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Grace C.
best-worst
Unpopular opinion about Palm Desert
Hey, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Andrew Sanchez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Miles Clark
spot on
34 upvotes
Aaliyah Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
27 upvotes
Kai Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
26 upvotes
Dominic
I work in education here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Alice W.
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Sarah M.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much established but now it's challenging.
12 upvotes
John W.
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
nycmama2024
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Kayla T.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
sdrider2021
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Lydia Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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 school system, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
7 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Nathan Chavez
big facts right here
1 upvotes