The Pros and Cons of Living in Indio, CA

Aerial image of Indio with cloudy skies

Well known for its superb golfing, good weather, and laid-back lifestyle, Indio, California, is a dream location to live in for many. Of course, almost all cities and towns in the United States have at least a few drawbacks, and Indio is the same. To learn the pros and cons of living in Indio, including the cost of living, public schools, and more, consider reading further. Our experts at StorAmerica put together the following helpful info to get you up to speed before you arrive! 

Moving to Indio, CA?

Young African american woman dancing at a summer festival with many people in the background

There are a few things about Indio you should know before you arrive. First, Indio is the home of the Coachella Music Festival, bringing in thousands of people every year who flood the city with a hipster vibe. Even when the festival isn’t here, people get together and party in the desert, a tradition that started decades ago.

Many people think of Indio as a “low-calorie Las Vegas”, thanks to the Vegas-style gambling options, world-class entertainment, incredible dining, and poolside parties offered here. There are numerous other festivals throughout the year, including the Stagecoach Festival. In short, if you’re looking for a city where there’s always something happening, the nightlife is dialed-up to 11, and calling someone a “hippie” is a compliment, Indio will be perfect!

Pros and Cons of Living in Indio, CA

View of palm trees and blue skies

Cost of Living

The cost of living is surprisingly affordable in Indio, CA! For example, healthcare, groceries, and transportation all have a lower cost index than the national average. Utility costs are only slightly higher than the national average. Unfortunately, that leaves housing, which is why Indio is a little less affordable.

The housing index here is 136.4/100, about 37 points higher than the national average. That’s alright compared to other California cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Still, with a median home cost of $490,800, affording a house in Indio is a challenging proposition. However, you must agree that it’s still quite affordable when you compare the overall cost index in Indio (110.6/100) to the overall cost index in many other American cities.

Schools

If you have children still in school, you’ll be pleased to know the Indio, CA, school system gets a B- from Niche. Several of the 38 public schools in Indio get an A or A-, which is excellent. Palm Desert High School is one of them, as well as James Monroe Elementary School. Most, however, fall in the B+, B, and B- range, which is still good. Our advice; take your time searching for your new home in Indio, and be sure it’s connected to one of the higher-rated schools.

Transportation

The transportation cost index in Indio is 96.7, about three points lower than the national average. That means you’ll pay slightly less for gasoline, automobile, insurance, and driving-related taxes. The road system in India is excellent and stays in great shape because there’s no winter weather to destroy it. You’ll also be pleased to know that the one-way commute time in Indio is about 25% shorter than the national average (22.4 minutes.)

Weather

Rows of plants in the Indio Desert

There’s good and bad news regarding the weather and climate in Indio, CA. The good news is that, in winter, the comfort index is 8.9/10, which is excellent. The temperature is usually low to mid-80s and drops to a comfortable range at night for excellent sleeping. That’s the good news. The bad news is that, in summer, Indio is hot as blazes and dry as a bone.

The summertime weather is something to consider before moving to Indio. It’s boiling almost the entire month from May through September, with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and often in the low 100s. Most folks here do all their outside chores in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching midday heat.

Other Factors to Consider When Moving to Indio, CA

If you can handle the heat, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Indio, especially golfing. The city is also quite diverse as it’s so close to the Mexican border. The Salton Sea State Recreational Area is nearby and offers a wide variety of boating, fishing, and water sports.

Palm Springs, California, is nearby if you’re into the lavish lifestyle and looking for a getaway spa. Joshua Tree National Park is also very close and is one of the most beautiful in the United States. Indeed, there are thousands of acres of wilderness to camp, hike, bike, and explore when you live in Indio, CA. In short, there’s plenty of fun, exciting and interesting things to do here!

Let StorAmerica Help You with Your Move to Indio, CA

Just arrived in Indio, CA, and need to find storage for your new home? If so, StorAmerica Self Storage should be the first call you make! StorAmerica makes storage easy with our monthly rentals that protect you from getting trapped in a long-term contract! Our storage facilities are clean, safe, and very secure, with 24/7 video cameras, well-lit parking lots, and on-site managers to monitor things.You can reserve an Indio, CA, online storage unit when ready. You’ll be pleased to know that no deposit and no credit card are needed to reserve your storage unit with StorAmerica.

Not sure what size storage unit you and your family need? No problem! Click the link to see our convenient storage unit size guide and get a better idea of what fits into our different size storage units! Once reserved, your storage unit will be ready and waiting when you and your movers arrive in the city! In short, if you’re living in Indio, let StorAmerica help you declutter and get organized!