East of Redlands, where the valley floor narrows between the Crafton Hills and the Santa Ana River wash, the orange groves have not all been replaced by houses yet. That is Mentone, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County with a semi-rural layout and a main street that doubles as the highway to the mountains. For questions about Mentone homes for sale, call or text Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453.
Where Mentone Is
Mentone lies along State Route 38, called Mentone Boulevard through the community. Heading west, the road becomes Lugonia Avenue in Redlands. Heading east, it follows Mill Creek into the San Bernardino National Forest and climbs the back way to Big Bear. The Santa Ana River wash forms the northern edge, crossed by Greenspot Road to Highland, and Mill Creek runs along the east and southeast. Mentone has its own ZIP code and post office but no city government. The county handles planning and permits.
Mentone Real Estate: Property Types
- Older houses in the original townsite near Mentone Boulevard, some dating to the early twentieth century, on a simple street grid.
- Ranch houses on large lots, often a half acre or more, with detached garages, workshops and room for trailers.
- Horse property with corrals and barns where county zoning allows animals.
- Tract homes from the 1980s onward in a handful of subdivisions, mostly on the west side toward Redlands.
- Grove parcels, with or without a house, some still producing citrus.
- Manufactured homes, in parks and on private land.
The mix means houses for sale in Mentone range widely in size, age and lot type on the same road. Price comparisons need care for that reason.
County Rules, Redlands Next Door
Mentone sits beside the City of Redlands, and the line between the two is irregular. A house with a Mentone address may be in county territory or, in some cases, inside the Redlands city limit, and the answer affects zoning, permits, utilities and what you can do with the land. Ask for the jurisdiction in writing early. Also find out:
- Who supplies water. Parts of Mentone receive water from the City of Redlands and others from different providers or private wells.
- Sewer or septic. Many properties are on septic systems. Have the tank and leach field inspected, and ask the provider whether sewer is available on the street.
- Zoning and animals. County zoning sets what animals and how many are allowed, and whether a second unit or a home business fits.
Buying a Grove or Acreage Parcel
Citrus on the land is appealing and comes with work. If you are looking at a grove property, ask:
- How the trees are irrigated, where the water comes from and what it costs to run.
- Whether the parcel has shares in a mutual water company, and whether they transfer with the sale.
- Who currently farms the grove, and whether a grove management contract is in place.
- Whether wind machines, standpipes or old irrigation lines cross the land.
- What the zoning would allow if the trees were removed.
An agricultural adviser or grove manager can evaluate tree health. That is outside what a home inspector covers.
Flood, Fault and Fire Checks
Mill Creek and the Santa Ana River have both flooded in the past, and although levees and an upstream dam now manage much of that risk, parcels near either channel should be checked against current flood maps. The lender will tell you if flood insurance is required. The San Andreas fault zone passes along the foot of the mountains northeast of the community, and the natural hazard disclosure report shows whether a parcel falls in a mapped fault or fire zone. Properties toward the east end, near open brush, are the ones to quote for insurance first.
Schools, Shopping and the Drive
Mentone is within the Redlands Unified School District. Confirm school assignment with the district. Groceries, medical services and most shopping are a short drive west in Redlands, where Interstate 10 and State Route 210 meet. On winter weekends and summer holidays, traffic to and from the mountains passes straight through on Route 38, which is worth knowing if a house fronts the boulevard.
Selling a Home in Mentone
Selling a home in Mentone means explaining the land as much as the house. Buyers want to know the jurisdiction, the water source, the septic condition, the zoning and what the outbuildings were permitted as. Having those answers documented shortens negotiations. Larger lots should be shown with an aerial view and marked boundaries. Grove sellers should have water share certificates and production or care records available. Aimee Ghafouri prepares that package before the home goes on the market and keeps sellers informed through every stage.
Your Mentone Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri is a Temecula-based agent licensed anywhere in California. She grew up in Murrieta, has more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience and a bachelor’s degree in business, and works with buyers, sellers and investors. Wells, septic systems and animal zoning are also everyday questions in the acreage areas around the Temecula Valley. Reach her on the contact page.
Nearby Communities
Redlands is immediately west. Highland is across the river wash to the north, and Yucaipa is over the Crafton Hills to the southeast. Oak Glen offers apple orchards and acreage in the foothills, and Loma Linda is west of Redlands along Interstate 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mentone part of Redlands?
Mentone is an unincorporated community next to Redlands, governed by San Bernardino County. Because the city boundary is irregular, confirm whether a particular parcel is in county territory or inside the Redlands city limit.
Are there horse properties in Mentone?
Yes. Many lots are large and county zoning in parts of Mentone allows horses and other animals. Verify the number permitted for a specific parcel with county planning.
Do Mentone homes use septic systems?
Many do, though sewer may be available in some places. Have any septic system inspected and ask the local provider about sewer availability for the address.
Which school district is Mentone in?
Mentone is served by the Redlands Unified School District. Contact the district to confirm the assigned schools for a given address.
How do I start a Mentone home search?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. Describe the lot size and type of property you want, and she will watch for matching listings and arrange showings.
Buying or Selling in Mentone?
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.