Hesperia is a High Desert city that was known as a cattle ranch town in the late 19th century. Today, the cattle ranch legacy endures in this SoCal city with spacious properties still home to horses and livestock. “People like the countryside atmosphere here in Hesperia more than in the neighboring city of Victorville,” says Hesperia-based Realtor Keith Liverman, “It is generally pricier than Victorville, but that’s mostly because of larger lot sizes and open land.”
For decades, Hesperia was a crucial stopping point for travelers tackling the treacherous Cajon Pass, connecting the Greater San Bernardino Area to Victor Valley and Las Vegas. The construction of US Route 66 and Interstate 15 solidified it as a transportation hub. Incorporation followed in 1988, and the city has experienced steady growth ever since. It’s now home to about 100,000 residents. Hesperia’s major employers are the Hesperia Unified District and local government offices. Retail trade, construction and warehousing are major industries. When staying within city limits, residents here head to Silverwood or Hesperia Lake to get outdoors, or head to Victorville for a few extra shopping, dining and entertainment options. For healthcare, Desert Valley Hospital serves the area. Hesperia’s future is taking shape with projects like the 9,366-acre Silverwood development – promising 15,633 new homes, 700,000 square feet of commercial space, and 5,000 acres of parks. When completed, the Silverwood development will be one of the largest new communities in Southern California.
The Cajon Pass is the gateway to Hesperia.
Highway 395 stretches from Hesperia, California to the Canadian border.
Arizona Pipeline provides construction services across the Southwest since 1979.
Dick's Sporting Goods at the Mall of Victor Valley is the place to get all your sporting needs.
1/4
Homes have plenty of land for livestock
Contemporary ranch-style homes here were built between the 1980s and early 2000s, most of the residential landscap e. Homes rarely exceed $700,000. One of the newest neighborhoods is the Desert Willow Ranch community, filled with new traditional homes with Spanish revival influences. Most homes in the city have large lots for keeping livestock, including in the Oak Hills area by Hesperia Lake. The largest plots of land sit west of the freeway and on the far east end of the city. Hesperia’s median sale price is $469,977 as of October 2024. This is lower than the neighboring San Bernardino’s median sale price of $485,000. Compared to the state overall, it’s 39% lower. Buyers also get more land for their money, as most homes will be half-acre or acre lots. Prices are rising as the area continues to expand; year-to-year home prices are up 9.5% as of December 2023, and its year-over-year population grew 4% in 2021.
An elevated look at Hesperia showcases the desert views and mountains.
Some neighborhoods in Hesperia have large lots perfect for keeping horses.
Newer builds in Hesperia are typically designed in ranch style.
It is common to see low maintenance yards in Hesperia and other high desert towns.
1/4
B-rated schools
Serving 22,000 students across its 27 schools—16 elementary, 4 middle and 7 high schools—Hesperia Unified School District is rated a B-minus by Niche. Its Career Technical Education program provides students with real-world work experience, from fabrication to engineering to health care. Two of the district’s high schools, Oak Hills and Sultana, receive A-minuses.
Hesperia High student running on the track and training for the big moments.
Carmel Elementary, Hesperia offers a space where all people can learn and thrive.
Mesa Grande Elementary School, in Hesperia, California, serves students age K-6.
Oak Hills High near Hesperia offers a space where all people can learn and thrive.
1/4
Parks nearing 1,000 acres
One of the most popular open spaces in the area is the 886-acre Mojave Narrows Regional Park, where visitors can spot 1,500-plus species of wildlife or go fishing year-round. North of city limits, the Bureau of Land Management has designated certain parts of the desert for off-roading, so adrenaline junkies can rev up their dirt bikes or quads. They might also go 16 miles south of downtown for more trails at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, featuring almost 1,000 acres of trails, boating and campgrounds. Hesperia Civic Plaza Park is a popular place for community events. "It's really the biggest gathering spot in the city," says Lorraine Eros, youth service leader for the Hesperia Public Library. "Each December, there's an annual tree lighting ceremony, each Saturday, there's a farmers' market, and each month, there's a concert held here.” The public library is set within the plaza. “In the library, residents can come here to learn about Hesperia and the High Desert in our Heritage Room, a special part of the library dedicated to the history of the High Desert,” Eros adds. On the same lot, the Civic Plaza 12-screen Cinema is the only movie theater within city limits.
Lime Street park has it all from swimming pools to a skate park.
Enjoy the views of Hesperia Lake, a popular fishing destination for locals.
Hesperia Civic Park has a walking trail where you can enjoy taking a stroll with your pets.
Set up camp at Hesperia Lake and find yourself surrounded by nature near the city.
1/4
Most dining lined on Main Street
The city’s main arteries, Main Street Corridor and Bear Valley Road, are home to Hesperia’s dining options, particularly popular among truckers passing through the High Desert for quick and easy stops. For those looking for a more extensive shopping and dining experience, Victorville offers several commercial centers. High Desert Gateway and Rose Plaza are shopping centers with several restaurants and stores, and The Mall of Victor Valley, just four miles north of the city center, has over 100 vendors. The local arts scene, though limited, is growing. Art lovers can take a scenic one-hour drive south to explore the numerous galleries and museums in San Bernardino and Ontario. The city comes alive each September with the highly anticipated Hesperia Days celebration, an event that showcases community spirit with a parade, concerts, a rodeo and a 5K race.
Spring House Family Restaurant serves breakfast all day and is a neighborhood favorite.
Inside La Casita Cafe, a family-run Hesperia institution, offers delicious Mexican food.
Catch a movie at Cinema 12 in Hesperia, located near the Hesperia Civic Center.
Hesperia residents can shop in nearby Victor Valley Mall, offering several big box stores.
1/4
Ranchero Road undergoes transformations
Hesperia has five limited bus routes throughout the city, although cars are the fastest and most efficient way to get around due to the spread-out landscape. Main Street and Bear Valley Road have exits for Interstate 15, and commuters use this freeway to go to neighboring communities. Southbound day trippers will connect onto Rim of the World Scenic Byway for a pretty drive to Silverwood Lake and, 40 miles farther, Big Bear Lake. It’s likely that residents will have more transportation options in the future; a high-speed rail company recently proposed a 49-mile connection from Hesperia to Rancho Cucamonga in November 2022, and the project passed its environmental impact inspection in July 2023. For now, the City of Hesperia is responding to increasing traffic via the Ranchero Road Widening Project, stretching the thoroughfare from two lanes to five.
Lower crime rates than the national average
According to 2023 data from the FBI, Hesperia’s violent crime rate stands at roughly 80 incidents per 100,000 residents, lower than California's rate of 99 and the national rate of 121 . Property crime rates reached 163 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the state's rate of 196 and the national rate of 180. To bolster public safety, the City of Hesperia has allocated almost $11 million to its police department. Because of dry heat, droughts and July temperatures over 100 degrees, brush fires are a common occurrence. The Hesperia Fire in July 2022 burned 95 acres but didn’t result in any destroyed structures, thanks to containment by CalFire; a vegetation fire in June 2023 burned 3.5 acres. These incidents are concentrated on the outskirts of town or toward the southern mountains, and air quality is rarely affected. Residents should always take precautions, though, and CalFire encourages the removal of dead plants and the proper disposal of flammable materials.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Garcia,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Hesperia, CA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hesperia, CA over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to a place where memories are made and your new chapter begins this 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath is a perfect first-time homebuyer opportunity! This beautifully updated 1,368 sq ft home sits on a spacious 18,800 sq ft lot, offering room to grow and entertain. Step inside to an open-concept living area that flows seamlessly from the living room to the dining space and modern kitchen, featuring
Step into style, comfort, functionality and commuter friendly property. This beautifully designed highly upgraded property was built in 2023, features an inviting entry with a open-concept floor-plan that combines the kitchen, living room and dining areas to maximize the interior space. This luxurious chef inspired kitchen features a large kitchen Island, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertop
Discover Your Dream Ranch: 13075 Rodeo Road! Nestled in California’s High Desert, where open spaces blend with modern convenience, 13075 Rodeo Road showcases pride of ownership and timeless charm. Built in 1998, this custom home offers 1,802 sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a unique 2.06-acre corner lot in serene Oak Hills. Spacious 2+ Acres, Own a slice of High Desert paradise with 2.06
Opportunity knocks in Hesperia! This spacious property features two homes on a fully fenced 43,746 sq. ft. lot, offering endless potential for extended family living, rental income, or multi-use flexibility. The main home, approximately 1,295 sq. ft., offers three bedrooms and one bath, a cozy living room and family room, and a galley-style kitchen. Rebuilt in 2015, it includes a fenced backyard
Hesperia 3 bedroom 2 baths, spacious dining and living room combination with a fireplace, good size kitchen granite countertops, newer dual pane windows sliding door, front door, new door connecting to garage, 2 car garage, PLUS a detached garage seller was in the process of an ADU conversion not finished, fenced and cross fence, lots of trees, near Bear Valley for easy access to frwy. HVAC will
Beautiful Hesperia Home recent upgrades 3 bedroom 2 baths, kitchen with a lot of newer cabinets, coriander counter tops, stainless steel appliances microwave, stove, dishwasher, inside laundry room newer washer and dryer included tile floors newer inside paint, nice living room with a fireplace,French door from dining area to outside cover patio a lot of concrete, central air and heat plus a
charming home in desirable Hesperia, large great room features a cozy wood burning stove for those chilly winter nights and up and coming Holiday get togethers with family and friends, open kitchen, pantry, lots of cabinets, dishwasher, microwave, gas oven/range, 2 car garage, shed, completely fenced on a large lot, conveniently located to most all amenities including schools, churches, college,
The West Main Villas is one of the newer Apartment Communities in the High Desert. With the look and feel of a fully monitored, controlled access residential community, it truly is a one of a kind here in Hesperia. Being the only residential property on the west side of the 15 freeway, West Main Villas has you on the freeway in just minutes, perfect for that commute, but yet far enough away so
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
