Redlands, California

Redlands, California. Redlands is a city in San Bernardino County, situated in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Known as "The Jewel of the Inland Empire," it is celebrated for its historic Victorian and Craftsman homes, its long-standing citrus industry, and its cultural institutions like the University of Redlands. The city lies at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, offering scenic views and a distinct four-season climate.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes before European settlement. Following the Mexican–American War, the land became part of the Rancho San Bernardino grant. The modern city was founded in 1881 by Frank E. Brown and E. G. Judson, who engineered a gravity-flow water system from the Mill Creek canyon, enabling large-scale agriculture. Incorporated in 1888, Redlands flourished as a center for the citrus industry, attracting wealthy Easterners and Midwesterners who built grand winter estates. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the construction of the Asistencia San Gabriel mission site further spurred growth. Significant 20th-century developments included the founding of the University of Redlands in 1907 and the establishment of the Kaiser Permanente medical center.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 36.5 square miles, with 36.1 square miles of land and 0.4 square miles of water. It is bordered by the cities of Loma Linda to the west, Highland to the north, and Yucaipa to the east. The San Bernardino Mountains form its northern boundary, while the Santa Ana River washes its southern edge. The landscape includes alluvial fans from the canyons of the San Bernardino National Forest, and the city is bisected by the Interstate 10 and State Route 210 freeways. Notable geographic features include the San Timoteo Canyon to the south and the Oak Glen region to the northeast.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 73,168. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant White, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and Black communities. The median household income historically exceeds the state average, reflecting the city's mix of professional, academic, and agricultural economic bases. Educational attainment is high, with a large percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, due in part to the presence of the University of Redlands and proximity to other institutions like Loma Linda University.

Economy

Historically dominated by citrus cultivation and packing, the modern economy has diversified into healthcare, education, logistics, and professional services. Major employers include the University of Redlands, Kaiser Permanente, Esri (the world-leading geographic information systems company headquartered in the city), and the Redlands Unified School District. The San Bernardino International Airport and nearby Interstate 10 corridor support logistics and distribution centers. Downtown Redlands maintains a vibrant mix of local retail, restaurants, and professional offices, bolstered by historic preservation efforts.

Culture and attractions

The city is renowned for its well-preserved historic districts, such as the Redlands Historic Residential Districts, featuring examples of Queen Anne, Mission Revival, and Craftsman styles. Cultural venues include the Fox Theater, the Redlands Bowl, home to the oldest continuous free outdoor concert series in the United States, and the San Bernardino County Museum. The A. K. Smiley Public Library, a Carnegie library, and the adjacent Lincoln Memorial Shrine are significant landmarks. Annual events like the Redlands Bicycle Classic and the Redlands Festival of Arts draw regional visitors. The campus of the University of Redlands and the global headquarters of Esri are also major cultural and architectural fixtures.

Government

Redlands operates under a council–manager form of government. The city council consists of a mayor, elected at-large, and four council members elected by district. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee daily operations. The city provides police protection through the Redlands Police Department and contracts with the Redlands Fire Department for emergency services. It is part of California's 23rd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Jay Obernolte, and in the California State Legislature within the 23rd Senate District and 40th Assembly District. Local voters also elect representatives to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.