California Apple Valley

apple valley cityscape

Moving to Apple Valley, California

Apple Valley, California, offers relaxed High Desert living with easy access to Southern California’s jobs, entertainment, and outdoor adventure. Located in San Bernardino County along I-15, Apple Valley sits about 95 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and just minutes from Victorville, making it a convenient hub between the Inland Empire and the Mojave Desert. The town features spacious neighborhoods like Desert Knolls and Apple Valley Ranchos, well-regarded schools within the Apple Valley Unified School District, and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.

Residents enjoy abundant outdoor amenities, including the Apple Valley Civic Center Park, miles of desert trails for hiking and off-roading, and nearby destinations like Deep Creek Hot Springs, Mojave Narrows Regional Park, and Big Bear Lake for year-round recreation. The town hosts community favorites such as the Apple Valley Fall Festival, weekly farmers markets, and local events at Civic Center Park. Dining and shopping continue to grow along Bear Valley Road, while Victor Valley Mall and regional healthcare facilities are close by. With a cost of living generally lower than much of coastal Southern California, access to Ontario International Airport, and open space that defines High Desert life, Apple Valley delivers a strong sense of community, wide-open landscapes, and a comfortable balance between small-town living and regional connectivity.

Apple Valley by the numbers

75,800

City population

20% above
Cost of living vs the national average
$430,000

Median home price

killeen-tx-2

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Discover Apple Valley: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Apple Valley, California, blends relaxed High Desert living with wide-open landscapes, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit community feel. Set in the Victor Valley of San Bernardino County, Apple Valley is known for its sunny climate, spacious neighborhoods, and easy access to some of Southern California’s most striking natural recreation—from desert trails to mountain lakes. Locals value the town’s slower pace, strong community pride, and year-round opportunities to get outside and connect.

Hiking, Biking & Trails

Apple Valley is surrounded by miles of desert terrain ideal for hiking, mountain biking, trail riding, and off-roading. Popular local areas include trails around the Apple Valley Civic Center Park and nearby desert foothills, while outdoor enthusiasts frequently head to Deep Creek, Mojave Narrows Regional Park, and the San Bernardino National Forest. Big Bear Lake and the San Gabriel Mountains are just a short drive away, offering forest hikes, biking, snow sports, and cooler summer escapes.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families gather at Civic Center Park for playgrounds, sports fields, community events, and summer movies in the park. The Apple Valley Library hosts story times, workshops, and educational programs for all ages, while seasonal events like the Apple Valley Fall Festival and weekly farmers markets bring residents together with live music, local vendors, and food trucks. Youth sports leagues and recreation programs add to the town’s family-oriented appeal.

Local Dining & Community Spots

Dining and social life in Apple Valley continues to grow along Bear Valley Road and surrounding areas, with a mix of local restaurants, casual eateries, and neighborhood favorites. Residents also enjoy nearby breweries, coffee shops, and entertainment options in Victorville and Hesperia, expanding the High Desert’s food and nightlife scene while keeping Apple Valley’s small-town feel intact.

With expansive skies, abundant outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere, Apple Valley offers a distinctive balance of desert beauty, family-friendly living, and convenient access to Southern California’s mountains, cities, and adventure.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and Recreation

Apple Valley, California, is a great fit for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts, anchored by strong high school athletics, abundant recreation programs, and unmatched access to High Desert and mountain outdoor escapes. While it maintains a relaxed, small-town pace, Apple Valley sits within driving distance of Southern California’s major sports markets and world-class recreation.

Though Apple Valley doesn’t host professional teams, big-league action is easily accessible. Fans can catch MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers or Angels, NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, NHL’s Kings, or MLS’s LA Galaxy and LAFC within a couple of hours. Locally, Granite Hills, Apple Valley, and Silverado High Schools deliver high-energy prep sports, with Friday night football, competitive basketball programs, and packed stands reflecting the community’s pride in its student-athletes.

Apple Valley shines when it comes to facilities and outdoor freedom. Civic Center Park and community sports fields support youth leagues, adult recreation, and regional tournaments for baseball, softball, soccer, and football. The town’s recreation programs offer fitness classes, youth sports, and seasonal activities for all ages, while nearby aquatic centers and splash areas provide summer relief in the desert heat.

Beyond organized sports, Apple Valley’s real advantage is its proximity to diverse natural playgrounds. Residents explore desert trails for hiking, biking, and off-roading right outside town, then head to Mojave Narrows Regional Park for walking paths and fishing or up to Big Bear Lake for kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding. Deep Creek and the San Bernardino National Forest add hot springs, waterfalls, and shaded canyon hikes to the mix. With abundant sunshine, wide-open space, and quick access to mountains, lakes, and major sports hubs, Apple Valley supports an active, adventure-driven lifestyle year-round.

Adventures

Adventures

Apple Valley, California, is an outdoor enthusiast’s haven set in the heart of the High Desert and surrounded by wide-open landscapes, mountain backdrops, and easy access to Southern California’s most diverse recreation. From desert trails to alpine lakes, the town offers year-round adventure just beyond residents’ doorsteps. Hike or mountain bike local desert routes, explore Deep Creek’s scenic canyon and hot springs, paddle and fish at Mojave Narrows Regional Park, or head up the mountain to Big Bear Lake for kayaking, boating, and winter snow sports. Off-roaders, trail riders, and campers also take advantage of the vast open terrain that defines the region.

Family-friendly parks and outdoor spaces add to the appeal. Civic Center Park serves as a community hub with playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and seasonal events, while nearby regional parks offer picnic areas, wildlife viewing, and shaded trails—an ideal balance to desert living.

History and culture shape the local experience as well. Residents can explore High Desert heritage at nearby museums and cultural centers in the Victor Valley, learn about the region’s early settlers and aviation history, or enjoy public art and community spaces that reflect Apple Valley’s Western roots and small-town pride.

Festivals and events bring the community together throughout the year, including the Apple Valley Fall Festival, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts in the park. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled desert adventures, mountain and lake escapes, or relaxed family outings under big desert skies, Apple Valley delivers memorable experiences for all ages.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Apple Valley, California, embraces year-round celebrations that reflect its High Desert roots, close-knit community spirit, and love of the outdoors. With sunny skies, wide-open spaces, and a strong sense of local pride, the town’s seasonal events bring residents together in meaningful, distinctly desert-inspired ways.

Spring
As desert wildflowers bloom and temperatures warm, Apple Valley comes alive with outdoor gatherings and community events. Spring marks the return of farmers markets and vendor fairs, where locals enjoy fresh produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment. Community celebrations and family-focused festivals at Civic Center Park kick off the season, offering activities for all ages and a chance to reconnect after winter.

Summer
Summer in Apple Valley is vibrant and social, centered around outdoor fun and evening events once the sun dips below the horizon. Concerts in the park, movie nights, and community festivals fill Civic Center Park with music, food trucks, and neighbors catching up under the stars. Independence Day celebrations are a highlight, featuring fireworks, live performances, and family-friendly festivities. Residents also escape the heat with trips to nearby lakes, mountain trails, and shaded canyon hikes.

Fall
Fall brings cooler evenings and a festive, harvest-inspired atmosphere. The Apple Valley Fall Festival is a signature event, drawing crowds with carnival rides, craft vendors, live music, and classic fair food. Seasonal markets, trunk-or-treat events, and outdoor gatherings make use of the mild desert weather, while nearby trails and parks become popular for hiking and weekend outings.

Winter
Winter in Apple Valley is mild but festive, marked by holiday lights, seasonal markets, and community celebrations. Tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and winter festivals create a cozy, small-town feel without harsh cold. Local sports events, school activities, and indoor community programs keep residents connected through the season, while nearby mountain towns offer snow play and winter sports just a short drive away.

Throughout the year, Apple Valley’s calendar is filled with farmers markets, festivals, concerts, and neighborhood events that celebrate High Desert living and reinforce the town’s welcoming, community-first character.

 
 

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

Apple Valley, California, provides residents with convenient access to a strong network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics located within town and throughout the Victor Valley, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all ages—from routine care to advanced medical services.

Providence St. Mary Medical Center (Apple Valley)
Located right in Apple Valley, this full-service, not-for-profit hospital is one of the region’s primary healthcare anchors. Providence St. Mary offers 24/7 emergency services, surgical care, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s and maternity services, imaging, and specialty clinics. Known for its patient-centered approach, the hospital also emphasizes community wellness, preventive care, and faith-based compassionate treatment.

Desert Valley Hospital (Victorville)
Just minutes away in Victorville, Desert Valley Hospital is a comprehensive acute-care facility providing emergency services, general and minimally invasive surgery, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, and intensive care. It serves as a key medical hub for High Desert residents needing specialized or inpatient treatment close to home.

Victor Valley Global Medical Center (Victorville)
Formerly known as Victor Valley Community Hospital, this nearby facility focuses on emergency medicine, inpatient care, rehabilitation services, and outpatient programs. It plays an important role in expanding healthcare access across the Victor Valley and supporting continuity of care.

Outpatient Clinics & Specialty Care
Apple Valley and surrounding communities are home to numerous primary care practices, urgent care centers, imaging facilities, and specialty clinics. Providers affiliated with Providence, Kaiser Permanente (regional), and independent medical groups offer services in family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, physical therapy, behavioral health, and chronic disease management—making preventive and ongoing care easily accessible.

Urgent Care & Everyday Health Services
Multiple urgent care centers and walk-in clinics throughout Apple Valley and Victorville provide same-day treatment for non-emergency needs, helping residents avoid long emergency room waits while staying close to home.

Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure Apple Valley residents benefit from reliable emergency response, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive long-term wellness care—supporting a healthy, growing High Desert community.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

Apple Valley, California, is a welcoming family community with a strong commitment to education at every stage of life. From public schools and private learning options to nearby colleges and adult education programs, Apple Valley offers a well-rounded academic environment that supports growth, opportunity, and lifelong learning.

Public Schools & Education
Apple Valley is served by the Apple Valley Unified School District (AVUSD), which supports students from preschool through 12th grade across multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. The district emphasizes academic achievement, career readiness, and student support, with programs that include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career technical education (CTE), special education services, and arts and athletics. Local high schools such as Apple Valley High School and Granite Hills High School are known for strong community involvement, competitive sports programs, and pathways that prepare students for college, trade programs, or the workforce.

Specialized learning opportunities—such as STEM-focused coursework, honors and AP classes, dual enrollment options, and visual and performing arts—allow students to tailor their education to individual interests and goals.

Private & Alternative Education
Families in Apple Valley also have access to private, faith-based, and alternative education options within the Victor Valley. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, values-based instruction, and individualized learning approaches. Options include Christian academies, Montessori-style programs, and independent schools serving preschool through high school, giving families flexibility in choosing the learning environment that best fits their child.

Higher Education Opportunities
While Apple Valley itself is primarily residential, it benefits from close proximity to several higher education institutions. Victor Valley College, located nearby, offers associate degrees, transfer programs, career and technical education, and workforce certifications across fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades. Additional universities and colleges throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California—both in-person and online—expand access to bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees.

Adult & Lifelong Learning
Apple Valley supports lifelong learning through adult education programs, community classes, and continuing education opportunities offered by Victor Valley College and local education partners. Residents can pursue GED and high school equivalency programs, ESL courses, vocational training, and professional development. The Apple Valley Library further enhances learning with workshops, technology access, youth programs, and educational events for all ages.

Whether you’re a parent choosing schools, a student planning your next academic step, or an adult seeking new skills or credentials, Apple Valley’s educational landscape provides accessible, supportive pathways for success at every stage of life.

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

Apple Valley, California, operates under a council-manager form of government, providing residents with organized leadership and city services that support community well-being, safety, and quality of life.

Law Enforcement
Public safety in Apple Valley is provided by the Apple Valley Police Department, which focuses on community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services. The department works closely with residents and businesses to maintain a safe and secure environment throughout the town.

Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
The Apple Valley Fire Protection District provides fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical services. Staffed by trained professional and volunteer personnel, the district ensures prompt responses to fires, medical emergencies, and disaster situations across Apple Valley and surrounding High Desert areas.

Weather & Climate
Apple Valley experiences a high desert climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, cool winters, and abundant sunshine year-round. Average temperatures range from the mid-30s °F in winter to the high 90s °F in summer, creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation, community events, and desert-adapted landscaping.

Transportation & Mobility
Apple Valley is conveniently located along Highway 18 and near I-15, providing access to Victorville, Hesperia, and the greater Inland Empire. Local transportation options include regional bus services and rideshare options, while nearby airports such as Southern California Logistics Airport (Victorville) and Ontario International Airport offer commercial and cargo flights. The town’s road network efficiently connects neighborhoods, parks, and commercial centers.

Utilities & Waste Management
Essential services in Apple Valley are managed by the Apple Valley Public Works Department, overseeing water, sewer, stormwater management, and curbside trash and recycling collection. Electricity and gas services are provided through regional utility companies, while city sustainability initiatives promote recycling, conservation, and environmentally responsible practices.

With reliable public safety, well-maintained infrastructure, and access to transportation and utilities, Apple Valley delivers the essential services residents and businesses need while maintaining a safe, connected, and vibrant High Desert community.

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.