Neighborhoods In The Palm Springs Area

The Palm Springs Area Neighborhoods

Their are as many as 200 active neighborhoods in and around the Coachella valley that make up the Palm Springs area in Riverside County, making the Palm Springs area one of the best locations to live in California. 

The Palm Springs area real estate market has some of the most desirable house styles, including the most famous mid-century modern style and many famous homes in the more well known neighborhoods and subdivisions in the local area.

Coachella valley in Riverside County California

Some of the most recognized in the area are the classic ranch style homes, Spanish villas, Mediterranean style houses, mid-century modern homes & condos, view more home styles here.

Which Neighborhood Is the Best to Live In Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a dream destination for many. With stylish hotels, luxurious spas, scenic golf courses, and comfortable hot springs, this small city in Southern California may give you major thrills for a weekend trip. 

But what is it like to shift to Palm Springs permanently? What do Palm Springs neighborhoods offer to their residents? You will find all the answers today.

Why is Palm Springs popular?

Palm Springs isn't just a weekend destination anymore. People are looking to move to this city in the Sonoran Desert because of the affordability of properties and the amenities available here.  Amenities don't necessarily mean good schools for children, availability of frequent public transport, or nearby restaurants. 

For many families, amenities may mean a shopping center near the neighborhood they live in, low membership fees in golf or tennis clubs, or enough areas where they can hike so that they can maintain their fitness.

Fortunately, the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs come with these amenities, making it one of the ideal cities to shift to with your family. You will be surprised to see the mid century-modern architecture and its shopping district that features interior design shops, vintage boutiques, and restaurants. 

Moreover, the nearby Coachella Valley has various adventure sports options, such as horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails. 

Best neighborhoods in Palm Springs

You'll want to plan a trip to the area for a couple of days and book a private real estate tour with us if you plan on getting your dream home before moving to Palm Springs.

And while your planning your trip, we would advise creating a shortlist of the neighborhoods by listing their pros and cons and whatever else your fond of in a home style or location you prefer to live in.

You'll want to see what makes a neighborhood suitable for your family.

Conversely, you should also know which Palm Springs neighborhoods are best suited for your needs, whether or not you have children or are semi-retired or want a pool with your dream home.

Follow the neighborhood links below to view more about each one, this will give you a better idea about everything in the area.

Most desirable neighborhoods in Palm Springs

1. Movie Colony East

Many locals still call it by its former name, Ruth Hardy Park. It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Palm Springs CA. Many families are concentrating on property deals in this neighborhood because of its location.

It is located right between the Palm Springs International Airport and the Movie Colony neighborhood.

Every home is close to some of the basic amenities that you need for your family. It has tons of sports facilities, playgrounds, and community parks where your children can play with their friends. Moreover, top-rated public schools near Ruth Hardy Park, like Katherine Finchy Elementary School, offer exceptional education.

Most importantly, the properties in this neighborhood range from mid-century modern houses to luxurious manors. It doesn't matter which style of house you have in mind; if you have the money, you will find the ideal property in the Movie Colony neighborhood Palm Springs.

2. Araby

If you want to move to a premier community, there's no neighborhood better than Araby. This is a palm tree-lined neighborhood with two distinctive areas: Araby Cove and Araby Commons. 

Both areas contain incredible amenities, such as shops, entertainment centers, and restaurants. But one of the reasons families want to settle down in Araby is that it is close to some of the best schools in Palm Springs.

Cielo Vista Charter School is one of the most widely popular schools in Palm Springs. This school is just a stone's throw away from Araby. It offers comprehensive education in arts programs and music. 

Additionally, families love Cielo Vista Charter School because of its excellence in science and math. Students usually become scientists, doctors, or engineers after passing out from this school. 

Most of the homes available for sale in this neighborhood consist of modern amenities and spacious backyards. They have large kitchens and huge living spaces where you and your friends can spend quality time. 

3. Chino Canyon

Chino Canyon is ideal for families who want to enjoy its scenic beauty. It is also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Palm Springs. Chino Canyon has numerous parks and trailheads where you can go biking or hiking every weekend. 

The spectacular views from these trailheads will mesmerize you. Apart from its scenic beauty, Chino Canyon is also famous for its various playgrounds and parks, making it a suitable neighborhood to grow your family. 

Additionally, there are also local boutiques and trendy restaurants in the area that connects Chino Canyon to North Palm Canyon Drive. From shopping centers to schools, everything is just a 10-minute drive away from this neighborhood. 

Talking about schools, you can enroll your kid at Raymond Cree Middle School or Vista Del Monte Elementary School, two of the most highly-regarded public schools in Chino Canyon. 

Real estate in Chino Canyon is thriving because of its location. Most of the modern homes look like the ones you usually see in mid century neighborhoods Palm Springs.

They have large, fenced backyards where small kids can play around, or you can even host barbecue parties during weekends. 

The houses also come with convenient amenities like eat-in kitchens, bonus spaces, and laundry rooms. 

4. Sunrise Park

Sunrise Park has a warm neighborhood with family-friendly neighbors. People here are welcoming and would do anything to make you feel at home. Sunrise Park is popular for its top-notch schools and quiet streets. 

There is hardly any crime rate, making Sunrise Park the safest neighborhood in Palm Springs. The neighborhood has various recreational facilities and shopping centers so that you can buy groceries without going too far. 

There is good news for fitness freaks also. Sunrise Park has many sports facilities and local gyms. It also has the Palm Springs Swimming Center. 

Another reason that contributes to the growing popularity of real estate in Sunrise Park is its stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. You can see the Californian sunrise that splashes various colors on the homes of Sunrise Park every morning. 

Most of the houses in this neighborhood have mid-century architecture. Although they look like the houses from the 50s and 60s, they contain all the amenities you expect from a modern house. 

Some of the homes have expansive living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that combine beauty with functionality.

Palm Springs gay neighborhoods

An estimated 33-50 percent of Palm Springs, California, are gay male or other parts of the LGBTQ community. People consider Palm Springs as the epicenter of the LGBTQ community in America.

The residents feel at home because there aren't many records of sexual harassment in this city. It has Hollywood's glamour with unique artsy stores. 

You will be surprised to know that Palm Springs consists of America's highest per capita gay population. "The Center," in Coachella Valley, is the LGBTQ community's cornerstone in Palm Springs. More than 65,000 guests come here every year for yoga and AA classes. 

There are two most popular gay neighborhoods in Palm Springs CA: one with zip code 92264 and 92262. Since Palm Springs is practically half gay, you can move around anywhere in the city comfortably. But these two neighborhoods have more than 90% gays. 

The 92264-neighborhood has various recreational facilities and has a diverse economy. But, the cost of living in 92264 is 23% higher than the usual national average. The median commute time is 18 minutes. 

This zip code has approximately 12.4% LGBTQ couples per household. The median sales price of properties is $337,500. Most of the homes have 1 to 4 bedrooms with Spanish flair and beautiful landscaping. 

On the other hand, 92262 is a bustling residential area containing cafés, spas, and hotels at every corner. 92262 is closer to North Palm Springs, meaning it is close to the airport. 11.3% of people in this neighborhood are LGBTQ couples, living in houses containing 1 to 4 bedrooms. 

The median sales price of properties is $433,500, slightly higher than 92264. 

Gene Autry neighborhood Palm Springs

The Gene Autry neighborhood Palm Springs is another safe area for families to settle down. It is a top-notch neighborhood to start your family. With schools and playgrounds nearby, your children will grow up in a friendly community where everyone is ready to help each other. 

This neighborhood is one of those areas in Palm Springs where you usually can't rent an apartment or a house. Most people buy houses here to stay for decades. 

You will see a lovely blend of both youngsters and elders living peacefully in this neighborhood. The commute to schools and offices isn't much either. You can reach almost anywhere within 15 to 30 minutes.

$485,000 to $799,000 is the average price range for houses in the Gene Autry neighborhood. It consists of 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom houses with spacious backyards. 

Little Tuscany neighborhood Palm Springs

The Little Tuscany neighborhood Palm Springs is popular for its availability of houses for sale and rent. It has numerous schools and colleges around. Therefore, you will see many students living in a single apartment by sharing the rooms. 

Buying a house is slightly expensive in Little Tuscany. The price range is between $859,000 and $25 million. On the other hand, the rent per apartment varies from $4,200 to $16,500.

Now that you know about the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs, shortlist the ones you like and start finding houses that are available for sale. Honestly, Palm Springs is one of the best cities to grow your family in California.

Echo Park – The neighborhood of Echo Park was designed in the 1920s by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Harland Bartholomew. It is located just southwest of downtown Palm Springs and contains over 500 acres with 462 residential lots.

Historically it has been a middle to upper-middle class neighborhood consisting mainly of single family homes with Spanish and French architectural styles.

The main thoroughfares are San Andreas Avenue on the west and Tahquitz Canyon Way on the east which meet at the center of Sunset Road where there is an elementary school called Sunset Trail Academy for grades K-8.

There are five public pools, a city park, tennis courts, playgrounds and several other facilities that make Echo Park a desirable location.

It is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, 20 minutes to the airport and 15 minutes to the beaches. The city park is on Tahquitz Canyon Way in the center of Echo Park at 3300 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Palmer Ranch – Palmer Ranch, which consists of over 2,600 acres north of Ramon Road, was voted as one of America's most beautiful neighborhoods by CNN/Time Magazine in 2007 due to its unique combination of rural residential areas and a spectacular golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

While many people own horseback riding facilities on large acreages throughout Palmer Ranch there are also several equestrian centers for those wishing to contract these services. Today Palmer Ranch has over 4,000 residents and after a slow start has been gaining popularity.

Westside – The Westside of Palm Springs is bordered by Highway 111 on the east, Sunrise Way goes through the center of the neighborhood and North Indian Canyon Drive to the west.

There are several distinct neighborhoods in this area such as: Murphy's Ranch, El Paseo Village/Palm Canyon Drive (also known as "The Village"), Country Club Drive, Thousand Palms/La Quinta and Tamarisk Grove (an exclusive gated community).

The communities serve many purposes; they include newer housing developments for young families starting out, trendy shops & restaurants, large luxury mansions that are home to celebrities or successful business owners and small older homes & apartment complexes for those who wish to live in Palm Springs on a budget.

The Westside is also home to many hotels, the Palm Springs Convention Center (which hosts the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival) and an annual Veterans Day Parade.

West Palm Canyon – West Palm Canyon Drive lies just west of Indian Canyon Drive and north of the 101 Interstate. Within it are four areas that were formed when three canyons intersected: Alta Loma, Vista Chino and Shadow Ridge.

Most people know this area as "The Racquet Club" because of its world-class tennis facilities designed by Donald Ross for socialite Alice Wixom in 1934.

These resorts comprise over 500 acres which include courts, pools & spas, restaurants and shopping. It is a mix of residents from all walks of life who enjoy the small-town feel with million dollar views and attributes.

Crystal Cove – Crystal Cove was one of several canyons in Palm Springs that were used as hideouts by outlaws during the late 19th century when they raided isolated ranches in the desert.

The canyon has since been converted into an exclusive upper-end neighborhood which has benefited greatly from its close proximity to El Paseo (the main shopping drag for upper class residents), downtown Palm Springs and easy access to Interstate 10 & Interstate 215).

Most homes within this area are custom built ranging from $2–8 million, but there are also many mid-century modern houses as well as apartments and condo complexes.

Rainbow Canyon – Just east of The Racquet Club along North Torrey Pines Road is an exclusive community called Rainbow Canyon which is home to former mayor Sonny Bono's "Pink Palace" estate designed by architect Wayne McAllister.

Most homes in this area are on the smaller side, built in the 1950s & 1960s; many have been converted into commercial businesses & offices such as restaurants, dental clinics, nightclubs and consignment stores.

This neighborhood also has a small park at its center with basketball courts, tennis courts and a playground that is popular with residents during weekends when temperatures can be triple-digit hot!

Rainbow Canyon was developed as land for horse properties, but changed dramatically since it was approved to become a residential area in the 1970s.

It is home to almost 600 homes with an established Homeowners Association (HOA) that serves as a watchdog for any inappropriate alterations or additions to curbs, sidewalks or common areas.

Downtown – Many of the businesses located within Downtown Palm Springs are aimed at those from out of town wishing to experience local attractions which include fine dining, nightlife and shopping.

The city's main Post Office is located on Ramon Road between Tahquitz Canyon Way & Ray Road with most other institutions centered around Palm Canyon Drive which lies just north of Indian Canyon Drive and south of Sunrise Way.

This location also allows easy access to Interstate 10 & Interstate 215 via Highway 111. Many restaurants, & bars; the Palm Springs Walk of Stars as well as other shops and hotels are also located within this area.

Palm Canyon Drive – Just south of Downtown is a very narrow residential street called Palm Canyon Drive where most homes were built in the 1920s & 1930s. Some homes have been renovated and boast mid-century modern architecture while others remain in need of major repair.

The county's bus transit system (Desert Xpress) runs down this thoroughfare as do many local restaurants, bars & nightclubs which are popular with young residents.

This area has undergone extensive revitalization since microbreweries & trendy boutiques began to pop up in recent years due to its proximity to downtown, The El Paseo shopping district and Interstate 10.

Northeast – This area of the city is rapidly changing due to its close proximity to Interstate 10 & Interstate 215. Many new hotels and condo complexes have been under construction for over a year now which may signal a growth in tourism once The Desert Xpress makes it way into this part of town and connects downtown with both freeways.

There are also plans to build an airport at nearby Tahquitz Canyon (residents would take flights out of Palm Springs Airport located near Interstate 10 just south of downtown) which will be used as a business jet & corporate aircraft facility with hopes that commercial airline service can come soon thereafter.

The 216 land development plan has been approved by the county so far; this includes widening Gene Autry Trail, adding a frontage road through the Tahquitz River Estates development as well as a tunnel beneath Interstate 10 at Gene Autry Trail.

East of 12th Avenue – North and East of Twelfth Street are several neighborhoods that house some of the most expensive homes in Palm Springs (many valued over $2 million dollars).

This area also contains a few gated country clubs such as Bermuda Dunes Country Club located just west of Highway 111 close to the El Paseo shopping district. With amenities like The Longbow Golf Course, pools, tennis courts, hiking/biking trails & horse stables; it's no wonder its residents love living here!

This area is just minutes from downtown so there really isn't much need for cars (although most residents have two or three).

Rancho Mirage – Located just to the West of downtown is Rancho Mirage, another community of over 40,000 people. Many homes in this area are valued at close to a million or more and sit on lots that are larger than one-half an acre.

Residents love living here because they can easily take part in so many activities since it is located less than 20 minutes from Statewide Greyhound Park, casino gambling (at Desert Diamond & Agua Caliente) as well as other hotspots like The River Course Golf Club and The Living Desert.

Most homes here were built with European touches; some even have English gardens surrounded by beautiful stone walls! There is truly something for everyone if you live in Rancho Mirage.

Sun City Palm Desert – Located just 10 minutes from downtown is the largest community in the entire Coachella Valley (which includes over 100,000 residents). Sun City Palm Desert is a popular retirement destination with six different neighborhoods for people 55 years and older to live independently or semi-independently; this development was built by Del Webb and opened its doors in 1981.

There are also several independent living facilities such as Sabal Palms Retirement Resort which offers individual apartment living as well as other amenities.

Like The Seasons Restaurant & Bar, grocery shopping areas with full service restaurants, wellness center with indoor Jacuzzis/spas and an activity schedule filled with daily activities including golfing & dancing.

Other communities within Palm Desert include the following:

Estates at Indian Wells – This was the first community of homes built in Palm Desert (before The Village & other subdivisions). Many homes here are valued over $2 million dollars and sit on lots that are close to one-half acre along with golf course views.

Many celebrities live in this area such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Carol Burnett and more! Kitchens feature top of the line stainless steel appliances by Subzero and full size granite islands.

Highland Estates – These larger estates are located just south of Bob Hope Drive where many well-known residents reside; including Joan Collins, Richard Branson & Queenie Leonard who all call this place home!

Children enjoy attending school at The Meadows which is known for its wonderful teachers and small class sizes.

Hyatt Estates – This neighborhood contains several large country style estates with wine cellars, huge master suites, tropical landscaping & stone fireplaces; many of these homes are valued over $2 million dollars!

These elegant homes sit on lots that are well over an acre in size along with golf course views. Some residents include Joan Collins who resides in a home just off the eighteenth fairway at Lake Las Palmas Golf Club.

Lake Las Palmas – Located just to the north of Indio Boulevard and Interstate 10 is where you will find this lake with walking trails all around; it's referred to as a "lake community" even though it isn't a natural lake but rather was created by the Coachella Valley Water District.

The community itself is made up of homes that are valued in the mid-high million dollar range with some even exceeding $10 million; many celebrities live here as well.

The Village Palm Desert – The centerpiece of this neighborhood is where the original El Paseo shopping district once stood (aside from downtown). Here you will find high end boutiques such as Chanel, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Valentino and Saint Laurent just to name a few.

You can also shop at places like Cartier, Hermes, Tourneau & Jaeger-LeCoultre. There are several restaurants too including Bice Ristorante, Nobu, Ty's Steakhouse & Morton's Steakhouse.

Villages of Rancho Mirage – This is a beautiful community with well-maintained streets and homes; some are built in the Spanish Colonial style (similar to what you'd expect to see in Mexico) while others have Italianate features such as large columns along with a courtyard that sits in front of the home.

There are amenities like The Lakes Golf Course which was designed by Kellogg and Brown; it's also known for having "The Greatest 18 Holes in Desert Golf". Other neighborhoods within Rancho Mirage include:

3rd Addition – Located just south of Bob Hope Drive and west of Interstate 10 is where you will find this neighborhood; it's home to many celebrities who reside in homes valued over $2 million dollars such as Harry Hamlin, Queenie Leonard & Joan Collins.

Arroyo Mission – Located on the east side of Highway 111 you will find this neighborhood which features Spanish style homes; some have tiled roofs and courtyards while others feature an indoor swimming pool.

The Arroyo Country Club is located just north of Bob Hope Drive. Residents at this country club enjoy five Har-Tru tennis courts, a bowling alley, restaurant & snack bar along with golf course views from their private backyards.

Margo Lea Acres – Located north of Bob Hope Drive near Antonio Parkway you'll find this secluded area that's home to several large estate homes. Many celebrities including Joan Collins reside here.

The Foothills – Located northwest of Bob Hope Drive near Warm Sands Road is where you will find this area that features whimsical architecture (it's referred to as "dream houses"). This neighborhood is made up of larger estates and many celebrities live here including Jack Nicholson, Jerry Lewis & Queenie Leonard .

Old Ranch Country Club Estates – Named after the Old Ranch Golf Course which was designed by former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw; it's also known for being a regular host to the PGA Tour's CareerBuilder Challenge held at the nearby La Quinta Resort & Club.

The golf course has been recently renovated at great expense in an effort to keep the most desirable (and prestigious) homes in Old Ranch Country Club Estates.

Palm Springs Plaza – Located just south of Bob Hope Drive and west of Interstate 10 is where you will find this neighborhood that features Spanish Colonial style architecture; many celebrities call this area home including Queenie Leonard & Joan Collins.

Meadowbrook Farms – This gated community is located off Ramon Road which some say is one of the prettiest roads in all of Palm Springs; it offers spectacular mountain views and a great way to get to know our local flora and fauna as you pass by with lots of Joshua trees, prickly pear cactus and desert tortoises just to name a few.

Meadowbrook Farms also features a large equestrian center, golf course and the El Paseo Country Club.

The Racquet Club – Located west of Bob Hope Drive, south of Gene Autry Trail and north of Eisenhower Drive is where you will find this historic neighborhood that once was home to Marilyn Monroe; it features lots of horse properties and offers a great view of the San Jacinto Mountains when looking out from any direction.

Residents at The Racquet Club enjoy several amenities such as their own beach club (with pool) as well as several tennis courts & an 18-hole golf course that overlooks rolling hills with spectacular mountain views.

Sands Pointe – This gated community is located off Ramon Road which some say is one of the prettiest roads in all of Palm Springs; it offers spectacular mountain views and a great way to get to know our local flora and fauna as you pass by with lots of Joshua trees, prickly pear cactus and desert tortoises just to name a few.

Sands Pointe also features many whimsical home designs including Spanish Colonial style architecture, tiled roofs & courtyards.

Sun City – This gated community is located off Ramon Road which some say is one of the prettiest roads in all of Palm Springs; it offers spectacular mountain views and a great way to get to know our local flora and fauna as you pass by with lots of Joshua trees, prickly pear cactus and desert tortoises just to name a few.

Palm Springs North of Tahquitz Canyon Way – North of Tahquitz Canyon Way is where you will find this area that's also known as northern Palm Springs; it features large estate homes & desert golf courses with mountain views. It's located just south of Indian Canyons and north of the Ace Hotel & Swim Club.

The Las Palmas neighborhood is located in the central part of Palm Springs, east of downtown off El Cielo Road between Amado Road and Sunrise Way.

The median age for residents was 75, older than the city at large (55). The population was spread out with 18% under the age of 35, 12% from 35 to 49, 38% from 50 to 64, and 28% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 80 males.

The only public school in the neighborhood, Las Palmas Elementary School is located on Amado Road. It is part of the Palm Springs Unified School District. Residents are also zoned for Palm Springs High School and Mead Valley Middle School.

The area's oldest restaurant, Arthur J.'s at 86-960 El Cielo Road, was opened by immigrants from Syria as a bar and grill in 1941.

It was originally named King Solomon Cafe, but the name was changed after World War II to honor "Arthur J." Jacobson (1914–1967), who purchased it with a partner in 1950 and ran it until his death; he was known for letting children eat free when their parents could not afford to pay.