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We're a small family who lives in Crestline CA right now... we're thinking to move down the hill to the backside of the mountain, notably to Morongo Valley. Anyone live there and can shed some light on whether it's a nice area?
Part of the reason we're looking to leave the mountain is the fog and the black ice. Me (the wife) would like to be in the desert, as the drive is really pretty scary down the 18 on foggy days, and I commute a few days a week. My husband works mostly from home so the weather doesn't bother him as much, but the low desert is too hot for him (he's a mountain guy- from CO).
We like to live simply, preferably near some nature and we'd like to have a bit more land than we do now (we're renting). The mountain's a bit crowded for us and we'd like room to explore and hubby's big into dirtbikes.
It seems Morongo Valley is a perfect compromise in terms of weather and space. But then I read on another thread that there's a lot of crime...
We like Crestline and it's not immune to crime either, and a lot of it is common sense. But, we don't want anywhere we feel unsafe either (and we feel mostly safe up in the mountains).
Anyone from the area, can you please advise? Thank you a whole bunch!
I've lived in Morongo Valley for over a year. Crime is not an issue. As a male I've regularly walked the length of the area (about 2 miles) and never experienced any risk. Temperature last summer reached 108, and in winter, the external exposed pipes froze at night. During the summer I slept during the hot day, and worked 2nd shift at my home.
--I can’t say I know the area well. But here are some off-the-cuff impressions:
--Willie Boys saloon is the high end restaurant here with prices to match. I like their steak sandwich.
--The other "Bar & Grill" has a limited menu. I don't know what the other items on the menu are like because I always order the hamburger special (Burger + Beer, $6; substitute cranberry juice and you get free refills [my favorite]). You'll never taste a better burger than there. The clientel is mostly local people, working class, loud but not rowdy.
--There is also a small restaurant and museum(?!) with historical photographs on the walls. The food is always excellent (the cook is actually a professional chef qualified to work in hotels). That restaurant is owned by the same person that owns the Bar & Grill. Not much variety so far as businesses are concerned. 2 auto repair, 1 hair place, a fruit/vegetable market, post office, 3 gas stations with limited fast foods, marijuana clinic (just opened about May 3), dirt bike shop (also just opened), 2 tax preparers, 2 paralegals, a deli and foodmart, a thrift shop open Tue-Wed-Thu, a new antique shop yet to be opened. The largest operation seems to be the Cactus Mart, a garden shop/hardware store/art display with a beautiful fish pool and quiet place to relax; all the personnel are very friendly, but the most reserved person there is the owner himself. The Wild Mustang Feed has very nice people, but they haven’t yet figured out they should have a sign so that folks will know where they are. Those are the obvious businesses that come to mind.
--Bus service is very limited. See mbtabus.com for schedule and fares. Route 12 for weekdays, and route 15 weekends. If you take route 15, be sure you contact the dispatcher that you will be at the bus stop, 'cause otherwise they won't stop. If you call a day ahead, there is door to door service for senior citizens. Frankly, you really need a car if you live in Morongo Valley.
--I’ve heard that the main highwy 62 (29 Palms Highway) carries 22,000 vehicles per day. Just an unverified rumor. Like any major highway, it has its rush-hour times. But, if you show a little patience, there is always a break that comes along to allow you to stroll across the street. The community has one traffic light, and one crosswalk that has a flashing amber light. In casual conversation, I’ve never heard anyone say anything good about local law enforcement which consists of the county sheriff and California Highway Patrol. Comments in general are in derogation of those services.
--Yes, there is a library. It’s next to the fire station. You will be disappointed. It does not have a dedicated staff, and the books are randomly placed on the shelves (or should I say “shelf”). Can’t blame the staff that is there. There’s no money to do it right.
--The local newspaper is a once-a-month publication, "Smoke Signal" with extremely limited information.Moderator cut: link removed Mostly ads and whatever local celebrations for the month, or governmental concerns. It's published by the local chamber of commerce.
--There is no official local government (it is under San Bernardino County government). However, there is a monthly meeting (3rd Monday of month) by the Community Services District (CSD). The group is officially sanctioned by the county and is populated by public-minded volunteers. They control the local budget such as for the fire station, library, skate park, park, etc.
--Covington Park is a very pleasant place to be. Local group activities are conducted there. Bird Watchers go to the nearby preserve natural preserve, and there are more than enough pathways through the natural dense foliage. It is a stopping place for a large variety of migrating birds. Think of it as an oasis in the middle of the desert.
--The social club is “camera shy”, so to speak. When they announce their activities, they always want you to contact them for more information, but they never provide an address or phone number. The secret to get more information is to go to the thrift store on one of the 3 days a week they are open. I think (but not sure) you can join for $10/year, but guests are always welcome anyway if you can find out where/when they meet.
--Over the big hill toward Yucca Valley you will find Little Morongo Valley. It has a bar (Rattlesnake Jake's) and a bus stop. Can’t tell you much more. I’ve never stopped there.
--The other direction leads to Desert Hot Springs (locally called DHS) and Palm Springs, which is where people seem to go for greater variety of purchases.
--For the most part I find the people in this area to be very friendly, but reserved. It’s definitely country-like, not the big city. I like living there.
Last edited by David Aguilar; 05-08-2012 at 08:52 AM..
Reason: new members are not allowed to post links/spacing
I've lived in Morongo Valley for over a year. Crime is not an issue. As a male I've regularly walked the length of the area (about 2 miles) and never experienced any risk. Temperature last summer reached 108, and in winter, the external exposed pipes froze at night. During the summer I slept during the hot day, and worked 2nd shift at my home.
--I can’t say I know the area well. But here are some off-the-cuff impressions:
--Willie Boys saloon is the high end restaurant here with prices to match. I like their steak sandwich.
--The other "Bar & Grill" has a limited menu. I don't know what the other items on the menu are like because I always order the hamburger special (Burger + Beer, $6; substitute cranberry juice and you get free refills [my favorite]). You'll never taste a better burger than there. The clientel is mostly local people, working class, loud but not rowdy.
--There is also a small restaurant and museum(?!) with historical photographs on the walls. The food is always excellent (the cook is actually a professional chef qualified to work in hotels). That restaurant is owned by the same person that owns the Bar & Grill. Not much variety so far as businesses are concerned. 2 auto repair, 1 hair place, a fruit/vegetable market, post office, 3 gas stations with limited fast foods, marijuana clinic (just opened about May 3), dirt bike shop (also just opened), 2 tax preparers, 2 paralegals, a deli and foodmart, a thrift shop open Tue-Wed-Thu, a new antique shop yet to be opened. The largest operation seems to be the Cactus Mart, a garden shop/hardware store/art display with a beautiful fish pool and quiet place to relax; all the personnel are very friendly, but the most reserved person there is the owner himself. The Wild Mustang Feed has very nice people, but they haven’t yet figured out they should have a sign so that folks will know where they are. Those are the obvious businesses that come to mind.
--Bus service is very limited. See mbtabus.com for schedule and fares. Route 12 for weekdays, and route 15 weekends. If you take route 15, be sure you contact the dispatcher that you will be at the bus stop, 'cause otherwise they won't stop. If you call a day ahead, there is door to door service for senior citizens. Frankly, you really need a car if you live in Morongo Valley.
--I’ve heard that the main highwy 62 (29 Palms Highway) carries 22,000 vehicles per day. Just an unverified rumor. Like any major highway, it has its rush-hour times. But, if you show a little patience, there is always a break that comes along to allow you to stroll across the street. The community has one traffic light, and one crosswalk that has a flashing amber light. In casual conversation, I’ve never heard anyone say anything good about local law enforcement which consists of the county sheriff and California Highway Patrol. Comments in general are in derogation of those services.
--Yes, there is a library. It’s next to the fire station. You will be disappointed. It does not have a dedicated staff, and the books are randomly placed on the shelves (or should I say “shelf”). Can’t blame the staff that is there. There’s no money to do it right.
--The local newspaper is a once-a-month publication, "Smoke Signal" with extremely limited information.Moderator cut: link removed Mostly ads and whatever local celebrations for the month, or governmental concerns. It's published by the local chamber of commerce.
--There is no official local government (it is under San Bernardino County government). However, there is a monthly meeting (3rd Monday of month) by the Community Services District (CSD). The group is officially sanctioned by the county and is populated by public-minded volunteers. They control the local budget such as for the fire station, library, skate park, park, etc.
--Covington Park is a very pleasant place to be. Local group activities are conducted there. Bird Watchers go to the nearby preserve natural preserve, and there are more than enough pathways through the natural dense foliage. It is a stopping place for a large variety of migrating birds. Think of it as an oasis in the middle of the desert.
--The social club is “camera shy”, so to speak. When they announce their activities, they always want you to contact them for more information, but they never provide an address or phone number. The secret to get more information is to go to the thrift store on one of the 3 days a week they are open. I think (but not sure) you can join for $10/year, but guests are always welcome anyway if you can find out where/when they meet.
--Over the big hill toward Yucca Valley you will find Little Morongo Valley. It has a bar (Rattlesnake Jake's) and a bus stop. Can’t tell you much more. I’ve never stopped there.
--The other direction leads to Desert Hot Springs (locally called DHS) and Palm Springs, which is where people seem to go for greater variety of purchases.
--For the most part I find the people in this area to be very friendly, but reserved. It’s definitely country-like, not the big city. I like living there.
I am a resident of Morongo Valley and consider this an excellent post.
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Morongo Valley - Please help :)
Morongo Valley Commentary
Crime is not an issue. As a male I've regularly walked the length of the area (about 2 miles) and never experienced any risk. Temperature last summer reached 108, and in winter, the external exposed pipes froze at night.
During the summer I slept during the hot day, and worked 2nd shift at my home. 
taste a better burger than there. The clientel is mostly local people, working class, loud but not rowdy.
The community has one traffic light, and one crosswalk that has a flashing amber light. In casual conversation, I’ve never heard anyone say anything good about local law enforcement which consists of the county sheriff and California Highway Patrol. Comments in general are in derogation of those services.
