Barstow Real Estate Market Intelligence
Barstow rises from the Mojave Desert at the intersection of Interstates 15 and 40, serving as a critical crossroads between Los Angeles and Las Vegas and a gateway to Death Valley. This high desert city of approximately 25,000 residents built its identity around transportation, from the historic Route 66 to the massive BNSF rail yards that remain the economic backbone. Military installations including Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and nearby Fort Irwin provide steady employment, while the Barstow International Gateway project promises to transform the region into a major logistics hub.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | 285,000 |
| Population | 25,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.43 |
History
Barstow was established in 1886 as a railroad town where the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway met the Southern Pacific, becoming a vital junction for transcontinental travel.
Route 66 ran directly through Main Street, and the city became a classic roadside stop with motels, diners, and gas stations serving travelers heading to California.
Harvey House, the historic railroad hotel and restaurant that served travelers from 1911 to 1971, has been restored as part of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
Life in Barstow
Barstow embraces its identity as a traveler's town, with restaurants and businesses catering to the steady stream of motorists and truckers. The military community adds stability and diversity, with service members and veterans comprising a significant portion of the population. Desert living demands resilience, and longtime residents take pride in their adaptation to extreme heat and isolation. The Route 66 heritage remains a point of pride, with preservation efforts maintaining the classic Americana atmosphere.
Buyer Profile
Military families stationed at local bases seek affordable housing during their assignments. Remote workers discover they can own homes here while maintaining employment elsewhere. Investors target the low entry prices and rental demand from military and logistics workers. Retirees on fixed incomes find the cost of living manageable despite summer heat challenges.
Market Trends
Barstow's median home price sits around $280,000-295,000, with prices having risen approximately 66% since 2020. Properties typically spend 60-70 days on market, longer than California averages. Price per square foot averages $185-190. The market shows modest year-over-year appreciation with increasing investor interest tied to the logistics hub development.
Local Insider Tip
Afton Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Mojave, lies 35 miles east of Barstow along the Mojave River. This dramatic gorge offers hiking, camping, and one of the few places in the desert where the river flows above ground year-round.
Why People Move to Barstow
Exceptional Affordability: Median home prices around $280,000-295,000 represent some of the lowest in California, enabling homeownership for workers priced out of coastal markets.
Strategic Location: Positioned halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas with excellent interstate access for commuters and businesses.
Economic Development: The Barstow International Gateway project could bring thousands of logistics jobs and transform the local economy.
Military Stability: Marine Corps Logistics Base and Fort Irwin provide consistent employment unaffected by economic cycles.