Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, United States, within the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley. The city covers approximately 94 square miles (240 km2), making it the largest city in Riverside County by land area. With multiple plots in checkerboard pattern, more than 10% of the city is part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation land and is the administrative capital of the most populated reservation in California.
Palm Springs Quick Facts:
Number of Homes (est.): 45,000
Average Temp: 75°F (23.9°C)
Number of Parks: 7
Number of Golf Courses: 8+
Median Age (est.): 46.9
Average Income (est.): $74,000
Palm Springs CA is famous for its mid-century modern homes, walkable downtown, and mountain views. Buyers can choose from classic Alexander homes in neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Racquet Club Estates, estate properties in Old Las Palmas and the Movie Colony, and condos and townhomes across the city. Newer homes and gated communities are also available, especially on the south and east sides of town.
Many neighborhoods sit right at the base of Mount San Jacinto, so homes often come with dramatic mountain views, pools, and outdoor living space designed for the desert climate.
Buyers who want a quieter setting often look at nearby Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs, which offer lower prices just a short drive away.
Life in Palm Springs centers on Palm Canyon Drive, with its restaurants, shops, galleries, and the Thursday night VillageFest street fair. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs to the top of Mount San Jacinto, the Indian Canyons offer palm oasis hikes, and Modernism Week each February draws architecture fans from around the world.
The Palm Springs Art Museum, Moorten Botanical Garden, and dozens of nearby golf courses round out a lifestyle that feels like a vacation all year.
Palm Springs International Airport sits just minutes from downtown, which makes the city popular with both full-time residents and second home buyers.
Some homes in Palm Springs sit on land leased from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, so ask whether a property is fee land or leased land and review the lease terms before you make an offer. If you plan to rent your home short term, the city requires a vacation rental registration and limits how many rentals are allowed in each neighborhood.
Older homes may need updated electrical, plumbing, or roofing, so a thorough inspection is important. Some neighborhoods are also part of historic districts or have architectural review rules, which can affect remodeling plans.
Wilder Perez has more than 22 years of experience helping buyers and sellers across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Indio. Whether you are buying a home or selling a home, call (760) 483-3479 for a free consultation.
