This is the story of a family contemplating whether to maintain their large yard in a single-family home. Having lived in Victorville for nearly 30 years, this family found that the time and costs associated with yard maintenance became increasingly burdensome after retirement, leading them to explore other options.

Their home had several large trees in the backyard, and the cost of trimming alone was significant each year. Additionally, watering the expansive lawn in the high desert climate required more effort than they had anticipated.

The first thing they checked was the summer situation. Victorville is located in a high desert area, making summers particularly hot. From June to August, the average high temperature hovers around 33 degrees Celsius, or about 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Electricity bills are also considerable. As of May 2026, the average electricity rate in this area was about 33.25 cents per kWh, which is approximately 80 percent higher than the national average, and in February 2026, it was about 30 cents per kWh, around 60 percent higher than the national average. They realized that not only did the large yard require a lot of maintenance, but the size of the house itself was also a factor in driving up summer cooling costs.

Next, they looked at home prices. As of May 2026, the median sale price in Victorville was $474,117. If they considered condos, the median price was around $272,500, and for a two-bedroom condo, it dropped to about $198,500. This meant that selling their single-family home with a yard and moving to a condo could yield over $200,000 in profit. The family was significantly swayed by the prospect of using this difference for their retirement living expenses.

The next thing they checked was property taxes. Under California Prop 13, the property taxes they had paid so far were capped based on the purchase price, but they learned that if they were over 55, they could transfer this lower base to a new home under Prop 19. This program allows for up to three transfers anywhere in California and has been in effect since April 2021. The ability to move to a condo without worrying about a new property tax increase greatly influenced their decision.

They then considered how their actual living situation would change after moving to a condo. By saving time and money spent on yard maintenance, they realized they would have more freedom to visit their grandchildren or engage in hobbies. They were factoring in not just money, but also the resource of time.

In areas like Victorville, where home prices are relatively low, the profit gained from downsizing represents a significant portion of overall retirement living expenses. Therefore, it is important to plan in advance how to allocate this profit for medical expenses or emergency funds.

The high desert climate has significant temperature fluctuations, with nights often cooling down considerably. The family reported that some neighbors save on bills by turning off cooling systems at night and relying on ventilation instead. They noted that this simple habit noticeably reduced their summer bills.

After looking at several condos and comparing maintenance fees and facility levels, the family ultimately chose a complex without a yard and began preparing to move.

In the end, the family solidified their decision to downsize only after considering the burdens of yard maintenance, summer electricity costs, and the ability to maintain their property tax base. Leaving a yard they had cherished for 30 years was not easy, but the numerical differences confirmed their decision. They added that by checking each factor step by step, they could make a decision based on actual numbers rather than emotions. Tax and HOA conditions may vary by complex and situation, so they recommend consulting real estate and tax professionals before finalizing any contracts. This article is not investment or legal advice.