Real Estate Investing in Highland, California
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Highland, CA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (61/100)
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Highland, CA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$562,138
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,580
ZIP Codes
1
Market Trends — Highland, CA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Highland, CA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Highland, CA Updated 136 days ago
Highland, CA sees significant new retail, housing, and infrastructure development, while the broader California manufacturing sector faces job losses.
Opportunities
- Costco is planned for Highland, with entitlements submitted in July 2023 and a potential 2024 opening, including a gas station with EV charging. — This provides new retail options and creates 500 retail jobs and 900 logistics jobs. Highland Area Chamber of Commerce
- Evergreen Development broke ground on two new restaurant buildings for Panda Express and Jack-in-the-Box in July 2021. — These new businesses expand dining choices for residents. Evergreen Devco Inc.
- Highland Heights, an upcoming town center project by KZ Companies, includes 34 small-lot, single-family homes and commercial buildings. — This development increases housing supply and provides new local retail services. KZ Companies
- The 3rd and 5th Street Corridor Improvements Project, overseen by the City of Highland, began in December 2022 and is expected to finish by July 2024. — This infrastructure upgrade improves local transportation and connectivity. Inland Valley Development Agency
- Highland has 144 new home communities with various builders, offering diverse housing options. — This provides a wide range of new housing choices for potential residents.
Concerns
- California's manufacturing industry is experiencing significant job losses, with over 20,000 positions reportedly on the line as of April 2026. — This reduces employment opportunities and can lead to regional economic shock. Taxes Report (YouTube)
- Several major manufacturing companies, including Leprino Foods and Blue Diamond Growers, are closing or relocating out of California, impacting thousands of jobs. — These closures and relocations decrease local employment and economic stability. The Coconut Mama
- A manufacturing support group, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), ceased operations in March 2026 due to federal funding cuts. — This removes a valuable resource for small and medium-sized manufacturers, hindering their growth and competitiveness. The Business Journal
- The Inland Empire saw a loss of 2,600 jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities, mainly in warehousing, during March 2026. — This indicates a contraction in a key regional employment sector. Murrieta, CA Patch
Bottom line: Highland is actively growing with new commercial and residential projects, but the broader California manufacturing sector faces significant challenges and job losses.
Local news & events in Highland, CA Updated 136 days ago
Highland, CA has seen a mix of community engagement and persistent environmental and safety concerns over the past year.
Opportunities
- The City of Highland is hosting a 4th of July Parade on July 4, 2026, encouraging community participation and celebration. — This event fosters community spirit and provides a voluntary recreational opportunity for residents and local organizations. Highland, CA News Flash
- A Fire Station #541 Open House is scheduled for May 9, 2026, offering tours and fire safety tips to the public. — This event allows residents to engage with local heroes and learn valuable information, enhancing public safety awareness. Highland, CA News Flash
- The Highland Improvement Team (H.I.T) organizes monthly projects like yard cleanups for senior residents and supports community events, welcoming volunteers of all ages. — These initiatives promote civic engagement, community beautification, and provide support for vulnerable residents. Highland, CA News Flash
- The 27th Annual Citrus Harvest Festival took place on March 29, 2025, celebrating Highland's history with food, crafts, and local performances. — This long-running festival offers a cultural and recreational opportunity for families, highlighting local heritage and businesses. Inland Empire Alive! YouTube
- Highland's overall crime rate decreased by 50% year-over-year, with violent crimes down 20% and property crimes down 57%. — A significant reduction in crime enhances residents' safety and security, improving their quality of life. AreaVibes
Concerns
- San Bernardino County, which includes Highland, continues to rank worst in the nation for ozone pollution, receiving F grades for both ozone and particle pollution in April 2025. — Poor air quality poses significant health risks, including respiratory illnesses, and restricts outdoor activities for residents. American Lung Association 'State of the Air' report
- The Inland Empire, a major logistics hub, experiences high levels of air pollution due to numerous warehouses and heavy truck traffic, impacting residents' health. — Increased pollution from industrial activity and traffic negatively affects public health, particularly for vulnerable populations, and can lead to higher healthcare costs. CCAEJ 'Region In Crisis' Report
- Highland's violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, with a 1 in 188 chance of being a victim, according to 2021 data. — High violent crime rates can create a sense of insecurity and limit residents' freedom to move about their community without fear. NeighborhoodScout
- Motor vehicle theft in Highland is notably high, with a 1 in 256 chance of a car being stolen, based on FBI crime data. — High rates of vehicle theft impose financial burdens and inconvenience on residents, affecting their personal property and transportation. NeighborhoodScout
- Residents have expressed concerns about potholes on certain streets, affecting daily driving experiences. — Poor road conditions can lead to vehicle damage and unsafe driving, imposing unconsented costs and inconveniences on drivers. Niche.com Reviews
Bottom line: Highland is actively fostering community engagement through various events while grappling with persistent air quality issues and elevated crime rates, despite recent reductions in overall crime.
Schools in Highland, CA Updated 136 days ago
Redlands Unified School District recently passed a significant bond measure for facility upgrades, launched new academic programs, but faces declining enrollment and budget cuts.
Opportunities
- In November 2024, Redlands Unified School District voters approved Measure D, a $500 million bond for school infrastructure improvements. — This provides substantial funding for modernizing aging facilities and improving safety across the district. RUSD & Ballotpedia
- The district is launching a Spanish dual-language immersion program at McKinley Elementary School in August 2026. — This expands language learning opportunities, aiming for bilingualism and cultural proficiency for students.
- RUSD approved an Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) plan through 2028, enhancing after-school and summer enrichment for TK-6th grade. — This provides diverse, hands-on learning experiences and academic support beyond the regular school day.
- Redlands Unified School District received a "Standard Met" rating across all five required local indicator categories for the 2024-2025 school year. — This indicates the district is meeting benchmarks in basic services, academic standards, parent engagement, school climate, and course access.
- The district's graduation rate has climbed to 92%, up from 86% three years ago, with a goal of 94% this year. — This demonstrates improved student success in completing high school.
Concerns
- Redlands Unified School District faces a projected $20 million budget gap for the 2025-26 school year. — This has led to the authorization of up to 138 position reductions, many of which are student-facing roles.
- The district has experienced declining enrollment, losing approximately 182 students compared to the previous year, reducing state funding. — Declining enrollment directly impacts state funding, contributing to budget shortfalls.
- Chronic absenteeism in RUSD is above the state average, with about 20% of students missing at least 10% of the school year. — High absenteeism negatively affects student learning and reduces district funding.
Bottom line: The district is investing in facilities and new programs, but declining enrollment and budget challenges are leading to staff reductions.
Civic & policy in Highland, CA Updated 136 days ago
Highland, CA is actively addressing housing needs through state-mandated updates and local zoning changes, while also seeing a major industrial development project canceled due to community opposition.
Opportunities
- The City of Highland adopted its 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029) in January 2022, outlining strategies to meet the state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 2,513 units. — This plan aims to increase housing supply and choice for all income levels in Highland. Highland Housing Element
- In February 2026, the City Council considered a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to upzone five acres in moderate to high resource areas for residential density of 20-30 dwelling units per acre. — This decision could lead to more diverse housing options and increased housing availability in the city. Highland City Council Agenda
- A major industrial development project, the Inland Valley Infrastructure Corridor Project (IVIC), was canceled by the IVDA Board in September 2025 following a lawsuit and community opposition. — This prevents potential displacement of residents and protects neighborhoods from increased warehouse and industrial development. PCEJ Action
Concerns
- Highland failed to adopt a compliant housing element within 120 days of the statutory deadline (October 15, 2021), triggering a one-year deadline to rezone for 3,392 units or risk non-compliance. — Failure to comply could result in loss of eligibility for various state and federal funding programs. CA Dept. Housing & Community Dev.
- California's top personal income tax rate increased to 14.4% in 2024 due to the lifting of the wage ceiling for the state disability insurance payroll tax. — This imposes higher taxes on high-wage earners in California, potentially impacting residents. CA Chamber of Commerce
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in April 2024 that a traffic impact fee imposed by El Dorado County, based on a general plan fee schedule, violated the Takings Clause. — This decision may impact how local governments in California, including Highland, impose development impact fees, potentially affecting infrastructure funding. Buchalter
Bottom line: Highland is actively working to expand housing options and has seen a significant industrial project halted, but faces challenges with state housing element compliance and broader state tax increases.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Property managers serving San Bernardino County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Encore Property Management
Upland, CA
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Incline Consultants specializes in HOA and Condominium Management, offering services for community associations. summary from their website
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J And C Property Management
Victorville, CA
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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
Avg Home Value
$562,138
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,580
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (CA)
★☆☆☆☆
ZIP Codes in Highland, CA
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Highland, CA
How do home values compare in Highland, CA?
Highland, CA median home values land near $562K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $2,580/mo-per-month rentals.
What is the investability score for Highland, CA?
Highland, CA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $562K and rents near $2,580/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Highland, CA?
Highland, CA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader CA rental market.
Is rental property easy to operate in Highland, CA?
Highland, CA falls under CA landlord-tenant law, which is tenant-protective. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Highland, CA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Highland, CA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
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