travel center in San Bernardino, they can travel almost anywhere in Southern California with ease. 

The city of Redlands is making great strides toward a more bike-friendly city. Here’s a map of the bike paths currently available within

Redlands. Redlands is committed to adding more bike paths, connecting existing paths, and making the city easier to navigate by bike.

Culture

Redlands is a city steeped in history going all the way back to the 1800s. Many historic houses are still found throughout the town. The historic feel lends itself to a slower pace of life. 

Redlands is very family-friendly and retains its historic focus on citrus groves and agriculture. The city of Redlands owns 184 acres of orange, grapefruit, and other citrus spaced throughout the city. 

The University of Redlands brings in a lot of younger college age people to the town, making the overall population quite diverse in background and age. 

Music and art are a huge part of the culture of Redlands. There are dozens of different music festivals, events, and activities happening throughout the year in Redlands, but especially in the summer.

If you’re considering moving to Redlands, CA, we can’t imagine a better place to live! We know you’ll love the great weather, fun things to do, and warm, inviting community. If you’re looking for a place to live, consider Countrywood Apartments in Redlands, CA. We’ve got great amenities that make coming home the best part of your day. Contact us today to schedule a tour!