Taking a Leap of Faith in Victor Valley, CA

A newcomer to the Victor Valley shares how she connected with her community.

By Rebecca Treon on September 21, 2023

Gloria Plasencia Portraits

Elizabeth Aguilar moved to Apple Valley from Hawthorne, CA, in June 2023 with her husband. Livability chatted with Aguilar, who shares how she and her husband have quickly made great connections and have immersed themselves in their new community.

What brought you to the Victor Valley area?

My husband and I wanted to move someplace where we were both starting from zero, but we didn’t want to leave the state because we have family here. We wanted a place with water access – and this area is high desert, but it has lakes – and with four seasons.

We wanted to be somewhere where when people came to visit, I’d have someplace to go. We’re near Silver Lakes and Big Bear, which we love. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do here. My husband and I are both big DIYers, so we have plans to do some projects here. One thing that we looked at was the cost of our rent here, and it’s about a third of what we used to pay, though the job market also pays less.

How did you start making friends in your new city?

I already had some friends in Apple Valley, in Victorville and in Hesperia, but I started getting involved with some local groups here. I like supporting other small-business owners and have volunteered to be on the planning committee for the major events in the High Desert community, and the High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce [along with the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce] is a great way to connect with people.

What are some of the local organizations you’re involved in?

When I lived in Hawthorne, I was very involved in community affairs, and I did a lot of volunteer work. I volunteered with the planning committee at the Business Expo, the North Hawthorne Community Association, and the Hawthorne Historical Society. Now that I’m here, I have similar plans in Apple Valley. I want to be a member of the San Bernardino County Museum – I love history, and I like staying involved.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of moving to the Victor Valley?

We researched everything about this area for three years before we moved here. We came to Apple Valley during the day, at night – we researched everything we could. I have a lot of friends who are interested in moving here. And I’m like, “you just need to move, take the leap of faith and just move and see what’s going to work best for you.”