Crossroads - Highland, CA

The townsite of Highland was founded in 1891, soon gaining its fame as a local player in the citrus industry. Some of the earliest settlers lived around 5th Street, Palm Avenue and Base Line Street, now part of the Crossroads neighborhood. The neighborhood itself slowly morphed from an agrarian community into an urban center, with major retail areas and housing developments popping up throughout the 20th century.

Crossroads in Highland rests a short drive from major cultural attractions, while holding a unique community culture all its own. A few miles east, discover the Inland Empire Military Museum and the International Sports Museum. For live entertainment, a Kiwanis car show and plenty of kids games, don't miss the annual Discover Highland Night held just south of the neighborhood near the Highland Crossing Shopping Center.

Despite its residential character, Crossroads impresses residents with a zesty dining scene, complete with a color-splashed palette of Mexican and Asian cuisine. You also find plenty of hometown diners and cafes serving up breakfast plates with all the fixings. Drive along Palm Avenue to discover the entertainment and restaurant district. Highland may not have a strong reputation for its nightlife, but a few local favorites draw visitors from miles around.

Stop by Pho T&T Vietnamese Restaurant for some of the region's best pho lovingly created by a local brother-and-sister team. Order a batch of pork and shrimp spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce for a hearty filler, and don't forget to try some iced coffee or one of the unique boba tea flavors, such as honeydew and taro.

Park your car in the spacious lot before stepping into Jenny’s Diner, a local breakfast joint that gives breakfast chain restaurants a run for their money. The decor looks like something straight out of the 1950s, with a black-and-white tiled floor and red bar stools, and the low prices keep your money in your pocket where it belongs. For your first meal, let the chicken-fried steak breakfast with hashbrowns blow you away, or fill up on the pancake special, complete with eggs, bacon and sausage.

When you crave authentic carne asada and tostados, look no further than Juanito's Tacos. The street tacos with beef or chicken never disappoint, but Juanito's also cooks up a mean breakfast burrito stuffed with all your morning favorites.

When the sun sets, warm up your vocal chords for a night of karaoke at The Green Frog. Stop by to hear live music from the local talent while downing a low-priced bucket of beer with your buddies, or just hang around the pool tables and dart boards. The Green Frog stays open later than most bars in Highland, so get ready for a lively crowd on the weekends.

The car-dominant Crossroads neighborhood offers a quick commute to San Bernardino via the Foothill Freeway that runs down the center of the city. While exploring the city, enjoy free street parking and business lots throughout the neighborhood. Call a ride-share service, such as Uber, or a local taxi company, such as A-1 Yellow Cab, for a ride to San Bernardino International Airport just southwest of Crossroads.

Hop on an Omnitrans bus along one of the major streets for a ride to San Bernardino. From there, take a train from the Metrolink Station for an easy commute to other cities in the Inland Empire, Orange County or even downtown Los Angeles. If you choose to navigate the neighborhood on two wheels, cruise down bike lanes on Base Line Street and Boulder Avenue. Crossroads also caters to pedestrians with plenty of amenities within walking distance from your doorstep.

None of the area's public parks are located within the neighborhood's borders, but nearby Highland Community Park offers plenty of free recreational opportunities. Kids spend hours enjoying the playground with its slides and swing set, and a wide-open green space creates the perfect environment for a game of football of Frisbee. When you want to kick back and enjoy your day off, take your lunch and your leashed four-legged friend to one of the shaded picnic pavilions.

When the rain clouds come, step out of the park and into The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center. This one-of-a-kind green facility has a large collection of books, CDs and computers with free access, alongside animals and reptiles from around the world and a lush rooftop garden.

This convenient neighborhood maintains a slightly higher cost of living than most areas around San Bernardino. Although most housing areas feature single-family homes, a one-bedroom apartment goes for an average of $930 a month. Taking the bus into San Bernardino costs you $1.75 for a one-way trip or $5 for a day pass, and gas prices hover around 11 percent above the national average. When you go out for a drink at The Green Frog or other local bars, expect to pay around $3 to $4 for your favorite draft.

Need to grab some groceries or new shoes for your interview? Crossroads puts some of Highland's biggest shopping areas at your fingertips. Explore Highland Avenue Plaza or Highland Village Plaza to find discount fashion retailers, gift shops and book stores alongside all your basic amenities. If you crave malls, boutiques and an upscale shopping experience, take a short drive into downtown San Bernardino or south into Redlands.

Stop into Johnny's Jewelry Exchange to get rid of your old jewelry, or bring in your broken pieces for top-quality repairs. The friendly staff happily polishes your tarnished silver, replaces the stone on your engagement ring or re-sizes your class ring for the perfect fit. You can also spice up your outdated jewelry with custom designs. If you're selling gold jewelry, the staff never hesitate to explain the valuation process.

Whether you're looking for wedding-day floral arrangements or just want to pick up a bouquet for your sweetheart, give Hilton's Flowers and Gifts a try. In addition to creative floral designs, browse gift options such as intricate vases, wrought-iron holders, Teddy bears and stretched-canvas wall art. This shop even offers same-hour delivery if you need a special gift on short notice.

For you weekly groceries, stop by trusted markets like Albertsons or Stater Bros. Don't forget to pick up some organic produce at Highland Farmers Market held every Saturday during the growing season.