Located in Victor Valley in southwest San Bernardino County, Victorville is a small desert city with much lower costs of living than most communities in the area.
If you are planning a move to Victorville, it is a good idea to find out more about the city before relocating. Read on to learn about the schools, neighborhoods, recreational options and employment in Victorville so you can decide if it's the right place for you.
Victorville Climate
Located on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert, the city has an arid climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is scarce, with only 6- inches of rain annually.
There is a great variation between summer and winter temperatures in the region. Temperatures exceed 90 degrees 109 days a year, and fall below 32 degrees 79 days out of the year.
Victorville Neighborhoods
Some parts of the city are known for high levels of crime. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Victorville include Spring Valley Lake, Mountain View Acres, El Rio Road/Dos Palmas Road, Route 395/Palmdale Road, and Rancho Road/Amethyst Road.
Areas with the highest crime rates include the City Center, Frost and Thorn neighborhoods.
Registering Your Car
Upon moving to the state of California, you have 20 days to register your vehicle. You will need an Application for Title or Registration signed by all registered owners as they appear on the out of state registration and/or title, your previous registration certificate, and smog and weight certifications if applicable. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees and have your vehicle inspected by the state DMV.
You have will have just 10 days to obtain your California driver's license, so make sure you get this out of the way as soon as possible after your move. You will need to complete the DL 44 application form, provide your Social Security number, show proof of identity and legal presence, pass vision and traffic law tests, give a thumbprint, and pay the appropriate fees. This process can be completed at any California DMV location.
Victorville Schools
Victorville is served by the Victor Elementary School District, the Victor Valley Union High School District. the Adelanto Elementary School District, the Hesperia Unified School District and the Snowline Joint Unified School District.
The largest districts in the city are the Victor Elementary School District, which contains 18 schools--including several charter schools, a fitness school, and a school for the arts; and Victor Valley Union High School District, which operates 10 junior high schools, and six high schools.
For higher education, you can obtain an Associate's degree at Victor Valley Community College.
Victorville Employment
The city's unemployment rate is rather high--13 percent as of March 2013. If you are not already relocating to the city for work, be advised to acquire a job before moving.
The top employers in the city are Southern California Logistics Airport, Victor Valley College, Desert Valley Hospital, Verizon, Victor Valley Union High School District, Victor Elementary School District, Federal Correctional Complex, Wal-Mart, and Victor Valley Community Hospital.
Living Costs in the City
If you are considering a move to a new city, it is always important to make sure you will be able to live within your means. While costs of living in San Bernardino county are considerably high, Victorville has lower living expenses than some surrounding areas.
The city's cost of living is about four percent above the national average--about 20 percent lower than the state of California overall. Grocery and utility costs are about ten percent greater than the typical American city, transportation costs are seven percent greater, and healthcare costs are three percent greater.
Housing is fairly reasonable for a city in California --only 11 percent higher than the rest of the country. The average one-bedroom apartment in the area goes for about $752 a month, and two-bedrooms typically rent for around $915 a month. The median home price is listed at $145,000.
Victorville Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Victorville that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Victorville Transportation
Public transportation in the city is operated by Victor Valley Transit Authority, which provides service to the communities of Victorville, Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and San Bernardino County. Services include fixed bus routes, commuter routes, vanpool and ride-sharing.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Check out the California Route 66 Museum for some local culture and history. This homage to the famous desert highway features local folk art exhibits, artifacts, memorabilia, and old roadside neon signs that gave Route 66 its signature look.
For outdoor pleasures, Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers green meadows, acres of scenic waterways, picnic areas, and a small water park. Seven miles of trails are perfect for hiking and bicycling, and the Horseshoe Lake is regularly stocked with trout, catfish and bass for catching. The park also features great camping facilities, horse and pony rentals, and a playground.
Victorville Relocation Tips
- Change your address! Be sure to notify the post office of your forwarding address four to six weeks before your move to ensure that you don't miss any important mail.
- Make a moving checklist of everything you will need to accomplish before you make the trek to Victorville to stay better organized and be prepared! Things to include are: researching movers and comparing quotes, packing, making airline arrangements, and hooking up utilities.
- Research the neighborhoods before relocating. Some parts of the city are known for high rates of crime.