Palm Desert quality of life -am I missing something?
Anyone else feel this way? I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
25 upvotes
9 Replies
Lydia P.
bump
38 upvotes
Alice A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
glad someone said it
33 upvotes
bennett_dude
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
claire_chef
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Abigail S.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
21 upvotes
Ella Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 13 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Oliver Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Alice R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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