c.1951 California High Desert Home W/ Mountain Views $65K

Pros

• Very cheap housing by California standards. Trona has historically had some of the cheapest real estate in California. Current data is messy because the community is so small, but prices remain dramatically below most of Southern California.
• Incredible desert scenery. If you love stark landscapes, mountains, salt flats, geology, sunsets and enormous open spaces, Trona is hard to beat.
• The Trona Pinnacles are spectacular. The unusual tufa formations are one of the area’s biggest attractions and provide excellent photography, camping and off-road opportunities.
• Great for outdoor recreation. Off-roading, hiking, camping, stargazing, photography, geology and desert exploration are major advantages.
• Very little traffic and congestion. This is about as far from Southern California suburbia as you can get while remaining in the region.
• Strong self-reliant community. A San Bernardino County community assessment specifically notes that residents tend to look out for one another and that long-term residents have strong community connections.
• Basic necessities are available locally. Pioneer Point Market provides groceries/convenience items, while Trona Industrial Supply functions as a hardware/general store and fuel stop.
• A few surprisingly good local food options. Esparza Restaurant and Trails Drive In give residents and travelers some local choices.
• Close to Ridgecrest. Ridgecrest is your practical connection to larger stores, restaurants, medical facilities and other services.
• Excellent stargazing. The sparse population and lack of urban development mean very little light pollution.
• If you hate crowds, it is hard to beat. Trona offers genuine solitude rather than the manufactured “quiet” of an exurban subdivision.

Cons

• Extremely isolated. This is the biggest drawback. You’re not just living in a small town—you’re living in a remote desert community.
• Very limited employment. The local economy is small, and the county’s own community assessment identifies lack of job opportunities as a weakness.
• Healthcare is a major concern. There is a small Trona Clinic, but serious or specialized medical care means going to Ridgecrest or farther. The community assessment specifically identifies lack of health services as a problem.
• Very few amenities. There isn’t a conventional shopping district, large supermarket, major restaurant scene, movie theater, etc.
• You absolutely need a car. Public transportation is essentially nonexistent; lack of public transportation has also been identified as a local issue.
• Extreme heat. Summer desert temperatures can be brutal. This isn’t merely “hot California weather”; you’re living in the Mojave Desert.
• The town can look run-down. The county’s community assessment specifically mentions abandoned properties, property disrepair and a generally run-down appearance as community concerns
• Earthquake damage has been an issue. The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes caused significant damage in Trona, and the community has dealt with rebuilding and school-related issues since then. A 2023 San Bernardino County Grand Jury report discussed ongoing school/district problems following the earthquakes
• Schools have significant challenges. Recent school data shows particularly weak proficiency numbers at Trona High School—about 5% proficiency in both math and reading in the cited dataset.
• Limited social opportunities. If you’re young or want an active dating/social scene, Trona could feel exceptionally isolated.
• Mining/industrial environment. The area’s mineral industry is part of its identity, but industrial activity and the landscape around Searles Lake aren’t everyone’s idea of attractive.
• Property resale can be difficult. Cheap houses are great when you’re buying, but a tiny buyer pool can make selling much harder than in a growing California community.