Sleepy desert town about to boom with freight jobs
Around 32 miles north of Victorville, and surrounded by Mojave Desert scenery, Barstow is a small city offering area-affordability and exciting developments in the freight industry. “We’re playing a pivotal role in the transportation industry, particularly with the coming Barstow International Gateway (BIG) that’s projected to revolutionize freight logistics in Southern California and bring thousands of jobs to the area,” says Miriam Munoz, the public information officer for the City of Barstow.
With the famous Route 66 forming its Main Street, Barstow was once a thriving community in the 1970s, attracting many with its location on major roadways. Since then, growth has slowed down as nearby Victorville has risen to prominence, and residents now anticipate what’s to come from BIG. “We're seeing a lot of truckers moving up this way in anticipation of the Gateway Project,” explains Diane Flores, a Barstow resident and Broker with Dee-Lux Realty. “They're looking for the land, the home and a place to park their truck, and they're finding it here. Too often people underestimated this community, but now everyone's trying to get their hands on what Barstow's going to be."
Barstow proudly sits along the historic Route 66.
Barstow International Gateway (BIG) that’s projected to revolutionize freight logistics in Southern California and bring thousands of jobs to the area.
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Low housing prices in the Victor Valley
As of early 2025, Barstow’s median home price is roughly $280,000, lower than nearby Victorville’s median of $440,000 and the national median of $410,000. Prices in Barstow have risen dramatically following the Covid pandemic, growing 66% between 2020 and 2025. Most properties are single-family ranch-style homes with Spanish Revival features, including stucco exteriors and terracotta roofs. Prices for these homes generally range from $150,000 to $400,000, depending on their size and state of renovation. There are also a handful of mobile home communities; mobile homes here can range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of bedrooms.
Barstow showcases the architectural elegance of Spanish Revival homes.
In Barstow, you'll find traditional single-family ranch homes surrounded by serene desert.
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Barstow Unified School District and Community College
Barstow Unified School District earns a C from Niche and serves students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Barstow High School scores a B-minus and is known for its strong athletics and culinary arts programs; in 2024, the Boys Basketball team won the Kiwanis Varsity Tournament, and the Culinary Arts team won the Sweet Genius competition. Students can continue to Barstow Community College, which offers over 40 programs in the arts, sciences and trades.
The entrance of Barstow High School welcomes students, and visitors with an inviting gateway.
Students can continue to Barstow Community College, which offers over 40 programs in the arts, sciences and trades.
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Off-roading adventures and parks near Barstow
Surrounded by desert scenery, Barstow offers ample space for outdoor excursions. "Barstow is the best place to be if you love using all your desert toys such as Razors, motorcycles, and camping," says Flores. "Camping by the Outlets and Calico Ghost Town is very popular for travelers and the locals here." Slash X Ranch offers over 50,000 acres of off-highway vehicle space, and Mule Canyon by Calico takes riders past unique rock formations and abandoned mining caverns.
Barstow is also home to 13 parks and community centers, including public swimming pools, sports parks and athletics facilities. Many community parks serve as events spaces throughout the year, like Dana Park when it hosts the annual Earth Day Farmers Market in April.
Dana Park's skate park is a local favorite place to practice some extreme sports in Barstow.
Calico Ghost Town is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value and is now a regional park near Barstow.
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Old Main Street, new outlets
Route 66 forms Barstow’s Main Street, and although many of the original businesses that once stood here have left over time, small-scale eateries and retailers add a splash of life to the town. Folks can grab a slice of pizza at the kitschy Route 66 Pizza Palace, enjoy ice cream at Fosters Freeze or visit the first-ever Del Taco.
Much of the shopping and dining in Barstow has moved to newer outlet malls and shopping plazas on the outskirts of the city. Just off Interstate 15, the Outlets of Barstow offer 34 name-brand stores. On the Interstate 40 corridor, Center on Main is home to a handful of retailers and restaurants and a Walmart Supercenter. Many residents also head 37 miles south to shop at the Mall of Victor Valley in Victorville.
You'll find high end brands like Coach at the Tanger Outlets at Barstow.
Fosters Freeze is longtime California-based fast-food chain serving burgers & soft-serve ice cream located in Barstow.
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Barstow International Gateway Project
BNSF Railway is currently constructing the Barstow International Gateway Project, a $1.5 billion railway facility. Expected to be completed by 2028 before the Olympics come to Los Angeles, the Barstow International Gateway will span 4,500 acres on the remote western edge of the city and feature rail facilities and warehouses for transporting freight. The project is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area and lower the heavy traffic caused by the freight industry in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. “It’s something we’re really excited about, because it will help make Barstow what it was always meant to be,” Flores says.
Barstow International Gateway will span 4,500 acres on the remote western edge of the city and feature rail facilities and warehouses for transporting freight.
BNSF Railway is currently constructing the Barstow International Gateway Project, a $1.5 billion railway facility.
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Riding on Route 66, Interstate 15 and Interstate 40
Interstate 15 merges with Interstate 40 in Barstow and leads 32 miles south to Victorville, the largest city in Victor Valley. The famous Route 66 also runs through Barstow, connecting the city to Los Angeles and Chicago. Victor Valley Transit Authority offers four bus routes between Barstow and Victorville, and the old Harvey House Railroad Depot is serviced by Amtrak. Barstow Community Hospital is in the city's center, and San Bernardino International Airport is 74 miles south.
High yet declining crime rates
According to FBI data from 2023, Barstow’s property and violent crime rates are significantly higher than national and state averages, but they’ve been declining in recent years. After reaching record highs for criminal activity in 2016, total crime in Barstow has decreased by 41%. The Barstow Police Department began implementing new policing strategies and programs in 2022 to further reduce crime, including an expansion of the Crime Impact Team and new community-building events like Coffee with a Cop.
Written By
Fletcher Varnson
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
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On average, homes in Barstow, CA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Barstow, CA over the last 12 months is $273,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home in rural Barstow, California! Nestled on 2 sprawling acres, this charming 3 bedroom home offers a serene escape with room to grow Enjoy a 4 car garage and envision endless posibilities wheter it"s raising a family, gardening, or even adding tiny homes in the back. Don't miss this unique opportunity to create your own oasis.
Welcome to 25380 Anderson Avenue in Barstow, California! This beautiful and spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers approximately 2,400 square feet of living space. Built in 1952, this property has been extensively upgraded and renovated. From the moment you step inside, you'll be impressed by the home's updated finishes, and move-in-ready condition. Nearly every aspect of the interior has been
$8,000 Seller Credit Towards Buyers Closing Cost! Welcome to this well-located recently remodeled 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home in Barstow offering comfort, space, and convenience. Situated on a generous lot, this property provides plenty of room for outdoor use, expansion, or storage. Inside, you'll find a functional layout with a comfortable living area, ample natural light, and a kitchen with
Ask about available closing cost assistance. This pristine, move-in-ready home offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and affordability. Filled with natural light and enhanced by modern recessed lighting throughout, the home showcases beautiful vinyl flooring designed to complement any décor. The open-concept kitchen is a true highlight, featuring brand-new cabinetry, stunning quartz
Creative financing making this one of the most affordable homes on the market. Help with closing costs makes this a win, win for any buyer trying to find affordable solutions in this housing market. This home is surprisingly larger, and the condition competes very well to most of the homes older than this one. Never pass up an opportunity like this. Space rent, trash and sewer is very affordable
This is a cute doll house. The kitchen is remodeled. The floors are laminate. This home is very well maintained. Covered concrete parking. Porch for enjoying the beautiful summer nights. Walking distance to the High School and to the Municipalities. There is an extra utility laundry room inside. Photos coming soon!!
Welcome to 34808 Birch Road, a nice home located in a quiet neighborhood, offering tranquility and convenience. With a little TLC and know-how, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath house could be a perfect starter home. Featuring a large back yard, this property is ready for your personal touches. Ideal for a first-time home buyer looking to build equity or an investor. Act fast to secure this opportunity!
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom 1 bath home with lots of potential. Offering 814 sqft of comfortable living space. This property features a very large lot, with tons of potential for a second unit or additions to the existing structure. Conveniently located near shopping, schools, and freeways. Don't miss this great opportunity for a move in ready home.
The fully paid-off solar system makes this home an excellent choice for energy savings. Inside, you’ll find fresh interior paint throughout, creating a clean and updated feel. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining, featuring a spacious bar seating area and a dedicated prep station.This home offers two fireplaces—one in the living room and a cozy wood-burning stove in the family room. The
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-story home in Barstow offering comfort, updates, and energy efficiency. This inviting residence features fresh interior paint, new flooring, double-pane windows, closet doors, and remodeled bathrooms. The spacious living room includes a fireplace that has never been used and is currently capped. The kitchen offers generous cabinetry, a center island,
This exceptional corner-lot home offers one of the best values in Barstow! Combining an attractive location, tasteful upgrades, and an affordable price, this property is truly the best bang for your buck. The remodeled kitchen features beautiful granite countertops, while the ceramic tile flooring throughout makes everyday living and cleanup effortless. Both bathrooms have also been tastefully
INVESTMENT, MULTIFAMILY & LIVE/WORK OPPORTUNITY! Remodeled Barstow home on a spacious approximately 7,500 sq. ft. MDR-zoned lot with residential income and business-use potential. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers approximately 800 sq. ft. (estimated) of living space and an attractive land-to-building ratio for an owner-user, investor, developer, or entrepreneur. MDR–Medium Density
Owner Will Finance! Prime Corner Lot Opportunity in Barstow!Unlock the potential of this spacious corner lot at Ave K & Holly Lane—a standout opportunity for builders, investors, or anyone ready to create something special! With its desirable corner positioning, this property offers added flexibility for design, access, and curb appeal.Ideally situated near Main Street, you’ll enjoy quick
Now available for lease, welcome to 611 Lillian Drive, a charming single family residence offering comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency in the heart of Barstow. This inviting home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and approximately 1,456 square feet of living space designed for comfortable everyday living. Bright and airy interiors are filled with natural light, creating a warm and
Come home to the best of apartment living at Desert Heights in Barstow, CA. Enjoy the convenience of being close to shopping, dining, schools, and parks. With easy access to local highways and interstates, traveling anywhere in San Bernardino County is sure to be a breeze. Discover the lifestyle you've been searching for at Desert Heights.Renderings are an artist's conception and are
Searching for a pet-friendly apartment home in Barstow, California? Look no further because Montara Apartments is the place for you. Local shopping, unique dining, and a variety of entertainment venues can be found right outside your door. Our close proximity to Interstates 15 and 40 puts all of Barstow and Southern California at your fingertips.Amounts may vary based on application
Welcome home to Barstonian in Barstow, California. Our lovely apartment home community is located just minutes away from the Outlets at Barstow, delicious local eateries, and one-of-a-kind entertainment venues. Your commuting worries will be a thing of the past with Barstow-Bakersfield Highway 58 just around the corner. Let Barstonian be the next chapter in your life.Amounts may vary
This property is currently under renovation and will not be available until estimated August 10th. 4 vacant of 7 units are available. 1 bedroom 1 bathroom units available. No credit check, no rental history. Must put down 500$ down payment and provide proof for last 3 months of income, 1 year of consistent full job history. Pets under 25 pounds are welcome. 2 adults family living. Low income and
This duplex offers a 2-bedroom 1-bath with 800 sqft of living space.Accepts Section 8 vouchers.Ceiling fans, walkin shower, heating, high-speed internet access.Rent: $1,750.00 a month.Deposit: $1,750.00.The whole home has been fully remodeled inside and out, each bedroom is designed for functionality and comfort. The property includes essential amenities
Riverview and Suncrest Apartments offer the newest and most modern interiors anywhere in Barstow, California. These communities are fabulous! Choose from two, three or four bedroom floor plans. Riverview Apartments has a lush romantic feel, nestled around gorgeous mountains and large trees. Suncrest Apartments offers large open greenbelts and beautiful landscaping. Your family and friends can run
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