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Discover the Magic of the Valley
The Coachella Valley is largely defined by eight cities that cover a span of some 50 miles. Beginning in the West with Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, moving eastward you’ll find Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta
and Indio. Together these cities represent the Palm Springs Desert Resort Cities. And while it began as a resort hideaway
for winter visitors, the Valley is now a rapidly developing,
full-time metropolitan area. In addition, Coachella has
begun to experience tremendous growth to the East in
what has been largely an agricultural area.
The world has discovered this paradise, and there’s no turning back. Property values say it all, and here they are going up faster than you can say "Let's buy it!” The Valley is the crowning jewel of Riverside County, and making it one of the fastest growing counties in California. Hotels and retailers are an important measuring stick: the increasing substantial revenue streams from both have dramatically boosted the local economy and its tax base.
Overview of each of the Valley’s
eight cities:
The world has discovered this paradise, and there’s no turning back. Property values say it all, and here they are going up faster than you can say "Let’s buy it!” The Valley is the crowning jewel of Riverside County, and making it one of the fastest growing counties in California. Hotels and retailers are an important measuring stick: the increasing substantial revenue streams from both have dramatically boosted the local economy and its tax base.
Palm Springs, the most well-known of the Coachella Valley's eight cities, is also the oldest. Steeped in lore and legend, it was the hideaway for many Hollywood celebrities. From about the 1930s, illustrious names of stage and screen escaped to the desert to play, safely out of the public eye. Made famous yet again by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack as well as Bob Hope, the desert reaffirmed its star status in the 1960s. Downtown Palm Springs retains its lure as a dining and shopping destination, and the city's mid-century modern architecture has witnessed a huge resurgence of international recognition as a historic and architectural treasure. Areas such as The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas are filled with homes that possess not only design muscle but also star power. See the City of Palm Springs website for more information.
Desert Hot Springs, an oasis of rejuvenating springs, is named for the hot mineral waters bubbling up through its desert sands. Tucked away, here you'll discover numerous spas that combine relaxation and rejuvenation in a secluded setting amid the sweeping panoramic views of the mountains. Celebrities prefer this locale for its low-key ambience and privacy.
Cathedral City, "The Spirit of the Desert," as it is called, is not known for high-end luxury homes or celebrated architecture, but rather for the unassuming diversity of its residents. Here you can have family oriented activities that include everything from Knott’s Soak City, an amusement center with miniature golf, a sports complex, and an interactive fountain designed for the ever-expanding Civic Center complex. Also there are the Mary Pickford and IMAX movie theatres as well as nearby Perez Road, where you'll find showrooms, furniture and home accessories, and artisans of all stripes. See the Cathedral City website and for more information.
Rancho Mirage, long known for its celebrated residents such as TV Guide founder Walter Annenberg, Frank Sinatra, and former President Gerald Ford. Rancho Mirage also lays claim to the distinguished medical facilities of Eisenhower Medical Center. You’ll also find Restaurant Row, home furnishings and interior design studios, and the hugely successful River, a popular outdoor shopping venue that also features dining and movies. See the City of Rancho Mirage website for more information.
Palm Desert. You’d have to look long and hard to beat the retail names, art galleries and dining establishments along the boulevard of El Paseo. Considered the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, it is with good reason. You’ll find everything from Tiffany's and Saks Fifth Avenue to St. John’s and Escada. Known for its commitment to art in public places, Palm Desert features incredible works of art both in Civic Center Park and the El Paseo median. Here you’ll find the incredible McCallum Theatre, The Living Desert, and several college campuses. See the City of Palm Desert website for more information.
Indian Wells, a secluded strictly high-end residential area which has some of the most impressive luxury residences in the entire Coachella Valley. With a median household income of more than $130,000, you'll find in both private country clubs and neighborhoods every architectural style money can buy. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the world-famous host to the Pacific Life Open Tennis Masters Series, is complemented by manicured golf courses and destination resorts. There you can indulge in spas offering everything from holistic treatments to yoga. At the Golf Resort at Indian Wells, you'll also find the Callaway Performance Center. City residents are entitled to play at the Golf Resort for a mere $35. and enjoy free privileges to the designated fitness center. See the City of Indian Wells website for more information.
La Quinta.Considered the 'Gem of the Desert,' this rapidly growing city was named by the Robb Report "America's Ultimate Golfing Destination." And it is. With six PGA West courses and numerous other spectacular courses, the city recently opened the first of two public courses at SilverRock Ranch, this designed by Arnold Palmer. Add to that the legendary La Quinta Resort and Club, an abundance of luxury real estate, and the shopping and dining venue of the village of Old Town La Quinta. See the City of La Quinta website for more information.
Indio.Though historically humble in its roots, this city is growing faster than you can imagine. The "City of Festivals" honors the valley's agricultural beginnings at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. Also, the pride of its large Hispanic population is celebrated with its annual tamale and salsa festivals. The city has enjoyed popularity from the more recent Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festivals, and Indio is home to the famed polo grounds, where you'll find horse-related events, art fairs and a Kennel club dog shows, among others. See the City of Indio website for more information




