No Looking Back on My Move to Palm Springs California 13 Years Ago

Sunrise at Residential Home Photo by Kathy Condon

I woke up on another cloudy day in Vancouver, Washington, in the middle of June after not seeing the sun for 10 days. I learned that when the sun does come out, you drop everything and head out to let the sun rays touch your skin for some Vitamin D.

Something snapped, and I called my daughter in Belgium. Without advance notice, I said, “Kara, I am either going to move to Atlanta, Georgia, or Palm Springs.” There was a long silence, and she said, “Mom, you have my full support in moving to Palm Springs, but why would you consider Atlanta, Georgia?”

Admittedly, I had only visited Atlanta for three days and spent six months in Palm Springs, even during summer. It took me a couple of days to decide: I am moving to Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs Move Included

Hire a Realtor to Find a Place for Me to Live

Having met a lovely man during my previous stay in Palm Springs working on a project, I called him and gave him my criteria:

· Two-bedroom condo

·  A covered place for my car

·  A pool heated year-round (Fortunately, I had learned during my previous stay that it costs a significant amount to heat a pool.) Therefore, it is not common to have a pool heated year-round.

·  Walls to showcase my extensive collection of Caribbean art.

The call came, and I accepted and signed a year's lease for a condo near the Palm Springs Convention Center. I based the decision on the realtor's trust and the photos. The moving date was to be September 15—three months away.

Selling Items in My Household

The goal was to leave Vancouver, Washington, with only my car filled with cherished items. It was a frenzy of selling things, giving away precious items to people I loved, and those who supported me in my 24 years living in the Northwest.

Arrival in Palm Springs to Start a New Life

I journeyed alone on the 1,400-mile drive to Palm Springs, with every nook and cranny of my car stuffed. I arrived at 6:00 p.m. on September 15, 2012. I picked up the keys, turned the key, and entered my “home” for the first time, close to the Palm Springs Convention Center.

My First Condo in Palm Springs California Photo by Kathy Condon

To this day, I wish there would have been someone on the inside who had captured the smile on my face. It was perfect in every way.

Shortly after I arrived, a friend bought my artwork in her SUV. Once it was hung and my precious items were displayed, I headed to garage and estate sales (see my blog). Not only was it a form of weekend entertainment, but purchases filled in the items I needed to live comfortably each day.

Fast Forward 14 years

My Love for Palm Springs Continues

Yes, I know that Coachella Valley comprises separate cities, and it's not just Palm Springs; however, we still have a long way to go in helping to educate visitors. There are nine separate cities; see my blog on this subject.

What I Have Learned

· Since I was accustomed to more cloudy days than sunny ones, I realized the sun would shine each day. No more stopping inside work to grab some rays.

· Since I love swimming, the heated pool gave me no excuse for not exercising.

· The mountains still create a sense of awe. They are never the same, as it depends on the angle of the sun and the occasional clouds that stretch themselves over the San Jacinto Mountains.

The Beauty of Palm Trees in Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

· Looking up and seeing palm trees moving slightly in the breeze—reminds me how fortunate I am to live in an area where they thrive.

· Day trips to Los Angeles, Idyllwild, and Joshua Tree are interesting, educational, and the perfect way to change your scenery.

· New restaurants are attracting top chefs, making the area a foodie paradise.

· The newly opened Acrisure Arena means you do not need to travel to Los Angeles to see World-Class Artists.

· Independent retail store owners are the norm, instead of national brands; thus, unique gifts and fashions can be found here.

· Dogs are welcomed; many hotels and restaurants cater to their needs.

· It is possible to leave your doors and windows open with no screens, for bugs are few and far between. However, don’t be surprised if a hummingbird finds its way into your home and needs your help finding its escape route.

· Happy Hours are abundant. See some I particularly enjoy.

Modernism (Mid-Century) Architectural Home Photo by Kathy Condon

· Signing up for newsletters, such as Modernism Week, Library newsletters, the University of Riverside-Palm Desert, and Palm Springs Cultural Center, provides information on many events you may be interested in attending any time of year.

Before long, I will start my 14th year living in Palm Springs. Recently, a friend and I had a brainstorming session, discussing the question: If we could move anywhere we wanted, where would we go? We could not think of another place we would rather live in.

It’s time for lunch, and I’m heading to my patio to eat. Yes, I have a view of the mountains, which happen to have snow yet—feeling fortunate? You bet.

Kathy Condon is a travel writer and award-winning author. Her niche is luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities living in the shadows of larger cities. www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com    kathy@kathycondon.net  760-902-3094