Mentone's housing is predominantly single-family and owner-occupied, with a mix of older foothill homes and newer construction spread across the community's unincorporated road network. Lots tend to be larger than in denser urban neighborhoods, and many properties offer mountain or foothill views. The market emphasizes space and a semi-rural setting, drawing buyers who want a quieter alternative to Redlands and the lower Inland Empire.

As an unincorporated community, Mentone is spread along State Route 38 and the surrounding roads rather than organized into formal subdivisions. The area sits at the transition between the developed Inland Empire and the rising San Bernardino Mountains, with residential properties, foothill terrain and mountain views defining its character. The community reads as a loose collection of foothill neighborhoods rather than a single planned town.

Life in Mentone is quiet and foothill-oriented, with a sparse suburban feel and mountain views framing the community. Residents rely on nearby Redlands for shopping, dining, healthcare and entertainment, while enjoying a slower, less dense setting of their own. The community's position at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains puts outdoor recreation and the route to Big Bear within easy reach. Mentone appeals to those seeking a semi-rural alternative to Redlands without sacrificing access to the Inland Empire's services.

Students in Mentone attend the Redlands Unified School District, the district serving the neighboring city of Redlands and the surrounding foothill communities. This connection ties Mentone's public schools to a larger, established system with comprehensive elementary, middle and high school options across the region. The district serves a broad area of the Inland Empire, providing Mentone students with a full K-12 pathway. Police and fire services are provided by San Bernardino County, reflecting the community's unincorporated status.

Mentone sits along State Route 38, the scenic highway that connects Interstate 10 in Redlands to the Big Bear Lake area, making the community a gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains. The community is reached from Redlands and the broader Inland Empire by road, with day-to-day travel by car. Its position along the mountain corridor means travel times can vary with weather and traffic, but it offers direct access to both the valley and the high country.

Recreation in Mentone is tied to its foothill location. State Route 38 climbs from the community into the San Bernardino Mountains, providing access to the Big Bear Lake area, the Santa Ana River canyon and the San Bernardino National Forest for hiking, camping, fishing and winter sports. The community's position makes mountain recreation a defining part of local life, while Redlands' parks and amenities lie just to the west.