I'm interested in moving to the dessert area (Riverside, Nice: eat, ice cream)

[Ivorian]

Originally Posted by DesertDweller3

"Twinkle Toes" is right... as far as minorities are concerned, there are a lot more Hispanics than there are African Americans. Even with that said, Palm Springs is wildly eclectic in terms of its residents so neither of you should not feel out of place in any way.

Traffic isn't that bad in the morning. Aside from I-10, the main artery that connects the valley is Hwy 111. It can really get congested when we're in peak season because there are so many snow birds that flock here in the winter, but luckily, it doesn't affect the morning commute too much. I drive across town every day so I go from one end of the valley to the other and have no problems whatsoever.

Night life is another story though. It might be a bit of a culture shock if you're a young couple used to LA nightlife, but there is enough of a variety in terms of things to do. Twinkle Toes mentioned plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, etc., but Palm Springs also hosts the annual Film Festival (very, very well known), there's a lovely theatre (McCallum Theatre), casinos with a ton of headliners, there are quite a few lounges and the like on the main strip in Palm Springs but nothing toooo exciting to speak of here in the desert. The area out here is a little more on the sleepy side (which I actually prefer) but there is certainly enough to do.

Seeing that you are a hairstylist, you should not have any problems finding work... even with the economy and downsizing that's going on everywhere. The area is known as a resort destination and always seems to have opportunities for anyone in any kind of service industry. As for your husband, with HVAC, I doubt he would have much of an issue finding employment either. People freak out when it gets a little chilly in the winter after they their heater won't work (even though they use it for two weeks a year HA) and break down and pay whatever it takes to fix their air conditioner in the summer because the heat can get quite unbearable.

I wish you both luck in your new adventure!

Thank you so much after reading all the other forum i became a little skeptical and started to consider Los Angeles .I am relieved, now should i buy or rent?

[Twinkle Toes]

Probably rent first to see if you really like it here. There are the different desert cities and you will probably want to get a feel for each city first before you make a more permanent decision. I think the housing prices are going to continue to drop, so you should be okay to rent for a while before making a committment.

[DAISY GAMBLE]

Live in rancho mirage...people are judged in the desert by the zip code they live in...

[Twinkle Toes]

Originally Posted by DAISY GAMBLE

Live in rancho mirage...people are judged in the desert by the zip code they live in...

Really? Do you live here? If that is the God's honest truth, then you want to be in 92210, rather than 92270. I am a long time resident and have never been judged by my zipcode.

[POhdNcrzy]

How about a price range for a 1-bedroom or studio apt in a safe area in or nearby Palm Desert, please?

Thanks, Low-Desert-Dwellers.

[Bluesbabe]

I think Twinkle Toes has the right idea about renting at first. Just in case the summers end up not to your liking.

Personally, I find the Palm Springs-surrounding area very peaceful. It's definitely different, and I wouldn't call it 'exciting'. There is NO big city feel to it at all. I know it's grown in population a lot in the last 10+ years but it still feels "small and quiet" compared to LA.

Outside of summer, the weather is great, there is some awesome hiking to be enjoyed, some nice drives. It's a bit of a drive to the ocean, but at least it's close enough. As for the blistering summers, it at least gives you the summer to vacation in other places that time of year.

Wonderful produce is grown in the Coachella Valley.

There are some unique things in that area. The Indian Palm Canyons is one of the most awesome sights to behold, but my husband and I are about the only people I know who has taken the time to go there. Seems most tourists just go to golf and sunbathe by the pool.

Good luck. Hope it works out for you.

[Twinkle Toes]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

I think Twinkle Toes has the right idea about renting at first. Just in case the summers end up not to your liking.

Personally, I find the Palm Springs-surrounding area very peaceful. It's definitely different, and I wouldn't call it 'exciting'. There is NO big city feel to it at all. I know it's grown in population a lot in the last 10+ years but it still feels "small and quiet" compared to LA.

Outside of summer, the weather is great, there is some awesome hiking to be enjoyed, some nice drives. It's a bit of a drive to the ocean, but at least it's close enough. As for the blistering summers, it at least gives you the summer to vacation in other places that time of year.

Wonderful produce is grown in the Coachella Valley.

There are some unique things in that area. The Indian Palm Canyons is one of the most awesome sights to behold, but my husband and I are about the only people I know who has taken the time to go there. Seems most tourists just go to golf and sunbathe by the pool.

Good luck. Hope it works out for you.

I've hiked the Indian Canyons numerous times! But you're right - most people from other places who come here aren't planning on a hike. That's typically a locals thing.

[Bluesbabe]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

I've hiked the Indian Canyons numerous times! But you're right - most people from other places who come here aren't planning on a hike. That's typically a locals thing.

And the tourists miss out on something unique in the world! I was speaking with some English tourists once who had taken the time to go to Palm Canyon. They have travelled the Middle East extensively, and said that they never saw a cluster of majestic palm trees anywhere like the Palm Canyons.

Other than being breathtaking, it is so serene and peaceful, and being in it is experiencing Native Indian history grounds. It's awesome.

'Guess I got off-topic?

[cdq]

Weather and nightlife... just how important are these to you?
As mentioned by some other posters, the summers are pretty extreme in the "low-desert" and the winters can be (though you are probably used to worse back east) in the high desert.
Night life varies - you can find it down PS way.... but then you have to go all the way to Vegas. It's pretty much local and casual in the Victorville and outlying areas. It's a rural kind of fun.

[Ivorian]

I was truly excited about buying a house but after reading quite a few other threads i think we'll rent for about 6 months or so and go from there. The nightlife is not that much of a big deal. when i got married that went out the window. But every once i a while i like to party. As long as i can shop, eat, drive around in peace and go to the movies .I think i can survive. the last time i visited the dessert; Looks like Palm dessert is growing the shops area. I am now looking online to compare apartment pricing and square footage.