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Hunter M.
living
Living in Palm Desert -the reality
OK so With a population of 51,551, Palm Desert is a smaller city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I wrong here?
12 upvotes
21 Replies
Leo Turner
following this thread
36 upvotes
Ava Ramos
I've lived in Oak Park for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Sarah Patel
Saving this thread
26 upvotes
Julia H.
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Isaiah P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Scarlett T.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Delilah Cruz
I've lived in Sunset for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Bennett R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Brooks White
Moved here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to job market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Cooper Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Melanie Ruiz
I've lived in North for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Miles Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
8 upvotes
declan_walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
thanks for sharing
8 upvotes
Claire Diaz
underrated comment
6 upvotes
living_adam80
bump
5 upvotes
Eva W.
as a local I can confirm
5 upvotes
Hannah Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Clara Mendoza
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
2 upvotes
Jean P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes
Piper Adams
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
0 upvotes