Neighborhood Spotlight: Upland, CA

February 25, 2020

Upland, California, is a city in San Bernadino County located at the foot of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. Part of the Inland Empire, Upland is situated east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. With easy access to both the natural beauty of the mountains and the culture and convenience of Los Angeles, Upland has grown into a bustling city that more than 73,000 people love to call home.

Upland at a glance

Upland is the westernmost community in San Bernadino County that’s located on historic Route 66, and it enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Known as “The City of Gracious Living”, Upland offers loads of culture, amenities, and convenience without having to travel far from home. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that Upland attracts many young professionals who enjoy socializing and having fun, and it’s known for being extremely diverse.

Upland real estate

With more than 27,000 housing units, Upland has lots of choices when it comes to real estate. The median home price is approximately $475,000, and although Upland has some of the highest prices in the country, it is still reasonably affordable compared to other California communities. You’ll find a large selection of three- and four-bedroom homes in Upland, and much of the housing stock was built between 1970 and 1999. Upland has experienced some of the highest real estate appreciation rates in the nation in the last ten years, making a home here a great investment.

Upland history

Upland began as a small agricultural community focusing on the growth of citrus and grapes. It was founded on an east-west trail called the Old Spanish Trail that was used by Spanish missionaries and Native Americans. In 1882, Canadian George Chaffey purchased 8,000 acres of land and water rights for the San Antonio Creek and began laying out a community originally called North Ontario. Upland was officially incorporated in 1906 and was included on the National Old Trails Road, a coast-to-coast highway established in 1912. The western section of this trail eventually became the famous Route 66. Upland transitioned from an agricultural community to a more residential community when Interstate 10 connected it to Los Angeles in 1954.

Upland amenities

Given Upland’s location on Route 66, it’s no surprise that the city is home to remnants of several historic landmarks. You’ll find a classic McDonald’s with the iconic golden arches as well as the vintage Buffalo Inn, where they served buffalo burgers. You can also stop in for a live performance at the Grove Theatre, a beautiful 1947 Art Deco theatre renovated in 1990. Upland is also home to a Madonna of the Trail statue, one of 12 that mark the National Old Trails Road. And don’t miss Historic Downtown Upland, where you can shop and dine at nearly 200 businesses.

For those who love art, stop in the Sasse Museum of Art. Exhibits change every month and the museum is home to several notable pieces of art. They also host monthly art talks. And when life gives you lemons, head to the Upland Lemon Festival! This fun local festival celebrates the city’s citrus history and features food, contests, and entertainment. Established in 1997, the free festival draws big crowds and supports local business.

Upland schools

Students in Upland are served by the Upland Unified School District. There are 24 students on average per classroom spread across 14 public schools. Upland is also home to several private schools including a Montessori Academy and Western Christian High School.