A Postcard from Palm Desert, California
As soon as we drove in, it was clear the beauty of the place would keep us happy even if we just sat and looked at the view. Then we found out how great the golfing was, and the decision was made. We're staying!
About Palm Desert, California
More than just an oasis in the desert, the resort towns that have sprung up in Coachella Valley create their own country club lifestyle. Palm Desert joins its neighbors of La Quinta and Palm Springs in creating a triangle of prestigious golfing and resort living. Despite the reputation of being ultra exclusive, many developments are surprisingly affordable here. The towns are connected by Palm Canyon Drive, lined with boutiques in each town. Above it all, the sun shines almost 330 days a year, supporting dry, clean warm air year-round. With wide-open desert landscape, nothing fences you in. With a vacation home in Palm Desert, you can have it all, arts, theater, hiking, biking, golfing and even snow on the mountain peaks. Palm Desert creates a cultural and commercial hub for the many small desert communities that have also sprung up in the desert. These towns, such as Indo, Thousand Palms, Indian Wells, and Cathedral City, enjoy the convenience and beauty of shopping at Palm Desert. While it definitely an older, more mature population, there is a sizable family community in Palm Desert as well, with excellent schools. Whether you are looking for home that you can retire to, or just a good resort getaway, a second home in Palm Desert supplies it.
An Average Lifestyle in Palm Desert, California
People here not only love their resort lifestyle, they want to preserve it and have a say in doing so. To understand the lifestyle, look at the governing body: In 1997, the voters approved Palm Desert government shift to Charter City, to allow more local control and self-governance. Palm Desert is run by a City Council of 5 elected citizens, who rotate the position of Mayor. The city is rated as one of the safest cities in Southern California. In short, life in Palm Desert takes commitment: to relax, and work at keeping it relaxed at the same time.
Housing
Housing options include gated golf and tennis communities, single family developments, condos, town homes, open space, and mountain homes with great views. About 22% of homes are rentals, with a median rent of $661. There is a good seasonal rental market for renting the property between January and May.
Median Housing Costs
$189,100, with average around $299K. You can find condos at $99,000 and homes up to $5million.
Things to Do in Palm Desert
Golf at over 100 courses in the Valley
Visit Living Desert wildlife park
Mountain Biking through Santa Rosa Mountains
Hike Indian Nature trails
Tennis
Relax in a spa
Haute Couture Shopping on El Paseo Boulevard or over 14 shopping plazas
Cultural Activities in Palm Desert
Music, Dance and Stage performances at McCallum Theater
Art in Public Places
Near-By Excursions
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Desert Museum
Location
Riverside County, Southeastern California, in the heart of Coachella Valley
Elevation: 243 ft
Size: 24.4 sq miles
Distance to other major cities
La Quinta: 6 miles
Indo, CA: 9.5 miles
Palm Springs: 13 miles
Riverside, CA: 72 miles
San Diego, CA: 84 miles
Getting To Palm Desert, California
By air: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (25 minutes)
By Train: to Palm Springs or Indio
By Car: two hours from Los Angeles, Tijuana or San Diego
Weather
Dry Desert Climate, with over 330 days of sun
Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 41-70; July 74-107
Annual Average Rainfall: 3.38 inches
Economics and Demographics
Population: 42,350 with about an additional 31,000 during winter season
Median Age, 2000: 48
Median Household Income: $52,991
Principle Industries: Hospitality/tourism/ service
Higher Education
College of the Desert
Chapman University
California State University, San Bernadino