Why I Love Working in Downtown Redlands
I was born in Redlands and grew up in the surrounding communities. Whether I was living in Redlands itself or one of the neighboring cities, Redlands always seemed to be the place everyone came back to. It was the hub for shopping, restaurants, local businesses and community events.
Now I get to work right in the middle of it, at Sixth and State Street. That part is pretty cool to me.
The best part of the office is everything outside of it
What I enjoy most about being downtown is how easy it is to get out and see people. I meet with real estate agents, referral partners and other business owners throughout the week. Being able to walk to a restaurant, grab coffee or stop into a local shop makes those meetings feel a lot more natural than sitting in an office all day.
And there is always a reason to spend a little extra time here. State Street has its own character, with a mix of long-standing buildings and businesses, restaurants and places that are worth wandering into. It feels like a real downtown rather than another shopping center.
The history is still part of everyday life
Redlands has a lot more history than many people realize. The A.K. Smiley Public Library, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and the Redlands Bowl are familiar landmarks, but they are also places people still use and enjoy. The Bowl's summer performances are a good example. It's not just a historic venue sitting there to look at.
I'm also excited about the new Museum of Redlands, which opened in October 2026 in the former Redlands Daily Facts building. I haven't been through it yet, but it's on my list. I like seeing a city make the effort to preserve its history while giving people something new to experience.
A community where people actually get involved
Redlands has an active network of service clubs and community organizations. I am involved with the Rotary Club of Redlands, and one of the conveniences of my location is that I can walk to Rotary meetings just a couple of blocks away. That is a small thing, but it says a lot about why I like being right downtown.
I appreciate being around other people who are involved in the city, whether that's through service projects, local organizations or supporting the businesses around us. You run into familiar faces, learn what people are working on, and become more connected to what's happening here.
A few things worth knowing if you're thinking about living here
Redlands neighborhoods can be quite different from one another. That's part of the appeal, but it also means it pays to look beyond the listing photos. An older home may have a lot of character, along with an older roof or systems that deserve attention. Two similar-looking homes can have different insurance considerations, tax bills or special assessments.
I work in mortgages, so those are the details I tend to notice. Sometimes the helpful thing is simply knowing a good local agent or insurance broker to ask. Knowing people around town gives me a much better starting point than trying to figure out everything from a website.
Still one of my favorite places to be
I could have an office in plenty of places, but being downtown fits how I like to work and how I like to spend my time. I get the restaurants, the history, the events and a chance to see people in the community throughout the week. For somebody who was born here and grew up nearby, that feels like the right place to be.
Steven Burns | CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS #1745403 | 128 E State Street, Redlands, CA 92373
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