We are moving to 29 palms this summer. We've been told that if we live on base we will live in Ocitillo since my husband is an 0-3. I've heard that the elementary school my daughter will go to is off base and that Ocitillo isn't safe. Can anyone tell me what the neighborhood is like and the elementary? 

I live in Ocotillo and I haven't heard or seen anything to make me feel it isn't safe. I like the neighborhood. There are lots of playgrounds throughout and it's quiet. My daughter goes to the school out in town and it's definitely not the best. My daughter is only in kindergarten, but she is beyond the stuff they're learning. I'm not sure what the other schools are like, but I imagine the curriculum would be the same. 

Thanks prettylady3. My daughter will be starting kindergarten this fall too. How far away is the gym on base and the commissary from Ocotillo? We've never lived on base before. What are the benefits of living on base as opposed to living in the community or yucca valley? 

Duplicate Posting 

Everything is fairly close on base, 5-10 minutes, main side is small. Over here in Ocotillo there is a small gym/fitness room at the housing office if you like something not crowded. We didn't even look at living out in town honestly. I'm happy on base because everything I need is here, with the exception of real shopping. Sometimes you just have to take a trip down to Palm Springs to get stuff done. Gas prices are one thing to keep in mind depending on your vehicle. If you're not living near base and someone is commuting, the $4/gal adds up quickly. 

Prettylady3 how far is Palm Springs? Also What is the commissary missing that makes you have to go to Palm Springs? 

It's not the commissary that sends me to Palm Springs, it's needing/wanting to go to Target, a big Walmart, the mall, or any real selection of restaurant. If the commissary is lacking, there are other grocery stores here, but they're pricey. There's also a farmer's market in Joshua Tree on the weekends. It takes about an hour and some change to get to the outskirts, probably an hour and a half to really get there. Yucca Valley has a regular Walmart and Home Depot and other stuff that is great, but sometimes it's just nice to be able to "go to town" and have everything close by. 

Ok so how far is Joshua Tree from the base? And do you know if any of the local stores offer a organic produce selection? Thanks so much for your information. 

I think it takes us about 15 mins to get to JT, then Yucca is just another 10ish minutes depending on traffic.. The commissary does have some organic, I'd imagine the others would as well. I've honestly only been to the grocery store out in town twice, and on a specific mission. You're welcome! 

Walmart is also building a Super Walmart in Yucca Valley, so that should help a bit on the local shopping. 

Awesome! Thanks! 

It takes us 45 mins to drive from base to YV