La Quinta/Palm Desert - Best neighborhood for kids ???? (best neighborhoods, safe neighborhood)

[momma said no]

Hello to all in this forum. I can't thank you all enough for the incredible wealth of info you've collectively shared in this forum. I've worn out the search function and learned a lot.

My question is more specific in that we are looking for the best neighborhoods for kids in either La Quinta or Palm Desert. We're planning on moving in a few months from NYC.

Hoping to get very specific info on what sections or developments are full of good families with lot's of young children. (area x between y street and z street) ( or the name of development)
The quality of elementary school is also a factor.

It's been my experience that even great towns have certain sub sections that are better for kids if only better because they're a lot more kids in them!

Price is much less of a factor for us thanks to the housing downturn (and to any who are suffering because of that you have our deepest best wishes in this difficult time).

If I could also ask that "desert bashers" please refrain from posting. Yes we know its hot and we gladly choose it over a new york winter.

Thanks in advance for you advice !

[K9K9K9]

I don't know neighborhoods but big heads up on public schools. I know many teachers who report that ESL students hold back their English speaking students. Many private schools available.

[momma said no]

From what I have heard/read - Palm Desert and La Quinta school districts are very good. It seems like South Palm Desert gives you Washington Charter Elem/PD charter middle/ PD HS.
La Quinta Earhardt/Glenn/LQ high looks like a good track.

Wondering if any readers prefer one over the other . ???
My bigger question is within those areas are there specific neighborhoods/developments that just have a better vibe for elementary aged kids?

thanks

[KarlaT2]

We live in the Amelia Earhart elementary/John Glenn middle district of North La Quinta. Love the schools. The area specifically is east of Adams, west of Dune Palms, north of Westward Ho, and south of Fred Waring. Lots of kids, and very safe neighborhood.
Palm Desert is nice, but I have no personal experience with the schools other than what I've heard. If you have questions you can DM me.

[onechase]

Best advice is to come out here during the week to check out specific neighborhoods. Many communities in La Quinta and Palm Desert are mainly second home areas and they will be much more active on weekends during the season. During the summer, many developments are pretty much empty. Ask around and make sure you pick a community with lots of year-round residents.

One thing to remember if you're coming from NY is the cost of air conditioning. Huge homes sound nice but can cost a small fortune to cool in the summer if they don't have a zoned system. Keep in mind that during the summer (which is about May to late September) temperatures will average 115 during the day... and will still be close to 100 even at 10 or 11 at night! For reasons I'm not exactly clear on, La Quinta has much lower electric rates than Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage, so that may be something to think about.

[Twinkle Toes]

Originally Posted by onechase

Best advice is to come out here during the week to check out specific neighborhoods. Many communities in La Quinta and Palm Desert are mainly second home areas and they will be much more active on weekends during the season. During the summer, many developments are pretty much empty. Ask around and make sure you pick a community with lots of year-round residents.

One thing to remember if you're coming from NY is the cost of air conditioning. Huge homes sound nice but can cost a small fortune to cool in the summer if they don't have a zoned system. Keep in mind that during the summer (which is about May to late September) temperatures will average 115 during the day... and will still be close to 100 even at 10 or 11 at night! For reasons I'm not exactly clear on, La Quinta has much lower electric rates than Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage, so that may be something to think about.

It's because La Quinta is on Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Palm Desert is on Edison.