What I Love About Yucaipa and Calimesa

One of the things I like most about Yucaipa and Calimesa is that they still feel a little bit rural. You can be close to shopping, schools and the freeway, but you're also right along the foothills with open views, country roads and the mountains nearby.

I've lived in this area on and off for about a decade, and that's a balance I've always appreciated. It doesn't feel like being 20 miles from the nearest town, but you can still find that more relaxed, small-town atmosphere.

The foothills are a big part of the appeal

It's hard to talk about Yucaipa and Calimesa without talking about the mountains. Oak Glen is up the road, and there's easy access to a different side of Southern California than the usual busy shopping centers and freeways. The seasons are more noticeable in the foothills, and there are places to get outside without planning a major trip.

Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm is another familiar part of the area, especially in the fall. It's a major seasonal attraction right in our backyard. The crowds it brings are part of the experience, too, so it's worth planning around on busy weekends.

Small-town character with plenty of growth

Both communities continue to change as new neighborhoods and businesses come in. I think that's part of what makes the area interesting. You have places that feel like they've been there forever, alongside newer development that brings different choices for families and businesses.

Yucaipa's North Bench is one of the areas that gets a lot of attention for its foothill setting, larger lots in some areas and access toward Oak Glen. The surrounding area is also developing more of a reputation for its agricultural and wine-country character. I like that the countryside remains part of the conversation when people talk about the community.

A few practical things I'd pay attention to

For somebody considering moving to Yucaipa or Calimesa, I would spend time looking at the specific neighborhood rather than assuming the whole city is the same. The commute to the freeway can feel quite different depending on where you are, even when the distance on the map doesn't look like much.

Insurance is another one. Being near the foothills can affect insurance availability and cost, and it is worth getting a quote for the actual address early. Property taxes and special assessments can also differ between developments, particularly when comparing older neighborhoods with new construction.

Those are the kinds of things I've learned to keep an eye on through my work and through knowing people in the area. Local real estate agents, insurance brokers and other professionals can be good resources when a question isn't obvious from a listing. Sometimes knowing who to ask makes all the difference.

Why I keep coming back to this area

I appreciate having a rural feel without giving up access to everything else. Oak Glen, the mountains, local events and businesses are close by, and you're still within reach of Redlands and the rest of the Inland Empire. Even Palm Springs is a reasonable regional outing rather than something that feels on the other side of the state.

I work in mortgages from my downtown Redlands office and serve clients throughout Yucaipa and Calimesa, but I wanted this article to be about the place itself. There's a lot to enjoy here, and it's worth getting to know the different parts of these communities before deciding where you want to settle.

Steven Burns | CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS #1745403 | 909-312-4189

Insurance, taxes and property characteristics vary by address. Obtain property-specific information when making a purchase decision.