Upland

Full of modern single-family properties with well-manicured lawns on a mix of through-streets and cul-de-sacs, San Antonio Heights sits just off Interstate 210 in the Pomona Valley. “It’s exclusivity, homes nestled in the hills, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city – it makes for a very peaceful environment,” says Randy Del Turco, Realtor with Century 21 Peak specializing in the Upland region. Commuters to Los Angeles and San Bernardino appreciate the off-street parking found throughout the neighborhood, as well as the affordability in comparison to city living. Historic Euclid Avenue is the artery of the neighborhood, set against the backdrop of Mount Baldy, curving south to the heart of the Inland Empire. When residents want to get away, nearby Ontario International Airport connects the Heights to the world. With a median housing price of just over a million dollars, price points in San Antonio Heights can range from the mid $500,000s to upwards of $3 million depending on the age, size and condition of the property. Home buyers here can choose from a range of architectural styles for a range of budgets. “It’s Upland,” Randy says, “A lot of people commute. And homes here are more affordable than Los Angeles or Orange County. It’s eclectic, and you’re not going to find model colonies here”—meaning there are no cookie-cutter subdivisions in this neighborhood. Instead, prospective buyers will find everything from modest mid-century ranch-styles to custom-built Italian- and Spanish-influenced estates. For larger homes featuring luxury custom floorplans and plots getting close to a full acre with mountain views, price points will reach above $3 million. With over half the houses in San Antonio Heights being built after 1972, most of them offer modern design and amenities like chef’s kitchens, pools, and jacuzzis Demand in the neighborhood has been increasing year after year, but this has not had a significant impact on overall home prices. Prospective buyers who can afford to be patient could find some stellar deals, due to the area’s low turnover rate of only three to six properties a month. Students in San Antonio Heights attend public schools within the Upland Unified School District, like Valencia Elementary, Pioneer Junior High and Upland High School, all three of which received ratings of an A-minus or higher from educational review site, Niche. Upland High is also known for its opportunities in the arts, athletics and music. This includes the Uplands Highland Regiment, one of the most successful marching band programs in the state. GreatSchools has rated Upland an eight out of ten for College Readiness – well above average, preparing students for their next level of education. For parents looking to go the private route, Carden Arbor View School follows the Carden Curriculum to combine academics and individual development, serving students from kindergarten through ninth grade. San Antonio Park is the centerpiece of recreation in this neighborhood. Home to the Upland Foothill Little League, this park features two baseball fields, a playground and a gazebo. The original San Antonio Heights Waiting Station stands within the park as a memorial to William G. Kerckhoff, early President of Pacific Light & Power Corporation, who helped develop the region. For the more adventurous, the Rancho Cucamonga Creek, Potato Mountain and Joatngna Trailheads offer routes up into the surrounding San Gabriel mountains. Randy says, “You’ve got a good chance of seeing coyotes, you’re sharing your space with nature.” One spot that is great for biking, walking and even horse riding – is the Euclid Trail. Randy says, “Aesthetically it’s beautiful to walk and jog. Riders will come down from the hills on horses even, and you’ll always see people out there walking their dogs, or with their kids.” Giuseppe’s, with a selection of Italian and Middle Eastern tastes, is an easy-going neighborhood trattoria that also offers homemade Bastani – that’s Persian ice cream. Residents looking for a wider selection of dining and shopping options make the short trip southeast to Colonies Crossroads, which features plenty of big-box retailers all in one spot – like The Home Depot, Target and Albertsons grocery store. With plenty of regional dining favorites including In-N-Out Burger and California Fish Grill, there won’t be much repetition when it comes to take-out or dine-in meals on the weekend. Like much of the region, San Antonio Heights is a car-dependent neighborhood, with minimal transit coverage. While somewhat bikeable, the amount of vehicle traffic combined with the lack of bike lanes means cyclists should proceed with caution. For those who drive, nearby Interstates 10, 15, and 210 provide easy access to the neighboring cities of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and even Las Vegas. The nearby San Antonio Regional Hospital is less than 5 miles south of the neighborhood, providing emergency care to the region. For longer trips, the Ontario International Airport, is only 10 miles south and offers dozens of daily flights. During the winter season, the community of San Antonio Heights maintains several traditions, like the illumination of the San Antonio Heights’ Star. Visible from across the valley, this massive 75-foot-tall star has been lit annually every Thanksgiving since 1958 and stays lit through New Year’s Day. Residents also enjoy community events, like the Local Fire Station 12 Christmas Eve Holiday Sing-Along, which brings together the neighborhood every December.