Wondering if Indio is a good choice to stay in. Family travelling with small children & renting a house.
Is there places we can walk to?

Do you mean Indio, California? In the desert, near Palm Springs? If so, why are you going there, when, and what are you wanting to do? If that is where you are going, I would imagine you'd need a car at least.

Not really, Palm Desert would be better for that. Or the south end of Palm Sprintgs.

A car really is essential.

YOU may also want to look at some of the big condo complesxes, many of them have 2& 3 bewdroom units.

The reviews should tell you a lot about what the neighborhood around your rental is like, and you shouldn't consider any place that doesn't have a good number of reviews.

I would not pick Indio.

The entire area really requires a car. Unless you stay in (and don't leave) downtown Palm Springs.

So far, there has not been one single reason given for not picking Indio other than some other part of PS is "better."

Well, "better" for what exactly? Transportation? Closer to atractions? restaurants? What?

The two areas I memtioned do have stores.restaurants within walking distance of the neithborhoods which do house rentals. INdio neighborhooods don't.

INdio is significantly more 'low=rent' and some neighborhoods are sketchy/high crime, same as North Palm Springts.If you have no experience with neighborhoods you might want to use a rental ag3ency..there are still a few around.

A lot of first-time snowbirds pick Indio or Cathedral City because they are cheaper..there's a reason.

Parts of La Quinta are similar to INdio..and best avoided. Other parts are nicer.

>>Well, "better" for what exactly? Transportation? Closer to atractions? restaurants? What?why they are even considering Indio.

We have seen a very reasonable beautiful 5 house rental.
We will rent cars.

This weekend is very special in Indio. "Desert Trip" is going on. Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones among others are performing. I heard Paul singing "Yesterday" live on my XM radio today (Channel 26 - usually classic vinyl).

>>We have seen a very reasonable beautiful 5 house rental.
We will rent cars.why you want to stay in Indio. Just because there is a place to rent doesn't mean it is a good place to visit. You did ask if it is a good place to stay and the unanimous response has been "No". What are your plans? It isn't a hotbed of scenery/vacation activities.



(tom: I saw Sir Paul in concert two nights ago . . . Seat right next to the stage. Fabulous show and 4 encores.)

LIke most spread-out places, INdio has different neighborhoods.If all you really need is a big house with a pool at a good price in a warm place for winter, and will have a car.. Why are you concerned with walking distance?
ONe of the reasons I suggested checking with an agency rather than DIY is that they know the neighborhoods and complexes..some may not allow rentals to families with children,or may restrict them from onsite activities for example, Del Webb/Sun City was built for seniors.

As far as being near things..Indio has good access to the 10 Freeway and the Cottonwood entrance to Joshua Tree, as well as the Fringe-Toe preserve. The casinos and date groves are fairly close. There was a lot of migration down=valley toward La Quinta about 10-15 years ago so there are Walmarts, Costcos, Trader Joe not too far away along Hwy 111.

We have flights booked to Palm Springs in February. Two young families with active Grandparents.(10 of us ) We will have two vehicles.
We would like a modern large house with pool & outdoor fire pit.
We were hoping to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, parks & shopping. But also not afraid to drive. Not sure if Indio is the area we should be looking in. Seems like the house rentals there are nicer & more affordable.

This is one of the long-established agencies. Tell them what your budget is and what you want. I think Palm Springs or Palm Desert might better meet the "wants" but Indio will likely be cheaper. I don't know about nicer, other than you get more for your money. Let them know about the children. That may rule out some complexes.

http://www.ps4rent.com/

If you can find/afford a place in Palm Springs (or Palm Desert) that would be much better.