Among those considering a move toward High Desert, many ask if there are upscale neighborhoods in this area. From my long observation of the local market, I can say that while Victorville is different from the affluent areas of downtown Los Angeles, there are definitely neighborhoods that are considered high-end.

The first place to mention is Spring Valley Lake. This community, centered around an artificial lake, features a boat dock and waterfront homes, with a median home price around $500,000, which is noticeably higher than the overall median price of just over $400,000 in Victorville.

The Green Tree area is also worth a look. Developed around a golf course, it is preferred by retirees or second-home buyers seeking spacious lots and a quiet environment. It is often discussed in conjunction with the Rancho Sierra Vista area in nearby Apple Valley.

The reason these areas maintain relatively high price points is due to the openness characteristic of the desert climate, along with the scarcity of community amenities like lakes and golf courses. Compared to most of Victorville, which consists of typical single-family home developments, areas with water and greenery are limited in supply, leading to a sustained premium.

In terms of price differences, the gap between Spring Valley Lake and general Victorville is estimated to be around $100,000 to $150,000. While this amount is not large compared to the affluent areas of Los Angeles County, the perceived gap is significant considering the income levels in this area.

From my long-term observations, Korean families moving to this area often seek to escape the high home prices of Los Angeles or Orange County in search of larger yards and lower living costs. Among them, those with more resources tend to look into Spring Valley Lake from the start, while others often begin in general Victorville and later transition to more upscale areas.

Victorville does have the clear downside of a long commute. However, since the increase in remote work, this drawback seems to have less impact than before. If you prioritize a spacious home and a comfortable lifestyle, I recommend keeping an eye on areas like Spring Valley Lake with a long-term perspective.

If you are considering a purchase, it is also wise to check additional costs such as lake usage fees or community management fees. Spring Valley Lake has its own community association, which often incurs separate annual fees, so please do not make judgments based solely on the listing price.