Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,717/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Palm Desert sits at 252.9 per 100K. With a population of 51,551, Palm Desert is a smaller city. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Low crime in most areas
- Good schools
- Low taxes
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Cold winters
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Allison Kelly
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Leo Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Emma Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Old Town and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
30 upvotes
Roy J.
this is the way
12 upvotes
Owen Rodriguez
Came here for work and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
vegaslover2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 10 years. Moved from Atlanta for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 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:**
consulting is strong here. marketing 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Oak Park 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Lily Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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