If you’re driving through the Inland Empire and find yourself staring at the San Bernardino Mountains, you've probably hit Highland. It’s a spot people often confuse with Redlands or San Bernardino. Honestly, it makes sense. The borders here are messy. But if you need a straight answer for your GPS, taxes, or a move: Highland, CA is in San Bernardino County.
It isn't just "near" the county seat. It's fundamentally tied to it.
The city sits right in the heart of the San Bernardino Valley. Most people don't realize that Highland is actually split into two distinct areas. You have "Historic Highland" to the west and the newer, master-planned developments to the east. It's a weird mix. You’ll see old-school citrus groves—or at least the remnants of them—standing right next to modern suburban sprawl.
Understanding the San Bernardino County Connection
San Bernardino County is huge. It’s actually the largest county in the contiguous United States by area. Seriously, it's bigger than nine different states. Because of that, knowing what county is Highland CA in is only half the battle. You have to understand how that massive county government actually affects your daily life in Highland.
When you live here, your sheriff’s department is San Bernardino County. Your property records go through the San Bernardino County Assessor’s office. Even the local schools, while often run by the San Bernardino City Unified School District or the Redlands Unified School District, fall under the broader county educational umbrella.
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Highland was incorporated in 1987. That’s relatively recent. Before that, it was just an unincorporated patch of land. This matters because the city still maintains a very close relationship with the county for infrastructure and emergency services. If there’s a major brush fire in the foothills—which, let's be real, happens—it’s the San Bernardino County Fire Department and CAL FIRE working the front lines.
The Geography of the Inland Empire
Geography defines Highland. It's bordered by San Bernardino to the west and north, and Redlands to the south. To the east, you have the vast wilderness of the San Bernardino National Forest.
It’s tucked into the base of the mountains. That means two things: incredible views and wind. The Santa Ana winds aren't a joke here. They roar through the canyons and hit Highland first. Living in this part of San Bernardino County means you’re basically the gatekeeper to the mountains. If you want to go to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead, you’re likely passing through or right next to Highland to get there via Highway 330.
Life in Highland: More Than Just a Map Point
Why do people care which county Highland is in? Usually, it's about the money. Taxes, housing costs, and utilities are all dictated by county lines and city incorporation.
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The lifestyle here is definitely "Inland Empire." It’s hotter than Los Angeles. It’s drier. But it's also more affordable. You get more square footage for your dollar in this part of San Bernardino County than you would in Orange County or most parts of LA.
Real Estate Realities
The housing market in Highland has seen a massive shift. Areas like East Highlands Ranch have become highly desirable for families who want that master-planned community feel. You get the parks, the walking trails, and the pools. Meanwhile, the older parts of town offer a bit more character and larger lots, though they come with the typical challenges of older infrastructure.
- East Highlands: Think newer builds, HOAs, and manicured lawns.
- Historic Highland: A bit more rugged, closer to the city center of San Bernardino, and steeped in the area's orange-growing history.
If you’re looking at homes, check the school district boundaries. Highland is unique because it’s served by two different districts. Depending on your address, your kids might go to school in San Bernardino or Redlands. This is a huge factor for property value. Houses in the Redlands Unified side often command a premium. It’s a quirk of the city’s layout that confuses a lot of buyers.
The San Manuel Factor
You can't talk about Highland or San Bernardino County without mentioning the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Their reservation is located right here. The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino (formerly San Manuel Casino) is one of the biggest employers in the entire region.
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The tribe is a massive economic engine. They pour millions into local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. If you see a new park or a refurbished community center in Highland, there’s a high chance the tribe had a hand in it. This relationship between the city, the county, and the tribe is what keeps Highland’s economy stable even when other parts of the Inland Empire are struggling.
Navigating Local Government and Services
Dealing with a county as big as San Bernardino can be a headache. If you need a building permit or you're disputing a property tax assessment, you’re likely heading down to the county buildings in the city of San Bernardino.
Important Contacts for Highland Residents
- City Hall: Located on 5th Street. This is where you go for local zoning and city-specific issues.
- San Bernardino County Sheriff: They provide the police services for Highland under a contract.
- Water and Waste: Mostly handled by the East Valley Water District. They are actually pretty innovative—they recently opened a massive reclamation plant that’s a big deal for drought-prone California.
Is Highland Right for You?
Choosing to live in Highland means embracing the Inland Empire lifestyle. It means accepting that July will be 105 degrees. It means knowing the best shortcut to avoid the traffic on the 210 freeway.
But it also means having the mountains in your backyard. You can be at the snow in 45 minutes or at the beach in an hour (if traffic gods are kind). It’s a place for people who want a suburban life without the total sterilization of some newer OC suburbs. There’s still a bit of grit here, a bit of history.
Practical Steps for New or Prospective Residents
If you’re moving to Highland or just trying to get your paperwork in order, don’t just wing it. San Bernardino County has specific rules that might differ from where you’re coming from.
- Verify your School District: Use the city’s boundary map. Don’t trust a Zillow listing blindly. Cross-reference with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools website.
- Check the Fire Hazard Zone: Since Highland is at the base of the mountains, some areas are designated as High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This will affect your homeowners insurance. Get a quote before you close on a house.
- Register with the County: Make sure your voter registration and vehicle tags are updated to San Bernardino County. You can do most of this online through the California DMV and the Secretary of State’s portal.
- Explore the East Valley Water District: Look into their rebate programs. They often give money back for turf replacement or high-efficiency appliances, which is a lifesaver given California’s water rates.
Highland is a city with a clear identity, even if it’s tucked inside the massive borders of San Bernardino County. It offers a bridge between the urban sprawl of the valley and the quiet of the mountains. Knowing where the lines are drawn helps you navigate the services, schools, and taxes that define your life in this corner of Southern California.