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Palm Desert, CA Homes For Sale
Thinking of buying a home in Palm Desert? Palm Desert serves up 350 days of sunshine and resort-style perks, like championship golf, El Paseo’s luxury boutiques, and a thriving arts scene, so every day feels like vacation. Buyers can still snag mid-century gems, turnkey gated-community builds, luxury homes, or golf-course estates at prices well below coastal Southern California, stretching budgets without skimping on lifestyle. Add hiking in the Santa Rosa Mountains and a two-hour hop to both L.A. and San Diego, and Palm Desert nails the sweet spot between getaway and everyday.
Our advanced search pulls live data from the California Regional MLS (CRMLS), offering the most up-to-date listings available. You’ll find a variety of properties, including elegant single-family homes, convenient condos, luxurious golf-course estates, and unique mid-century modern designs. Each listing provides detailed photos, price history, and relevant local data such as HOA dues and property features.
Palm Desert Real Estate Market Insights
Prices are up nearly 5% year-over-year, but with homes now sitting for about 40 days, the panic pace is gone. More deals are closing just under list price, so buyers with financing in hand can snag real savings. Golf-course and mid-century standouts still move fast, yet overall the market finally feels balanced.
Active-adult havens like Sun City Palm Desert continue to attract buyers looking for built-in amenities and a strong sense of community. Golf lovers willing to trade yard work for cart paths often gravitate toward Palm Desert Greens, where fairways roll right past the patio.
Stay informed with the latest trends in the Palm Desert real estate market. These key metrics offer a snapshot of current conditions:
Living in Palm Desert: Community & Lifestyle
Picture Palm Desert as a desert resort you actually get to call home. 350 days of sunshine, purple-hued mountains, and enough golf, pickleball, and hiking to fill every weekend. I-10 zips you to L.A. or San Diego in a couple of hours, SunLine buses cover the local errands, and quick hops out of PSP make long-weekend escapes painless.
There are some big players that provide local jobs, like Eisenhower Health, the year-round resort circuit, and the boutiques and restaurants along El Paseo, keeping the economy (and property values) steady.
Top it off with outdoor concerts, art walks, and neighborhood happy hours, and you’ve got an easygoing, upscale scene that wins over both full-timers and snowbirds.
Palm Desert Local Highlights & Attractions
Discover what makes this city a special place to live. Here are some local highlights that residents enjoy:
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Explore diverse desert flora and fauna from around the world at this unique zoo and botanical garden.
- El Paseo Shopping District: Often called the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," featuring a mile of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
- McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts: A premier venue hosting a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance.
- Championship Golf Courses: Known as a golfer's paradise, the area boasts numerous world-class public and private golf courses.
- Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: Offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails like the popular Bump and Grind, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
- College of the Desert Street Fair: A popular weekend open-air market with hundreds of vendors offering unique crafts, apparel, and food (year-round).
- Civic Center Park: A beautiful urban oasis with an amphitheater, public art, sports facilities, and a dog park, perfect for family outings.
Palm Desert Area School Information
The primary public school system serving the area is the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD). This district is committed to preparing every student for college, career, and life.
Some of the notable public schools include:
- Elementary Schools: George Washington Charter School (Rated A- by Niche.com), James Earl Carter Elementary School (Rated A- by Niche.com)
- Middle Schools: Palm Desert Charter Middle School
- High School: Palm Desert High School
For higher education, Palm Desert is home to the main campus of College of the Desert and a campus of California State University, San Bernardino, providing excellent opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
Understanding Palm Desert Crime & Safety
The City of Palm Desert contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for its police services, ensuring a dedicated law enforcement presence.
Here's a look at recent crime statistics:
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.77 per 1,000 residents (Source: NeighborhoodScout)
- Property Crime Rate: 36.17 per 1,000 residents (Source: NeighborhoodScout)
It's important to put these numbers in context. While some data suggests Palm Desert's property crime rate, particularly motor vehicle theft, is higher than national averages, its violent crime rate is generally reported as being at or below the national average.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department utilizes community-oriented policing strategies and offers programs like Neighborhood Watch and Citizens on Patrol to enhance safety. The City of Palm Desert has also been previously recognized as one of the safer cities in Southern California. Prospective residents should always consult the latest crime statistics and local law enforcement resources for the most current information.
What are the typical property tax rates in Palm Desert?
In Riverside County the base tax sits at 1 % of your home’s assessed value (set at purchase by Prop 13). Expect the effective bill to land closer to 1.25 – 1.32 % once school bonds and local assessments are added. Always pull the exact rate for the specific address you’re eyeing—those extras vary by neighborhood.
How common are HOA communities, and what should buyers check before committing?
HOAs are the norm for condos, golf-course enclaves, and most planned neighborhoods. Before you sign, look beyond the monthly dues: confirm what services they cover, read the CC&Rs for any lifestyle quirks, and skim the financials to be sure the reserve fund is healthy. A solid HOA protects both your sanity and your resale value.
What should I keep in mind when buying in a desert climate?
Think water-wise landscaping, newer high-efficiency HVAC, and orientation—an all-day west-facing patio can spike summer power bills. Factor in pool upkeep if there’s one in the backyard, and check whether the community has golf-cart paths, seasonal rules, or extra desert-living guidelines.
How competitive is the market near top-rated Desert Sands schools?
Homes zoned for star campuses like Palm Desert High draw steady demand, so the well-priced, move-in-ready ones still move fast. A sharp local agent will help you spot fresh listings and craft the right offer before someone else swoops in.
What financing options are typical, especially for second homes or investments?
You’ll see everything from standard conforming loans to jumbos and plenty of cash deals. Second-home or investor loans often require bigger down payments and tighter debt-to-income ratios, so loop in a lender who knows the desert market early in the process.