Landers offers laid-back living and space culture
"Beautiful Skies, Miles of Smiles" is the official slogan of the Mojave Desert community of Landers, known locally as the "Land of 1000 Vistas" for its scenic beauty. People settled in the area to mine gold reported in the area; however, the area became a hotspot for UFO culture between 1940 and 1970, leading to the tongue-in-cheek residential epithet of "Landroids." Residents enjoy a sprawling rural community with beautiful homesteads and proximity to roadways providing residents with simple commutes.
Midcentury and Spanish-inspired housing options
Residents live on rural roads and avenues fringed by desert shrubbery and majestic rock formations, with the San Bernardino Mountains towering on the horizon. Much of Landers' residential landscape is taken up by expansive rural estates and rural bungalows, surrounded by the stark beauty of the desert and a short drive from community amenities. Architects in the Mojave Desert cultivated unique architectural designs, falling into a category of homes now known as mid-century modern, emphasizing flow to communal areas while merging indoor and outdoor spaces. Clean lines, flat roofs and large windows are among the exterior design staples of the style. These are often mixed with design touches of the Spanish design, another regional favorite, defined by smooth stucco exteriors and tile roofing that provide extra insulation from the desert climate. Other area homes are custom-built, offering their distinct aesthetics to Lander's already distinctive collection of houses. Regarding home prices, Landers has sustained a median sale price of $400,000 and an average price per square foot of $595.
Education through the Morongo Unified School District
Residents are served by excellent primary schools within the Morongo Unified School District, teaching over 8,000 students starting in primary schools like Landers Elementary from kindergarten through sixth grade. Students later head to nearby Yucca Valley High School, home to excellent extracurricular programs like an on-campus theatre company that produces three performances each year.
UFO and celestial landmarks
Residents are a short drive from some of the High Desert's most eclectic and distinctive attractions. Take a trip to the Integratron, touted as an "acoustically perfect structure" offering "sound baths": harmonic frequency exposure through the tuning of quartz bowls, claimed by many to have a profound calming effect on the human body and mind. The creator of the Integratron, George Van Tassel, was also a frequent visitor of the rock formation known as Giant Rock. This massive freestanding granite boulder was a gathering point for UFO enthusiasts but is considered sacred by the Indigenous peoples of Joshua Tree.
Convenience to big-box stores and local eateries
Residents won't have to venture too far to stock up on the essentials. Smaller markets like Mesa Market offer several non-perishable foodstuffs and other essentials. Nearby Yucca Valley has regional stores like Vons offering fresh produce and other household necessities. Landers also have quality local establishments perfect for when you want to dine out. La Copine is a chic local restaurant offering elevated American cuisine in a mixed indoor-outdoor setting decorated with eclectic black-and-white art.
![Kory Ross]()
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
