Palm Springs is one of the hottest vacation destinations for Californians and, let’s face it, the rest of America. Just consider the resorts, boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, sporting tournaments, and film and music festivals. Needless to say, the city is often flooded with revelers from across the globe. But what is it like to live in a city built on leisure and luxury? It’s not for everyone, but homes for sale in Palm Springs are still wildly in demand. We recognize that living in Palm Springs is largely a matter of personal preference. But if you want to join the rising crowd of people looking for property in Palm Springs, you’re in luck. Today, we’re breaking down the five best neighborhoods for buying Palm Springs homes. 

La Quinta: Maybe More Upscale Than Up-and-Coming

When looking for homes for sale in Palm Springs, you’ll quickly notice La Quinta regularly tops lists of hottest neighborhoods. Golf enthusiasts in particular flock to La Quinta for its over 20 courses, many of which are world famous. The PGA West golf complex is arguably the most recognizable of these courses. Even those with no knowledge of golf may recognize it from a momentary feature in Disneyland’s Soarin’ Over California ride. The Quarry at La Quinta is also notable as one of the 100 best golf courses in the United States. 

Golfing aside, La Quinta is nestled in the Coachella Valley with stunning views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains. Enjoy scenic hiking trails where you could spot the occasional roadrunner before grabbing dinner at the multitude of restaurants. La Quinta communities are also notable for their reasonable Homeowners Associations that never get too strict or pushy.

Palm Desert: Bringing Variety to Palm Springs Homes

Desert aesthetic meets luxury all across Palm Springs, but the juxtaposition can be the most obvious in Palm Desert communities. But affordability is the reason Palm Desert is one of the best neighborhoods for homes for sale in Palm Springs. Palm Desert offers some of the lowest asking prices in the Palm Springs area while still bringing quality. 

If you like to golf, you may want to go more luxurious with a home in the Bighorn Golf Club. However, Chaparral Country Club is a hidden gem for avid golf enthusiasts on more of a budget. If golf’s not your thing, you may prefer the more affordable rustic properties in Cahuilla Hills. If gated communities are more your speed, a condo in the Hidden Palms community could be just what you want. As you can see, Palm Desert is all about options. 

Cathedral City: The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Photo credit: Tripadvisor

Downtown Cathedral City underwent an ambitious revitalization project in the ‘90s that wrapped in 2005. Since then, the neighborhood, which locals affectionately refer to as “Cat City”, has become a hotspot for home buyers. Sure, the renovated city hall probably isn’t a major magnet for people searching for Palm Springs homes for sale. But consider the IMAX theater and slew of remodeled and newly built shops and restaurants to get the full picture. It also offers plenty of options for golf, which doesn’t exactly distinguish it in Palm Springs. Yet sports fans will no doubt enjoy the Big League Dreams Sports Complex. This facility recreates four authentic major league ballparks for softball matches. Located in the Coachella Valley between Palm Springs proper and Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City is not to be overlooked. 

Rancho Mirage: The Most Unique Palm Springs Homes for Sale

If you feel a certain magic from the neighborhood of Rancho Mirage, you’re in good company. It once hosted homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Bing Crosby, to name a few. It was also so popular with political figures that it earned the nickname “Playground of the Presidents.” Another popular nickname, “Golf Capital of the World”, is really saying something in golf-obsessed Palm Springs. 

But there’s a lot more to Rancho Mirage. From its numerous art and music festivals and observatory to its nature reserves and botanical gardens, you’ll never be bored. But this Sonoran Desert neighborhood also offers some of the most unusual options for Palm Springs homes. It’s the site of a planned Storyliving by Disney community, Disney’s unique take on residential living. Rancho Mirage will also serve as grounds for the first U.S. neighborhood completely constructed from 3-D printing. Construction already began on these zero net energy homes and is expected to be completed later this year. 

Desert Hot Springs: Don’t Overlook This Revitalized Gem

Easily the most controversial option on our list, Desert Hot Springs has an undeserved bad reputation. This owes to a rough history that started turning around about 15 years ago. Today, it’s unrecognizable from the Desert Hot Springs of old. In fact, it’s become a resort neighborhood boasting dozens of classy spas and boutique hotels. Some of the most affordable Palm Springs homes for sale are listed in Desert Hot Springs. In this way, the outdated bad reputation can actually work in your favor. 

As you can guess, Desert Hot Springs is named for its plentiful hot and cold natural mineral springs. But it also enjoys a milder climate than most of the other Palm Springs neighborhoods. Desert Hot Springs also hosts several windmill farms, adding further character and charm to a unique community. 

Even in an in-demand market like Palm Springs, these five neighborhoods remain some of the best for home buyers.