We love to go down there and stay. Some don't like it but I have been going down there since I was a kid I think the desert is beautiful. We've been considering moving down there as well but the wife doesn't tolerate the heat as well as I do. Housing seems pretty affordable but as others have mentioned there is definitely some sketchy areas you wouldn't want to live in. If you can stand the heat I think it is a pretty decent option, within range of Vegas and SoCal if you need to get out of town. Oh and be sure to brush up on your Spanish speaking skills...