3 Reasons You May Not Want to Move to the Palm Springs Area

The Palm Springs area can look almost effortless during the winter: warm afternoons, mountain views, pools, golf, outdoor dining, and blue skies that seem to last for weeks.

That picture is real, but it is not the whole year. A buyer who visits only from January through March may not experience the conditions that most affect full-time living, long-term ownership costs, or peace of mind.

This is not an argument that the desert is a bad place to live. It is the honest counterpoint to our guide on why people are moving to the Palm Springs area. A strong relocation decision should account for both the appeal and the trade-offs.

The three biggest concerns Tommy raises are extreme summer heat, California's tax-and-cost structure, and earthquake exposure. None automatically disqualifies the area, but each deserves serious planning before you buy.

Quick Answer: What Are the Main Reasons Not to Move to the Palm Springs Area?

The Palm Springs area may not be the right fit if you cannot tolerate extreme summer heat, have not evaluated how California taxes and ownership costs affect your finances, or are uncomfortable living near active earthquake faults. Seasonal residents may avoid much of the summer heat, but full-time buyers should evaluate the home's cooling performance, recent utility history, insurance options, tax consequences, and emergency preparedness before purchasing.

This guide combines Tommy Jordan's local observations with current information from NOAA, Ready.gov, the California Franchise Tax Board, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the California Department of Insurance.

Watch: 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Move to the Palm Springs Area

1. Summer Heat Is a Lifestyle Issue, Not Just a Weather Statistic

Tommy's clearest warning is the summer heat. His point is straightforward: if you strongly dislike hot weather, the desert may not be a good full-time fit.

“If you don't like heat, then this might not be the place for you.” — Tommy Jordan

NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Palm Springs Regional Airport show an average daily high of 108.6 degrees Fahrenheit in July and 108.1 degrees in August. Those are monthly averages, not record temperatures, so individual days can be hotter.

For a seasonal owner who leaves during the summer, that may be manageable. For a full-time resident, an outdoor worker, someone with heat-sensitive health concerns, or a household with pets, the heat changes how the day is organized. Ready.gov advises avoiding high-energy activity during midday heat when possible, staying hydrated, finding shade, and having a reliable cooling option.

The most important question is not whether the desert gets hot. It is whether you are comfortable adapting your routines and your home to that heat.

What Full-Time Buyers Should Evaluate

• HVAC age, capacity, and service history: Ask how old each system is, whether the home has multiple zones, and what major repairs or replacements have been completed.
• Recent summer utility bills: When available, actual bills are more useful than a broad estimate because home size, insulation, glass exposure, pool equipment, and thermostat habits vary.
• Window and patio orientation: West-facing glass and unshaded outdoor areas can receive intense afternoon sun.
• Shade and insulation: Covered patios, exterior shades, efficient windows, attic insulation, and mature landscaping may affect comfort and energy use.
• Pool and landscape care: Summer heat can increase evaporation, irrigation needs, and equipment use.
• Backup planning: Consider what you would do during an air-conditioning failure or power outage, especially if anyone in the household is medically vulnerable.

Do not evaluate a desert home only by how it feels during a February showing. A summer visit, a detailed inspection, and a review of operating history can reveal much more about whether the property fits full-time living.

2. California Taxes and Carrying Costs Require Advance Planning

The second concern is financial. Buyers moving from a state with no personal income tax may notice the difference most clearly, but every household should review the complete cost of establishing a California residence and owning a desert property.

For the 2025 tax year, California's personal income tax schedules range from 1 percent to 12.3 percent. The Franchise Tax Board also explains that an additional 1 percent tax applies to the portion of taxable income above $1 million, creating a maximum personal income tax rate of 13.3 percent.

Residency is especially important. The Franchise Tax Board states that California residents are taxed on income regardless of source. Whether someone is a resident is fact-specific, and part-year residents are generally taxed on all income received while resident plus California-source income received while nonresident.

Sales tax varies by city and district. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration lists a 9.250 percent sales-and-use tax rate for Palm Springs and 8.750 percent for Palm Desert, effective July 1, 2026. Those rates can change, and the correct rate depends on the location of the transaction.

Taxes are only one part of the budget. A desert homeowner may also need to account for summer electricity, insurance, pool service, landscaping, HOA dues, club costs, pest control, home monitoring, and reserves for major systems.

Questions to Answer Before You Establish Residency

• How would California residency affect your wages, business income, investment income, retirement withdrawals, or other sources?
• Will the home be your primary residence, a seasonal property, or a second home?
• What are the property-specific tax estimate, HOA obligations, insurance costs, and current utility history?
• Are you moving from a no-income-tax state or changing the location of a business?
• Have you reviewed the move with a qualified tax professional who understands your full circumstances?

Real estate guidance can help you compare homes and communities, but it is not a substitute for individualized tax or legal advice. Complete that planning before the move rather than assuming a second-home schedule automatically determines residency.

3. Earthquake Risk Is Real, Even Though No One Can Predict the Next Event

The Palm Springs area sits near active faults, including the southern San Andreas Fault system. Buyers should understand that risk without treating a long-term average as a countdown clock.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that large earthquakes along the southernmost San Andreas, from Palm Springs toward the Salton Sea, have occurred about every 200 to 300 years on average. The most recent event in that section occurred roughly 300 years ago. USGS also emphasizes that faults do not behave like clocks and that scientists cannot predict exactly when, where, or how large the next earthquake will be.

For a buyer, the practical issue is preparedness. The California Department of Insurance states that homeowners, renters, and condominium policies generally do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is separate, optional coverage, and its price and deductible can vary based on location, construction, replacement cost, and the policy selected.

Earthquake Due Diligence for Home Buyers

• Obtain a property-specific earthquake insurance quote before removing contingencies if the coverage matters to your decision.
• Ask the inspector about the foundation, visible cracking, water-heater bracing, gas shutoff options, and any signs that warrant a structural specialist.
• Review permits and disclosures for additions, major remodeling, foundation work, and previous structural repairs.
• For a condominium, review what the HOA's master policy covers and whether earthquake-related damage, deductibles, or loss assessments could become an owner expense.
• Secure heavy furniture and maintain an emergency plan and supplies after moving in.

Earthquake risk does not mean every home is unsafe, and it does not mean a major event is imminent. It means buyers should make an informed decision about construction, insurance, preparedness, and their own tolerance for risk.

Who Should Think Twice About Moving to the Palm Springs Area?

You may want to reconsider—or at least slow the process down—if any of these describe your situation:

• You plan to live here full-time but have never experienced the area during July or August.
• You strongly dislike heat or expect to work outdoors through the summer.
• You are moving from a no-income-tax state and have not modeled California's tax impact.
• You would be uncomfortable purchasing separate earthquake coverage or accepting the uninsured portion of the risk.
• Your budget leaves little room for summer utilities, insurance, pool care, landscaping, HOA dues, or major-system reserves.
• You are choosing a property based primarily on a winter vacation experience rather than your actual year-round routine.

Thinking twice does not always mean deciding against the move. It may mean choosing a seasonal home instead of a full-time residence, buying a lower-maintenance property, selecting a home with stronger energy performance, or revising the budget before shopping.

A Practical Pre-Move Checklist

1. Visit during the summer. Spend enough time outside the resort environment to test errands, parking lots, dog walks, exercise, and the home's afternoon exposure.
2. Review recent operating costs. Request utility history when available and price pool, landscaping, pest control, HOA, home-watch, and maintenance services.
3. Get insurance quotes early. Ask about homeowners, earthquake, flood where applicable, vacancy or seasonal-use terms, and HOA master-policy gaps.
4. Complete tax planning. Discuss residency, income sources, business interests, and the timing of the move with a qualified professional.
5. Inspect for desert conditions. Evaluate HVAC, roof, windows, insulation, pool equipment, drainage, solar arrangements, and any structural concerns.
6. Compare the entire valley. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and nearby communities offer different housing, amenities, costs, and daily routines.

Is Moving to the Palm Springs Area Still Worth It?

For many buyers, yes. The same area that has severe summers also offers warm winters, mountain scenery, distinctive architecture, golf, outdoor recreation, and a more relaxed pace than many large California markets.

Tommy's conclusion in the source video is that heat is the most significant drawback. Taxes require planning, and earthquake risk requires informed preparation, but he does not view those issues as reasons every buyer should stay away.

The right question is not whether the Palm Springs area is universally good or bad. It is whether the climate, costs, risk profile, housing choices, and seasonal rhythm align with how you intend to live.

For the other side of the decision, read 5 Reasons People Are Moving to the Palm Springs Area. Considering both articles will give you a more complete starting point than relying on either a postcard image or a list of warnings alone.

FAQs

What Is the Biggest Downside of Living in the Palm Springs Area?

For many full-time residents, the biggest downside is extreme summer heat. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Palm Springs Regional Airport show average daily highs above 108 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August.

Is Palm Springs Hot All Year?

No. Winters are generally mild, which is a major reason the area attracts seasonal residents. The challenge is the summer, when daily routines often shift toward early mornings, indoor afternoons, pools, and air-conditioned spaces.

How High Are California State Income Taxes?

For the 2025 tax year, California's personal income tax schedules range from 1 percent to 12.3 percent. An additional 1 percent applies to taxable income over $1 million, resulting in a maximum personal income tax rate of 13.3 percent. Individual liability depends on income, filing status, residency, deductions, and other circumstances.

Does Buying a Second Home Automatically Make You a California Resident?

No single fact automatically determines residency. The California Franchise Tax Board considers whether a person is present in California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose or is domiciled in California while outside the state temporarily. Buyers with homes, businesses, or income in more than one state should seek individualized tax advice.

Can Earthquakes Be Predicted in Palm Springs?

No. The U.S. Geological Survey says scientists cannot predict the exact time, location, or magnitude of a future earthquake. Historical recurrence information helps evaluate long-term hazard, but it is not a countdown.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?

Generally, no. The California Department of Insurance states that standard homeowners, renters, and condominium policies do not cover earthquake damage. Separate earthquake coverage is available, with limits, deductibles, and exclusions that should be reviewed carefully.

Should I Visit Palm Springs in the Summer Before Buying?

Yes, especially if the home will be your primary residence. A summer visit helps you evaluate the climate, the home's afternoon exposure, driving and errands, outdoor routines, and whether you are comfortable with the way daily life changes during the hottest months.

Related Guides

• 5 Reasons People Are Moving to the Palm Springs Area
• Palm Springs or Palm Desert: Which Desert City Fits You?
• 7 Things to Know Before Retiring in La Quinta, California
• Palm Springs Neighborhood Guide
• Palm Springs Homes for Sale

Sources and Further Reading

• Tommy Jordan: 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Move to the Palm Springs Area
• NOAA: Palm Springs Regional Airport 1991–2020 Climate Normals
• Ready.gov: Extreme Heat
• California Franchise Tax Board: Tax Calculator, Tables, and Rates
• California Franchise Tax Board: Residency Status
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: City and County Sales and Use Tax Rates
• U.S. Geological Survey: Back to the Future on the San Andreas Fault
• California Department of Insurance: Earthquake Insurance
• Wikimedia Commons: Palm Springs Through the Mountains
• U.S. Geological Survey: San Andreas Fault Graphic

About the Author

Tommy Jordan is a California real estate agent (CA DRE #01887038) and leads The Tommy Jordan Group at eXp Realty (CA DRE #02187306). He helps buyers and sellers throughout Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and the greater Coachella Valley, and is known for honest local guidance and practical relocation advice. Learn more about Tommy Jordan or watch the Tommy Jordan | Palm Springs Area Living YouTube channel.

Ready to Make Your Move to the Palm Springs Area?

If you're thinking about moving to the Palm Springs area, our team is here to help make the process simple and stress free.

We've helped hundreds of buyers relocate to the Palm Springs area, and we'd love to help you find the right home and community for your lifestyle.

Start by getting your FREE Palm Springs Area Relocation Guide:
https://tommyjordanre.com/relocation-guide

Have questions or ready to start your home search?

Call or Text: (760) 469-9182
Email: [email protected]

Whether you're moving next month or just starting your research, we're here to help every step of the way.