Newcomers share the common experience of having their attitude adjusted to everyday life in Borrego Springs.  It needs adjusting because some things will simply not be the same as they were in the old hometown.  We want to prepare you for this experience - to make you feel comfortable in your new environment.

The exciting part is that getting adjusted is a pleasant experience.  You'll marvel at the differences that this new behavior makes in your life - more free time, more time in the great outdoors, more exercise, more fresh air and  less stress.  Driving may even become a pleasurable experience again.

So what are the signs to look for?  What specifically needs adjusting?  You'll recognize them as they occur, but here's a briefing on the more common "adjustments" you'll be making:

ELBOW ROOM - One of the first things you'll notice.  Borrego Springs is about 60,000 acres of private lands, surrounded as an enclave, by the continental United States' largest state park, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  Another 600,000 acres or so.  That's about 1,000 square miles with only three Borregans per square mile.  There is a lot of open space to be shared with the flora and fauna.  With all this space between us you still can count on Borregans when you need help.  We take care of our own.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE - Native Borregans prefer the sounds of nature or warm friendly laughter over a blaring horn.  They won't even honk at slow-moving traffic, ambling pedestrians or the local wild animal population (they sometimes use the road too.)  Honking will give you away as a newcomer more quickly than almost anything.  Roadrunners and bighorn sheep always have the right of way.

LINES - While it is legal to form lines at various places such as the Visitor Center, local live theater,  grocery stores or at a community breakfast, lines are uncommon in Borrego.

FORE! - Some of the greatest golfing in the world is in Borrego.  If you live here, you can take advantage of the five great courses Borrego offers.  Public courses include the relaxing nine holes at Club Circle (there's a second set of tees so you can play eighteen.) Tennis anyone?  That sport is available at the resorts, the Tennis Club, or you can wander over to the high school courts.  Horseback riding, hiking, bicycling (on and off-road) and four-wheeling are considered to be primary activities to many residents. Don't be surprised to see more 4-wheel drives and fat-tired bicycles than ever before.

FRIENDLY PEOPLE - Borrego residents take special pride in their hospitality.  You will have total strangers say "hello" on the street.  Try the post office around noon for this experience.  It's okay:  the natives are just being friendly.

NIGHT SKIES - Borrego offers an idyllic mixture of excitement and pure peace and quiet.  Nowhere are the stars out tonight more than in Borrego Springs.  If out walking at night, avoid bumping into the inanimate shadows you will see on the ground.  The infamous cholla might get you.  Not all the natives are friendly.

DESERT FEVER - Visitors to Borrego Springs are often struck by this disease.  Desert Fever is caused by the spectacular natural beauty and serenity of the area.  Early symptoms include a burning desire to take pictures for friends and to plan for the next trip "south" or "west."  There is no apparent cure for snowbirds and rainbirds.