Veterans drawn to California's Hi-Desert

The most significant impact the Marine Corps Air Ground combat Center has on Twentynine Palms and surrounding areas could be in population, according to a report by combat center officials. "Base employees, dependents and retirees form the majority of the Twentynine Palms population," the report notes.

Using 2005 figures, the latest athat were available, the report estimates of the 27,387 people in Twentynine Palms, 69 per cent were directly employed, supported or related to the military in some way. The report also points out that 29.5 per cent of the city's population is comprised of veterans.

As a Realtor in the Hi-Desert, I have had the personal honor of working with many Marine and Navy homebuyers in the area--many first time buyers--and look forward to working with our fine Marines and Sailors in the future.