Ask two people about Highland and you may hear about two different places. The west side grew as an extension of San Bernardino’s postwar neighborhoods. The east side is newer, planned and pushed up against the foothills. Both are part of the same city at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, and knowing which one a listing is in is the first step. Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties, a Temecula-based real estate agent licensed throughout California, can be reached at (951) 331-8453.
Highland Real Estate: The Lay of the Land
Highland incorporated in 1987. It lies on the north side of the Santa Ana River wash, with San Bernardino to the west, Redlands across the river to the south and the mountains directly north. State Route 210 crosses the city, and State Route 330 begins here and climbs to Running Springs on the way to Big Bear. Base Line runs east to west through town and is the main commercial street. The San Manuel reservation and its casino resort sit on the northern edge.
West Highland, the Historic District and the East End
West and central Highland
Most homes west of the 210 are single-story houses from the 1950s to the 1980s on standard lots, along with apartments, condominiums and mobile home parks. These streets offer some of the lower entry points among Highland homes for sale, and condition varies a great deal from house to house.
Historic Highland
Around Palm Avenue and Main Street is the original citrus-era townsite, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. Expect Craftsman bungalows, Victorian-era houses and old packing-house architecture. Older homes here can have original wiring, plumbing, foundations and unreinforced chimneys, and exterior changes may be subject to city review. Ask the planning department what applies to a specific address.
East Highlands Ranch and the east end
East of the 210, the former groves were developed from the 1980s onward. East Highlands Ranch is the main master-planned community, with a homeowners association, greenbelts, trails and shared recreation facilities. Around and beyond it are other tracts and custom homes on larger foothill lots, some with views across the valley. Greenspot Road continues east past the last subdivisions toward Mentone.
What to Look Into Before You Buy
- School district. The city is split. Broadly, the east end is served by Redlands Unified School District and the west by San Bernardino City Unified School District. Confirm the assignment for the exact address with the districts.
- HOA and special taxes. In East Highlands Ranch and newer tracts, read the association’s budget, rules and any assessments, and check the tax bill for district charges.
- Wildfire. Homes near the foothills may be in a mapped fire hazard severity zone. Brush clearance rules apply, and insurance should be quoted early.
- Earthquake faults. The San Andreas fault zone runs along the base of the mountains. The natural hazard disclosure report shows whether a property is in a state-mapped fault zone.
- Flood. City Creek, Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River drain through or beside the city. Check flood maps for properties near a channel or the wash.
- Older-home systems. For mid-century houses, a sewer line inspection and a look at the electrical panel are worth the cost.
Houses for Sale in Highland: Property Types
- Mid-century and 1970s ranch houses on the west side.
- Historic bungalows and farmhouses in the old townsite.
- Two-story tract homes, many with pools, in East Highlands Ranch and nearby tracts.
- Custom view homes on the upper streets.
- Condominiums, townhomes and manufactured homes in parks.
- A small number of remaining grove and acreage parcels on the far east side.
Selling a Home in Highland
Because the city has such different sub-areas, pricing off a citywide average does not work. A seller in East Highlands Ranch should be compared with recent sales in the Ranch, and a historic bungalow with other pre-war homes in Highland, Redlands and San Bernardino. Useful preparation includes HOA resale documents, permits for pools and additions, a current insurance declaration, and for older homes a pre-listing inspection so surprises do not surface in escrow. Homes near the 330 can also draw interest from buyers who want quick access to the mountains, and the listing should say so.
Choosing a Highland Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri represents buyers, sellers and investors. She grew up in Murrieta, has 15-plus years in sales and marketing and a bachelor’s degree in business, and builds her work on communication, dedication and serving others. She is not based in Highland. She is an Inland Empire agent who will research the specific tract, district and hazard maps for the home you are considering and keep you informed at each step. Call or text (951) 331-8453 or use the contact page.
Nearby Areas
San Bernardino borders Highland on the west, and Redlands and Loma Linda are south across the river. Mentone is reached by Greenspot Road at the east end. Up the 330, Running Springs is the first mountain community, and Yucaipa is another foothill city buyers often compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Highlands Ranch?
East Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community on the east side of Highland, built on former citrus land from the 1980s onward. It has a homeowners association with shared amenities, so buyers should review the association documents and dues.
Which school district serves Highland?
Highland is divided between Redlands Unified School District and San Bernardino City Unified School District. The boundary does not follow an obvious street everywhere, so confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the districts.
Are there historic homes in Highland?
Yes. The original townsite around Palm Avenue and Main Street is a recognized historic district with Craftsman and Victorian-era houses. Ask the city what review applies before planning exterior changes.
Do Highland homes need special insurance for fire?
Some properties near the foothills are in mapped fire hazard zones, which can affect the cost and availability of coverage. Get quotes from an insurance agent during your contingency period.
How can I see houses for sale in Highland?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. She will ask which part of the city and what type of home you want, then send matching listings and schedule showings.
Buying or Selling in Highland?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.