Lots of famous people have called Indio home, including producer Merv Griffin, former GM of the Anaheim Angels Tony Reagins, and actress Vanessa Marcil. Well, famous-ish.
Indio started as railroad town, but now it’s a thriving business center
Lots of famous people have called Indio home, including producer Merv Griffin, former GM of the Anaheim Angels Tony Reagins, and actress Vanessa Marcil. Well, famous-ish.
Indio started as railroad town, but now it’s a thriving business center. Indio offers living right near the Sonoran Dessert, as well as water views by the Lake Cahuilla. It’s also an official bird sanctuary. Indio stays warm all year round and boasts a typical desert-like climate. So, if you like warm weather, spending time outside and limitless opportunities for entertainment, Indios a great place for you to look for a home.
Indio, CA is known as the city of festivals. The legendary Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is not the only reason for that nickname, though it is one of the most famous festivals in the world. In addition to the music festival that draws the biggest names in entertainment, the city also hosts the National Date Festival, The International Tamale Festival, the Southwest Arts Festival, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Palm Springs Kennel Clubs Dog Show, the Family Motor Couch Associations Annual Western Region RV Rally, the U.S. Field Hockey Associations annual Hockey Festival, as well as monster truck rallies, horse shows, camel races and many, many more. But it’s not all festivals and tourism in Indio. Lots of people call the area home, in fact, nearly 76,000 residents.
Step 1: Prepare
If you want to move to Indio, you'll be sure that you can find a good mix of property to own and property to rent. The area is about 50% rentals and 50% owned and there's a good amount of vacant property. Therefore, if you're going to look for a rentable apartment or a buyable home, you'll probably find something that you like.
Step 2: Collect
When renting an apartment, you must prepare and gather your financial information. Make copies of your IDs, gather tax returns, bank statements, proof of employment, and any other documents that prove your income. If you are worried that you don't have enough to entice the landlord to rent to you, fear not. Nearly all landlords accept guarantors: someone who can guarantee rent for the apartment and damages in the instance that you can't cover it. Choose someone you trust to be your guarantor; they will have financial control over your home and are liable for your apartment. A good person to turn to is a family member or close friend. To apply with a guarantor, you will need all the same financial information for them as you will for yourself.
Step 3: Pay
Once you find an apartment you like, you'll money to put down up front. It’s not unreasonable for a landlord to ask for three months rent up front and a security deposit. Also, if you use a broker to secure your apartment, you are going pay their brokers fee, which is usually about 15% of your annual rent. You will also want to cover moving costs it pays to have your stuff moved right, and the expense of hiring a mover will probably just save you money in the long run, since you won’t have to replace stuff that got broken when you didn't pack or move it correctly.
You've decided to move to Indio. Great! Now where are you supposed to live? There are several different neighborhoods in the area. Each has a different culture, vibe, feel and community in it and you'll want to pick the one that has the one that closest fits your wants and needs. Read below to find out more about different specific areas in Indio.
Indio Hills: Indio Hills is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area. Its up in the hills and picturesque. Its also nearly all single-family homes (there are a few mobile homes in the area), but it's not the place to look if you're looking for an apartment.
Myoma: This is a new and extremely nice area just south of the hills. People don't rent here, they buy, and they live with their families in their mansions or large homes.
City Center:This is the hub of the area; its where most of the business, dining, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment take place. Its also less expensive to live there, because the houses aren't as large and grand and the views aren't as good since it's not up in the hills.
The Sounds of Indio
It goes without saying that the famous music festival "Coachella" dictates culture and events in the area around Indio. The music festival draws attendees from all over the world, and it has developed its own fashion and culture. The festival began in 1993 at the Empire Polo Club. In 2001 Coachella evolved into a huge annual event that brings popular artists, and their thousands of fans, to the desert appearances have been made by Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, The Cure, The White Stripes, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. If you like big music events, calling Indio home will be super convenient, as you can access the excitement of the festival without pitching a tent with hundreds of thousands of out-of-towners on the grounds (unless that’s your thing, then by all means, camp!). The same people that put on Coachella also host Stagecoach, another big music festival celebrating country music. It’s hosted such greats as George Strait, The Eagles, Kid Rock, Taylor Swift, and more.
Dogs and Date and Tamales, Oh My!
If music’s not your thing, check out one of the other many festivals. Dog lovers can go to the Palm Spring Kennel Clubs Annual Dog show at the same Empire Polo Club. There is the National Date Festival, which is held each February on the Riverside County Fairgrounds, which has been around since 1947. The Tamale Festival is another winner, which is the only festival of its kind in the world, and has famously produced the world’s largest tamale.
Before the Music
Wondering what stays put all year round in Indio? The Coachella Valley History Museum offers a glimpse into the founding of the area and its development. For folks who like the thrills of nightlife and gambling, check out the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and the Spotlight 29 Casino.
Click it or Ticket
If you want to get in and out of the city, it’s best to have a car. The desert is spread out, and going long distances is best if you can just hop in your car and go. However, there is an airport, an Amtrak station and a Greyhound Bus station for when the travel bug starts tickling. You are a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown LA, the warmth of Santa Monica, the beaches of San Diego, and so much more.
