MCLB Barstow is just outside Barstow, California. Barstow has about 23,000 people, and is in San Bernardino County, which has a population of about 2 million people. Other nearby small communities include Hinkley, Yermo, Newberry Springs, and Lenwood, all small towns of 2000-3000 people each.

It is about 5 miles from downtown Barstow to base; this takes about 9 minutes to commute, but the possible off-base housing is spread around the area and travel times can vary significantly.

Local Housing Rental Prices: The average apartment rent in the Barstow area ranges from $550 to $800 per month.

Local Housing Purchase Prices: The average price for a house in Barstow is about $135,000.

Short Description of the Area: Barstow is a small city in the Mojave Desert, about midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas (about 2 hours to either city). This area is within 3 hours of cities, the ocean, and the mountains. Barstow is a transportation hub, a crossroads for highway and rail shipping.

Climate and Weather: The Barstow area has a moderate desert climate, with winter temperatures in the high 50s to low 30s and summer temperatures in the mid-90s to mid-60s. The area generally has relatively little rainfall, but has up to 2 inches of rain a month in winter, and, rarely, snow. Summers are hot, dry, and clear, winters cool and clear.

Earthquakes: People new to California should be aware that the area is near the San Andreas Fault, and earthquakes are a fact of life. Prepare with emergency supplies, strap your heavy furniture and appliances, and know where to be during an earthquake (in a doorframe or under a table or desk). Most earthquakes are minor and not life threatening, but be prepared.