Bear Valley Springs?? (crime, houses, construction)

[kitty3]

What can you tell me about Bear Valley Springs? Does everyone there own horses? Do you feel 'out of it' if you don't? What are the people who live there like? Since it's 'gated', do you drown in association fees and the like? I understand there is only one road in or out of the area. Isn't this a problem if there is a wildfire?

[mjtracy]

Not everyone owns a horse in BVS, though it is an equestrian community (there are horse trails throughout the community, and an equestrian center). I don't have a horse, and am not judged because of that!

We have an assesment each year. Last year is was $1100.00. That gives you access to all of the facilities (golf course, trails, shooting range, RC flying field, etc).

People are generally very friendly. A lot of retirees, so be prepared to slow down on driving. Essentially no crime except some traffic violations, which are usally construction workers working in the community.

There is another back road through the mountains, which is paved part way, and gravel the rest. When it comes to a fire, I just hope the fire dept. can handle it.

[kitty3]

So that assessment fee of $1100, that is on top of the other fees you have to pay for the BVS police, roads, maintenance, etc. right?? Kinda what I was afraid of . The houses seem reasonably priced (for California) on paper, but I guess you end up paying all those 'extra' fees for living in a gated community.

[mjtracy]

That is correct. The amenity fees are seperate from taxes. The additional taxes for BVS is around $400 per year, on top of your regular property taxes for Kern County. You also pay around $66 per month for water and garbage.

It is expensive to live in Bear Valley compared to other communities in Kern County.

[mjtracy]

Kitty3,
What price range were you looking at? I am getting ready to put my house on the market. Looking at the $365K range. (2192 sq ft, includes guest house, 1.3 acres).