Anyone live in Bear Valley Springs? (Lancaster, Palmdale: renting, crime, house)

[kitty3]

I heard there is a charge of approximately $66 per month for water and garbage. I also heard that you have to haul your own garbage to a dump site. So why are they charging $66 per month?
Also, would you say that approximately $200 is accurate as far as the extra fees you have to pay? (Ammenities, additional BVS taxes for police, roads, etc).
How picky are they about the rules of the neighborhood? Can you b-b-que on your grill? Can you have small bonfires in a fire pit? Can you build additions? Can you plant whatever trees and flowers you want?
Aside from the above, what would you say are the positives and the negatives about living in Bear Valley Springs?

[Coop01]

Originally Posted by kitty3

I heard there is a charge of approximately $66 per month for water and garbage. I also heard that you have to haul your own garbage to a dump site. So why are they charging $66 per month?
Also, would you say that approximately $200 is accurate as far as the extra fees you have to pay? (Ammenities, additional BVS taxes for police, roads, etc).
How picky are they about the rules of the neighborhood? Can you b-b-que on your grill? Can you have small bonfires in a fire pit? Can you build additions? Can you plant whatever trees and flowers you want?
Aside from the above, what would you say are the positives and the negatives about living in Bear Valley Springs?

JMO -

It costs money to operate the landfill for starters. If they charged by the load it might induce people to find other "creative" ways to dispose of their refuse.

The last time I visited a friend, the flags of the LAFD, LASO and LAPD were flying at the entrance gate (It's been awhile) so I am assuming that a high percentage of those living there are affiliated (or were) with these organizations.
2/3 are registered Republican and the other 1/3 I think forgot to change their affiliation. 90% are white and 80% married. It's an Equestrian style community

Crime is lower than average and it cost's about 10% more to live there. It's typical of private communities everywhere. You give up something to get something in return. You might consider renting first and get a feel for the community.

Talk to several local Realtors and ask for a frank discussion about the community. Go to the website and read the C&R's. It's not for everyone.
Your mileage may vary.

[JMBowlin]

The fees to live here are $1236 (last year), plus $140 (trash, sewer and water)...and yes, you have 4 large areas to dump your own trash. They've raised the trash,sewer,water fees on average every 3 months over the last few years. It is a lot of rich people here that don't care about us on fixed incomes. We would love to move...but have no way of selling our house. At some point, we will lose our house since they just keep taking things up and up and up. Trust me...I could type for hours...this is just the tip of the iceberg.

[kitty3]

When you say $140 for trash, sewer, water, is that A MONTH?? Or every two months? or what?

[K. Dunn]

My brother lives in Bear Valley Springs, and has been now for about 10 years. I don't agree with post that says it is a bunch of rich people, when in reality coop01 has it right, it is probably 80% policeman, fireman, and other civic workers, along with some high tech types who might work for Edwards Air Force base or those research firms outside Mojave. Kind of a Oasis in the middle of no where. I'm not a fan of the desert, but have to admit that inner community is quite nice hidden in that valley. I say it's worth it if you want to live in that area. Otherwise your choices are Tehachapi [if you must] Mojave [yuck], Willow Springs [eh??], or down in Palmdale and Lancaster, one of the crime capitals of the USA. Why do you think all those Policeman and Fireman live up in those hills and are willing to commute. Value on those homes has nicely risen in the last 5-6 years, but of course like everywhere else, it too has been hit by the current economic crisis. Good time to buy if you have the $$. You might also look at Stallion Springs right next door, also quite beautiful. Either one is great for those who own or who are horse fans! Good luck.

[gatorscott]

I rented there for about a year and a half and probably would exceed the word limit if I went over all the negatives. First, Tehachapi itself is AWESOME. Love it. Moved from Florida and you can't beat the weather, people and views of Tehachapi. Bear Valley has incredible views, but it stops there. Everyone likes a clean and orderly neighborhood, but the "Republic of Bear Valley" is ridiculous. My parents visited in their RV a couple of years ago and they were cited for "camping"... laughable. I was also cited for leaving my porch light on "after hours". You have to get approval of all painting/trim choices. They literally close down the single gate entrance at ridiculous times due to snow/ice. The old foggies that work the gate are slow and not all that friendly. Not to mention the association and utility fees.
I strongly recommend Tehachapi as a place to live, but would stay clear of Bear Valley... particularly if you work in the desert (Edwards)... the extra 20+ minute ride each way gets old quick.