Working in Mojave. Should I live in Tehachapi or Santa Clarita? (Bakersfield: for rent, new house)

[johnny from miami]

I am moving to Southern California as I have a new job in Mojave. I 've seen a lot of threads dealing with the negative aspects Lancaster/Palmdale and Bakersfield. What I want to know is it worth the 1 hour plus commute from Santa Clarita to Mojave or would it be better to live in Tehachapi for a shorter commute? Santa Clarita has some nice new houses and a lot of them. Tehachapi doesn't have that much that I have found on line. I would like to know if the convenience of Santa Clarita is better than living in a very remote location of Tehachapi.

[Winston Smith]

If you're a bigger civilization, suburban, urban type, Tehachapi might leave you feeling quite isolated and bored in spite of its natural beauty and proximity to your job in Mojave, around 15 miles. You'd probably find yourself heading 30 miles to Bakersfield for most conveniences.

If you choose Santa Clarita, it's a long way to Mojave, 70 miles by the most direct route. Plus, when it snows in winter, the Grapevine, Tehachapi and Soledad Pass are all subject to closing. Traffic builds, stops and driving conditions become less than ideal. It doesn't last more than a day or two, but it can sure make your life miserable if you get stuck in a winter road closure.

Have you considered California City?

[puffle]

Originally Posted by johnny from miami

I am moving to Southern California as I have a new job in Mojave. I 've seen a lot of threads dealing with the negative aspects Lancaster/Palmdale and Bakersfield. What I want to know is it worth the 1 hour plus commute from Santa Clarita to Mojave or would it be better to live in Tehachapi for a shorter commute? Santa Clarita has some nice new houses and a lot of them. Tehachapi doesn't have that much that I have found on line. I would like to know if the convenience of Santa Clarita is better than living in a very remote location of Tehachapi.

In a word, yes. What type of work will you be doing in Mojave?

[margoa78]

I have lived in Lancaster for 19 years, I would certainly check out Tehachapi first, also the far west side of Lancaster is very nice. It would make your commute much easier. However if you do decide on Santa Clarita, even though its a longer drive, most of the traffic is going in the other direction.
There has only been 1 time in all my 19yrs that I was __almost__ stuck because of the weather. Its very rare that any snow will hinder your commute.
Good Luck.
By the way we are finally leaving Lancaster to retire to Kentucky, want to buy my home LOL.
Margoa78

[ibarrio]

far west side of Lancaster

You mean the prison? Just Kidding

Check out Tehachapi. Nice community.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by johnny from miami

I am moving to Southern California as I have a new job in Mojave. I 've seen a lot of threads dealing with the negative aspects Lancaster/Palmdale and Bakersfield. What I want to know is it worth the 1 hour plus commute from Santa Clarita to Mojave or would it be better to live in Tehachapi for a shorter commute? Santa Clarita has some nice new houses and a lot of them. Tehachapi doesn't have that much that I have found on line. I would like to know if the convenience of Santa Clarita is better than living in a very remote location of Tehachapi.

I don't know if you have school age kids, but if you do, Santa Clarita has MUCH better schools than any of the areas you mentioned. Check out GreatSchools.net for info about schools in those area. If you don't than I guess your decision is a bit less complicated. Good luck to you where ever you go.

[Chanlynn]

I think that Tehachapi would be a better choice. It's cheap there and very quaint. I grew up in Tehachapi and though I wouldn't live there now I think it's good for those who work in Mojave or Bakersfield. It's pretty there.

[Chanlynn]

"If you're a bigger civilization, suburban, urban type, Tehachapi might leave you feeling quite isolated and bored in spite of its natural beauty and proximity to your job in Mojave, around 15 miles. You'd probably find yourself heading 30 miles to Bakersfield for most conveniences."

It's definitely growing. There are a lot more resources now. When I moved there there was only one stop light!!! I could be bias. Check it.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by johnny from miami

I am moving to Southern California as I have a new job in Mojave. I 've seen a lot of threads dealing with the negative aspects Lancaster/Palmdale and Bakersfield. What I want to know is it worth the 1 hour plus commute from Santa Clarita to Mojave or would it be better to live in Tehachapi for a shorter commute? Santa Clarita has some nice new houses and a lot of them. Tehachapi doesn't have that much that I have found on line. I would like to know if the convenience of Santa Clarita is better than living in a very remote location of Tehachapi.

Are you going to rent? Why don't you live in Mojave?

[johnny from miami]

Originally Posted by Charles

Are you going to rent? Why don't you live in Mojave?

If I can find a safe place to rent in Mojave it would be fine with me. When you pull up Rent.com or the others it gives you either Bakersfield or Lancaster. If you know of a house (3 BR and 2BA) with garage that is for rent please let me know. When I come out I am going to look in 4 places Tehachapi, West Lancaster, Santa Clarita and Mojave for a suitable location. I am originally from a small town in Georgia and do not mind driving 45 to 60 minutes to work. And have lived in Miami for 3 years and hate the traffic here and I cannot believe traffic coming out of Santa Clarita at 5 AM will be anything to worry about.