The term “oasis” gets thrown around frequently in real estate, but in the case of Silver Lakes, residents of the area argue it’s an apt title. Situated in the Mojave Valley, Silver Lakes is a community that offers its residents equal parts serenity and outdoor adventure. With the ability to play a few rounds of golf, hit the desert bike trails, and end the day with cocktails at the clubhouse, those who call Silver Lakes home can fit in a whole vacation’s worth of excitement into one day – and be home before bedtime. Consisting mostly of contemporary and ranch-style homes built in the 1980s and later, Silver Lakes is a relatively young development that exudes the appeal of rural living – without many of the sacrifices that come with it. “The location is really perfect,” says Clare Hart of RE/MAX, a local resident and real estate agent from the area. “It’s a 15-minute drive to I-15, just off Route 66, and close to two military bases.” Houses in the area typically range from $225,000 to $650,000, though homes located on the waterfront of either of its two manufactured lakes can go for upward of $850,000. Students in the Silver Lakes area do their learning at Helendale Elementary, Riverview Middle, and Adelanto High schools, with Niche scores of C-plus, B-minus, and B-minus respectively. After school, anyone looking for a splash of green can go to North Beach Park for barbecue grills and a playground area. Something that’s especially appealing for retired residents is the unlimited golf, pickleball, and fishing (without the need for a license) – all included with their monthly HOA fees (about $100 a month). Those looking for a bite to eat can enjoy authentic Mexican fare at Adelita’s while enjoying a view of the lake from their table. While Silver Lakes is technically part of the larger unincorporated Helendale area, it’s very much its own community with its own identity – and community spirit too. “We have our local watering holes, and those are very much the kind of places where everybody knows everybody else,” says Hart. The local clubhouse serves as a meeting place and hangout spot for the whole community, with drinks, food, and pool tables for kids and adults alike. During the summer, it’s common to see celebrations and events. “It’s a very outdoorsy community, especially when it comes to our lakes,” says Hart. “In the summer, we have a number of boat parades and barbecues on the beach.”With its location offering residents a break from city living and an opportunity to remain close to key areas, Silver Lakes is an appealing choice. “We have a lot of military folks here too, and they love being able to live outside of Barstow, while still having access to it and all the other things a big town has,” Hart says. “It’s just kind of the best of both worlds, and the community does so much for its residents.” Quiet living doesn’t have to mean uneventful, and Silver Lakes could be just the right kind of neighborhood for those looking for a quiet but exciting place to call their own. Learn more on the Silver Lakes city guide.