Sun City Palm Desert: An LGBTQ+ Friendly 55+ Community and One of the Best Retirement Buys in the Coachella Valley
By Paul Kaplan, The Paul Kaplan Group
Many people know me because of my long association with mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs—and yes, that passion is very real. I’ve lived in, renovated, and sold mid-century homes throughout the Coachella Valley for more than 25 years. I loved every clerestory window, every clean line, and every indoor-outdoor moment those homes offered.
But as we grow older—even those of us who swore we’d never leave Palm Springs—our needs change.
Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated myself fully to my work. Building my business, mentoring agents, helping them create good lives for themselves, and staying deeply involved in this community have always been my mission. Somewhere along the way, a few hobbies got pushed aside. Time became more precious. Energy is more valuable. And the idea of what I wanted from a home—and a community—began to change.
I’m not retiring tomorrow (don’t worry), but as I inch closer, I’ve realized something important: what I wanted in my 40s and 50s isn’t necessarily what I’ll want once I’m fully retired.
And that’s where Sun City Palm Desert quietly re-entered the picture. I've written about our choice to move to Sun City previously, but thought it was worth following up with our thoughts about living here, now that we've been here a few years.
You certainly don’t have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to live here; Sun City Palm Desert is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and welcoming to everyone.
A Smart Choice for Active Adult Retirement Living
I’ve sold numerous homes in Sun City Palm Desert over the years, long before I ever considered living in a 55+ community myself. What always stood out to me was how active, social, and well-run this community truly is.
Sun City Palm Desert is not about slowing down—it’s about living well and living intentionally.
With over 80 clubs and resident-led groups, Sun City Palm Desert makes it easy to stay active and connected. The community draws people who are engaged, curious, and eager to participate, offering everything from fitness and education to arts, travel, and social clubs.
Show us how artsy you are!
One of the standout features for me has always been the creative and art facilities, which rival those found in many private clubs or community colleges:
- A fully equipped ceramics studio
- Dedicated painting and fine art studios
- A stained-glass studio
- Quilting and fiber arts rooms
- Multiple craft and hobby spaces
These aren’t afterthoughts—they’re thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage creativity, learning, and community.
Lakes, Boats, and Yes… Even Fishing
Sun City Palm Desert features 16 lakes woven throughout the community, and they’re not just for show. If I wanted to, I could:
- Participate in miniature sailboat races
- Enjoy catch-and-release fishing
- Or simply walk the lakes and enjoy the desert scenery and the plethora of wild birds enjoying living here too.
It’s one of those details people don’t always expect—and it adds a layer of lifestyle value that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in the valley.
Staying Fit—Even When It’s Too Hot Outside
Anyone who lives in the desert knows that summer heat changes how you stay active. Sun City Palm Desert gets this right.
Residents have access to:
- Two well-equipped fitness centers
- An indoor swimming pool
- An indoor walking track, which is invaluable when it’s too hot to walk outdoors
Fitness options are wide-ranging and inclusive:
- Water aerobics
- Chair yoga
- Tai chi
- Strength and balance classes
- Casual pickleball games with friends
- Or, for a slower pace, bocce ball
You don’t have to be a hardcore athlete—just someone who wants to keep moving, stay social, and feel good.
Golf—Even If You’re Not a Golfer
I’ll be honest: I don’t golf myself. But for those who do, Sun City Palm Desert delivers.
The community offers:
- Two championship golf courses
- A seriously challenging putting green—and no, this is not putt-putt golf
Even if you never pick up a club, the courses add beauty, open space, and long-term value to the community.
An LGBTQ+-Friendly 55+ Community Where We Feel at Home
For many longtime Palm Springs residents, the idea of moving east can feel a bit unsettling. Will it be welcoming? Inclusive? Accepting of my lifestyle?
These were real questions my partner and I had before moving to Sun City Palm Desert. Have we seen rainbow flags flying in the community? Absolutely—and that genuinely felt welcoming. Without getting political, we’ve also seen a range of political views represented, which told us this community is a diverse, balanced place where people comfortably coexist.
After living here for several years, I can honestly say we’ve felt no discrimination. Of course, we encounter unfriendly people everywhere (yes, we do have a bit of a "Mrs. Kravitz" next door—but that's the nature of living anywhere, and we simply ignore her). Overall, our neighbors have been warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
An active LGBTQ+ group exists, Rainbow Circle, for members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community, a testament to the inclusive culture here. Do I wish there were more LGBTQ+ residents? Yes—and that’s why I’m on a bit of a mission to spread the word about how comfortable and affirming it is to live here. But Sun City is welcoming to EVERYONE! Well, as long as you're over 55 years of age!
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We’ve never been big bar-and-nightclub people, so being farther from Arenas Road hasn’t bothered us. When we want a change of pace, it’s an Uber ride away. Day to day, we get far more enjoyment from being close to excellent grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and Bristol Farms, and enjoying a happy hour around the fire pits at Boulevards, our community restaurant.
Real Estate Value That’s Hard to Ignore
From a real estate perspective, Sun City Palm Desert remains one of the best values for retirement living in the Coachella Valley.
Here’s the reality:
- Homes here often cost about half of what a comparable home would in Palm Springs
- Lower HOA fees and no additional Mello-Roos-type property taxes that you will find in newer communities
- Well-designed, livable floor plans that are easy to modify
- Strong HOA management and amenities
- Predictable ownership costs
Is our home mid-century modern? Of course not. But we remodeled it, added our design aesthetic, and created a home that fits our life now—not the life we had 20 years ago.
Why I’m Sharing This
I don’t get paid to advocate for Sun City Palm Desert. I share this because I see too many people wait too long holding onto a home that no longer serves their lifestyle because it serves their identity.
For the right person, at the right stage of life, Sun City Palm Desert is an LGBTQ+-friendly, active adult community that offers real value, real connection, and a genuinely comfortable way to retire.
And I've put together a small team of agents that work with me, that focus on 55+ retirement communities, and that know how to share the pluses and minuses of active retirement living—we are happy to help you in your decision-making process.
Hopefully I've at least piqued your interest—want to get an idea of what the homes look like?
Even for a lifelong mid-century guy like me.
If you’re exploring LGBTQ+-friendly 55+ communities, retirement living in Palm Desert, or wondering whether Sun City Palm Desert could be the right next step, I’m always happy to talk—no pressure, just honest insight.
— Paul Kaplan, The Paul Kaplan Group
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