Hello Lyzzy,
You will find Redlands very similar to El Paso weather wise, but from there it is very different.

The best way to describe Redlands is to look at a Norman Rockwell picture of small town america of the 1930-40's. That's Redlands!! It is a wonderful, nuturing environment for kids, families get to know their neighbors on a first name basis - you have cultural activities and events as well as ability to participate through the University of Redlands, which is a private university of some 70+ years with its campus in the middle of town, and there are a number of cultural as well as community activities for all members of the family. Many of these are free or of a very low cost.
Redlanders pride themselves in their town and its surrounding environs. Redlanders will often seek to keep and do business in their town first before going outside to other shopping centers.
The Redlands Unified school district is nationally renowned for its academics for the kids. Every child is truely treated as an individual and each is cared for by their teacher by name. The academic standings of the Redlands school district is very well known and can be reviewed on their web site as to academic excellence and ranking with others in California and nationally.

You are only a short distance to the top of the mountains for winter activities and an hour or so from the beach.

Home pricing at the present time ranges from $245000 to $445000 for 3 or 4 bedroom homes in the size of 1400 to 3300 sqft. Many are designer, amny are vintage 1900 that have been totally redone - the outside reflects the early 1900's the interior reflects today.

What ever you are looking for, we have it here.

If I can provide you with any more information, just give me an e-mail - I'll be more than happy to help.

Hope to see you in our community soon!

Larry

Hi Lyzzy!
You'll love living out here- Redlands Unified is one of the best school districts in the state. Redlands is very picturesque and has many lovely vintage homes and great views of the mountains.
And you mentioned your family- Disneyland is less than an hour away (the only reason our daughter let us leave Colorado for CA!). Of course we have a saying out here- _________(fill it in w/a location) is only 45min.s away! (Mountains/Beaches/Desert, etc.).
& You'll think your in Heaven when you smell the orange trees in bloom!
Of course if you give me a call, I might just talk you into moving to East Highland (that is where I live) which is Redlands immediate neighbor to the North- we even share the school district & it's a fine community in it's own right.
Have a great day!