A desert oasis known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant lifestyle, Palm Springs is a delightful area in which to live. While some will associate Palm Springs with golf courses in the desert, Palm Springs and the surrounding areas offer much more. The area also has a range of exclusive non-golf communities that cater to those who are looking for more than great greens and a clubhouse.
You will find varying real estate options within Palm Springs and its communities, each featuring different property types and architectural styles, and each community will have its own unique set of amenities. Prospective buyers can explore choices ranging from low-maintenance condos and semi-detached townhomes to exquisite patio homes with expansive gardens and spacious single-family residences.
Here, we will take a closer look at some of the best gated and non-gated Palm Springs communities and the many advantages of living in these neighborhoods.
Benefits of living in non-golf communities
Golfing communities do attract some residents who may not be that interested in golf. They may be drawn to other features that the golf community has, however, there are specific benefits to be enjoyed in non golfing communities. Here are some of the advantages of living in non-golf communities enjoyed by residents in Palm Springs.
Lower Price: One of the most notable advantages is affordability, as homes in these communities generally come with lower price tags compared to those in golf-centric areas. This benefit opens up homeownership opportunities to a broader range of people, making these communities accessible to even first-time home buyers.
Lower HOA fees: Additionally, non-golf communities typically come with lower homeowners' association (HOA) fees. Since there are no golf courses to maintain, the expenses associated with landscaping and upkeep are often lower, resulting in cost savings for residents.
Serene Living Spaces: Beyond financial considerations, non-golf communities generally provide a quieter and more peaceful living environment. Absent the usual activity around a golf course, residents can enjoy complete tranquility where they can live without disturbances.
Increased Privacy: Without the presence of a golf course and the accompanying foot traffic, residents often have more seclusion, enabling them to feel more secure and at ease in their homes.
Variations of Amenities: Non-golf communities often provide a more diverse range of amenities, catering to a broader spectrum of interests and preferences. Residents can enjoy a variety of facilities such as community pools, parks, walking trails, sports courts, and more.
Lots of green open spaces: Nature lovers will appreciate the increased space and natural beauty that non-golf communities tend to offer. With less area dedicated to greens and fairways, there are more open areas and green spaces available.
Less water consumption: From an environmental perspective, non-golf communities are better at water conservation. Without extensive golf course irrigation needs, water consumption is reduced, making these communities more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Non-Golf Communities in Palm Springs
In and around Palm Springs, there are almost 100 golf courses, so it’s fair to say that the area does attract many who are interested in the game. However, Palm Springs is more than a golfer’s paradise, it’s also a beautiful resort city in its own right that offers much to those looking for luxury homes in the beauty of the desert. Here are some of the communities that non-golfers will love.
Palm Springs
From sprawling estates to luxury vacation homes, Palm Springs has a diverse array of real estate options. The properties of Palm Springs stand apart from other Coachella Valley cities due to its early development, resulting in fewer gated communities and homeowners associations.
Palm Springs is renowned for its wide selection of Mid-Century Modern homes, many of which have undergone extensive updates and remodeling. In Palm Springs, you can find homes and condos that cater to various budgets, ranging from affordable options to opulent luxury estates, some of which come with intriguing histories.
As a resident of Palm Springs, there is an abundance of activities. You can:
Explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Hike the majestic trails of the surrounding mountains and take in breathtaking views.
Visit the Living Desert Zoo to see diverse wildlife and botanical gardens.
Discover the city's rich architectural history with tours of iconic mid-century modern homes.
Relax in the healing mineral waters of local spas.
Attend cultural events and festivals that celebrate art, music, and film.
Indian Wells
Indian Wells features a mix of non-golf developments within Palm Springs gated communities as well as non-gated, providing diverse options for potential homeowners. Some neighborhoods in Indian Wells have the advantage of not having a homeowners' association (HOA) meaning no HOA dues.
To date, there is an Indian Wells Resident Benefit Program that includes discounts on the Indian Wells Golf Resort, the BNP Paribas Open, and all four Indian Wells Resort properties. The city is also a popular destination for exclusive events throughout the year. Additionally, residents receive access to top-rated medical and academic facilities, a community garden, and a home security rebate program.
Tennis is much loved in this neighborhood with Indian Wells being the host for the Indian Wells Masters Tennis Tournament.
Indio
Indio, a city located in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert, Riverside County lies just 23 miles east of the Mojave Desert. Its proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego makes it one of the more popular neighborhoods in the area.
Also known as the “City of Festival,” Indio houses the largest art and music festivals in the area, making it a vibrant and dynamic location. These festivals include the famed Coachella Music Festival, Southwest Arts Festivals, Heritage Festival, and Stagecoach. A series of concerts in Indio are often organized by the Motorcoach Association West Area Rally. There are also the Riverside County Fairgrounds, home to the Riverside County Fair and the National Date Festival, which celebrate the annual date harvest.
Additionally, Indio boasts a significant polo presence, with international events taking place at the Empire Polo Club and El Dorado Polo Club from January to April.
Indio takes pride in its education system, with award-winning schools that are part of the Desert Sands Unified School District and the Coachella Valley Unified School District. A notable academic institution in Indio is the California Desert Trail Academy College of Law, which holds the distinction of being the only law school in Riverside County.
La Quinta
La Quinta, situated between the cities of Indian Wells and Indio, became an incorporated city in 1982. At the time, it was named after the iconic La Quinta Resort, established in 1926, around which the city was developed. The name "La Quinta" translates to "the fifth" in Spanish. Surrounded almost entirely by the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta is in the lowest part of the Coachella Valley. The region was once covered by water, and remnants of Lake Cahuilla's formation can still be seen on the mountains today.
Apart from golfing, there are various other activities to enjoy in La Quinta. The La Quinta Resort and Club, renowned among Hollywood celebrities and A-listers, holds historical significance, with Frank Capra having written the screenplay for the film "Lost Horizon" at the resort.
There is also Old Town La Quinta, a commercial real estate development by Wells Marvin, which adds to the city's charm and history. Featuring around 30 cafes, shops, local boutiques, and business offices, it hosts community art festivals like the Art of Main Street and the La Quinta Farmers Market.
The city's public schools are part of the Desert Sands Unified School District, offering education at institutions. Students here can enroll in Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, or Amelia Earhart Elementary School. For older kids, there are La Quinta Middle School and La Quinta High School.
La Quinta offers a diverse range of real estate options. Close to commercial areas, luxury condos and townhomes are available, while further out, you can find single-family homes that meet various preferences and lifestyles.
Palm Desert
Palm Desert offers a diverse selection of non-golf neighborhoods and homes for sale, available in both gated and non-gated communities. Palm Desert can be divided into three areas: Palm Desert South, Palm Desert North, and Palm Desert East.
The city offers a myriad of activities for residents and visitors alike. The El Paseo Shopping District, known as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," boasts horse-shaped open-air shopping malls and features luxury retailers from around the world, making it a shopping hub for the entire Coachella Valley. The McCallum Theater for Performing Arts serves as the largest venue and central hub for various performing arts events, from Broadway-style plays and musicals to educational programs, concerts, and clubs.
For nature enthusiasts, Palm Desert offers numerous hiking trails, including the popular Art Smith Trail that starts from the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument visitor center. Other notable trails include the Palm Desert Cross hiking trail, Coachella Valley Vista Point, Bump, and Grind Trail.
Red Jeep Tours provides exciting wilderness excursions, showcasing the mountains of Palm Desert and the San Andreas Fault. Additionally, residents and visitors can explore a unique wildlife and botanical park that offers camping opportunities.
There is a wide range of housing options in Palm Desert including some of the best gated communities in the Palm Springs area. These include low-maintenance condo properties, grand mountain estates, and homes nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.
Rancho Mirage
Non-golf communities in Rancho Mirage offer a wide range of real estate opportunities, from affordable condos to ultra-luxury homes in both Palm Springs gated communities and non-gated neighborhoods. Rancho Mirage has a rich history as the former home to celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Betty Ford. Sunnylands, a historic estate and retreat, has hosted some of the most famous American celebrities as well as prominent world leaders.
The city provides numerous recreational activities, including popular hiking trails like Jackrabbit Trail, Road Runner Trail, and Big Overlook Trail. There is also the Agua Caliente Resort Casino and Spa offer gaming, live entertainment, and relaxation at the spa.
Homes in Rancho Mirage range from condos to desert oasis estates, offering a suburban-style living experience. The city's strategic location allows residents to be close to major events while enjoying areas of quiet and relaxation.
Education is provided by the Palm Springs Unified School District, with schools like Rancho Mirage Elementary School and Rancho Mirage High School serving the community.
As highlighted, Palm Springs offers an array of non-golf communities that cater to different lifestyles and preferences – be it high-end living in Palm Springs or relaxed living in Palm Desert neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for serenity and tranquility, a connection with nature, or the epitome of luxury, Palm Springs and the surrounding areas have the perfect community for you.
Find your new home in Palm Springs gated communities
Discover your dream home with the Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group, the unrivaled team of highly-skilled professionals in the Greater Palm Springs area. With over 25 years of experience and a track record of countless success stories, our hand-selected agents are ready to surpass your real estate expectations.
For sellers, our reputation, expertise, and reach bring your properties to the forefront of the market and our skill ensures you get the best return on your investment. For buyers looking at Palm Springs, La Quinta, and beyond, we specialize in finding the right homes, in the right communities including those in resorts and gated communities.
Join the team in Coachella Valley, acclaimed as the Palm Springs Life Top Real Estate Team from 2020 to 2023. Embrace the charm of this desert paradise and find your dream home in one of these exclusive non-golf communities. Contact Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group today at (760) 656-6052 or email us here and let us guide you to the property perfect for you!
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