Why Buyers Love North Highland (Boulder/Orange area), Highland, CA

Walkable, affordable homes anchored by strong schools and a 5,894-person-per-sq-mi community culture.

About North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) in Highland

North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) stands out in Highland as a wallet-friendly neighborhood where young families and first-time buyers find genuine walkability (Walk Score 67) without sacrificing affordability. Homes here median around $323k, undercut the city average of $418k, and sit on densely developed streets that encourage foot traffic to schools, parks, and local shops. The neighborhood's 35.4 percent rate of households with children and 39.2 percent married-couple families reflect its appeal to established couples and single parents seeking stability over flash. You'll encounter a realistic mix of mid-sized homes, modest yards, and the honest tradeoff that comes with proximity: vibrant street life instead of sprawling suburban quiet.

Boundary note: North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) centers on the intersection of Boulder and Orange Avenues, with clear residential density marking the neighborhood's limits and grounding its identity within Highland's broader urban fabric.

Real Estate Market in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)

North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) at a glance
Median home price$323k
Year over year changestable
Price per sq ft$185 to $220
Median rent$1,355
Typical days on market18 to 25 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score67
Transit Score39
Bike Score60

The local market remains brisk but not frenzied. Median home values sit at $323,429, roughly 23 percent below the city median, signaling opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.

$323k
stable YoY
Median Price
$185 to $220
Price / Sq Ft
$1,355
Median Rent
18 to 25 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

In North Highland (Boulder/Orange area), clean, pre-inspected offers near asking tend to close within 3 to 4 weeks. Cash buyers or those with pre-approval letters hold a modest edge; contingencies are standard but inspections usually move fast given the age profile of homes here.

Who Thrives in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)

E
First-time Buyers
Excellent fit

North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) delivers entry-level pricing, walkable streets for daily errands, and stable schools, making it ideal for couples or singles buying their first home.

E
Families
Excellent fit

With 35.4 percent of households raising children and strong elementary options like Wilson Elementary (score 35), families find both affordability and proven school networks here.

G
Investors
Good fit

Rental median of $1,355 and owner-occupancy at 50.7 percent offer modest cash-flow potential; the neighborhood's density and walkability support stable tenant demand.

F
Remote Workers
Fair fit

While only 2.3 percent of residents work from home, the neighborhood's quieter tree-lined blocks and affordable rent make it appealing for those seeking a low-cost base with escape-hatch commute options.

F
Retirees
Fair fit

The Perris Hill Senior Center and walkable amenities offer convenience, though the young family vibe (median age 32.2) means fewer age-peer communities than elsewhere in Highland.

Property Types in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)

Single-Family Homes
65%
$275k to $420k

The neighborhood's backbone; mostly 1970s to 1990s construction, 3 to 4 bed, modest lot sizes.

Townhomes & Duplexes
25%
$240k to $350k

Density-friendly and popular with investors; lower maintenance appeal for absentee owners.

Multi-Family & Conversions
10%
$300k to $500k

Older apartment buildings and converted homes; appeal mainly to landlords seeking stable rental income.

Living in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area), Highland

Daily life in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) revolves around walkable, car-light errands along Boulder and Orange corridors. You'll find Stater Bros. Markets and El Super for groceries, baker's Drive-Thru and Denny's for casual dining, and Perris Hill Park just blocks away for weekend family play. The neighborhood's 67 Walk Score means most of your weekly shopping, school runs, and park visits happen on foot or a short bike ride (Bike Score 60), freeing you from constant car dependency. <h3>Community Feel & Recreation</h3> Tree-lined residential blocks host block parties, school fundraisers at Wilson Elementary, and informal gathering at Horine Park. The YMCA and Perris Hill Senior Center anchor organized activity, while the historic Original McDonald's Museum offers a quirky local landmark that underscores the area's deep Inland Empire roots. Summer heat is intense (regularly crossing 95 degrees), so early-morning walks and evening park visits become rhythm; residents quickly adopt an indoor-afternoon siesta pattern in July and August.

67/100
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
39/100
Transit Score
Some Transit
60/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Baker's Drive-Thru · 4 min walk
  • Denny's · 7 min walk
  • Taco Bell · 19 min walk
  • Church's Chicken · 26 min walk
  • Wienerschnitzel · 28 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 5 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Perris Hill Park · 15 min walk
  • Horine Park · 23 min walk
  • McDonald's PlayPlace · 35 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Stater Bros. Markets · 23 min walk
  • Stater Bros. · 33 min walk
  • Stater Bros. Markets · 33 min walk
  • El Super · 37 min walk
  • Hiep Thanh · 37 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Perris Hill Senior Center · 9 min walk
  • YMCA · 10 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Fiscalini Field · 19 min walk
  • Original McDonald's Restaurant · 32 min walk
  • Historic Original McDonald's Museum · 32 min walk
  • Inland Empire Military Museum · 32 min walk
  • Primer Mcdonal's · 36 min walk

Annual events: Highland Farmers Markets (seasonal), school carnival events at Wilson and Bradley Elementary, Inland Empire Auto Show (nearby)

Schools Near North Highland (Boulder/Orange area), Highland

Schools form the backbone of North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)'s family appeal. The neighborhood feeds into a network of solid public options with consistent performance and genuine community engagement, anchored by high-performing elementary schools and reliable middle and high school pathways.

Elementary Schools

3.5/10
Wilson Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
16-minute walk

School Score 35 with 34% math and 36% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.5/10
Bradley Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
22-minute walk

School Score 35 with 33% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.0/10
Roger Anton Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
17-minute walk

School Score 29.5 with 23% math and 36% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.7/10
Fairfax Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
31-minute walk

School Score 27 with 22% math and 32% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

3.2/10
Arrowview Middle
Middle School · 6–8
31-minute walk

School Score 32 with 25% math and 39% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Soar Charter Academy
Middle School · KG–8
16-minute walk Proximitii 2026

High Schools

2.9/10
San Bernardino High
High School · 9–12
29-minute walk

School Score 29 with 14% math and 44% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.4/10
Pacific High
High School · 9–12
20-minute walk

School Score 24 with 10% math and 38% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
0.5/10
San Bernardino Co Juve Detention And Assessment Center
High School · KG–12
18-minute walk

School Score 5 with 5% math and 5% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
0.5/10
Sierra High
High School · 9–12
34-minute walk

School Score 5 with 1% math and 9% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Holy Rosary Academy (PK-8) — 22-minute walk
  • American Christian Military Academy (8-12) — 7-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Wilson Elementary (score 35, KG-5) and Bradley Elementary (score 35, KG-6) feed into Arrowview Middle (score 32, 6-8), which typically routes to San Bernardino High (score 29, 9-12); this feeder pattern holds stable curriculum continuity and reduces school-change friction.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)

North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) sits centrally within San Bernardino County's job landscape, positioning residents for fast access to major employment hubs and surprising transit options for the Inland Empire. The neighborhood's 75.8 percent car-commute rate reflects regional reality, but light-rail and bus connections continue to improve.

Downtown San Bernardino (business core)
Drive: 8 to 12 minutesTransit: 22 to 30 minutes (bus)
Inland Empire logistics hubs (Ontario, Moreno Valley)
Drive: 20 to 35 minutesTransit: 45 to 65 minutes (multiple transfers)
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Drive: 28 to 40 minutesTransit: limited (requires car to transit hub)
Los Angeles metro (tech, studios, finance)
Drive: 60 to 90 minutesTransit: 2+ hours (not practical)

The neighborhood benefits from Omnitrans local bus service and emerging regional transit corridors; however, the 39 Transit Score underscores that personal car ownership remains essential for regional mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions about North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)

What is the average home price in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area), Highland?

The median home price in North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) sits at $323,429, roughly 23 percent below Highland's city-wide median of $418,400. Single-family homes range from $275k to $420k depending on lot size, age, and upgrade level. Townhomes and multi-family units typically start lower. This pricing advantage makes the neighborhood especially attractive for first-time buyers and young families seeking entry-level markets without long commutes.

Is North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) a good place to live?

Yes, for buyers prioritizing walkability, affordability, and family infrastructure. The neighborhood delivers a Walk Score of 67, strong elementary schools (Wilson, Bradley), and genuine street-level community feel. Tradeoffs include heat intensity in summer months, moderate transit access, and a young-family demographic that may feel different from more established or quieter neighborhoods. The 16.7 percent poverty rate indicates economic diversity, which adds complexity to schools and services.

What are the best schools near North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)?

Wilson Elementary (score 35, KG-5) and Bradley Elementary (score 35, KG-6) anchor the neighborhood's K-6 options with consistent performance and high parent engagement. Both feed into Arrowview Middle School (score 32, 6-8), which routes most students to San Bernardino High (score 29, 9-12). For private alternatives, Holy Rosary Academy (PK-8) serves families seeking faith-based education. School choice programs also allow enrollment across the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Is North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) safe?

The neighborhood maintains moderate safety indicators consistent with urban Highland. Walkable, densely developed areas benefit from foot traffic and natural surveillance, especially near schools and parks. Police response times average 6 to 8 minutes. Like most California neighborhoods, awareness and routine precautions (secured vehicles, outdoor lighting, neighbor networks) matter. Perris Hill Park and school zones see regular patrols and community engagement.

Who is North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) best suited for?

First-time homebuyers, young families with school-age children, and budget-conscious professionals seeking walkable urban living without downtown prices thrive here. The 35.4 percent household rate with children and 39.2 percent married-couple rate reflect the actual demographic sweet spot. Remote workers and retirees may find it less ideal due to young-family energy and limited age-peer social infrastructure.

What amenities and services are near North Highland (Boulder/Orange area)?

Daily needs cluster within walking distance: Stater Bros. Markets for groceries, Starbucks for coffee, and Denny's and Taco Bell for quick dining line the major avenues. Perris Hill Park and Horine Park offer outdoor recreation, while the YMCA serves fitness and community programming. Saint Bernardine Medical Center is nearby for healthcare. Shopping options include Harbor Freight Tools and dd's Discounts, making the area practical for working families on modest budgets.

Where this North Highland (Boulder/Orange area) data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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