The area began as part of the Spanish land grant, Rancho San Felipe, which is part of a patchwork of large grazing and agricultural lands dating back to pre-statehood. Prior to Spanish (and later Mexican) control of the area, the initial inhabitants were Serrano Indians. As with many western towns, the railroad created this area in the late 1890s.
Perched in the high desert of Southern California, north of the Cajon Summit in San Bernardino County, Oak Hills is a suburb of Hesperia
The area began as part of the Spanish land grant, Rancho San Felipe, which is part of a patchwork of large grazing and agricultural lands dating back to pre-statehood. Prior to Spanish (and later Mexican) control of the area, the initial inhabitants were Serrano Indians. As with many western towns, the railroad created this area in the late 1890s.
Perched in the high desert of Southern California, north of the Cajon Summit in San Bernardino County, Oak Hills is a suburb of Hesperia. With a population of about 8,800, but nestled in a much larger area, Oak Hills offers a great neighborhood feel without the crush of large urban living. If you like sunshine and warm weather, this is the place for you. Great interstate access also means you can satisfy your wanderlust (or commuting needs) easily from anywhere in Oak Hills.
Move here any time you want, except in July, August or September, unless you like moving furniture in 100 degree heat, of course. This is the Mojave Desert, so expect mostly hot, sunny weather all year long. The coldest it gets is in the 60s in January. Nighttime temps, however, can dip past freezing in the winter. It's a land of extremes.
Beyond weather concerns, there's not much that makes any time of year better than any other. Since Oak Hills is located off Interstate 15, you may face some traffic as people travel between the LA area and Las Vegas, which is a few hours northeast of this community.
You should, however, make sure that you're ready to seal the deal when you head out to look for apartments to rent. Collect all of the documents you need: your proof of insurance, a list of contacts who can provide a reference and your credit history. You also need to be prepared to pay first and last month's rent and a security deposit, which is usually the equivalent of another month's rent. If you're keeping track, yes, that means having about three month's rent money on hand up front.
If you look at a map, Oak Hills looks a bit like a jagged monster eating Interstate 15. This hug-the-highway layout guarantees quick access for people who like to travel south to Los Angeles or north east to Las Vegas for work or pleasure. Technically this is a neighborhood within the Hesperia area. Here's the general layout to better orient yourself when you begin your search:
Northwest of I-15: You won't find as many 2 bedroom apartments in Oak Hills as you will rental homes. You'll have your option of generously sized suburban tract homes here, ranging from 3 to 4 bedrooms. There are some retail stores here along the Interstate (though, shhh, technically, that Hesperia's land). Check out Oasis Sushi for your seafood fix or Farmer Boys when you crave a burger.
Southwest of I-15: This side puts you closest to Hesperia's amenities, which is where you'll be doing your shopping and dining, for the most part. One thing that is in Oak Hills is Alberto Mexican Food. If you haven't had carne asada fries, once you do, you'll be ready to move here all over again.
As mentioned above, you could spend a month holding your own "where's the best burrito" competition in this area. There are too many good options, all of them local and authentic. To take full advantage of the road trip vibe that comes along with life along an interstate, stop at the Summit Inn Cafe. Locals describe it as "an archetypal road food experience."
Thanks to Hesperia's proximity, you won't have much more than a few minutes drive to do all you errands from groceries to dry cleaning.
If you're not too scared of the desert heat (which isn't that bad in 3 seasons), Hesperia Lake offers camping and fishing and general sunbathing opportunities. South of that is the Radio Control Model Aircraft Park, which is just what the name says.
When the heavy rains come -- not often, but they do -- check out the Mojave River, which runs underground most of the time but will make a rare appearance when helped from above.
