While the desert surrounding Joshua Tree may at first glance appear hostile and uninhabitable by anything but a snake, it naturally supports more than 240 species of birds, 800 species of plants, 41 types of mammals, and 40 kinds of reptiles. Humans have lived in the area for more than 5,000 years, as evidenced by nearly 100 historic structures in the vicinity. The town narrowly missed being named Turkey Town, as domestic turkeys outnumbered residents by more than 200 to one in the town's early days. Wild turkeys still thrive in the area.
The small city of Joshua Tree straddles the 29 Palms Highway just outside the northern edge of Joshua Tree National Park. The town is the official welcoming center for the park's west entrance, with a visitor's center and gift shop. Joshua Tree sprawls across 96 square miles immediately north of the park, dotted with the odd looking trees for which the city draws its name. The thriving community has blossomed from 227 residents in 1944 to around 7,500 in the present day.
Moving to Joshua Tree
With an average vacancy rate of 16 percent, finding rental apartments in Joshua Tree is usually fairly easy. The vacancy rate decreases dramatically during the winter months, when snowbound retirees head to the warm desert to enjoy Joshua Tree's 60 to 70 degree temperatures. While you'll have a greater selection of rentals during the off-season, summer temperatures soar up to 110 degrees or more, so you might want to do what the locals do if you plan a summertime move: Do it at night or hire a professional moving company to do it for you.
To find a place to live, call one of Joshua Tree's apartment complexes directly to inquire about apartments for rent. You could also enlist the help of a property management agent specializing in the area such as A.I.M. Rental Properties to find condos, townhouses or single family homes.
Be prepared to fill out an application early in the process so that when your new home becomes available you are ready to move ahead. Complete and sign an application and provide paycheck stubs, tax records or an employment contract for proof of income. Many properties in Joshua Tree require you to gross approximately three times the rent amount to qualify. You will also be asked for a state-issued identification card, such as a driver's license. Your signature on the application authorizes the rental agent to run a credit check to make sure you do not have any prior evictions or other significant mars on your credit. If you have a dog, be sure to let your rental agent know up front as some dog breeds are prohibited at some properties for insurance reasons.
Joshua Tree Neighborhoods
The famous California High Desert town has more areas to live than one may initially think. A variety of neighborhoods abound this beautiful city, so be sure and research thoroughly before committing to a spot.
Downtown Joshua Tree: If you love strolling through gift shops, visiting art galleries and having coffee and fresh-baked delights in a shady courtyard, the downtown area delivers just that. Downtown is where you'll find studio apartments and 2 bedroom homes on city-sized lots.
Friendly Hills: Two and three bedroom homes on 1 to 5 acres are typical in this neighborhood. Most homes in the area were built in the 1980s to present. The neighborhood backs up to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to the south and Desert Hills Conservation area to the east for convenient access to trails and other outdoor activities. Downtown borders the northern side of the neighborhood, making it easy to walk or ride a bike to the local restaurants and shops.
Desert Heights: Found in the northeastern part of the city, this neighborhood backs up to Bureau of Land Management land for ease of hiking or biking on desert trails. Two or three bedroom homes average 900 to 1,500 square feet. Horses are allowed, but fencing and horse set-ups are not always present.
Joshua Tree Village: Situated just a few blocks south of downtown, Joshua Tree Village has 8,000 square foot lots with 2 or 3 bedroom single family homes. Walk to the Joshua Tree Library or the Crossroads Cafe and Tavern just a few blocks away.
Joshua Tree Highlands: This neighborhood lies in the southern portion of the city tucked away into BLM public land. Large lots up to 5 acres nestle under homes with two to five bedrooms.
Monument Manor: Joshua Tree National Park is literally in your backyard in this neighborhood. Found on the southeast side of the community, Monument Manor has two to five bedroom homes ranging from 900 to 2,500 square feet.
Top Apartment Complexes
Quail Springs Village: This complex has 75 apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The single level apartments are all on the ground floor. The complex has a gated pool with a hot tub and cabana, a clubhouse and three laundry rooms.
Sunset Village Apartments: This apartment community has 33 units, including 1 bedroom apartments. The complex features security gates, a laundry room and convenience to downtown Joshua Tree.
Living in Joshua Tree
Head to the Park
Far from being a vast expanse of empty desert, Joshua Tree National Park has 200 miles of roadways -- including 93 paved miles -- as well as an equal amount of trails suited for hikes, bike trips or equestrian use. The park is also popular with rock climbers who come to the park to scale the 400 formations via more than 8,000 climbing routes. Other popular things to do in the park include stargazing in the dark night sky and viewing wildflowers from February through May. The park offers annual passes as well as 7-day permits.
Stay in Town
There's a lot to do right within the town's borders. Enjoy a weekly Farmer's Market each Saturday Morning. Stretch and relax at the local yoga studio or enjoy browsing through the town's famous vintage stores and art studios. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year including the Turtle Festival, and the Joshua Tree Music Festival, Earthworks Now, The Sportsman's Club Gem and Mineral Show and the Gram Parsons Festival.
