Single Story Homes in Upland CA 2026 | Buyer's Guide
2026 Buyer's Guide

Where Can I Find Single Story Homes in Upland CA in 2026?

Where older neighborhoods, larger lots, and ranch-style architecture give single story buyers more options than almost anywhere else in the Inland Empire.

📅 Updated March 2026 📍 Upland, California 8 min read
Direct Answer

In Upland, there are currently about 40 single story homes listed at a median price of $795,000, with North Upland commanding $875,000 and San Antonio Heights exceeding $1.3M for foothill estates Redfin, March 2026. The older housing stock (much built 1940-1999) means more ranch-style inventory than newer IE cities, but condition and lot size vary significantly by neighborhood.

$795K
Median Listing Price
53
Avg Days on Market
27%
Built Before 1970
40
Active Single Story
Section 01

How Many Single Story Homes Are Available in Upland Right Now?

As of March 2026, approximately 40 single story homes are actively listed in Upland Redfin. That number fluctuates seasonally, but Upland consistently offers more single story options per capita than many neighboring cities in the Inland Empire.

The reason comes down to when Upland was built. According to NeighborhoodScout, 27% of Upland's housing stock was constructed between 1940 and 1969, an era when ranch-style, single story architecture dominated residential construction. Compare that to cities like Rancho Cucamonga, where master-planned communities from the 1980s and 1990s favored two-story floor plans to maximize density.

Key Data Point

Upland's overall median home value sits at $822,580 (Zillow, 2026), while the median listing price is $747,000 (Movoto). For single story specifically, expect listings centered around $795,000 with significant variation by neighborhood.

What makes Upland's single story market different from other IE cities is the variety. You will find everything from 1,100-square-foot post-war bungalows to 3,200-square-foot custom ranch homes on half-acre lots. That range does not exist in cities that were built predominantly in one era.

For buyers who want a single story home without compromising on lot size or character, Upland's older building patterns work in your favor. The trade-off is that many of these homes need updates, which I will cover in detail in Section 5.

Section 02

Which Upland Neighborhoods Have the Best Single Story Inventory?

Not all parts of Upland were built the same way or in the same decade. When you are specifically looking for single story homes, the neighborhood you target determines the lot size, price point, condition, and lifestyle you get.

Having lived in Upland myself, I can tell you that the city splits into distinct zones. North Upland holds the highest density of ranch-style single story homes, with larger lots, mature trees, mountain views, and more architectural variety than anywhere else in the city.

North Upland
Highest Single Story Density
Active Listings ~30 single story
Median Price $875,000
Avg Offers 6 per listing
Lot Sizes 8,000-20,000+ sq ft
Character Mature trees, mountain views
San Antonio Heights
Premium Foothill Estates
Median Price $1,334,400
Lot Sizes 15,000-43,000+ sq ft
Style Custom ranch estates
Setting Foothill, semi-rural
Inventory Very limited
Historic Downtown Upland
Walkability + Character
Price Range $650K - $800K
Walk Score 48 (vs RC's 41)
Lot Sizes 6,000-8,500 sq ft
Style Craftsman, mid-century
Best For Walkable lifestyle buyers
Brandon's Take

North Upland is where I direct most of my single story buyers, and for good reason. Of the roughly 40 active single story listings in Upland, about 30 are in North Upland. It has the largest lots, the most architectural variety, and the strongest resale values. The trade-off is competition: desirable listings here average 6 offers.

Section 03

What Does a Single Story Home Cost in Upland in 2026?

Pricing for single story homes in Upland covers a wide range, which is actually an advantage for buyers. Unlike cities where everything falls in a narrow band, Upland gives you meaningful options at multiple price points.

$$

Entry Level - Central and South Upland

$650K - $800K
Smaller lots (6,000-8,000 sq ft), 1,100-1,600 sq ft homes, often original condition. Best value for buyers willing to update. Close to downtown walkability and dining.
$$$

Mid-Range - North Upland

$800K - $950K
Larger lots (8,000-15,000 sq ft), 1,600-2,400 sq ft ranch homes, many partially updated. Mountain views begin at this price point. This is the heart of Upland's single story market.
$$$$

Premium - San Antonio Heights

$1M - $1.5M+
Estate-sized lots (15,000-43,000+ sq ft), custom ranch homes, 2,200-3,500+ sq ft. Semi-rural feel with panoramic mountain views. Very limited inventory.

Price Comparison: Upland vs. the Numbers

Single Story Median (Redfin) $795,000
All Homes Median (Zillow) $822,580
North Upland Single Story $875,000
San Antonio Heights $1,334,400

The key takeaway here: Upland's single story market skews slightly below the overall median because many of the ranch homes are in original or lightly updated condition. That is not a negative. For buyers who want to customize a home or who are comfortable with cosmetic updates, it represents genuine value.

Market Timing

Homes in Upland sell in an average of 53 days, but hot listings in desirable neighborhoods move in as few as 27 days Redfin. If you see a well-priced single story in North Upland, expect competition. Getting pre-approved and having your offer strategy ready before you tour is not optional.

Comparing Upland and RC for a Single Story Home?

I have lived in both cities and know these neighborhoods from the inside. Let me pull active single story listings in both and walk you through the real differences.

Section 04

Upland vs Rancho Cucamonga for Single Story Buyers - The Real Difference

This is the comparison most of my buyers ask about, and having lived in both Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, I can give you the honest breakdown rather than the sales pitch.

The fundamental difference is this: Upland is a "character and walkability" market. Rancho Cucamonga is a "schools and amenities" market. Both have single story homes, but the experience of living in one versus the other is meaningfully different.

Upland Advantages
  • More single story inventory (older housing stock)
  • Larger lots, especially in North Upland
  • Higher walkability score (48 vs RC's 41)
  • More architectural variety and character
  • Lower entry price point ($650K vs $700K+)
  • Mature trees and established landscaping
  • Historic downtown with dining and culture
Upland Trade-Offs
  • Older homes need more inspections and updates
  • Less uniform neighborhoods (condition varies)
  • Fewer modern amenities (community pools, parks)
  • School ratings generally lower than RC
  • Older infrastructure (plumbing, electrical)
  • Less new construction available

Side-by-Side: Single Story Market Comparison

Upland vs Rancho Cucamonga - Single Story Data
Upland - Walk Score 48
Rancho Cucamonga - Walk Score 41
Upland - Pre-1970 Housing 27%
Rancho Cucamonga - Pre-1970 Housing ~8%
Brandon's Take

If your priority list starts with "single story, large lot, character," Upland wins. If it starts with "top schools, newer construction, community amenities," Rancho Cucamonga wins. I have sold homes in both cities, and neither is universally better. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities. That is why I always start with a conversation about what matters most to you before I start sending listings.

Section 05

What the Older Housing Stock Means for Buyers (Condition, Lots, Inspection)

The same older construction that gives Upland its single story inventory also creates specific considerations that buyers need to understand before writing an offer. With 27% of homes built before 1970, you are likely looking at homes that are 55 to 85+ years old.

That is not a dealbreaker. Some of the best-built homes in the Inland Empire come from that era. But you need to know what to look for.

Common Issues by Construction Era

1
Galvanized or cast iron plumbing - Common in pre-1970 homes. Galvanized pipes corrode internally over decades, reducing water pressure and eventually failing. Re-piping a single story home runs $8,000-$15,000 depending on access and layout. Ask if the home has been re-piped, and if not, factor that into your offer.
2
Original electrical panels - Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and other panels from the 1950s-1970s have known safety issues. Panel upgrades typically cost $2,000-$4,000. Insurance companies increasingly require upgraded panels before issuing policies.
3
Foundation settling - Older slab foundations on Upland's soil can develop cracks over decades. Most are cosmetic, but some indicate structural issues. A foundation inspection ($300-$500) is worth every dollar on homes built before 1975.
4
Aging HVAC systems - Many older Upland homes have had HVAC systems replaced at least once, but you will still find original ductwork and undersized systems. Replacement costs $8,000-$15,000 for a whole system with modern efficiency standards.
5
Potential asbestos - Homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or textured ceilings. Testing costs $200-$500. If present, abatement costs depend on extent and location, but budget $3,000-$10,000 as a planning range.
Important for Buyers

Do not let this list scare you away from older Upland homes. Many have already been updated by previous owners. The key is knowing what to check and factoring any needed updates into your offer price. A $795,000 listing that needs $20,000 in plumbing and electrical updates is really an $815,000 purchase, and your offer should reflect that.

The Upside of Older Construction

Here is what often gets overlooked: homes from the 1950s and 1960s were built differently than today's production homes. You will find real plaster walls, thicker framing lumber, larger lots (because land was cheaper), and floor plans designed when families actually lived on one level. The quality of the bones in a well-maintained 1960s ranch home often exceeds what you will find in a 2005 tract house.

Lot size is the biggest advantage. A single story home in North Upland might sit on 12,000 to 15,000 square feet, giving you a backyard that newer developments simply cannot match. For buyers who value outdoor space, privacy, and room to add an ADU or workshop, that extra land is worth more than granite countertops.

Section 06

How to Find Single Story Homes in Upland Before They Sell

With desirable single story listings in North Upland averaging just 27 days on market and receiving an average of 6 offers, you need a strategy that goes beyond checking Zillow on weekends.

A Step-by-Step Approach

1
Get pre-approved first, not pre-qualified. In a market where desirable single story homes attract 6 offers, sellers and their agents look at pre-approval strength before anything else. A strong pre-approval from a reputable local lender gives your offer immediate credibility.
2
Set up MLS alerts with single story filters. The portals (Zillow, Redfin) have delays. MLS-connected alerts from your agent deliver new listings faster. Filter for single story, your target neighborhoods, and your price range.
3
Target the right neighborhoods. Concentrate your search on North Upland for the highest single story density, or Historic Downtown for the best value-to-character ratio. Casting too wide a net wastes time and dilutes focus.
4
Budget for updates, not just purchase price. Upland's older single story homes often list below the area median because they need work. A $750K home that needs $20K in updates can be a better investment than a $850K turnkey listing in the same neighborhood.
5
Work with an agent who knows the micro-neighborhoods. In Upland, the difference between one block and the next can mean a 15% price difference, dramatically different lot sizes, and different infrastructure ages. Generic area knowledge is not enough.
Local Knowledge Matters

I lived in Upland. I know which streets in North Upland have the 12,000+ square foot lots. I know which pockets have already been re-piped by previous owners. I know which blocks get the best mountain views. That kind of detail does not show up in listing descriptions, and it is the difference between finding the right home and settling for whatever is available.

Single Story Upland - Quick Reference

Bookmark-worthy numbers for your home search

Median List Price
$795,000
Single story specific
North Upland
$875,000
~30 active listings
San Antonio Heights
$1.33M
Premium foothill estates
Days on Market
53 avg / 27 hot
Redfin, March 2026
Pre-1970 Stock
27%
High ranch home ratio
Walk Score
48
Higher than RC (41)
Price Range
$650K - $950K
Typical single story range
Avg Competing Offers
6
North Upland hot listings

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Upland's older housing stock (27% built between 1940-1969) means a higher ratio of ranch-style single story homes compared to Rancho Cucamonga, which has more newer two-story construction. As of March 2026, Upland has approximately 40 active single story listings, giving buyers more options in this category.
Lot sizes vary significantly by neighborhood. In North Upland and San Antonio Heights, lots commonly range from 10,000 to over 20,000 square feet. Central and South Upland single story homes typically sit on 6,000-8,500 square foot lots. The older the neighborhood, the larger the lots tend to be.
North Upland has the highest concentration of single story ranch homes with larger lots, mature landscaping, and mountain views. It also commands higher prices (median $875K). South Upland offers more affordable single story options but with smaller lots and closer proximity to commercial areas. For pure single story inventory and lot size, North Upland is the stronger market.
Upland single story homes have a median listing price of $795,000, while Rancho Cucamonga single story homes typically list higher. However, Upland's range is wider: you can find options from $650K in central locations to over $1.3M in San Antonio Heights. RC tends to have more uniform pricing due to newer tract-style construction.
Generally, yes. Upland's older neighborhoods were built when lot sizes were more generous. North Upland and San Antonio Heights lots frequently exceed 10,000 square feet. In Rancho Cucamonga, newer single story homes in planned communities tend to sit on 5,000-7,500 square foot lots, though older RC neighborhoods can have comparable lot sizes.
Key issues to watch for include: galvanized or cast iron plumbing (common in pre-1970 homes), original electrical panels that may need upgrading, foundation settling on older slab construction, aging HVAC systems, and potential asbestos in homes built before 1980. A thorough inspection by a qualified inspector experienced with older Inland Empire homes is essential. Budget $500-$800 for a comprehensive inspection.
BT

Brandon Thompson

REALTOR | The Borges Real Estate Team at eXp Realty
DRE #02207636

25+ years of Inland Empire real estate experience. I have worked extensively across six IE cities, including Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, which means I am not just selling homes in these markets - I have been your neighbor. My approach is calm, patient, and data-driven. I will walk you through every number, every neighborhood detail, and every trade-off so you can make the decision that fits your life.

25+
Years IE
$200M+
Team Career Volume
$50M
2025 Team Vol.
50/50
Approx. Split

Ready to Find Your Single Story Home in Upland?

Comparing Upland and Rancho Cucamonga for a single story home? I have lived in both and know these neighborhoods from the inside. Let me pull active single story listings in both cities and walk you through the real differences.

☎ Call Brandon

Suggested Blogs

How to Sell and Buy a Home at the Same Time in the IE 2026
How to Sell and Buy a Home at the Same Time in the IE 2026
How to Find Homes with Low HOA Fees in the IE 2026
How to Find Homes with Low HOA Fees in the IE 2026
Sell a Home with Unpermitted Work in the IE 2026
Sell a Home with Unpermitted Work in the IE 2026
Sell a Home with Tenants in the IE 2026 | Guide
Sell a Home with Tenants in the IE 2026 | Guide
How to Find Homes with Big Lots in the IE 2026
How to Find Homes with Big Lots in the IE 2026