What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a resort community nestled in the desert of Southern California. With only 50,000 people, the city has a small-town feel outside of Los Angeles and San Diego. Though a charming place, Palm Springs boasts both pros and cons.

Palm Springs is a friendly and diverse city with people of different backgrounds. There is world-class healthcare, affordable housing options, and many activities and attractions. However, no public transportation, extreme weather, poor water quality, and a high cost of living are downsides of Palm Springs.

If you want to call Palm Springs home, here are the pros and cons to consider before making the move.

The LGBTQIA+ community is represented well in Palm Springs, having one of the highest concentrations of same-gender couples. Over 10 percent of households in Palm Springs belong to this community, well above the 1 percent national average. This makes Palm Springs the fifth-highest per capita rate in the country.

This laid-back attitude is perfect for those looking for a place to feel comfortable and themselves. You won’t find much formality in Palm Springs, especially the way people dress. Even in industries that most would consider formal such as finance or banking, a casual vibe is most prevalent.

Palm Springs is home to some of the best medical facilities. For example, many of the hospitals in the area are ranked and well-known for the care they provide. U.S. News and World Report ranked desert Regional, and Eisenhower Medical Center has also received national rankings.

Palm Springs has several other hospitals in the area, such as JFK Memorial Hospital and San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Hi-Desert Medical Center is another great option for care for families.

When thinking about affordable housing options in California, it will be more expensive than other parts of the country. Basically, if you’re looking for truly affordable, you will have to visit the midwest. However, the cost of living in Palm Springs is 10 percent less than other areas of the state.

Palm Springs is a resort community, but there are affordable housing options available, especially for retirees. There are specific neighborhoods for those 55 years and older with houses starting around $200,000. Plus, most of the communities are gated and have many amenities.

The tax benefits in Palm Springs also add to the affordability of housing. There are reductions in the taxable value of the home and property tax relief considerations. Furthermore, Social Security benefits also aren’t subject to income taxes in California.

No matter the time of year, there is always something to do or something going on in Palm Springs. When the weather is nice, golf, tennis, walking, and fitness studios are popular throughout the area. Neighbors often come together in the afternoons once the sun has gone down to enjoy each other’s company.

Modernism Week is an event that takes place every February to admire the architecture of the city. There are many concerts during the spring and summer, and every Veterans Day, there is a parade of lights. The Palm Springs International Film Festival and Short Fest is another event that is a red-carpet affair.

The Movie Colony Neighborhoods also bring value to Palm Springs. In the 1930s, many celebrities moved to the area to get outside of Los Angeles. These neighborhoods now have cultural significance and were home to legends like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Bob Hope.

There are not many public transportation options in Palm Springs. The only options you have are the city bus, a taxi, or an Uber or Lyft if one is available. What’s more, Palm Springs is also not a walking town.

For these reasons mentioned above, a vehicle is necessary. Unfortunately, owning a vehicle can often bring other issues like having a place to store it and commute times. Roughly 32% of employees who live in Palm Springs have a 90-minute commute time to Los Angeles.

Although housing costs are very affordable, especially for California, the cost of living in Palm Springs is much higher. While the cost of living is better than other places in the state, it is still higher than the national average. The median home price in Palm Springs is $415,000, and transportation costs increase it, as well.

Therefore, if owning a house in Palm Springs is not the best option for you, you will have to rent. Again, though costs are lower than the statewide average, it can sometimes be more than the national average.

Related Questions

Is there crime in Palms Springs, California?

Like most places, there is crime in Palm Springs, with a crime rate of 49 per one thousand residents. In fact, Palm Springs has one of the highest crime rates in America. Within California, more than 96% of communities have a lower crime rate than Palm Springs.A lot of the crime that takes place in Palms Springs is property crime. This includes burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny over $50, and arson. Additionally, Palm Springs has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft.If you’re thinking about moving to Palm Springs, you need to keep in mind the safety of the area. Therefore, search for homes within gated communities that have secure storage for your belongings. 

What is the education system like in Palm Springs, California?

Relative to the rest of the nation, Palm Springs has a well-educated population. 21.84 % of adults in the average community have a 4-year degree. On the contrary, 37.3% of adults in Palm Springs have a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree.The Palm Spring Unified School District is above average with grades K-12. It has 22,691 students, and the student to teacher ratio is 23 to 1. According to state test scores, 26% of students are at least proficient in math and 40% in reading.

Palm Springs is a laid-back town for retirees and young people alike. With posh desert concerts, art exhibits, and ample outdoor activities, there’s always something for someone to do. The town’s blend of nature and modern architecture attracts those looking for a weekend getaway or a new home.

Close enough to the city but far away enough to enjoy the mountains, Palm Springs is a centralized location. It’s essential to keep in mind that living in the desert will bring challenges like extreme climate and poor water quality. You should also keep in mind the extra transportation costs you will incur traveling from the desert to the city.

When weighing your options of moving to Palm Springs, California, remember to consider your preferences and needs. If you’re a retiree, the great neighborhoods for those 55 and older are a huge benefit. If you’re a young person looking for a change, there are numerous opportunities for employment and fun.

All in all, the pros of Palm Springs far outweigh the cons. The desert and mountain views, as well as social activities, will always keep you busy and feeling included. If this appeals to you, Palm Springs is the place to call home.