Palm Desert Real Estate & Market Trends

Living in Palm Desert California

The city of Palm Desert California is located in the Coachella Valley just 14 miles outside of the city of Palm Springs in Riverside County. The city was officially incorporated in 1973, but has since changed to a Charter City it sits in the central part of the valley. It is most popularly known as a cultural and retail center of the desert valley communities.

Palm Desert is one of California’s fastest-growing cities since the year 1980. Palm Desert is a popular spot to settle into for many snowbirds that like to retreat from colder climates in the north for a portion of the year. It is estimated that the population of Palm Desert increases by 31,000 residents every winter.

History of Palm Desert

Palm Desert was first named the Old MacDonald Ranch and was later changed to Palm Village in the 1920s. This was due to the large number of date palms planted on the land at the time. The first farmers were part of the San Cayetano tribe of Cahuilla Native Americans. There are no living descendants of this tribe but there are some members of the Montoya family of Cahuilla that played a prominent role in the civic development of Palm Desert.

In 1943 the former El Paseo area was an Army Maintenance Camp which brought more residents to the area and led to the first residential neighborhood. In 1948 there was a large housing boom greatly increasing development and population. In 1951 as the area again saw a large amount of growth the name was then changed again to Palm Desert.

Activity Hot Spots in Palm Desert

El Paseo Shopping District

A long horseshoe-shaped open-air shopping mall that some call the Rodeo Drive of the Desert. It is home to some of the top luxury retailers from around the world. It is a hotspot of retail shopping for the entire Coachella Valley.

McCollum Theatre for the Performing Arts

One of the valley’s largest venues and a hub for all things performing arts in the area. From Broadway-style plays and musicals to education, concerts, and clubs.

Hiking

There are many popular hikes surrounding the city of Palm Desert. One of the most popular hiking trails includes the Art Smith Trail which starts in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at the Visitor Center. Other popular trails include the Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail, Coachella Valley Vista Point, the Bump and Grind Trail, and other trails of the national monument.

Red Jeep Tours

With all of the wilderness that surrounds Palm Desert including the mountains and the San Andreas Fault, it is a great opportunity to take a fun four-wheel drive through the bumpy and beautiful terrain.

The Living Desert

Wildlife and Botanical Park that also serves as an educational facility. The zoo is home to many amazing animals that you can come and visit or take a class or sign up for a camp and get to know much more about them.

Homes in Palm Desert

There is a nice variety of home styles and types in the city of Palm Desert. Home prices range from the low $200,000s on the east side to over $16 million. There are low-maintenance condo properties as well as grand mountain estates in the foothills of the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains.

For more information on living in Palm Desert or to find specific Palm Desert homes for sale that meet your home search criteria please contact us at any time.