Why Raise Kids (Ages 6–12) in Palm Springs

A City That Lets Kids Grow—and Parents Breathe

The elementary and middle years are when children develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and social skills. They need structure—but also room to explore.

Palm Springs offers a rare combination: a calm, navigable city that supports growing independence without sacrificing safety or connection.

A Scale That Encourages Independence

Children ages 6–12 benefit from learning how to move through the world safely and confidently.

Palm Springs makes this possible because:

• Distances are manageable

• Neighborhoods are legible and familiar

• Public spaces are approachable, not overwhelming

Kids can begin to build independence without parents feeling constant anxiety.

Free, Unlimited Transit for Public School Students

Mobility is freedom—and for families, it’s equity.

Palm Springs is moving toward free, unlimited public transit for public school students, allowing kids to:

• Travel safely to and from school

• Access libraries, parks, after-school programs, and community centers

• Participate in enrichment activities without requiring constant car rides

For parents, this means:

• Fewer daily logistics

• Reduced transportation costs

• More flexibility in work and caregiving schedules

For kids, it builds confidence, responsibility, and connection to their city.

A city that trusts its young people to move safely is a city investing in their future.

More Time for Learning—Less Time in Transit

Long commutes drain energy from families.

In Palm Springs:

• School, activities, and home are closer together

• After-school time is usable—not spent in traffic

• Family routines are easier to maintain

When time is reclaimed, learning deepens—academically and socially.

Outdoor Activity as a Normal Part of Life

Children ages 6–12 need daily movement.

Palm Springs supports this through:

• Easy access to outdoor spaces

• Parks and recreation woven into neighborhoods

• Year-round opportunities for physical activity

Movement improves focus, mood, and learning—and it’s easier when the environment supports it naturally.

A City That Supports Curiosity

Learning at this age extends beyond the classroom.

Palm Springs offers:

• Libraries, cultural spaces, and community programs

• Architecture, art, and design as part of everyday surroundings

• Opportunities for kids to see how a city functions—civically and socially

Children raised here gain early exposure to how communities work, not just how subjects are taught.

Safer Streets, Clearer Expectations

Palm Springs prioritizes:

• Predictable traffic patterns

• Neighborhood familiarity

• Public spaces designed to be shared

Kids benefit from environments where rules are clear and behavior is visible. Parents benefit from peace of mind.

Inclusion That Feels Normal

Children ages 6–12 are forming their understanding of the world and others.

Palm Springs offers:

• Everyday exposure to diverse families and communities

• Acceptance without explanation

• A culture where difference isn’t a disruption—it’s normal

This builds empathy, resilience, and social confidence.

Support for Working Families

Palm Springs recognizes that families balance work, school, and caregiving.

With:

• Transit access for kids

• Manageable distances

• Community-based programs

Families experience less daily strain—and more consistency.

Stability Through the Middle Years

Ages 6–12 are about foundation-building:

• Academic confidence

• Social skills

• Self-direction

Palm Springs provides a stable environment where children can focus on growing—not constantly adapting to chaos.

Choose Palm Springs

Raising kids in the elementary and middle years requires a city that supports independence with safety, curiosity with structure, and families with real infrastructure.

Palm Springs is building that kind of city.

Choose PSP.
A place where kids can move freely—and families can thrive.