The Pros and Cons of Palm Springs, CA

On the east coast of the United States, millions of snowbirds flock (hehe, get it?)  to Florida’s warm sandy beaches. In California, the city of Palm Springs sees the same winter surge in residents every year. If you’re planning to move here full-time, knowing the good and bad things about Palm Springs can be very helpful. To make that task easier, check out The Pros and Cons of Palm Springs, CA

Pro: Palm Springs is the Definition of ‘Laid Back’

Warm weather and low humidity make Palm Springs very liveable. Many here are retirees, and the vibe is totally laid back. Shorts, sandals, and flip-flops are the daily get-up here, no doubt. It’s so laid back that even businesses like banks have a casual attitude. If you’re easygoing and carefree, you’ll very much enjoy living here.

Con: There’s Not Much Economic Diversity

Do you work in the hospitality industry? If yes, Palm Springs is great! That’s because tourism is the primary economic driver around here. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the only economic drivers in Palm Springs. There are very few tech and manufacturing jobs available, although there is a demand for healthcare workers. (That’s likely due to the high number of seniors living here full and part-time.)

Pro: Housing Costs are Surprisingly Affordable

One of our favorite pros on this list of the Pros and Cons of Palm Springs, CA, is the cost of owning a home! In most resort communities, housing is one of the most expensive costs, but not in Palm Springs. More than a few affordable housing options are available, and homes start around the low $200s. That’s down in the valley, where many neighborhoods have specifically for those 55 and older. (Prices go up as you get closer to the heart of the city.) With housing costs, this affordable living in Palm Springs, CA, is much less stressful on your budget.

Con: The Cost Of Living in Palm Springs

While housing costs are more affordable in Palm Springs, the cost of living is another story. So is the cost of renting an apartment or a condominium. On a scale of 100, Palm Springs ranks at just over 131. That makes it a good bit higher than the national average. The cost to rent an apartment is also higher than the national average. (Although, surprisingly, it’s lower than the state average.)

Pro: Healthcare Costs in Palm Springs

Another of our favorite pros on this list of The Pros and Cons of Palm Springs, CA, is healthcare costs. One bit of good news for retirees is that healthcare expenses in Palm Springs are easier on your wallet. While the California average is just over 92, our fine city comes in at just under 88 out of 100. (It’s not a huge amount but, when you’re retired, every dime counts.)

Pro: There’s A LOT To Do in Palm Springs

Very few American cities can boost the number of amenities that Palm Springs offers. In fact, if you’re looking for activities, you’ll have more options than you can imagine. Chino Canyon, for example, offers a spectacular 6-mile trail for hikers. The San Jacinto Mountains are just as spectacular and can help you cool off when the weather gets hot. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is very popular too, as is the Air Museum. Below is a list of some of the other top amenities you’ll find in Palm Springs:

• A jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault. Talk about excitement!
• A walking tour of Indian Canyons. Breathtaking desert scenery makes this a must-see!
• The Palm Springs Air Museum. It features an extensive collection of flying machines from World War II.
• Joshua Tree National Park. It has an oasis at its center!
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s a blast to see the city from above!
• Palm Springs Art Museum. Founded in 1938, you’ll find works here by Warhol and Chagal.
• Tahquitz Canyon. Stunning scenery and Native American history abound.

Con: The Dust Can Be a Problem If You Have Allergies

Every spring in Palm Springs, the wind really starts to pick up. Sometimes it can get up to hurricane speeds, blowing dust everywhere. If you suffer from allergies, all that dust can really make you miserable. Luckily, it only lasts for a few weeks. That’s when the summer starts, the wind dies down, and the heat sets in.

Pro: People Here Are Always in a Good Mood

Living in a city that’s more like a resort does have its perks. One of those is that most everyone is always in a great mood. It’s hard not to be when the weather is spectacular, and there’s so much fun stuff to do. You’ll find that people smile a lot! If you’re outgoing and amiable, you’ll fit right in!

Pro: It’s Sunny Most of the Year in Palm Springs

There are 365 days in a year. Imagine if 350 of those days were sunny where you lived. If you come to Palm Springs, you won’t have to imagine. We have more sunshine here than practically any other city in the United States. The summer months can get brutally hot. Not for a very long time, but at least for a few weeks. (The sunshine takes a toll on your outdoor furniture, too, that’s for sure!)

Con: Public Transportation Is Lacking

If you’re going to be commuting to Los Angeles every day, you’ll definitely need a car in Palm Springs. Public transportation is nothing to write home about. In Riverside, you can find a link to the Metrolink that goes into the city. However, most people will tell you that it’s so complicated and time-consuming that it’s not even worth it.

Pro: Palm Springs is a Bike Riders Paradise

If you love biking, you’ll love Palm Springs! There’s less traffic, making it much safer. There are also many (many) bike paths here to explore. So make sure to bring your wheels because you’ll have plenty of chances to use them! (One suggestion, however, is to bike in the morning or late afternoon. That way, the sun won’t bake you like a cake.)

Brought To You by StorAmerica in Palm Springs

Did you enjoy our list of the Pros and Cons of living in Palm Springs, CA? We sure hope you did and that it gave you the answers you were looking for! If you need a storage unit in Palm Springs when you arrive, StorAmerica Storage has them all over the city. Our storage units are clean and safe, as well as being very secure. They’re also affordable, and we only offer month-to-month leases, so you’ll never get stuck in a long-term contract. So welcome to Palm Springs! We hope you enjoy living in our beautiful city as much as we do!

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