Palm Springs: Just a vacation spot, or livable city? (Riverside: spring break, real estate)

[Chi2014]

Hi -

We've been looking at Palm Springs as a possible place to relocate to - wondering if anyone lives there or has lived there recently?

While the housing style we want is there, and it seems affordable, the job market in the city itself looks sparse, and I'm wondering how far people in this area commute for their jobs.

Any thoughts about PS? Yay, nay or anywhere in between?

Thanks.

[nightlysparrow]

Love the mid-century architecture. The nights there are magical. If you can take a few months of 110 degree weather, it's very nice. Palm Springs has been going through a downturn, but seems to be recovering. Some of the other desert cities have stolen some of the attention and business, like Palm Desert but they are more suburban. Just to the north of PS is a crime-y area, but the police in PS seem to be on it.

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[bigdumbgod]

A bit old, rich, and golfy, no? (Except for Spring Break)

Indio, Coachella, Banning might be a little more realistic.

[justducky2]

My in-laws live in the area.

It's over 100 by April and that lasts well into the end of October.

In fact, many clothing shops on El Paseo Drive (a ritzy shopping area) close up shop from May-September because it's too darn hot.

My in-laws air condition their garage...no joke. Otherwise, the car would be too hot and unbearable.

[things and stuff]

Is it a humid heat in the summer? I mean, it is a desert area, after all, right?

I've always wondered how 102 degrees dry heat compares to 88 degrees sticky wet heat here in South Louisiana.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by things and stuff

Is it a humid heat in the summer? I mean, it is a desert area, after all, right?

I've always wondered how 102 degrees dry heat compares to 88 degrees sticky wet heat here in South Louisiana.

It's a dry heat, but once you get over 100, hot is hot. It's very hard to take especially since the 100 degree weather lasts a solid 4 months. I think some of the posters here are exaggerating. It does hit 100 in April & October, but it's the exception in those months, not the rule. A typical April or October high would be in the high 80s or low 90s. I know because I was there this past October.

That said, 4 months of 100 plus heat (110 is not that unusual in July/August) wears on you.

[USDefault]

Palm Springs sucks as a permanent residency. Wicked hot in the summer. Not much to do besides casinos or golf, maybe tennis if that is your thing. Brown everywhere.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by Chi2014

While the housing style we want is there, and it seems affordable, the job market in the city itself looks sparse, and I'm wondering how far people in this area commute for their jobs.

PS is about 50 miles from any big city (Riverside, San Bernardino), about the limit for commuting (speed limits on the freeway are higher in that area). There is a commuter train. There is also an airport, nice for people visiting you.

Real estate prices are still so reasonable. Re condos, be aware of possible excessive HOA fees (most places have pools, many with tennis, golf). There are 3 hospitals in the area and the job market is not bad for healthcare, especially home care. Also nearby opportunities in retail (e.g., Cabazon Outlet Mall) and gaming (Morongo Casino) and hospitality (many resorts/hotels).

[Fontucky]

It's a dry heat except for monsoon season, which is when it becomes a rival to any oppressive, humid hellhole in the Deep South.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

That said, 4 months of 100 plus heat (110 is not that unusual in July/August) wears on you.

One can always escape: