The desert can be very beautiful. It is awe inspiring especially to some one that has never experienced it. Jim's answer, coming from a Texan, has to be toung in cheek. The life style is very differnet but that area has been drawing very wealthy people since the West was settled. If all that glitters is only an hour away you dhouldn't feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere. Wester states are much larger than Eastern. An hour drive is easy and close for us whereas in some places back east you can cover four states in an hour.
Everything is air conditioned, the humidity that you are used to to will be gone. The heat is dry and the winters are wonderful.

Rebekah I am a real estate agent who helps with Military PCS moves to 29 Palms, and I would be glad to help you with any questions you may have. The base is about an hour from Palm Springs & Palm Desert, so you'll want a good social network on the base. Other than Wal-mart and the grocery store, the rest of your shopping is down the hill (Palm Springs & Palm Desert). You can find more information and properties on my website. Let me know if I can help.

Dave

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that covers you completely, and take a wrap with you when you expect to be out after sunset. Drink lots of water, especially when you engage in outdoor activities. Almost everything that walks, crawls or slithers is potentially dangerous. Don't burn creosote in your fireplace.