Do you hate sunshine, natural beauty, and beautiful Mid-century modern architecture? Does the thought of comfortable living, surrounded by a vibrant community and a diverse cultural scene make your skin crawl? If the answer is yes, then whatever you do, don't move to Palm Springs, California ;)
If the Ebenezer Scrooge in you needs more convincing, here are 10 reasons you should never move to Palm Springs, California (wink, wink!)...
Stunning Natural Beauty
Welcome to the land where sunscreen is your new best friend. With a staggering average of 350 sunny days each year and only 15 rain days, your outdoor furniture might surrender to the intense sun faster than you think. But hey, who needs outdoor furniture when you have an excuse to always be at the pool, right? And to all the moody cloud-lovers out there, you're fresh out of luck. Check out Visit Greater Palm Springs list of things to do in the area.
Don't move to Palm Springs unless you love being surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes - mountains, canyons, sand dunes, over 100 hiking trails, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's longest rotating aerial tramway). If you're not a fan of heart-stopping beauty or an outdoor-centric lifestyle, steer clear!
Convenient Access to… Well, Everywhere.
Imagine living two hours away from San Diego’s beaches and Los Angeles cultural epicenter, and just 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Sounds terrible, right? Just think of all those weekend getaways you'll have to plan. Exhausting!
Overly Efficient Air Travel.
The Palm Springs International Airport is so quick and efficient; you'll probably be left wondering what to do with all that extra time. Less than five minutes to get through baggage check and security processes? Unheard of! And the Ontario International Airport is just an hour west of Palm Springs, which gives even LAX a run for its money with how many flight options they offer.
Quality of Life is Simply Too High!
Get ready for life in the slow lane where safety, happiness, and sunshine are simply too abundant. In Palm Springs, we have top-notch hospitals delivering unparalleled healthcare, safe streets that take the excitement out of "survival of the fittest," and an endless lineup of community events that could have you socializing more than you bargained for. Our residents seem to be always smiling - must be the intoxicating cocktail of spectacular mountain views, world-class dining experiences, thriving arts scene, and access to over a hundred golf courses. So, if your idea of an exciting life involves the urban chaos and the joy of seasonal depression, Palm Springs might just be too good for you.
Yes, It Gets Hot… But It’s Mostly Paradise.
Palm Springs has extreme summer temperatures reaching up to 122°F and humidity may make you think you've accidentally landed in a sauna for a few weeks out of the year. But, most of the year, it’s dry heat, endless pool days, and mild winter weather (if you can even call it “winter”) that'll make you forget what a snow shovel looks like. Locals like to make their travel plans during the summer months. Towns like Idylwild and Big Bear are just short drives away as well, offering cooler climates. Some residents even take to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on the hot summer days, where it’s always 20 degrees cooler than the low desert on any given day. So if you hate year-round paradise, Palm Springs is not the place for you!
"Wind-blown" is the New Chic!
Palm Springs is notorious for its strong winds during spring and fall, which offers a unique and sometimes invigorating experience as being the only real “weather” we have. These robust winds, particularly in the northern part of the city, can decorate your pools and back yards with a dash of the wild desert – but fear not, if you prefer a gentle breeze over a gusty blow, the city's southern parts experience much milder winds. If Chicago’s hustle and bustle is more the kind of “Windy City” you typically go for, then Palm Springs is not the fulltime destination for you!
Your Wallet Might Feel a Bit Lighter.
Taxes in Palm Springs, including sales taxes, property, and income taxes, can be higher compared to other cities in California. But hey, isn't it great to contribute a little more for the quality of life improvements and potentially stellar property investment returns as the city's popularity continues to surge? After all, many homeowners are already reaping the benefits of short-term rentals for year-round vacationers. But if you’re not a fan of feeling relief about where your money is going, then Palm Springs will feel like just another money-draining town to you.
Rain, Rain, Go Away... For Real.
Rainfall in Palm Springs averages only five inches per year, sometimes leading to some slick and hazardous roads when it does decide to grace us with its presence. On the other hand, less rain equates to more outdoor recreational opportunities, and locals love to document the weather and share pics and videos on social media when the rain does roll in! But if constant rain, sleet, snow, or just endless overcast weather is more your jam, then Palm Springs is the wrong environment for your seasonal depression ;)
Navigating Palm Springs – Gasoline Not Included.
Public transportation exists here in Palm Springs, but having a car or even a bicycle is more convenient for getting around. On the downside, gasoline prices in California are typically higher than the national average. However, the close proximity of local attractions and the minimal traffic are huge compensating factors. You can generally drive anywhere in Palm Springs in less than 15 minutes. And between the ample amount of bike lanes & bike paths, flat & expansive roads, and year-round bike-friendly weather, it’s easy to just bike everywhere if you’re looking to save on gas money.
Too Much Mid-Century Modern(ism)?
Palm Springs is not just a city, it's a Mid-Century Modern architectural exhibit! Renowned for being a paradise of Mid-Century Modernism, our streets are an Instagrammer's dream, brimming with iconic butterfly-roofed homes and eccentrically-shaped motels that call back to the swinging '60s. Not only do we have an entire week dedicated to celebrating this style with Modernism Week, but we also boast the world's only museum dedicated to this design era. Newcomers may require some time to adjust to the ever-present nostalgia of Palm Springs – after all, living in a city that doubles as an architectural timeline is not everyone's Mint Julep!
If you want to learn more, check out 10 Welcoming Neighborhoods: Why Palm Springs Should Be Your Next Home and The Truth About the NAR Settlement: What You Need to Know.
If you’re curious to learn more about Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley surrounding desert cities, check out my Living in Palm Springs California YouTube channel. From best neighborhoods to hidden gems to essential local resources for buyers & sellers, uncover the magic of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley with me as I guide you through the ins-and-outs of our vibrant Southern California desert haven!
As a seasoned Palm Springs realtor, and despite all the sarcastic comments in this post, I wouldn't trade living here for anything else. Palm Springs is a city that captures your heart and soul, with its magnificent beauty, exceptional living standards, and vibrant community. The pros aren't just outweighing the cons – they're obliterating them!
Investing in Palm Springs real estate isn't just about buying property; it's about embracing a lifestyle that's second to none. From the sun-kissed outdoor adventures to the inclusive community and exceptional quality of life – Palm Springs is more than a smart choice, it's a life-changer. That said, I urge you to consider carefully before moving to Palm Springs because once you do, you may never want to leave!
What other questions do you have?
Consider an experienced and knowledgeable local realtor (like me) to help you make sense of things.
If you’re ready to buy and/or sell yourself, I look forward to assisting you. I promise to give you a much more targeted answer than Google or the news will ever be able to.
Please feel free to give me a call, text, email me – or let’s schedule a Zoom meeting.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: [email protected]
📅 Zoom: Click here and let's schedule it!
💻 Website: https://www.modernlivingpalmsprings.com/​
🔎 My Google Business Profile: https://goo.gl/maps/hipgpHfDezGWBTxd6
*We cannot guarantee any of the above statements or third-party links. Before you enter any transaction, you should read and review all contracts, leases, and information as they are unique and subject to changes. We recommend you consult with your accountant, attorney, tax advisor, and local real estate professionals prior to any real estate transactions.
