Minecraft wiki entry for Best_biomes_for_homes, associated text: Many players prefer to not live in deserts, as they lack grass, wood, and many other vital resources - however, once a player has basic materials, living in a desert can be beneficial. Sand can be obtained in large quantities, and cactus is rare in other biomes. Almost no above-ground water generates here, which poses a problem if spawned deep within these biomes. Also, no passive mobs spawn here other than rabbits. No trees spawn here either. Though not the best biome for the beginner, it is still a nice biome to live in after you've got your initial house set up somewhere else (see Tutorials/Survival in an infinite desert for tips on how to survive in a desert).