Above: Sometimes the Lucerne Valley clouds seem to open up to the heavens. While not all outsiders understand the town's appeal, most of those who live here see a variety of good qualities. Many residents recently shared their love for their town in the article below. File photo by Kris Reilly
---------------------
By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
Lucerne Valley may not stack up against others by conventional measurements, but residents say the town has what trendier places lack: friendliness, charm, character and stellar views.
"Nine years ago we moved to Lucerne," resident Joei Tossetti Miller wrote on the Leader Facebook page. "I had no idea I would fall in love with our little town. I have made friends that became family. I could not ask for better teachers and staff at our schools. I can not imagine raising my kids anywhere else. Good or bad, Lucerne is our home."
Miller was one of many who responded to a Leader post asking for responses to an article published earlier on Roadsnacks.net. In the article by writer Nick Johnson, Roadsnacks ranked the "10 Worst Places to Live in California." Lucerne Valley ranked second. Desert Hot Springs took the top (or bottom?) spot. Hesperia and Adelanto also were on the list.
According to Johnson, the site used FBI crime data, the government census, Bureau of Labor statistics and a best places guide to determine its findings. They looked at population density, highest unemployment rates, adjusted median income, high crime, weather and other factors.
The following are other comments from the Facebook page:
Angela Neuman: "While there are some downsides to living in Lucerne Valley isn't there downsides to just about every town? There are so many upsides: sense of community, dedicated teachers who care about the students, beautiful homes at low cost, convenience of being only a couple hours or less from great getaway places like the beach, Vegas or Big Bear. And how about that view? It's one of a kind no matter where in Lucerne you are."
Andy Thai: "Lucerne Valley is an excellent place to live."
Kala Schroeder: "I love Lucerne Valley! I love our schools, the most friendly people in all of California, the community events. I could seriously go on and on. We do have a farther commute to work but that's what we decided on moving from Fontana. The crime is nothing comparable to the other cities in the High Desert. You hardly ever see the helicopters out searching or neighbors out fighting. I absolutely love Lucerne Valley!"
Leah Paddack: "There's something about our little town that people outside of it just do not understand. And as for the schools, we may not receive the big funds that larger school districts receive, but I can personally attest to the fact that the staff and the parents go above and beyond to make up for it."
Amanda Wyatt: "Lucerne Valley saved me. I love it here. I moved here to get away from a bad situation and start fresh with my kids. Had no idea where I was going when my parents brought us here. This town has awesome people. Sure the weather is hot in the summer. Getting a job is difficult, but I absolutely love the smallness to the town. My boys can go outside and not hear gun fire or car chases. They can ride their bikes in the street and not get hit by a car. It's great here. I wouldn't trade it for the world."
Sarah Crabtree: "I love Lucerne Valley! I love all the little stores and the cute market."
Shonna Burgess: "We love living in Lucerne Valley for so many reasons: It's quiet, the people are some of the friendliest and the school and staff are awesome. My kids have only been in LVUSD for two years and I have seen such improvements with both of them. We can't wait for another school year."
Georgiann Nichols: "Lucerne Valley is what you make it. Just like any other town there are positives and negatives along with the ever present ups and downs. It's a good town, interesting people, it's scenic and beautiful. And I will put our market up against any business or store anywhere. And how about our bank? These are town businesses that care about the town they serve, they give back again and again. It's wonderful to be recognized and appreciated when you go in these place. Go in the cafe. It's full of friends eating or working."
Lou Grantt: "We moved here nine years ago and we love it. When we lived down in the city, we didn't even know who our neighbors were. Total strangers. Now here in Lucerne Valley, when I go into the market or the café or China House, there are always people there that I know who greet me warmly and I feel like I'm at home. We bought a nice little piece of land with a beautiful view of the mountains behind us and we put a little house on it. As much as we can, we support local merchants and we appreciate that they support our community. That survey was ridiculous. I don't think anyone came here to talk to those of us who actually live here. The criteria they used don't matter to us. What matters to us is community, friends and neighbors, and so many other things that are important and not just dry statistics. So really, what do they know?"
Cindy Kendall-Clary: "I lived in Lucerne Valley for 12 years and just left two weeks ago. I liked it. My neighbor's were nice and we had a beautiful view. I will miss it a lot."
Caridad Lopez: "We have lived here for 26 years. We have raised our three kids here. The school and teachers are very good. And everybody knows everyone and are very friendly."
Tom Hagen: "Life in Lucerne Valley — if you don't get it, then it isn't for you."
The view the study, visit http://www.roadsnacks.net/worst-places-to-live-in-california/ To join the conversation, "like" the Leader's Facebook page at Facebook.com/LVLeader.