Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Twentynine Palms sits at 440.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $238,400 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
18 upvotes
2 Replies
Isabelle
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Josiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.