The Greater Palm Springs area, also known as the Coachella Valley, is one of the most desirable regions in Southern California.
If you are contemplating a relocation, retirements, a second home purchase, or real estate investment the Coachella Valley is an attractive option with an unparalleled quality of life and a wide-array of options.
The nine cities that make up the Coachella Valley are: Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.
CATHEDRAL CITY
In between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City is the second largest in population in the Coachella Valley, second only to Indio, with around 51,000 residents.
The Cahuilla Indians were the original inhabitants of Cathedral City. They lived throughout the Coachella Valley for more than two thousand years. In 1876 the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians established their reservation which encompasses approximately 28% of Cathedral City.
The City has long been known as a hub of family entertainment, which includes hiking the beautiful mountain canyons, catching a flick at the amazing Desert IMAX and Mary Pickford Theatres, reconnecting with your playful side at Big League Dreams Sports Park and Boomers!, and visiting the award winning Fountain of Life in Town Square. There are many popular restaurants from fine Italian cooking, Brazilian Barbeque, Soul Food to authentic Mexican cooking.
There are also many unique home improvement specialty stores along Perez Road in Cathedral City: appliances, fine marble and stone, and handcrafted tiles, to name a few. It’s also a place to find vintage mid-century home furnishings.
Every February, Big League Dreams Sports Park plays host to the NCAA Women’s Softball Tournament — now known as the Cathedral City Classic — the premier Division One softball tournament in the country. Teams and people from all over the world come to Cathedral City to watch the event.
COACHELLA
Coachella is located 28 miles (45 km) east of Palm Springs, and 130 miles (210 km) east of Los Angeles. Known as the “City of Eternal Sunshine”, Coachella is largely a rural, agricultural, family-oriented community in the desert and one of the state’s fastest growing cities in the late 20th century. When it first incorporated back in 1946, it had 1,000 residents, but the population was 40,704 at the 2010 census.
The City of Coachella is a family oriented city with a rich cultural heritage. The fast pace of residential growth has become a beacon for attracting new businesses – and Coachella is one of the few areas in the country with both a State Enterprise Zone and a Federal Empowerment Zone offering substantial tax credits.
The origin of the name Coachella is unclear, but in 1901 the citizens of Woodspur voted on a new name for their community; at their town hall meeting, the homeowners settled on “Coachella”. Some locals believe it was a misspelling of Conchilla, a Spanish word for the small white snail shells found in the valley’s sandy soil, vestiges of a lake which dried up over 3,000 years ago.
Famous for the The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (commonly known as Coachella, Coachellafest, or Coachella Festival) is an annual three-day music and arts festival. Three popular fiestas are celebrated each year in town itself: Cinco de Mayo (May 5), the 16 de Septiembre Fiestas Patrias(Mexico’s Independence from Spain) and the 12 de Diciembre (the patron saint of Mexico, Santa Maria de Guadalupe) to celebrate the Virgin Mary.
Near the city limits of Coachella are three casinos on Indian reservations: Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino, and Augustine Casino.
Today, retail and commercial properties appear on Coachella’s two main streets: Harrison Street (formerly U.S. Route 99) and Grapefruit Boulevard (State Route 111), along with a new retail development on Avenue 48 and Jackson street. Since 2000, thousands of single-family homes and multi-unit apartment complexes are being built at a fast pace, as the city’s population soars, having more than doubled in the last decade.
http://www.coachella.org/
http://www.coachellachamber.org/
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Minutes from Palm Springs International Airport, golf, shopping, renowned restaurants, major sporting events and more, this spa destination city beckons visitors and resort recreational developers.
Growing rapidly, Desert Hot Springs’ population was 25,938 at the 2010 census, up from 16,582 at the 2000 United States Census. The city has undergone rapid development and high population growth since the 1970s, when there were 2,700 residents.
Desert Hot Springs was founded in 1941 and quickly became a tourist destination. Desert Hot Springs is built over one of the world’s finest natural hot mineral water aquifers. Naturally occurring mineral waters bubble and percolate to the surface.
During the 1950s and 1960s the town had over 80 spa hotels, often called “spa-tels.” From the late 1990s to the present a number of these boutique hotels have been renovated and revived. With their mid-century modern architecture they appeal to those wanting a unique hotel / spa experience.
One famous spa hotel property in Desert Hot Springs is the Two Bunch Palms Resort. In 1992 it was used as a filming location for the movie The Player.
http://www.cityofdhs.org/
http://www.deserthotsprings.com/
INDIAN WELLS
In between Palm Desert and La Quinta. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 4,958. Stunning mountain vistas and majestic palm trees of Southern California play backdrop to some of the world’s finest resorts and spas, golf, tennis, shopping and several year-round recreational activities.
Residents and visitors of Indian Wells enjoy luxurious amenities ad outstanding dining at the Indian Wells Golf Resort’s award winning Indian Wells Club. Indian Wells homeowners have access to an array of amenities and resident benefits.
The city hosts the Indian Wells Masters—now known by its current sponsorship name of BNP Paribas Open—one of the nine tournaments in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 of high-level events operated by the Association of Tennis Professionals and one of the four WTA Premier Tournaments tournament of the Women’s Tennis Association. The event is held in the 16,100-seat stadium of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
On July 14, 1967, Indian Wells became California’s 400th city and the 16th in Riverside County. Since then, Indian Wells has continued to grow, with the development of resort hotels, golf courses and luxury residential areas
http://www.indianwells.com/
http://www.cityofindianwells.org/
LA QUINTA
The Gem of the Desert… As one of the world’s top resort destinations, La Quinta attracts high-level events that draw thousands. The population was 37,467 at the 2010 census, up from 23,694 at the 2000 census.
On July 14, 1967, Indian Wells became California’s 400th city and the 16th in Riverside County. Since then, Indian Wells has continued to grow, with the development of resort hotels, golf courses and luxury residential areas
http://www.indianwells.com/
http://www.cityofindianwells.org/
LA QUINTA
The Gem of the Desert… As one of the world’s top resort destinations, La Quinta attracts high-level events that draw thousands. The population was 37,467 at the 2010 census, up from 23,694 at the 2000 census.
Named by the Robb Report as the “Best Place to Live for Golf,” La Quinta is home to over 20 exceptional golf courses, including the famous PGA West. La Quinta is a blend of beauty, charm, and opportunity. It is also home to the nationally acclaimed Arnold Palmer Classic Course at SilverRock Resort. The historic La Quinta Resort & Club is the largest resort in the Coachella Valley and is complemented by other recently-opened hospitality venues. The city embraces art and culture, offering the La Quinta Arts Festival and a variety of beautiful public art pieces.
The PGA TOUR Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament (now the Humana Challenge), PGA WEST, the La Quinta Art’s Festival, The Hot Rod & Custom Car Show, The Annual Taste of La Quinta plus musical and entertainment venues. Residents and visitors enjoy the backdrop of the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains as well as amenities like public art, the SilverRock Golf Course and serene hiking trails.
The most prominent feature of the La Quinta area is its Santa Rosa Mountains. Visitors to Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California can be treated to a brief glimpse of the foothills in one of the park’s attractions: Soarin’ Over California. The “Palm Springs” segment of Soarin’ Over California was actually shot at the world-famous PGA West golf complex in La Quinta.
http://www.la-quinta.org/
PALM DESERT
Relaxation to recreation, you can do it all in sunny Palm Desert – or you can sit back and do nothing at all. From five-star resorts to budget-friendly hotels, world-class golf to incredible art and architecture, Palm Desert is an oasis of excitement.
The PGA TOUR Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament (now the Humana Challenge), PGA WEST, the La Quinta Art’s Festival, The Hot Rod & Custom Car Show, The Annual Taste of La Quinta plus musical and entertainment venues. Residents and visitors enjoy the backdrop of the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains as well as amenities like public art, the SilverRock Golf Course and serene hiking trails.
The most prominent feature of the La Quinta area is its Santa Rosa Mountains. Visitors to Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California can be treated to a brief glimpse of the foothills in one of the park’s attractions: Soarin’ Over California. The “Palm Springs” segment of Soarin’ Over California was actually shot at the world-famous PGA West golf complex in La Quinta.
http://www.la-quinta.org/
PALM DESERT
Relaxation to recreation, you can do it all in sunny Palm Desert – or you can sit back and do nothing at all. From five-star resorts to budget-friendly hotels, world-class golf to incredible art and architecture, Palm Desert is an oasis of excitement.
Palm Desert is approximately 14 miles (23 km) east of Palm Springs and 122 miles (196 km) east of Los Angeles. The population was 48,445 at the 2010 census, up from 41,155 at the 2000 census.
A major center of growth in the Palm Springs area, Palm Desert is a popular retreat for “snowbirds” from colder climates (the Eastern and Northern United States, and Canada), who swell its population by an estimated 31,000 each winter. In the past couple of years Palm Desert has seen more residents become “full-timers”, mainly from the coasts and urban centers of California, who have come for both affordable and high-valued home prices.
Many celebrities keep homes in Palm Desert, including Rita Rudner and more recently, the current home of professional golfer Michelle Wie and one of the homes of Bill Gates. Film producers Jerry Weintraub and Robert Velo call Palm Desert their second home.
http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/
http://www.palm-desert.org/
PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs, Southern California’s most legendary resort playground of the stars, like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Liberace and Lucille Ball is once again a hip and sophisticated resort destination. Golf, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, biking, and hiking in the nearby desert and mountain areas are major forms of recreation in Palm Springs.
Home to some of the most unique tourism attractions that include the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons, the weekly Villagefest, Festival of Lights Parade, Palm Springs Film Festival and Palm Springs Modernism Week.
The population was 44,552 at the 2010 census. The city spans over 94 square miles, making it the largest city in the county by size.
Dine at a number of successful eateries and shop at new emerging shops both retail and interior design. Not to be missed is the Spa Resort Casino and the Hilton Palm Springs. Palm Springs will soon be adding a Hard Rock Hotel and Resort in the fall of 2013 and a Kimpton Hotel in 2014.
Home to the expanded Palm Springs International Airport, travel is easily accomplished to and from numerous popular destinations.
http://www.palmspringsca.gov
http://www.visitpalmsprings.com/
RANCHO MIRAGE
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe Rancho Mirage California: peaceful, beautiful, relaxing, verdant, convenient, warm, friendly, cultured, sunny, elegant, unfettered. Located in the geographic center of the Coachella Valley, ten miles from Palm Springs to the northwest and Indio to the southeast, Rancho Mirage lies in a sheltered cove, spreading its green carpet across the desert floor from the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south toward the mighty snow-capped San Jacinto range on the west.
The population was 17,218 at the 2010 census, up from 13,249 at the 2000 census, but the seasonal (part-time) population can exceed 20,000.
A major center of growth in the Palm Springs area, Palm Desert is a popular retreat for “snowbirds” from colder climates (the Eastern and Northern United States, and Canada), who swell its population by an estimated 31,000 each winter. In the past couple of years Palm Desert has seen more residents become “full-timers”, mainly from the coasts and urban centers of California, who have come for both affordable and high-valued home prices.
Many celebrities keep homes in Palm Desert, including Rita Rudner and more recently, the current home of professional golfer Michelle Wie and one of the homes of Bill Gates. Film producers Jerry Weintraub and Robert Velo call Palm Desert their second home.
http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/
http://www.palm-desert.org/
PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs, Southern California’s most legendary resort playground of the stars, like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Liberace and Lucille Ball is once again a hip and sophisticated resort destination. Golf, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, biking, and hiking in the nearby desert and mountain areas are major forms of recreation in Palm Springs.
Home to some of the most unique tourism attractions that include the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons, the weekly Villagefest, Festival of Lights Parade, Palm Springs Film Festival and Palm Springs Modernism Week.
The population was 44,552 at the 2010 census. The city spans over 94 square miles, making it the largest city in the county by size.
Dine at a number of successful eateries and shop at new emerging shops both retail and interior design. Not to be missed is the Spa Resort Casino and the Hilton Palm Springs. Palm Springs will soon be adding a Hard Rock Hotel and Resort in the fall of 2013 and a Kimpton Hotel in 2014.
Home to the expanded Palm Springs International Airport, travel is easily accomplished to and from numerous popular destinations.
http://www.palmspringsca.gov
http://www.visitpalmsprings.com/
RANCHO MIRAGE
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe Rancho Mirage California: peaceful, beautiful, relaxing, verdant, convenient, warm, friendly, cultured, sunny, elegant, unfettered. Located in the geographic center of the Coachella Valley, ten miles from Palm Springs to the northwest and Indio to the southeast, Rancho Mirage lies in a sheltered cove, spreading its green carpet across the desert floor from the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south toward the mighty snow-capped San Jacinto range on the west.
The population was 17,218 at the 2010 census, up from 13,249 at the 2000 census, but the seasonal (part-time) population can exceed 20,000.
The Annenberg Estate or Sunnylands, owned by philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg, had long been popular with the wealthy and powerful, including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Queen Elizabeth II, and Mary Martin. Several United States Presidents have vacationed at the Annenberg estate, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford. Ford later bought a house in Rancho Mirage and was living there at the time of his death in 2006. The Betty Ford Center, a world-renowned addiction rehabilitation center, is located in Rancho Mirage at the Eisenhower Medical Center.
Rancho Mirage has twelve golf courses, also known as country clubs or golf resorts.
Every attraction of this sunshine wonderland is quickly accessible: open desert, dramatic canyons, and the greatest golf courses in the world. The community rises above the surrounding valley at an elevation of 246 feet. Rancho Mirage has dry, clear air and low humidity, offering casual living at its unhurried, un-crowded best. Scores of corporate presidents and other chief executive officers – people who really know the meaning of daily pressure – come from everywhere to seek relaxation in Rancho Mirage. Rancho Mirage is the oasis of gracious living in the Coachella Valley.
Eisenhower Medical Center includes a 540 bed hospital, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, The Betty Ford Center and the Lucy Curci Cancer Center. Prestigious golf courses include Mission Hills Country Club which hosts the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
The Children’s Discovery Museum focuses on fun activities for children of all ages.
www.ranchomirageca.gov
http://www.ranchomirage.org/
INDIO
The City of Festivals… it is the home of 8 major annual festivals and a host of highly-acclaimed events that bring culture, music, sports, entertainment and a variety of cuisine to thousands of visitors each year. It is a playground for world-class polo enthusiasts and is a haven for golf and tennis players. Its rich heritage can be seen in bold, colorful murals that embellish buildings throughout the city and its diverse history is showcased at the Coachella Valley History Museum. While Indio started as a railroad town, it developed into an agricultural area shortly after.
Indio has the Riverside county’s eastern branch offices, because Indio was historically the main population center of the Coachella valley, except when Palm Springs had more people from 1955 to 1992, when the US census announced Indio surpassed Palm Springs and that title was returned to them. The population was 76,036 in the 2010 United States Census.
