Part 1 in a 2-Part Series

The reason I named my blog, MoveToRedlands.com, is because I love my work as a Keller Williams’ real estate agent based in Redlands, California. I enjoy helping people discover the wonders of the Inland Empire community because it’s a trendy, family-friendly town, with a lot going on. In the first of this two-part blog series, let me share a few glimpses into the reasons you might want to consider relocating or establishing roots in Redlands, California.

Check back next week to read about three more great reasons you should move to Redlands.

• Transportation

  With spotty public transportation offerings and lack of attention to alternate forms of transportation, most people believe that living in Southern California means you must own a car. But alternate modes of transportation provide an elegant solution for skyrocketing vehicle and fuel prices as well as freeway congestion.

  The bike-friendly city will soon offer bicyclists a way to ride 26 miles on new bikeways, which are dedicated lanes for non-motorized modes of transportation. Expected to be completed by August, the lanes are part of the city’s effort to provide more active transportation in the city, as laid out by its Bicycle Master Plan.

  Another progressive transportation venture is the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, which will be designed to connect residents, businesses and visitors to a variety of leisure, education, healthcare and other destinations. This nine-mile rail project will provide new transportation choices through the implementation of a new rail service that integrates conveniently with other modes such as auto, bus and bicycle.

  The City of Redlands works with Omnitrans to enhance and extend transportation services for senior citizens who live within Redlands city limits. The service is available within city limits and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to transportation to and from medical appointments.

• Compassion

  Most urban areas are impersonal places where people often feel forgotten and alone. The City of Redlands offers many of the perks of big city living without the harsh reality of the urban jungle.

  In fact, according to a recent story in the Redlands Daily Facts, the Redlands Area Interfaith Council and Human Relations Commission spearheaded an initiative to proclaim Redlands a city of compassion, as an affirmation of its history of helping people in need. The charter does not require monetary contributions. It is not legislation. It’s just a reminder of the golden rule, “To do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

  
  The Redlands City Council approved acceptance of a $78,000 grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections to fund the Redlands Police Department’s launch of a homeless rehabilitation program. The projects will match participants with housing and other services with the goal to move them toward self-sufficiency. What’s more, the Redlands Police Department will use a portion of the grant to launch the Community Assistance Program, to pay for transitional housing for qualifying individuals. The remainder of the grant will be used for outreach to at-risk youth.

• Health

  Focusing on the mental and physical health of its citizens is a cornerstone of the City of Redlands. The area is home to several outstanding health food stores and state-of-the-art gyms and sponsors recreational activities to encourage people to get off their couches and into the great outdoors. What’s more, the City of Redlands and the University of Redlands Alliance for Community Transformation and Wellness (ACTW) partnered together to increase awareness and decrease associated stigma about mental health and illness by hosting the third annual “Out in the Open” earlier this month, in downtown Redlands. The event, which was free and open to the public, featured information and resources, activities, entertainment, and a movie in the park at dusk. The event was just one small example of the myriad ways the city supports mental health.

Check back next week, when we will wrap up our two-part series about the reasons you should move to Redlands. In the meantime, when it comes time to buy a home in Redlands, call Keller Williams Realtor Candace Cantu McGloin. She is qualified and willing to help home buyers and sellers across Southern California. Specializing in the cities of Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, Grand Terrace, and Loma Linda Candace has done transactions both on the buying and selling side throughout Southern California. To learn more about real estate in Redlands or the Inland Empire or to list your home, call Candace directly at (951) 201-2443.