What to Know Before Moving to Palmdale

Offering a sparse suburban feel, Palmdale is a great option for those wanting to get away from urban congestion, own their own house, and enjoy a mellower lifestyle in SoCal.

City Attractions

Nestled in the Mojave Desert, Palmdale is not quite what an outsider would think of in terms of a Los Angeles County city. Set amongst beautiful mountains and arid surroundings, the community isn’t as glamorous as its neighbor to the south, but it does offer a nice assortment of activities and attractions for those looking for a suburban lifestyle. Enjoy retail therapy? Antelope Valley Mall is a popular spot to shop and people watch. On those hot summer days, DryTown Water Park is a fun way to keep cool, while Barrell Springs Trail offers a fantastic walk and scenic views. Into aviation? Check out Blackbird Airpark and Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.

Lifestyle

Along with the neighboring city of Lancaster, Palmdale is known as one of the California Desert Cities. Springing out of the Mojave Desert and Antelope Valley, the community offers a haven from the hustle & bustle of Los Angeles. Streets and highways are rarely congested, and there’s a feeling of more spaciousness and freedom here. The western portion of the city is home to professional types, while the eastern part is generally more working class. It’s certainly not as exciting as LA, but if you’re looking for an alternative to metro life, while being able to afford to buy your own place, Palmdale is a nice pick.

Jobs And Employers

Offering a nice blend of professional and blue-collar jobs, Palmdale is home to an assortment of aerospace workers, contractors, police officers, firefighters, nurses, military personnel, educators, and more. In the medical field? Palmdale Medical Regional Center is one of the largest employers in the area. Lockheed Martin is also another big draw for aerospace, along with Northrop Grumman (aerospace & defense). If you’re looking for municipal work, the City of Palmdale is the perfect stop. The city is also home to the National Guard Armory. In addition, the City of Los Angeles is less than an hour’s drive south if you don’t mind commuting.

Walkscore Info

With a population of about 153,000, Palmdale is a smaller mid-size city. It’s much less congested when it comes to traffic, and more spacious due to its location in Antelope Valley. However, when it comes to walkability, it has a pretty dismal score. Most errands and work require access to a car. Public transit isn’t much better, so be prepared for the use of a personal vehicle in order to get around the area. Of course, this is a typical scenario in Southern California. Just don’t expect to be able to stroll around with ease.

Cost Of Living

Let’s face it… living in Southern California is super expensive. There are exceptions, though, and Palmdale definitely falls into that category. If you’ve been wanting to escape the high rents of the metro area or you are looking for a place to call your own, this city offers just that. When comparing median home values between Palmdale and Los Angeles, you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised with the affordability. So, how much less expensive are homes here? How does approximately 55% cheaper sound? As for the overall cost of living, expenses like groceries and utilities are more than 25% lower than LA. That’s a lot of money in your pocket!