Fort Irwin is about 36 miles 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 36 miles from downtown Barstow to base; this takes about 46 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 in the last few years was 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 from 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, very rarely, snow. Summers are hot, dry, and clear, winters are cool and clear.

Earthquakes: People new to California should be aware that this area is near the San Andreas Fault, and earthquakes are simply a fact of life. Minor earthquakes happen occasionally; long time residents will ignore small earthquakes and medium earthquakes are like a heavy storm - something to chat about. Major earthquakes are rarer, and should be prepared for with emergency supplies, strapping your heavy furniture and appliances, and by knowing 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.