The Pros and Cons of Living in Coachella, CA (2024)

A few years ago, Coachella, California, was a dry, sparse desert that wasn’t all that exciting. Except for, you know, lizards and cacti. Today Coachella is a booming city with about 47,000 souls living, working, and enjoying life. And if you’re thinking of making the move to Coachella, CA sometime soon, we bet you’re doing your research. If so, read on! We’ve got all the major pros and cons of living in Coachella, CA, below to give you a head start!

Pros of Living in Coachella, CA

The Winter Weather in Coachella is Fabulous

Where do you find a city with temperatures that rarely drop below 70° and 300 days of sun per year? In Coachella, California, one of the most beautiful places in the country! The thing is, you can barely call what we experience in Coachella “winter.” It’s more like late spring in the Northeast, with gorgeous days and pleasant nights.

Coachella has a Thriving Arts and Cultural Scene

If you’re a fan of the arts, movies, and music, living in Coachella will be a dream come true. For example, the Coachella Valley Music Festival is one of the best in the United States. It attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year who flock to the city for great tunes! The Palm Springs Art Museum is excellent, and there’s the annual (and fabulous!) Palm Springs Film Festival, too. (Keep your eyes open for film and TV industry superstars!) In conclusion, the many festivals in Coachella can be a pro and a con of living here! It depends on how you look at it!

The Pros and Cons of Living in Coachella, CA (1)

The Cost of Living in Coachella, CA, is Reasonable

There’s no question that California is one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. In comparison, Coachella is quite reasonable. The cost of living index here is 108/100, a mere 8% higher than the national average. Compare that to Los Angeles (173/100) or San Diego (160/100), and you’ll immediately understand what we mean. Both cities are less than three hours from Coachella but 50%+ higher when it comes to living costs.

Coachella, CA, has Excellent Public Schools

We’d be stretching the truth if we said the public school system in Coachella is perfect. But of the 26 public schools here, several have an A rating. Palm Desert Charter Middle School, for example, gets very high marks. So do Horizon School and George Washington Charter School. Unfortunately, several other schools here get rather low marks. The point is, when searching for a new neighborhood in Coachella, make sure to choose wisely. That way, you’ll be sure to choose a neighborhood in a good school district.

The Nightlife in Coachella is Exciting and Fun

If nightlife is vital to your survival, Coachella will keep your adrenaline flowing! There’s more to do here at night than in many cities twice our size! Decadent restaurants, top-notch bars, and swinging clubs are everywhere you look! There are several casinos here, too, with everything a typical casino offers. For nights of music and outstanding food, Coachella is the place to be!

The Pros and Cons of Living in Coachella, CA (2)

Cons of Living in Coachella, CA

Transportation Costs in Coachella, CA are Expensive

While the cost of living in Coachella is reasonable, transportation costs are not. The cost index for transportation in Coachella is 32% higher than the national average. If you commute to work, that’s a problem. Gas, road fees, taxes, and car maintenance are going to hit your wallet pretty hard in Coachella.

Summer in Coachella, CA, Can be Brutally Hot

As pleasant as Coachella, CA, is in winter, summer is brutally hot and uncomfortable. BestPlaces gives Coachella a Comfort Index score of 4.6 in summer, which is not great. The reason is simple; from May through September, the temperature is over 100° F every day! For most folks, that’s too hot to handle, forcing them indoors until well after the sunsets. Indeed, sweltering summers are one of the worst cons of all the pros and cons of living in Coachella, CA.

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Property Crime Rates are Relatively High in Coachella

Crime is a problem in many American cities. In Coachella, though, it isn’t a huge problem, although property crime is worrisome. With a property crime rate of 41/100, Coachella, CA, is higher than the US average. (35/100) Fortunately, our violent crime rate is lower than the national average.

Coachella is Overrun by Outsiders, Wannabees, and Eccentrics Several Times a Year

All the festivals we have here in Coachella are great…until they’re not. Here’s the thing; during a festival, the population of Coachella can double and even triple! That means extra traffic, garbage, noise, and more. Sure, it’s great for the local economy, but not so great if you’re trying to enjoy peace and quiet. Luckily, festivals don’t last forever, and things in Coachella go back to their normal after a few days.

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Where to Find RV Storage in Coachella, CA

Many folks travel to Coachella in their RV to enjoy this part of California for a few days or weeks. If that’s you and you need RV storage in Coachella, CA, no worries! CA Storage has three safe, clean, and secure self-storage centers in Coachella. Also, they all offer RV storage!
Depending on the size of your RV, CA Storage offers indoor, outdoor, and covered RV storage options in Coachella, CA. Our suggestion; reserve RV storage in Coachella, CA, online a few weeks before you arrive. You’ll save yourself from a huge headache if you come here for a festival.

Many Pros and Cons of Living in Coachella, CA

After discovering the pros and cons of living in Coachella, CA, we think you’ll agree it’s a fabulous city. Although Coachella is not perfect, our pros definitely outweigh our cons.
If you’re moving here and need a storage unit in Coachella, CA Storage has plenty of them!

Clean and secure, your things will be very safe with us! Our Coachella, CA storage centers are protected by 24/7 video security and friendly on-site managers.

By the way, you can reserve a Coachella, CA storage unit online in just a few minutes. (There’s no deposit necessary, so you won’t need your credit card.) From everyone here at CA Storage, we hope your move is low-stress and successful. Once you’re here, you’ll wonder why you didn’t move to Coachella, CA, much sooner!

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As an expert in urban development and city living, particularly in the context of California, I can confidently share insights into the dynamics of Coachella's transformation from a dry desert to a thriving city. My expertise draws from a deep understanding of urban planning, community growth, and the economic factors that contribute to a city's livability.

Pros of Living in Coachella, CA:

  1. Winter Weather: Coachella boasts a fabulous winter climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 70°F and abundant sunshine throughout the year. This mild weather contributes to a pleasant living experience.

  2. Arts and Cultural Scene: The city has developed a vibrant arts and cultural scene, evident in events like the Coachella Valley Music Festival, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Palm Springs Film Festival. These cultural offerings enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

  3. Cost of Living: Despite California's reputation for high living costs, Coachella remains relatively reasonable, with a cost of living index only 8% higher than the national average. This makes it more affordable than larger cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.

  4. Public Schools: While not perfect, Coachella's public school system includes schools with high ratings, such as Palm Desert Charter Middle School. It's crucial for residents to choose neighborhoods wisely to ensure access to good schools.

  5. Nightlife: The city offers an exciting nightlife with diverse options, including restaurants, bars, clubs, and casinos. This vibrant nightlife contributes to the social and entertainment aspects of living in Coachella.

Cons of Living in Coachella, CA:

  1. Transportation Costs: Despite the reasonable overall cost of living, transportation costs in Coachella are relatively high, with a cost index 32% above the national average. This may pose challenges for commuters and car owners.

  2. Summer Heat: While winters are mild, summers can be brutally hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F daily from May through September. This extreme heat can limit outdoor activities during the summer months.

  3. Property Crime Rates: The city faces relatively high property crime rates (41/100), surpassing the national average (35/100). While violent crime rates are lower, the prevalence of property crimes is a concern.

  4. Population Swings during Festivals: The influx of outsiders during festivals can significantly impact the city's infrastructure and disrupt the peace for residents. The population doubling or tripling during these events brings challenges like increased traffic and noise.

In summary, Coachella, CA, has undergone a remarkable transformation, offering a mix of advantages and challenges for prospective residents. The decision to move should be based on individual preferences and priorities, considering factors such as climate, cultural amenities, and cost of living. It's essential for potential residents to weigh these pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

As a bonus tip for those considering RV travel to Coachella, CA, I recommend planning ahead and reserving RV storage with CA Storage, a reputable provider with safe and secure storage options in the city. This proactive step can ensure a hassle-free experience, especially during the city's festivals.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Coachella, CA (2024)
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