I live in a rather unusual area of Southern California. I am on the north (translation DRY) side of the San Bernardino mountains, north east of LA. What do I like about this areas? Besides the sunsets and my house, not a blasted thing.
This town is too remote for my tastes. There are only three restaurants which stay open after 3pm. You may dine on Mexican food, pizza or sushi after 3pm unless you want to drive 20 miles to the nearest "real" town. There is one bank and two gas stations. NO shopping whatsoever unless you call the one grocery store "shopping". The closest shopping of any type, is 15 miles away and consists of Target, Ross, Verizon Wireless and Joann Fabrics. NO entertainment at all unless you count the July 4th fireworks display. A couple of years ago a branch of the county library opened but they are geared entirely towards children.
It is quiet enough here for me to hear the semi trucks downshifting for a stoplight two miles away. lol When there is no moon it is do dark that you cannot see your hand in front of your face. If I am out after dark on those nights, I have to back my truck into the garage so I can see to shut the gate.

You may keep almost any kind of animal on your property but you can't put up bright outdoor lighting. The desert vegetation is interesting but it is next to impossible to grow anything edible or pretty. The desert critters think flowers and veggies are planted for them to enjoy a salad.
You may wonder why anyone lives here. Some folks like the quiet and dark. If you like the desert, the views are amazing. I can see over 50 miles to the north on most days. The mountains are less than three miles away. There is always sunshine because there are seldom any clouds or rain. (I like the sunshine but my skin hates the lack of humidity.) It's only 10 miles to snow skiing in the winter. (I don't ski and hate snow.) The schools are amazing if you have school aged children. For such a small place their are a lot of churches, at least six. I think you could go to church every day of the week if you so desired.
We have made the best of this. It was an interesting experience but I've been stuck here long enough and am currently looking for a house back on the other side of the mountains.

THAT part of Southern California, I LOVE!