Moving to Palm Desert (La Quinta, Coachella: rental, HOA, crime)

[chomchom]

we are going to relocate Palm desert (from Dallas, TX)very shortly (within a month or two. We will be on a rental provided by the company for up to 4 months).
We have 2 little kids (5 and 1 1/2) and would like to find a good "family-friendly" place.
Going through the posts, North La Quinta seems to be a good fit although we are not sure it is within our budget ($300K-$350K). we have the following question:
- how are the shools in the area?
- what would be the utility cost for the peak month (we have a 3000sqft home in Dallas and utilities for the hottest month would be ~$550: $400 for electricity and $150 for water).
- I heard the HOA is extremely high (relative to Texas)
- How about city, county and school taxes?

Thank you in advance for all your help.

[Zaney]

I've never been to Texas, but I did live in Palm Desert.(I'd never go back- even if I got a free house).
How hot is it in Texas in the summer? Palm Desert you can count on days of at least 120. The first summer I was there it was 130 one day. My friend's car rear view mirror fell off because the inside of her car was so hot.
I have friends that still live there and they have said that crime has really gone up in the past years.
Whatever you so stay out of Desert Hot Springs- it's like a demilitarized zone.

But that said, as long as you are prepared for the heat.

I found jobs to be pretty scarce - unless you are in healthcare- and the pay to be pretty appalling.

Our house cost about $300 in electricity in the summer- only because we kept the air off as long as we could stand it (that's what most people do). Otherwise it would have been alot higher.

Other than that, if it's still there, go to the Blue Coyote restaurant. It was one of my favorites.

[LQQKOUT]

from living in Cali for over 15 years and moving to Texas. The summers are very different. Texas heat we hit 98-102 in the summer but the humidity levels are 100%, in the California Desert there is dry, cracking heat. Totally different. I lived in the High Desert, but I have been to Desert Hot Springs and I have friends that live there that want to move out of their due to the crime and drug problems.
To the poster why California and why that area? Is there any other are you might consider?

Although utilities are also very different, in California you have one electric provider (unless they allowed regulation). And the cost of living is much more higher in California. Also you will have state taxes...but remember the state is bankrupt, also be perpared to pay hundreds of dollars at the local DMV (Tax office) for your cars. And the smog requirements are extremely strict.

I purchased a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer new and my renewal came in 2005 after we moved to Texas and the fees were $374.00, yes that's tags for one year. In Texas, I paid $111.00 to tranfer the vehicle and $78.00 for the tags. And last month my renewal came in for that same vehicle and they were $63.00. They would still be in the hundreds in California.

I am not telling everyone to move to Texas. What I am clearly stating are facts of my situation.

[Twinkle Toes]

I lived in Texas for a while, couldn't stand the place and the 3% property tax, and came back to the Coachella Valley. I am SOOOOOOOO glad I could come back. Sometimes you just don't appreciate what you had until you don't have it anymore. Fortunately, I have it again.

[chomchom]

Thanks all for your reply.

The main reason for us to move out there is the job opportunity and we figured out this would be a good change for all of us. Besides, we have been there a few times and the surrounding was breath taking!!
For the heat, we will do fine as long as it is not humid!

Proud Rowlett Owner,
You pointed out the smog requirements for cars. We are planning to ship both of ours out there. Is there any particular thing to take care beside the registration?

Twinkle Toes,
We plan to rent a house for the first few months , then possible buy one shortly after. I was thinking for borh houses to be in the same area so we won't be messing around with the school. I am leaning toward North La Quinta as it has good school reviews, close to our work (shopping area in El Paseo) and from what I have read, easy on the utilities. What would the rent in that area? can we afford anything with a $300K budget?

Thanks again for your input!

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by chomchom

Proud Rowlett Owner,
You pointed out the smog requirements for cars. We are planning to ship both of ours out there. Is there any particular thing to take care beside the registration?

Make sure you have deep pockets! I am serious. California DMV rates are very high and paying out of state transfer is where they hit you in the pocket heavy. Smog out in Cali requires more testing on your vehicle, which is more money for the smog. Although smog testing is (or was) every two years on vehicles unless they are a certain age or new. California has very strict smog and admission laws as well as fuel laws which is one reason for the higher hike in the fuel you purchase in California verses elsewhere.

Obviously make sure you vehicle is in good running order, no cracks in windows, check engine light and such. When you go to the DMV you will surrender your TX lic for a Cali one and I believe (if memory stands correctly) they are only good for 4 years. Not like Texas where you have them for 7-10 years. Good luck to you in California!

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

I lived in Texas for a while, couldn't stand the place and the 3% property tax, and came back to the Coachella Valley. I am SOOOOOOOO glad I could come back. Sometimes you just don't appreciate what you had until you don't have it anymore. Fortunately, I have it again.

I am happy to pay my property taxes and bear the burdens of Texas Humid Heat before I would go back to a state that has so many laws they have laws for laws. And I enjoy not paying the State of Texas any money out of my pay check either.

California is beautiful in many, many places. I go there on vacation and to visit family and that is good enough for me.

Glad you are happy where you are at now.