ocated in the Inland Empire North of San Bernardino County, the City of Hesperia's 91,000 residents make it the second largest community in the High Desert region of southern California. Hesperia has a youthful population of median aged 32 year-olds and over 73% of Hesperia's residents own their homes.
   Encompassing nearly 75 square miles, Hesperia's sphere of influence extends along the desirable north-south frontage of Interstate 15. While large parcels of land suitable for big box development are becoming scarce in the Inland Empire valleys, up to 160-acre parcels are available in Hesperia at considerably lower costs than found in southern California. Additionally, Hesperia has 1,032 acres zoned for commercial and industrial development in two redevelopment project areas.
   One key advantage to locating in Hesperia is its strategic position at the intersection of two major thoroughfares: I-15 and U. S. Highway 395, with easy connections to I-10, and State Routes 58, 138, and 18. Hesperia is ideally situated near the summit of the I-15's Cajon Pass, putting it closer than any other High Desert city to markets throughout the Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
   A diverse and skilled workforce is one reason why businesses find Hesperia the perfect location for expansion and start-up ventures. Hesperia is home to the region's largest labor force. Along with an average unemployment rate under 6%, this large, qualified workforce includes 43% of Hesperia's workers who commute and would prefer to work closer to home. Hourly wage rates are ten to twenty percent lower than those in the Los Angeles area. This cost-effective labor pool enables a business to reduce collateral costs, increase profitability and continue to expand its operations in the future.
   Hesperia offers one of the most favorable business climates in the Inland Empire North. A menu of local, county, state and federal incentives can be packaged to suit almost any qualified enterprise ready to make Hesperia its home. Contact Hesperia's Economic Development Department at (760) 947-1906 or visit the City of Hesperia at www.cityofhesperia.us.