Sierra Nevada sunset viewed from desert near Ridgecrest, California

Relocation Guide

Moving to Ridgecrest

A comprehensive relocation guide for military families, remote workers, and anyone considering the High Desert lifestyle.

Why People Move to Ridgecrest

Affordable

Median home prices far below the California average. Your housing dollar goes further here than almost anywhere in the state. See current prices.

Safe & Welcoming

One of California's safer small cities. Tight-knit military and civilian community with genuine neighborly culture. Join a local club.

Outdoor Access

Fossil Falls, dark sky stargazing, OHV riding, Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes — all within a short drive. Explore activities.

PCS to NAWS China Lake?

Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is one of the Navy's premier research and testing installations. PCS orders to China Lake are common, and the Ridgecrest community has decades of experience welcoming military families.

Contact the NAWS China Lake Housing Office as early as possible. On-base housing is available but wait lists vary. Navy Federal Credit Union has a branch in Ridgecrest. The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) can coordinate your move.

What to Know Before You Move

Cost of Living

Median home price ~$250,000 — a fraction of coastal California. Browse current listings
Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: ~$1,100–$1,400/mo
No state income tax advantage (California taxes apply), but savings on housing are significant
Grocery prices comparable to other California cities — find local stores
Gas prices typically lower than coastal California
Utilities (electricity) can be high in summer due to A/C demand — budget accordingly

Housing & Neighborhoods

Most of Ridgecrest is single-family residential — very few apartments/condos
Popular neighborhoods: downtown, north Ridgecrest (newer developments), south Ridgecrest
Inyokern (10 min west) offers more rural/agricultural properties at lower prices
Base housing (NAWS China Lake) available for military personnel — contact your housing office early
Buying is generally more economical than renting given the low home prices. See homes for sale
Homes are on average 1,400–2,200 sq ft on 6,000–10,000 sq ft lots

Schools & Education

Sierra Sands Unified School District serves all of Ridgecrest K-12. View our full schools guide
Burroughs High School offers AP courses, JROTC, athletics, and performing arts
Cerro Coso Community College is right in town — 2-year degrees and UC/CSU transfer programs
Private options: Desert Christian School (K-12) and St. Ann's Catholic School (K-8)
Strong military family community with active parental involvement in schools
No traffic concerns for school commutes — everything is minutes away

Healthcare

Ridgecrest Regional Hospital: full-service 24/7 emergency and specialty care
Primary care physicians and specialists available in town
NAWS China Lake Naval Hospital for active duty military and eligible families
Major medical centers in Bakersfield (1.5 hrs) for advanced specialty care
Pharmacies: Walmart, Vons pharmacy, and independent pharmacies
Mental health services available through the hospital and private providers

Shopping & Services

Walmart Supercenter (one-stop shop for groceries, home goods, pharmacy, electronics)
Target, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby for home and lifestyle needs
Vons and Stater Bros for groceries
Hundreds of locally-owned restaurants and services — explore dining or browse the business directory
For specialized shopping: Bakersfield (1.5 hrs) or online delivery
Amazon Prime delivers to Ridgecrest — most online retailers do as well

Weather & Lifestyle

294 sunny days per year — plan for a lot of outdoor time. Explore outdoor activities
Hot, dry summers (105–110°F highs in July/August) — A/C is essential
Mild winters (55–65°F days, mid-30s nights) — light jacket weather
Very low humidity year-round — dehydration is a real concern outdoors
Dust storms (haboobs) can occur — especially in spring and fall
Spring wildflower blooms can be spectacular after wet winters

Safety & Emergency Services

Low crime rate — Ridgecrest is one of the safer cities in California
Ridgecrest Police Department serves the city; Kern County Sheriff for surrounding areas
Fire Station 31 and 32 serve the Ridgecrest area
Seismically active area — earthquake preparedness is important (2019 M7.1 was here)
NAWS China Lake security adds to overall community safety
Strong neighborhood community — most residents know their neighbors

Getting Around

Ridgecrest is a car-dependent city — a personal vehicle is essential
Most destinations within the city are 5–10 minutes by car
Kern Regional Transit offers limited bus service
Nearest commercial airport: Meadows Field (BFL) in Bakersfield, ~1.5 hours
Los Angeles (LAX) is about 2.5 hours south on US-395/CA-14
Road conditions: US-395 (north/south), CA-178 (to Bakersfield and Death Valley)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ridgecrest a good place to live?

Yes, for the right person. If you value affordable housing, outdoor recreation, a tight-knit community, and a slower pace of life, Ridgecrest is excellent. It lacks the entertainment options and cultural diversity of major cities, but residents consistently cite community, affordability, and access to nature as major positives.

How far is Ridgecrest from major cities?

Los Angeles: ~155 miles (2.5 hours via US-395/CA-14). Bakersfield: ~90 miles (1.5 hours via CA-178 through Kern Canyon). Las Vegas: ~230 miles (3.5 hours). San Diego: ~250 miles (4 hours). Fresno: ~175 miles (3 hours).

What's the process for PCS to NAWS China Lake?

Contact NAWS China Lake's housing office as early as possible. On-base housing is available but may have wait lists. The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) can help with the move. Many military families live off-base in Ridgecrest due to housing availability and sometimes lower costs.

Is the heat really that bad?

Summers are genuinely hot — July and August regularly hit 105–110°F. However, the very low humidity (often under 10%) makes it more comfortable than coastal heat at those temperatures. Most locals do outdoor activities in early morning and evenings in summer. A/C in your home is non-negotiable. Check current conditions.

What do people do for fun in Ridgecrest?

Outdoor activities are the main draw — hiking, stargazing, off-roading, and day trips. Locally: Sierra Lanes bowling, the library, Cerro Coso events, various community clubs (running clubs, astronomy club, etc.), and local events. Many residents embrace the proximity to Death Valley, Mammoth, and the Eastern Sierra. Browse our dining guide for places to eat.

Are there earthquakes?

Yes — Ridgecrest sits in one of California's most seismically active areas. The 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence (M6.4 + M7.1) was the largest in California in 20 years. Small earthquakes are common and usually unfelt. Earthquake preparedness (water, food, a kit) is strongly recommended.

Is there good internet/cell service?

Within the city: yes — reliable broadband options are available (cable, fiber, and fixed wireless). Cell coverage from major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is solid in town but spotty in surrounding desert and mountains.