Six parts of town, six different versions of Redlands living. Here's what each one actually feels like, what the rental stock looks like, and who it tends to suit.
| Area | Vibe | Typical rental stock | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Walkable, historic, social | Apartments, duplexes, lofts | $$ |
| South Redlands | Leafy, historic, quiet | Houses, carriage units, duplexes | $$$ |
| University District | Collegiate, cyclical | Shared houses, small complexes | $$ |
| North & Lugonia | Convenient, suburban | Newer apartment communities | $$–$$$ |
| Redlands Heights | Scenic, upscale, car-dependent | Single-family homes | $$$$ |
| West Redlands | Practical, commuter-friendly | Apartments, condos, townhomes | $$ |
Downtown is the Redlands that ends up on postcards: historic brick storefronts along State Street, the murals and string lights of Orange Street Alley, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, the A.K. Smiley Public Library, and the Redlands Bowl — an outdoor amphitheater that has run free summer concerts since 1930. A certified farmers market takes over State Street on Saturday mornings.
For renters, downtown means the only genuinely walkable lifestyle in the city. The stock is a mix of older apartment buildings, duplexes carved from early-1900s houses, and a handful of lofts and units above retail. Units here are often smaller and older — check for updated wiring, air conditioning, and parking, which is at a premium on market nights and during Bowl season.
Best for: people who want to walk to coffee, dinner, and events; anyone who works downtown or at Esri (the Esri Arrow station is at the edge of downtown).
South of downtown, Redlands turns into its most historic self: blocks of Victorian, Craftsman, and Spanish Revival homes along streets like Olive Avenue, Cajon Street, and Alvarado Street, under mature camphor and palm canopies. The area borders Smiley Heights — home to Prospect Park and the hillside Caroline Park — and sits within walking distance of the University of Redlands.
Rentals here are mostly single-family homes, guest houses, and carriage units behind historic properties, plus small duplexes. They rarely hit the big listing sites — many move by word of mouth or a sign in the yard — so drive the neighborhood and call numbers on lawn signs. Expect to pay for the charm: this is one of the city's more expensive pockets per square foot, and competition for well-kept historic homes is real.
Best for: renters who value character and quiet over amenities like pools and gyms; university staff and faculty; anyone who wants a yard and mature trees.
The blocks surrounding the University of Redlands — roughly between Colton Avenue, University Street, and the campus itself — run on the academic calendar. Housing stock is a mix of older homes divided into student rentals, small apartment complexes, and rooms for rent in owner-occupied houses. The University Arrow station puts downtown San Bernardino within a short rail ride.
Two practical consequences for renters: first, the best-priced inventory gets claimed in spring and early summer for fall move-in; second, landlords here are used to students, so roommate arrangements, guarantor requirements, and 9–12 month leases are all normal. Non-students can find good value here too, especially in summer when landlords are motivated.
Best for: U of R students and staff (see our student housing guide), budget-conscious renters who don't mind a youthful block.
North of the I-10/SR-210 interchange, Redlands flattens into the Lugonia Avenue (SR-38) corridor — the city's commercial spine. This is where you'll find the newest apartment communities, the Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove shopping centers, grocery stores, gyms, and the most convenient freeway access in town. Mentone and the mouth of the San Bernardino Mountains are minutes further up the 38.
The rental stock leans toward professionally managed complexes with pools, gyms, and package lockers — and the pricing, application processes, and amenity fees that come with them. Newer construction means better insulation and air conditioning, which matters during Redlands summers. If you commute toward San Bernardino, Fontana, or the 210 corridor, this area saves real time.
Best for: commuters, renters who want modern amenities and professional management, and anyone who prefers everything within a five-minute drive.
East of downtown, the city climbs into the hills around Panorama Point — a county overlook with views across the valley — and along ridgeline streets like Sunset Drive. This is Redlands at its most suburban and scenic: larger homes, bigger lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, and trail access into the San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary area.
Rentals are almost entirely single-family homes, and they command the city's top prices — expect the upper end of the local range for three- and four-bedroom houses. Inventory is thin and turnover is low. There's essentially no walkability here; you'll drive for everything.
Best for: families and established professionals wanting space, views, and quiet; households with multiple cars.
Heading west on Redlands Boulevard toward Loma Linda, the city takes on a more practical, working character — auto shops and light industry mixed with apartment complexes, condos, and townhome developments. It's the least picturesque part of Redlands and often the most affordable within city limits.
The draw is location: Loma Linda University Medical Center, the VA Loma Linda hospital, and the medical corridor are minutes away, making this the obvious choice for hospital staff, traveling nurses, and residents on rotation. I-10 access is immediate. South of the freeway, San Timoteo Canyon and the Live Oak Canyon area offer a semi-rural alternative with ranchettes and orchard properties — beautiful, but verify commute times and summer fire-season awareness.
Best for: healthcare workers, budget-minded renters, and anyone whose life centers on Loma Linda or points west.
Last updated September 2026. Rent figures change — check the rent prices page for current estimates.