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I'd like to hear from any families that moved to the Palm Springs area within the last few years to find out how you like it? We are seriously thinking of relocating to the area, with teenagers.
Where are you coming from? Is this a job related move or do you just like the area?
My husband and I moved here 8 years ago and here are my thoughts:
- I loved it my first 6 months...but then summer hit and I just couldn't take the heat. I came from Colorado so I was not used to the intense heat you have to suffer through for MONTHS!! And it doesn't even cool down at night, so its like you just can't escape it. I think by August, Sept...I've noticed everyone gets cranky...really cranky because you just can't get a break from it.
-Every summer I tell myself that I want to move because I can't stand it. BUT as soon as things cool down, wow, this place can be really beautiful. Especially when there's snow on the mountains. But there are A LOT of snowbirds and they clog up the roads during in-season so that's the downside to the nicer months.
-I myself, don't have any children (I'm in my 30's but I would have kids if I could but I can't) but I have a lot of friends who do and they were picky about where in the Valley they wanted to live (school wise for the kids). We live in North La Quinta and from what I've heard, La Quinta high school is a good one. We used to live in Palm Desert and I didn't see as many younger families there. For example, at church when young families would move in, after a year they would all move to La Quinta, or to the newer neighborhoods in Indio.
So I have mixed feelings on the area - sorry I couldn't be of more help as far as teenagers go. I guess it all depends on where you're coming from. But I would recommend living in North La Quinta; its a great spot in the valley and your teenagers can go to La Quinta HS.
Where are you coming from? Is this a job related move or do you just like the area?
My husband and I moved here 8 years ago and here are my thoughts:
- I loved it my first 6 months...but then summer hit and I just couldn't take the heat. I came from Colorado so I was not used to the intense heat you have to suffer through for MONTHS!! And it doesn't even cool down at night, so its like you just can't escape it. I think by August, Sept...I've noticed everyone gets cranky...really cranky because you just can't get a break from it.
-Every summer I tell myself that I want to move because I can't stand it. BUT as soon as things cool down, wow, this place can be really beautiful. Especially when there's snow on the mountains. But there are A LOT of snowbirds and they clog up the roads during in-season so that's the downside to the nicer months.
-I myself, don't have any children (I'm in my 30's but I would have kids if I could but I can't) but I have a lot of friends who do and they were picky about where in the Valley they wanted to live (school wise for the kids). We live in North La Quinta and from what I've heard, La Quinta high school is a good one. We used to live in Palm Desert and I didn't see as many younger families there. For example, at church when young families would move in, after a year they would all move to La Quinta, or to the newer neighborhoods in Indio.
So I have mixed feelings on the area - sorry I couldn't be of more help as far as teenagers go. I guess it all depends on where you're coming from. But I would recommend living in North La Quinta; its a great spot in the valley and your teenagers can go to La Quinta HS.
Thank you, you have been very helpful!
I understand the mixed feelings!
We are moving from Seattle and it is job related. I grew up in Seattle and really cannot stand the weather here. I need sunshine and heat. We have lived in other places (Santa Cruz and also Chicago and Wisconsin) We have visited La Quinta/Palm Desert this past summer, spring and fall. We love the lifestyle there and we love warm weather. We had planned on possibly moving there after the kids finished school and then this great job offer came up now.
I like that we would be 2 hours from snow skiing or the ocean. But is there enough to do locally? Do you feel isolated?
My main concern is if this is a place for children, but I'm finding out that there are more children than I thought. Another concern is if there is alot of gangs and crime? I have read about it and I'm wondering how bad it really is?
I live in the area, 2 kids with one on the way. We don't feel isolated at all and there things for kids to do, sports, hiking, etc.. As far as crime goes, it's there, then again, it's everywhere, but nowhere near the same levels as Seattle. If you guys are ok with the heat, and that's the prime demotivator for most here, come on out. Take this info for what it's worth though, just some guy on the internet.
I live in the area, 2 kids with one on the way. We don't feel isolated at all and there things for kids to do, sports, hiking, etc.. As far as crime goes, it's there, then again, it's everywhere, but nowhere near the same levels as Seattle. If you guys are ok with the heat, and that's the prime demotivator for most here, come on out. Take this info for what it's worth though, just some guy on the internet.
Thank you, TBCasino! I appreciate the input. I wish more people would respond, any info is helpful!
I've lived here since I was six, and raised my 3 kids here. People from cities often complain about there not being enough to do, but I don't find that to be true. When growing up, the town would close down for the entire month of August and La Quinta barely existed. My kids were always busy with sports and school activities. There are theater and arts programs available, horseback riding, ice skating, all kinds of things. You won't find a lot of kids just running around playing in the neighborhoods. Most everything here is an organized activity of some kind - swimming, water polo, soccer, baseball, dance, etc. Don't worry, we really aren't one of those areas where every minute of every day has to be scheduled. I've only known a few kids who had to go from piano, to dance, to tutoring, etc (crazy, in my opinion). From October-April, you couldn't ask for nicer weather. The summer heat is usually more than most people bargain for. It's bad enough when it runs 110-120 for weeks at a time, but it also doesn't get any cooler than 85 at night. The mugginess moves in July-September, and it can be really nasty. People who visit during the winter and spring are all geared up for a "dry" heat and that's just not what we have here. After 40 years here, I've never "gotten used to" the heat. Instead, I try to explain to people that it's like being snowed in, in reverse. Newcomers and summer tourists often get into trouble with heatstroke. It's best to stay cool and stay hydrated. Locals will tell you, in the summer we go from air conditioned home, to air conditioned car, to air conditioned work/store/school.
As for gangs, yes they exist. I was a teacher for at-risk kids in Palm Springs, and know where all the gangs are in the western valley - not so much the eastern valley. I can tell you, they tend to stay to themselves, in their own neighborhoods. Ask your realtor. They should be able to tell you where they are. I've also never known them to actively recruit like you hear happening in some larger cities. I have two daughters and a son. They never had any run-ins or threats of any kind. I think that answered most of your questions. It will definitely be a change for you, but you'll also find lots of people from the PNW who have relocated here.
I've lived here since I was six, and raised my 3 kids here. People from cities often complain about there not being enough to do, but I don't find that to be true. When growing up, the town would close down for the entire month of August and La Quinta barely existed. My kids were always busy with sports and school activities. There are theater and arts programs available, horseback riding, ice skating, all kinds of things. You won't find a lot of kids just running around playing in the neighborhoods. Most everything here is an organized activity of some kind - swimming, water polo, soccer, baseball, dance, etc. Don't worry, we really aren't one of those areas where every minute of every day has to be scheduled. I've only known a few kids who had to go from piano, to dance, to tutoring, etc (crazy, in my opinion). From October-April, you couldn't ask for nicer weather. The summer heat is usually more than most people bargain for. It's bad enough when it runs 110-120 for weeks at a time, but it also doesn't get any cooler than 85 at night. The mugginess moves in July-September, and it can be really nasty. People who visit during the winter and spring are all geared up for a "dry" heat and that's just not what we have here. After 40 years here, I've never "gotten used to" the heat. Instead, I try to explain to people that it's like being snowed in, in reverse. Newcomers and summer tourists often get into trouble with heatstroke. It's best to stay cool and stay hydrated. Locals will tell you, in the summer we go from air conditioned home, to air conditioned car, to air conditioned work/store/school.
As for gangs, yes they exist. I was a teacher for at-risk kids in Palm Springs, and know where all the gangs are in the western valley - not so much the eastern valley. I can tell you, they tend to stay to themselves, in their own neighborhoods. Ask your realtor. They should be able to tell you where they are. I've also never known them to actively recruit like you hear happening in some larger cities. I have two daughters and a son. They never had any run-ins or threats of any kind. I think that answered most of your questions. It will definitely be a change for you, but you'll also find lots of people from the PNW who have relocated here.
Thank you, MamaRed. You have been very helpful. Really appreciate your insight!
My main concern is if this is a place for children, but I'm finding out that there are more children than I thought.
Do I feel isolated? To be honest...yes. But that's because I've always lived in bigger cities. I used to live in Seattle (Kirkland to be exact) and I miss it like crazy!! I'm probably the opposite of you, I'm sick of the sunshine and crave rain, clouds and water. I LOVE it when we get an overcast rainy day here...I get all giddy and excited! lol. But if you're looking for sunshine, you've picked the right place!
Coming from a big city like Seattle, yeah, you might feel somewhat isolated but you're right...in 2 hours you could drive to the mountains or the beach so its not so bad.
As for this area being a place for children...its probably fine. Especially if they're involved in sports to keep them busy. I think its the kids who aren't in sports or don't participate in some kind of after school program/activity are probably the ones who get bored and are more likely to get into trouble. But I think that's probably pretty common for most cities, big or small.
Hello! I'm new to this forum... Thinking of relocating from Los Angeles to Palm Desert area. I have a 9 year olds boy and a 13 year old girl. I'm worried about them leaving the beach community's and ajusting well to the desert life. My husband has a good job opportunity there, I'm honestly tired of LA living. Looking for a more stress free lifestyle. My mother Lives in Palm Springs and I would really like to be closer to her.
Please share your thoughts and experience with your move. How are you and your children all ajusting? We're a outdoors kind of family. I'm from Utah and my husbands from Colorado. Wondering if this will be a worthwhile
Hey Marizz...I had a great experience moving out of the city and to the desert. So much cleaner, less traffic, blue skies. You got to look for the good schools and other families to relate to, but my kids really liked the move. Summer was the hardest part for me but my kids were so resilient. I would be so worried about them playing outside in the extreme heat..but with lots of water they did great. Older kids I would imagine would be more difficult. Leaving the beach would be hard forthat age I would think but there is stuff for them to getinto. Good luck.
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