Redlands Apartment Renter's Guide
Redlands Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Ten minutes east of San Bernardino sits Redlands, California. A city full of historic Victorian homes, culture (museums, theatre, parades—oh my!), mountainous landscapes and plenty of orange groves.
The beauty of Redlands, aside from the mountains (which you can see on un-smoggy days) is that it is a short drive for many staycations and day trips
Ten minutes east of San Bernardino sits Redlands, California. A city full of historic Victorian homes, culture (museums, theatre, parades—oh my!), mountainous landscapes and plenty of orange groves.
The beauty of Redlands, aside from the mountains (which you can see on un-smoggy days) is that it is a short drive for many staycations and day trips. Palm Springs is a short drive, if you're looking to spoil (& tan) yourself in the desert, and the proximity to Big Bear can turn your average winter day into a ski trip. Note: it does get cold enough to snow in Redlands, though it usually doesn’t stick, and summers will find you searching for a pool or beach to cool off. It is, after all, located near a desert.
Though its nickname sounds more like an Indiana Jones sequel than a quaint place to live, the “Jewel of the Inland Empire” has 14 local parks and a focus on quality of life. This SoCal gem is waiting for you. Let’s find out where you fit in.
Neighborhoods:
Housing in Redlands ranges between vintage homes with historical appeal and newly built homes on tree-lined streets. Many of the areas preserve a sort of unique yet historical style to them. Cookie cutter homes are few and far between, so those who aren't fans of mass produced construction projects, welcome home. We have broken the city into two main regions (north and south) and one smaller area (west), which is essentially a part of South Redlands. Confused yet?
North Redlands: Living here offers up good visuals (San Bernardino Mountains). The houses here tend to be established, medium in size (about three bedrooms) with nice sized yards. Great shopping and dining options are located in this area and you will be minutes from downtown. As far as apartment living goes, there is a little something for everyone. If amenities are your thing, many apartments/lofts in the area feature upgraded kitchens, backyards, garages, wifi, & private parking (just to name a few). If you like the simple things in life, it is possible to find a quaint two bedroom with palm tree views and some paid utilities for around $850/month. Neighborhoods also considered “north” are Crafton and Mentone.
South Redlands: Though it doesn’t have the same mountain views as North Redlands, the South offers shopping, parks, the Redlands Bowl, historic homes (Victorians, bungalows) and downtown. Living in South Redlands puts you smack dab in middle of the city’s commercial center, nightlife and essentially its pulse—or at least a few blocks closer to it. Smiley Park, Smiley Library, Lincoln Shrine and other historical pieces of the city are located in this vicinity, adding a certain charm that can’t be found in other areas. Antique shops, wine bars, restaurants and the like are all a walk or car ride away from your apartment when living in South Redlands. A walkable neighborhood, South Redlands puts residents in prime locale for I-10 access, downtown activities and well-priced living. Areas considered to be interchangeable with South Redlands are West Redlands & Downtown.
West Redlands: It’s important to note that the apartments in West Redlands tend to offer more “resort-style” living with upgraded amenities, billiards rooms, cabanas, pet areas, activity directors, etc. While the area is often lumped into the neighborhood of South Redlands, it does have enough character to stand out on its own. Acting as a buffer, West Redlands separates Redlands and neighboring city Loma Linda and is comprised of a ton of apartment complexes built in 1980 and beyond. The view here is primarily towering trees and orange groves, making it a relaxing area to call home.
Car is King - Transportation:
If you know anything about California, you know that to have a car here is like breathing air: essential for life. Interstate 10 is the main thoroughfare here, intersecting in Redlands and running through west to L.A. and east to Palm Springs. It also converges with State Route 210 or the Foothill Freeway, bringing residents north.
Traffic here isn’t so bad—especially considering this is Southern California. The weekends tend to see the roads a bit more congested but weekday work commutes are fairly easy (between 15-30 minutes).
That said, Redlands is an equal opportunity kinda city when it comes to transit and those opting for public transportation have some choices. Residents can rely on the city’s newly restored trolley system, bus line and one of the seven (yes, seven) local Amtrak stations for longer trips.
Known and loved for its citrus crops, vibrant and welcoming downtown and inspiring historical architecture, Redlands lives up to its nickname. It is a little jewel in the center of the desert, a diamond in the rough. Superseding expectations of a residential SoCal town, Redlands is warm and inviting—and it’s filled with genuinely happy residents who enjoy mountain views, farmers markets and tree-lined streets. Pack your bags and begin your Redlands Inland Empire adventure—no bullwhip or leather fedora needed.
