Retirement communities in Palm Springs (2024)

Back to Articles

Retirement communities in Palm Springs (1)

Paul Kaplan

I've made it a professional goal to be known as a leader in the Real Estate industry in the Palm Springs market for the past 20+ years...

I've made it a professional goal to be known as a leader in the Real Estate industry in the Palm Springs market for the past 20+ years...

Palm Springs has historically been an awesome place to retire for numerous reasons. Although coined by Johnny Carson as "God's Waiting Room," it no longer fits that description. Palm Springs is a resort-style community that you can find in the desert of Southern California. It’s about 107 miles east of Los Angeles, and then 120 miles northeast of San Diego. Its located in the Coachella Valley which includes other cities: Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Thousand Palms.

Palm Springs itself, is no doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast. Situated on Coachella Valley’s western edge, Palm Springs sees over 350 days of sunshine each year! There’s very little rain and, for most of the year, the weather is simply spectacular. It provides a small-town feeling because about 50,000 people live in the area. It also provides a second home for many households because the population triples during the winter months.

Palm Springs Retirement communities are some of the best on the USA, with numerous options available. It is a place where golfing, swimming, tennis, picklball, biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities are popular because the weather is warm, and the sun loves to shine year round. In short, Palm Springs is gorgeous and an incredible place to live.

1. Pros and Cons of Retiring in Palm Springs.

If you’re thinking about making the move to southern California, then these are the pros and cons of living in Palm Springs to review. Is Palm Springs a good place to retire? See below and you be the judge!

PROS:

  • Cost:It's a well known fact that living anywhere in California is going to be more expensive than it would be in most other parts of the country. Palm Springs will give you a cost of living that’s about 10% less than what the median cost is throughout the state. However keep in mind utility costs will rise significantly in the summer months, cooling your home.
  • Diversity: The city has a reputation for being friendly toward the LGBTQIA+ community, but Palm Springs doesn’t discriminate. You will find people from many different ethnic, economic and spiritual backgrounds living here. Palm Springs has one of the highest populations of LGBTQA+ and same gender couples per capita rate in the country.
  • Outdoor Activities: You won’t find a lot of people going outside during the hottest days of summer, but mild days outside make it the perfect place for outdoor activities. You will find golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness studios, and walking are popular activities in Palm Springs. Most of the neighborhoods here are lovely to explore. Even in the summer, many people come out during the evening after the sun sets to enjoy each other’s company and being outside.
  • Volunteer: Palm Springs is a very philantropic community. There are countless events and organizations where you might want to volunteer your services to stay busy. Some of the most popular venues where you can volunteer your services include the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, The Palm Springs Film Festivals, Modernism Week, Meals on Wheels, The Historic Society, hospitals and various other medical support facilities.
  • Relaxed Atmosphere: For most of the year, the low humidity levels make the hot temperatures tolerable for most people. The dryness can get to be uncomfortable if you’re not taking care of yourself, so make sure to plan for it: pack lotion and sunblock for the times when you venture out, as well as always have access to water. Because the weather stays so consistently warm, there isn’t much formality in the way that people dress. You’ll find that even formal industries, such as banking, tend to allow more of a casual vibe.
  • Things to do: It will take a long time to run out of options for things to do when you live in Palm Springs. You can visit the Desert Art Museum, voted one of the best small museums in the country. You can visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see native species plus feed the giraffes! or visit the Air Musum that's filled with combat aircraft from WWII plus memorabilia. Enjoy world-class shopping at unique shops in Downtown Palm Springs; attend the weekly Village Fest, or the Vintage Market held once a month during the main season. You'll have access to golf courses, casinos, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, pickleball and tennis too. Or you may just want to lounge around a pool and relax too. When days get hot, take the tram to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains to cool off- rising over 10,000 feet above the valley floor.
  • Healthcare:Palm Springs has some of the best medical facilities available. Many hospitals in the Coachella Valley receive top marks for the care they provide. US News and World Reports ranked Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs as the best of its type. Desert AIDS Project provides comprehensive high quality primary care for those living with HIV. Additionally there are numerous facilities for rehabilitation as well as assisted living avaialble in Palm Springs and surrounding communities.
  • Location: Palm Springs is far enough away from Los Angeles that you can get away from the traffic, but you will still be close enough to take a trip to the city if you want. Need to see the ocean? You can also visit San Diego or Orange county typically in two hours. Need to see snow? Idyllwild is only 45 minutes away and other mountain skiing resort areas are approximately two hours away.
  • Culural Events:It always seems like there is something to do when you move to and Retire in Palm Springs. Modernism Week is an 11-day event held in February with a smaller event in the fall, that takes a look at architecture and the history of the city. There’s a parade of lights, a sponsored Veteran’s Day parade, and the Caballeros have performed concerts since 1999 throughout the concert season. The Palm Springs International Film Festival and “Short Fest,” which features short films, are red-carpet affairs that can also be a lot of fun. There are many public art projects and installations for you to enjoy during a walking tour of the city. Several parks have items on display as well including the giant Marilyn statue located in downtown Palm Springs in front of the Desert Art Museum. There are also numerous events where you can enjoy live entertaining, as well as the Palm Springs Cultural Center for independent movies.

CONS:

  • Transportation: You'll need to have a car to get around Palm Springs. Without a car, your options for public transportation are the bus, a taxi, or an Uber/Lyft.
  • Economic Diversity: The primary driver of the economy in Palm Springs is tourism. The resort-style atmosphere allows for plenty of employment opportunities in the area of hospitality. There aren’t many positions available in manufacturing or technology, although some of that is due to the size of the community. Unless you’re an entrepreneur or have employment lined up already, you might find it to be a bit challenging to find a high paying job here.
  • The Temperature: The average high and low temperatures are very reasonable in Palm Springs until you reach the month of June. Then the average high will probably not drop below 100°F until October. There are extreme heat events that can happen in this desert city during these months that you must prepare yourself to face when living here. The record high temperature is 123°F, set in July and August. The record high for June is 122°F, while it is 121°F in September. We recommend traveling away from the desert during the hottest months of the year.
  • Cost of Living: You’ll find that the cost of services in almost every other area is a lot higher. According to the cost of living index, Palm Springs ranks at 131.3 on a scale of 100. Although that is better than some of the other cities in California, it’s much higher than the national average. The median single family home price in Palm Springs proper is over $800,000, and transportation costs push it upwards as well. The one highlight in the cost of living index is healthcare expenses. Palm Springs ranks at 87.8, while the average in California is 92.4.
  • I'm melting! Many families enjoy the outdoors when living in Palm Springs. The cooler evenings are a welcome sight after a long day in the heat. Unless you have a protected area for your furniture, you’ll discover that the longevity of your investments is cut in half. The intensity of the sun can turn something rated to last for 20 years into a product that barely reaches a decade. You’re going to be replacing ground lights, flower boxes, and patio cushions more than you can ever remember. You may also want to have a place to park your car indoors too during the Palm Springs summer months, to avoid it from becoming an oven.

2. Best Retirement Communities in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is a magnet for retirees, there are a number of Retirement Communities in and around Palm Springs. There are over 30 active retirement communities in and around Palm Springs. Here's a list of the number of communities in each of the area cities:

  • Bermuda Dunes(1)
  • Indian Wells(2)
  • Desert Hot Springs(1)
  • Yucca Valley(1)
  • La Quinta(7)
  • Palm Springs(2)
  • Rancho Mirage(2)
  • Indio(7)
  • Cathedral City(1)
  • Palm Desert (9)

Not all of the following communities in the Palm Springs area are restricted to 55 Plus residents, but tend to be popular with active seniors. The following list of retirement communities is from 55Places.com:


Sun City Shadow Hills Desert Homes for sale

Indio, CA

  • Mid $400s - High $1Ms
  • 3,400 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Sun City Palm Desert Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • High $400s - Low $1Ms
    • 4,949 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Trilogy at La Quinta Homes for sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • High $400s - High $800s
    • 1,238 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Retirement communities in Palm Springs (5)

    Four Seasons at Terra Lago Homes for sale

    Indio, CA

    • Low $400s - Mid $600s
    • 682 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Terra Lago Homes for sale

    Indio, CA

    • Low $400s - Mid $1Ms
    • 639 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Indian Ridge Country Club Homes for sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • Mid $500s - Low $2Ms
    • 1,068 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only

      Heritage Palms Homes for Sale

      Indio, CA

      • Mid $300s - Mid $600s
      • 1,004 Homes
      • 55+ Age Restriction
      • Resale Homes Only

  • Four Seasons at Palm Springs Homes for Sale

    Palm Springs, CA

    • High $400s - High $800s
    • 477 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Indian Springs Golf and Country Club Homes for Sale

    Indio, CA

    • Low $400s - High $600s
    • 709 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Toscana Country Club Homes for Sale

    Indian Wells, CA

    • 652 Homes
  • Trilogy® at The Polo Club Homes for Sale

    Indio, CA

    • Mid $400s - High $800s
    • 1,000 Homes
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Rancho La Quinta Homes for Sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • Mid $700s - High $2Ms
    • 960 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Del Webb Rancho Mirage Homes for Sale

    Rancho Mirage, CA

    • High $500s - High $1Ms
    • 1,000 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Villa Portofino Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • Low $300s - Mid $700s
    • 460 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Domani Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 202 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • New And Resale Homes

    Retirement communities in Palm Springs (17)

  • PGA West Homes for Sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • 6,000 Homes
  • Bermuda Dunes Country Club Homes for Sale

    Bermuda Dunes, CA

    • 1,217 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Palm Valley Country Club Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 556 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Marrakesh Country Club Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 364 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Desert Horizons Country Club Homes for Sale

    Indian Wells, CA

    • 510 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Monterey Country Club Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 684 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Escena Homes for Sale

    Palm Springs, CA

    • 594 Homes
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Rio del Sol Homes for Sale

    Cathedral City, CA

    • Low $300s - Low $600s
    • 218 Homes
    • New And Resale Homes
  • Sunrise Country Club Homes for Sale

    Rancho Mirage, CA

    • 746 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only

  • Chaparral Country Club Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 625 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Laguna de La Paz

    La Quinta, CA

    • 390 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only

  • Lake La Quinta Homes for Sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • 288 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • The Citrus Club Homes for Sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • 625 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only
  • Woodhaven Country Club Homes for Sale

    Palm Desert, CA

    • 516 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only

  • Andalusia at Coral Mountain Homes for Sale

    La Quinta, CA

    • 900 Homes
  • Gallery Links at Indian Palms Country Club Homes for Sale

    Indio, CA

    • 86 Homes
    • Resale Homes Only

      Desert Vista Village Homes for Sale

      Yucca Valley, CA

      • 105 Homes
      • 55+ Age Restriction

  • Desert Highlands Homes for Sale

    Desert Hot Springs, CA

    Save subdivision

    • 26 Homes
    • 55+ Age Restriction
    • Resale Homes Only

Retirement communities in Palm Springs (33)

3. Palm Springs Over 55 affordable living.

Many of us are on a more restricted budget when retiring. There are numerous 55 Plus options available that are more affordable. They include many of the manufactured home communities in and around Palm Springs. They often include golf, clubhouses, gyms, and other ammenities commonly found in some of the bigger retirement communities in the area. The following are links to a few of the more popular communities.

Palm Desert Greens, Palm Desert

Suncrest Country Club, Palm Desert

Sahara Park, Palm Springs

Safari Park, Palm Springs

Palm Canyon Mobile Club, Palm Springs

Blue Skies, Rancho Mirage

Vista Montana, Desert Hot Springs


4. Is it expensive to retire in Palm Springs?

Palm Springs, California might make for a picturesque place to retire, and many Reitrement Commmunities, but the average home will cost more than half a million dollars, making it slightly out of the budget for some retirees. However, there are plenty of other lower priced options, including condominimums and manufactured homes. Many of these homes are located in 55 Plus Communities with numerous amenities too. Housing costs can be relatively affordable in comparison to other major California metroplitan areas. According to Payscale.com, Palm Springs's housing expenses are 44% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 13% higher than the national average. Palm Springs has grocery prices that are 17% higher than the national average.

There’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that living in Palm Springs is expensive. Not as expensive as sister cities Los Angeles or San Diego, but still costly. With an index of 131/100, you’ll pay 30% more to live in San Diego than the average American city. One of the biggest reasons for this higher cost is housing, which is the most significant expense here by far. The lowest expense? That would be healthcare which is surprisingly the only index lower than 100 in Palm Springs. Take a look at the chart below to see how the cost of living in Palm Springs stacks up to the national average. (Provided by www.castorage.com)

Cost Index Compared to the US National Average

Housing Costs80%moreexpensive
Utility Costs14%moreexpensive
Miscellaneous Exp.5%moreexpensive
Transportation Exp.30%moreexpensive
Grocery Expenses1%lessexpensive
Healthcare Costs12%lessexpensive
Overall Costs31% more expensive

There’s no denying that Palm Springs is one of America’s more expensive places to live. The cost of living in Palm Springs, CA is high! The main reason for this is the cost of housing, but transportation and utility costs don’t help the matter. Still, Palm Springs is decidedly gorgeous with fantastic scenery, excellent weather, and a wide variety of amenities.

In short, if you can afford it, Palm Springs is an amazing place to live, work and as well as the ideal place to enjoy your retirement.

Looking to retire in Palm Springs?

Our seasoned agents would love to help you find your desert retirement dream home.

Schedule a call

Retirement communities in Palm Springs (2024)

FAQs

Is it expensive to retire in Palm Springs? ›

If you're thinking about moving to Palm Springs, you might be wondering just how far your budget will go. Fortunately, the cost of living in Palm Springs is about 15% less than the average in California. However, it's still about 20% higher than the national average.

What is the nicest area to live in Palm Springs? ›

Today, we're breaking down the five best neighborhoods for buying Palm Springs homes in the vicinity.
  • La Quinta: Desert Charm Meets World Class Golf. ...
  • Palm Desert: Bringing Variety to Palm Springs Homes. ...
  • Cathedral City: The Cat's Out of the Bag. ...
  • Rancho Mirage: Relaxed Desert Living.
Mar 18, 2022

Why would anyone want to live in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs is renowned for its leisure lifestyle, sunny climate, outdoor recreation which includes hiking, golf, horseback riding, pickleball, tennis, and swimming.

What is the nicest city in Coachella Valley? ›

Top 3 Best Cities in Coachella Valley
  1. Palm Springs, California. Palm Springs boasts a diverse economy that supports many local businesses in the city. ...
  2. Cathedral City, California. Cathedral City is a vibrant community nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the desert landscape. ...
  3. Rancho Mirage, California.

Is Palm Springs good for seniors? ›

With its blend of leisure and adventure, Palm Springs is a premier destination for senior travelers. There's so much to do for the sedate and the sprightly, and many attractions prioritize accessibility, ample shaded seating areas for breaks, and fun for all ages.

Is Palm Springs bearable in the summer? ›

The humidity is low.

While the temperatures can reach the triple digits, the low humidity and unique microclimate means summer is a great time to luxuriate in the dry heat. Lower humidity means you can enjoy all that Palm Springs has to offer.

Is buying a house in Palm Springs a good investment? ›

The good news is that generally, barring any major market crashes, the value of your home is going to appreciate over time. Real estate investing anywhere has the potential for both profit and poor investment, but Palm Springs is a better place than most to put some skin in the game.

Where do the Kardashians live in Palm Springs? ›

2021: Kourtney Secures a $12 Million Palm Springs Getaway

The property is located in the La Quinta neighborhood at the Madison Club, an exclusive golf club and gated community that's a celebrity hotspot. Newly constructed that year, the contemporary mansion came furnished with a variety of neutral decor.

What is the safest part of Palm Springs? ›

Safest Palm Springs Area Neighborhoods
  • The Mesa.
  • Araby Commons / Araby Cove.
  • Old Las Palmas / Historic Tennis Club.
  • Sunrise Vista Chino.
  • Racquet Club West.
  • Desert Park Estates.
  • Deepwell / Biltmore.
  • Twin Palms / Palm Canyon Mobile Club.

Are property taxes high in Palm Springs? ›

The total property tax rate in Palm Springs typically ranges between 1% and 2% of the assessed value, depending on additional local assessments and voter-approved measures.

Why is the crime rate so high in Palm Springs? ›

All areas of the city are high-traffic areas, and this could lead to more crimes. Additionally, the high number of retail businesses makes it harder to find places to stay safe. Nevertheless, crime in Palm Springs is still much higher than in other cities in the United States.

What are the cons of living in the Coachella Valley? ›

While the cost of living in Coachella is reasonable, transportation costs are not. The cost index for transportation in Coachella is 32% higher than the national average. If you commute to work, that's a problem. Gas, road fees, taxes, and car maintenance are going to hit your wallet pretty hard in Coachella.

What is the nicest part of Palm Springs? ›

Vista Las Palmas is an exquisite neighborhood of lovingly restored Mid-Century homes. With homes dating back to the 1950s, the architecture is stunning. Here one can find a full range of mid-century modern design options from Swiss Miss A-Frame to iconic butterfly roof houses.

Is Rancho Mirage a wealthy area? ›

Rancho Mirage is an affluent resort city nestled in the beautiful Coachella Valley, renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning desert landscapes. It's a place of relaxation and recreation, boasting world-class golf courses, tennis facilities, and spas that attract visitors from around the globe.

Is Palm Springs CA expensive to live? ›

Palm Springs, CA housing is 44% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 7% pricier. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 12% more in Palm Springs, CA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 12% more .

Why is Palm Springs a big deal? ›

Palm Springs, California, is known as a resort city with a luxurious and laid-back lifestyle. The Palm Springs area has long been a destination location and second home/vacation destination for people all over the world.

Is Palm Springs affluent? ›

It's out in the desert and half of the town is luxury buildings. It is also home to people of moderate and low income but on the whole, Palm Springs is an affluent area.

What is the average household income in Palm Springs CA? ›

What are the median and average incomes in Palm Springs?
Y-o-Y Change
Average Household Income$104,56010.0%
Median Household Income$61,5976.4%
People below Poverty Level6,385-17.3%
People above Poverty Level37,902-5.2%

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 6117

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.