Desert Shores Quick Facts
Area: 210 ha
Population: 411 (2020)
ZIP code: 92274
Area codes: 442/760
Desert Shores CA is one of the most affordable places to own a home in the greater Coachella Valley area. The community sits along State Route 86 on the west shore of the Salton Sea, and many homes here sit on larger lots than you will find in Indio or Palm Desert for the same budget.
Buyers will find a mix of single-family homes, manufactured homes, and vacant land. Many people buy here for retirement, as a second home, or as a quiet base for weekend trips, while others build on an empty lot to create a custom desert property.
Life in Desert Shores is slow-paced and close to nature. The Salton Sea sits along the Pacific Flyway, so birdwatchers come to see pelicans, egrets, and hundreds of other species throughout the year. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a short drive to the west for hiking, wildflowers in spring, and wide open views.
Clear skies and very little light pollution also make Desert Shores a great spot for stargazing on calm desert nights.
For shopping, dining, and medical care, residents drive north on Highway 86 to Mecca, Coachella, and Indio, or south to Salton City. Most daily errands can be handled within a short drive.
Summer temperatures often pass 110 degrees, so it is smart to check the age of the air conditioning system, roof condition, and insulation during inspections. The shoreline of the Salton Sea has changed over the years, which can affect views and nearby land, so ask about this when touring homes close to the water.
Desert Shores is in Imperial County, not Riverside County, so property taxes, building permits, and many local services are handled through Imperial County offices. Buyers coming from the Coachella Valley should keep this in mind when planning any building or remodeling project.
Wilder Perez has an office on South Marina Drive and more than 22 years of experience helping buyers and sellers around the Salton Sea and across the Coachella Valley. Whether you are buying a home or selling a home in Desert Shores CA, call (760) 483-3479 for a free consultation.
