29 palms (Los Angeles, Oceanside, Palm Springs: environment, military, gated)

[ralita]

I am planning to purchase some land to build a house in 29 Palms.

Do you think is a growing area? I love the Joshua Tree park but I am not sure about future developments in the area.

[Paula Lynn]

Originally Posted by ralita

I am planning to purchase some land to build a house in 29 Palms.

Do you think is a growing area? I love the Joshua Tree park but I am not sure about future developments in the area.

I don't know much about 29 Palms. I was there once in the middle of the summer. I remember it was HOT, HOT, HOT. The evenings in that desert sun were wonderful, tho. Very military environment and tattoo parlors on every corner.

[CantWait2Bthere]

Ralita.....the only reason I know of anyone to live in 29 Palms is because he/she is stationed there at the Marine Corp base. And as the wife of a Marine let's just say I am thankful we never had to be stationed there.

We went out there to visit a Marine friend of ours a few years back and the most thrilling thing we did was hang out at the Wal-mart the next town over to get out of the heat. IT is cheap to buy a house there though. Good luck.

[Screenial]

I lived in 29 Palms for over a year, now I've lived in Joshua Tree for the last three years. The desert isn't for everyone, but I see a lot of beauty in the desert. Yes, it gets hot in the summer, but I just do as they do in Mexico, and get up early, take a siesta, and then stay up in the evenings. I also take my vacations away in August. Right now the weather is great, 80's during the day, 50-60 at night. 29 is a bit hotter than Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. The area is a weird mix of Marines, artists, desert rats, meth-heads, and retired people. The place may be boring for some, but I don't need a bunch of shopping malls and Cineplexes to entertain myself. I can drive down to Palm Springs for more culture.
I have met several families lately that have moved to the area from LA to get away from the city life. There are also people moving to Yucca Valley because Palm Springs has got too pricey. I think 29 will stay a slow town for quite awhile, at least the locals want to keep it that way. There is a tight-knit artist community in the area that wants to avoid the developers from coming in and building a big gated community. I know there are some developers that have bought up a great deal of cheap available property, but I have no idea what stage they are in when it comes to actually building anything.
There are still many family run businesses, which I personally like. But in Yucca Valley there is talk of a Super Walmart, and they just broke ground for a Home Depot.
It is difficult to find reliable contractors in the area, and service people tend to be REAL flakey. I know several people that are building houses, and have found the building codes and regulations to be a pain. One person told me he thought it would have been easier to have bought a fixer and just remodel it. Depending where the lots is, vandalism on job-sites can be a problem if you plan on leaving the area for awhile. My husband and I are actually looking at speculative property right now, and there are still nice sized lots with good views of the valley for the 50-60K range ( of course these were only 5K a few years ago).
I'd say that Twenty-nine Palms is a good place to build a get-away home, but for full time living it can be difficult. Decent jobs are few and far between, and most of the people are poor or on a limited income out here. I drive the 45 minute drive down to Palm Springs every day, and the highway is very dangerous. I'm pretty sick of the drive and wish I could find a suitable job up where I live.But, I have a decent house that I only paid 129K for which you can't beat in California.

[ralita]

Originally Posted by Screenial

My husband and I are actually looking at speculative property right now, and there are still nice sized lots with good views of the valley for the 50-60K range ( of course these were only 5K a few years ago).

Which are the better areas to possibly buy a lot of land?

[Chaseplace]

May 2008...My main home is in Oceanside, California but I buy, sell, and hang on property in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Wonder Valley which is the area east of 29 Palms. This Valley reminds me of an early San Fernando Valley, near Los Angeles. The area is growing with everything coming in yearly. All you need to be happy except mayb jobs. An Indian Casino goes into SE Twentynine Palms shortly. The Home Depot is in. They have 24 hour gas stations and restaurants out here that rival the coast.

I have been sitting on one of my properties in the foothills overlooking 29 Palms. Quiet and beautiful, yet if I get the munchies it is a short drive to Mexican food, or Jack in the Box any time of the day. They have video rentals, movie theatres, radio shack..etc. I have sat TV, wireless computer, wind gen electricity. I have a water main and power poles and will be building a home shortly. It is 130 miles to Laughlin, Nevada and the river and casinos if you really wish to party. And there are a lot of good people out here and a few bad ones. I have yet to get into any trouble. No one has burglarized my stuff nor said one bad word to me. Neighbors have been nice and most leave you totally alone so it is your choice. Hermit or party animal. The main thing is that the air is clean. The prices are cheap. I eat breakfast at Petes, eggs, potatoes, sausage,toast, coffee $5.85. Mex dinner to rival El Torritos about $10. The rib company excellent beef and buffalo but a little more pricey..However, worth it. All the fast also. Slower life...Hawks, Tortoise and Chuckawalla lizards. Joshua National Park. 4X4 needed out here....

Write me to answer any Valley questions. I am friendly and will not try to sell you anything lol!

[MoeAnthony]

My husband and I are looking into purchasing property in the Wonder Valley area of 29 Palms. Sounds like there is enough progressive living and like most city dwellers who are a little over urban living, we are looking for a different pace. As artists, we also feel that the 29 Palms area might be a great small network. I guess I'm two years to late to get connected but we are negotiating our purchase at this time and plan to spend some time on the vacant land in the spring and fall to see how things are and to begin thinking about construction. Anyway, I'm here as a resource - we are researching some sustainable living options to minimize our carbon and other footprints on this property.

I have mixed feelings about the casino coming but we'll see what happens...

[Chaseplace]

Originally Posted by ralita

I am planning to purchase some land to build a house in 29 Palms.

Do you think is a growing area? I love the Joshua Tree park but I am not sure about future developments in the area.

My main home is in Oceanside, California but I come out to the Morongo Valley a lot. This valley reminds me of a young San Fernando Valley near LA, CA, which used to be wheat fields and small ranch houses. I am in a trailer on a property over looking the City of 29 Palms righ now, and I have people building me a chain link fence. I will probably build a hay, adobe house here. Quiet, beautiful views. The area is growing. Prices are rising. A new casino goes into 29 Palms next year. The Marine base is expanding thus business for the towns and of course the baby boomers are beginning to retire and come here. I am enjoying and have also purchased a lot of land and some Rec cabins I am remodeling. I am a retired baby boomer thus this is a hobby for me. I buy good land cheaper than anyone, use, improve and sell it cheaper than a RE company or professionals can do it. I am the seller, bank, escrow you name it and can get the workers you may need to do whatever you need. Info and help is free from me. I am having fun and love to help others even if profit to me save feeling good and points in heaven. Jim Chase Jim71647@gmail.com 760 272-3069
If anyone wishes info on anything or evn wishes to buy I can get you land