Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,717/month for a decent place. Median household income is $79,508, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,551 people. With a population of 51,551, Palm Desert is a smaller city. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Daniel Moore
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
39 upvotes
real_isaac91
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Roman Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
27 upvotes
Miles King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
nashville_eliana
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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