So You Wanna Escape the Hustle? Welcome to the High Desert, California: Where Tumbleweeds Outnumber People (Probably)
Ever dreamt of trading in the soul-crushing traffic for wide-open spaces and starry nights? Then my friend, the California High Desert might be your next obsession. But hold on to your hats (because the wind can get a little crazy out here), because the High Desert ain't your typical Californian dream.
High Desert? Isn't that Just a Fancy Way of Saying Desert?
Well, yes and no. California, being the land of diversity (and avocados), has two main desert flavors: the High Desert and the Low Desert. The Low Desert, where you'll find Palm Springs and Coachella, is all about those scorching temperatures and swaying palm trees. The High Desert, on the other hand, is like the Low Desert's cooler, mountain-loving cousin. Sitting pretty at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, the High Desert offers a climate that's more "four distinct seasons" and less "eternal summer." You might even need a sweater in the winter (gasp!).
But Wait, There's More! Here's Why the High Desert is Hilariously Awesome:
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Wide Open Spaces: Ever feel like you can't breathe because everyone is living on top of each other? The High Desert is the cure for claustrophobia. Here, you can practically yodel from mountaintop to mountaintop without anyone complaining (too loudly).
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Stargazing Like a Champ: Because of the minimal light pollution, the night skies in the High Desert are a revelation. You'll be able to see constellations you never knew existed, and shooting stars so bright they'll make you wish you were a kid again.
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Land of the Joshua Trees: The High Desert is home to Joshua Tree National Park, a wonderland of twisted Joshua trees that look like they just walked off the set of Dr. Seuss movie. Prepare to be amazed (and slightly creeped out) by these otherworldly plants.
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Affordability Alert!: Sick of paying an arm and a leg for a shoebox apartment? The High Desert offers a much more budget-friendly lifestyle. Here, you can snag a house with a yard for the price of a closet in Los Angeles. Just be prepared to explain to your friends why you live next to a giant lizard (don't worry, they're chill).
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Adventure Awaits!: The High Desert is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, rock climbing - you name it, you can do it here. Just remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, because the desert sun is no joke (unless you're into that kind of thing).
So, is the High Desert for You?
If you're looking for a place to escape the ordinary, the California High Desert might be your perfect match. Just be prepared for wide-open spaces, epic sunrises and sunsets, and the occasional tumbleweed rolling past your window. Hey, at least you'll have a story to tell.