Highland, CA

Set against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, Highland offers a quiet foothill lifestyle with deep regional roots. Long before citrus groves blanketed the valley floor, this land was home to the Maara'yam (Serrano) people, whose descendants in the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation remain an essential part of the community. As early irrigation channels transformed the dry foothills into fertile farmland in the late nineteenth century, Highland grew into a thriving agricultural hub known for its sweet navel oranges and scenic valley views.

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The town hit its stride when the Santa Fe railway arrived in the 1890s, linking dozens of local packinghouses to the rest of the country. While the bustling train lines and citrus packing operations have faded over time, Highland holds onto much of that heritage. The city’s designated historic district features turn-of-the-century cottages, historic churches, and leafy streetscapes that give parts of town a charming, old-school Southern California feel. Surrounding these older pockets, newer neighborhoods offer everything from established mid-century ranch homes to modern master-planned subdivisions.

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Just north of the city at the base of the mountains lies the San Manuel reservation and the Yaamava' Resort & Casino. What began decades ago as a small bingo hall has grown into a premier entertainment complex and one of the largest employers in the Inland Empire. For residents, having Yaamava' next door means easy access to luxury dining, major concert headliners, and resort amenities without leaving town. The tribal nation operates as a separate sovereign government, serving as a cornerstone of the area's economy and community support.

ATTRAmerique / CC BY-SA 3.0

For outdoor enthusiasts, Highland serves as an ideal base camp. Sitting right at the foot of Highway 330, the city gives you a head start on weekend trips to Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and the San Bernardino National Forest for hiking, skiing, and camping. Closer to home, local paths like the Natural Parkland Trail weave past old stone flumes, remnants of orange groves, and peaceful foothill vistas. Foothill living comes with standard Southern California wildfire awareness, but locals enjoy the daily perks of dramatic mountain views, cooler evening breezes, and easy trail access.