Nicknamed “City of Festivals,” and nationally known as the home of the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio is set about 125 miles east of Los Angeles. Originally a late 19th-century stopover town for the Southern Pacific Railroad, Indio has become a booming agricultural community by the early 20th century, its success fueled by dates, citrus fruits and cotton. Today, Indio is a city of roughly 90,000 people, offering a more suburban, affordable alternative to Los Angeles’ rising home prices and urban sprawl. “Coastal residents in Southern California are being priced out and migrating inland,” says Lupe Ramos Amith, the mayor of Indio.
Currently, the city is revitalizing its downtown with new businesses, and approving plans for new shared spaces like Indio Sports Park and the Civic Center Campus, which will include a new city hall building and library. Hundreds of new homes are being added here, as well. “Get in now while it’s still a value proposition, because once this is all developed it’s going to be more attractive and selling at higher price points,” says Chris Casas, a Realtor with Indian Springs Real Estate, who has over 23 years of experience. Healthcare, retail and hospitality are major local industries, and top employers include the city of Indio and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. “We are so proud of our history and excited about our future,” says Jessica Mediano, marketing and public information officer for Indio.
Explore the rich railroad heritage that shaped Indio into the vibrant town it is today.
The Coachella music festival is held at The Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Indio City's colorful neighborhoods reflect its rich cultural mosaic.
Soak in the rich heritage and endless blue skies of Indio City.
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Lower home prices than Los Angeles
The average home price in Indio is about $580,000, compared to Los Angeles’ average of about $1.8 million. “This has become one of the most sought-after areas to buy a home in the valley, because the bang for your buck is big here compared to the rest of Southern California,” Mediano says. Most homes here were built over the past 25 years; many are new traditional Spanish-style with red clay-tiled roofs and desert-hued stucco exteriors set in master-planned neighborhoods. In 2023, Indio approved plans for 1,500 new homes in the Del Webb Desert Resort retirement community, which will also include a clubhouse and pickleball courts. “We’re issuing over 300 building permits per year, and it hasn’t slowed down. We’re probably the only city in the region that didn’t slow construction during the pandemic,” Ramos Amith says.
Experience lakeside living at its best with Indio City's stunning lakefront houses.
Indio City houses blend modern amenities with the warmth of community living.
Find your dream home in Indio City’s friendly and thriving neighborhoods.
Enjoy spacious living with stunning views in Indio City’s houses.
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Community comes together outdoors
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley, Indio offers over two dozen community parks, recreation centers and golf courses. Miles Avenue Park is popular for a morning walk along palm tree-dotted walking paths and for playing sports like pickleball and basketball. The Indio Community Center’s the spot to hit the gym, jog the indoor track or play a racquetball match; locals may also sign up for the fitness and lifestyle classes at the center, like piano, yoga and salsa. North Jackson Park is another community highlight, offering a splash pad, softball fields and picnic shelters with barbecue grills. The 18-hole Indio Municipal Golf Course is touted as the only night-lit course in the Coachella Valley; a new clubhouse is scheduled to open here in 2025. For scenic desert views and striking rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park is about 27 miles away, with dirt-packed hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as rare, spiny Yucca plants that give the park their name.
Discover golf courses conveniently located near your home in Indio.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the desert at Indio Hills Badlands Trailhead.
Experience the thrill of horseback riding through Indio City's scenic trails.
The Indio neighborhood offers a wide range of outdoor activities including a good walk.
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City of festivals
Held over two weeks each April, the Coachella Festival is the largest music festival in America, attracting over 100,000 visitors daily. Coachella’s best known for its high-profile music lineup, but around Indio the festival’s an economic booster that annually brings in over $100 million in revenue. However, Mayor Ramos Amith says the world-famous Coachella Festival is just one of many annual events in Indio. “We just celebrated our 76th annual date festival, which attracts around 300,000 people to the city, and our tamale festival is in its 30th year,” Ramos Amith says. February’s Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival celebrates the area’s date farmers with carnival rides, a rodeo and unique date recipes, like date milkshakes and date al pastor tacos.
The Indio International Tamale Festival in December has been a local tradition for over 30 years, offering live entertainment, a classic car show and hundreds of tamale vendors vying for the top spot in the annual tamale cook-off. “The tamale festival is special because it celebrates the many generations that built our community. There are families and businesses that have been participating for decades,” Mediano says.
The city partners with Goldenvoice, the creators of Coachella, to procure art and murals from Coachella for public display in the city. “A lot of Coachella’s larger art installations have been integrated into the city’s landscape and park system," Casas says. "You’ll find big dogs, teepees, robots—big public artwork that was at Coachella." The city also partners with local artists for city projects, like the Traffic Signal Beautification Program, which had local artists paint traffic boxes around the city in 2021. Mediano says, “Through our public arts program, we commission 8 to 10 pieces a year, including murals, sculptures and installations."
A downtown renaissance
Shopping and dining are found throughout Indio, but downtown’s one of the most popular commercial areas, where residents can find boutique stores and locally owned eateries, including coffee shops and bars. “Downtown’s going through a renaissance—going from that 50s style to a newer, hipper style with bustling local businesses and entertainment,” Casas says. The Indio Business Connect program supports both new and established businesses by offering professional resources and networking opportunities, like the annual Indio Mixer in May, that keeps the business community tight-knit. “We’re starting to attract some national chains, but historically our restaurants have mainly been mom and pop Mexican establishments, some are third and fourth generation,” Ramos Amith says. Around Interstate 10, the Showcase at Indio is a shopping plaza with nearly 40 stores, including fast-food restaurants, department stores and locally owned spots, while Indio Towne Center is anchored by a WinCo Foods and big-box retailers, like Home Depot. “Everything you need is right here in town,” Mediano says.
Discover local restaurants and retailers in downtown Indio.
Costco in Indio ensures a convenient and one-stop shopping experience.
From sunrise to sunset, Indio City is awash in color.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious meals at El Tapatio Restaurant in Indio.
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Desert Sands Unified School District receives high marks from Niche
“25% of our growing population is under the age of 18, so schools are a top priority for us,” Ramos Amith says. Indio is part of the Desert Sands Unified School District, which serves about 27,000 students and earns an overall A-minus from Niche. Many of the district’s high schools offer career and technical education courses in subjects like culinary arts, cosmetology and engineering. In 2024, Indio’s College of the Desert was renovated to include a new breezeway and study spaces.
Indio High School is part of the Desert Sands Unified School District in Indio.
Indio Middle School is one of many great schools in Indio.
Mountain Vista Elementary School features a program focused on English learning.
Coachella Valley High's wall art showcases creativity and expression.
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Getting around from Indio
Indio is crossed by two major highways, Route 111 and Interstate 10. I-10 leads about 125 miles to Los Angeles, but Ramos Amith says, “Nobody locally uses I-10. That’s for big rigs and people traveling from L.A. to Phoenix.” The more locally popular 111 leads 10 miles to Palm Desert, 17 miles to Cathedral City and about 23 miles to Palm Springs. “Getting around locally takes time, but that’s a product of distance, not traffic,” Mediano says. “Honestly, the scenery here is so beautiful that I never mind a drive.” Streets are typically sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly, and Sun Line buses travel both the city and the Coachella Valley. John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital is located within the city, and Palm Springs International Airport is about 20 miles away.
Crime and environmental factors
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the total number of reported violent- and property-related crimes in Indio decreased by 31% between 2013 and 2023, from nearly 3,200 incidents to about 2,100. Ongoing environmental concerns here include extreme heat and wildfires. During Indio's hot summers, temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, but Casas sees this as a plus for locals. “We get our communities back to ourselves," says Casas, "and our restaurants and golf courses start to open up.” There haven’t been any recent wildfires in Indio, but in case of local emergencies, the city is home to four fire stations.
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Video By
Mallory Nolte
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On average, homes in Indio, CA sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Indio, CA over the last 12 months is $549,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Sun City Shadow Hills, a premier 55+ active adult community in Indio offering resort-style living. This beautifully maintained 1,321 SF Embark floor plan features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with a desirable split-bedroom layout for maximum privacy. Newer carpet adds fresh style and comfort throughout, and the home comes complete with washer, dryer, and refrigerator for move-in convenience.
Don't miss this exceptional Family Home in the Gated Community of Foxstone, This almost 3000 Sq Ft Executive Pool Home has plenty of room for a growing family! 40' x 12' gated Rv/Boat Parking!, Designer Hardscape, The Pool has Fountain Water Features and a raised Spa! The covered patio is equipped with a Commercial Grade High Pressure Mist System! Mature Fruit Trees bear an abundance of Lemons
New flooring! Freshly painted! Exceptional Value in a Premier 55+ Resort Community! Don't miss this gorgeous 2021 French Elevation-style Black Hill floor plan tucked into a peaceful cul-de-sac. Offering 1,555 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a bonus/den room, and a wide array of premium upgrades, this home is designed for comfort, style, and functionality. The chef's kitchen is a standout with
Jorge SanchezBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to the impeccably upgraded AFFIRM model, located in the prestigious 55+ resort community of Trilogy at the Polo Club in Indio. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den and versatile smart space offers 1,668 sq. ft. of sophisticated desert living on a quiet interior street.Step inside to luxury vinyl plank flooring, designer lighting, upscale finishes, and a serene color palette
This beautifully upgraded Sorrano floorplan offers a total of three bedrooms, including a detached casita, plus a separate office, blending modern elegance with resort-style living and spectacular mountain views. Inside, the kitchen has been completely updated with new soft-close cabinets and drawers, designer quartz countertops, a stylish backsplash, kitchen island, dry bar, and blue accent
Welcome to Desert River Estates, a beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom + office, 4-bathroom home on over half an acre in Indio. Just minutes from the Polo Grounds home to Coachella and Stagecoach this property seamlessly blends modern design, high-end upgrades, and everyday comfort. Wide-plank flooring, custom carpentry, stained beams, and thoughtful architectural details create an inviting
This turn key home is located in the highly desirable Rincon community, with NO HOA! Walking distance to the polo fields where Coachella, Stage Coach amongst other festivals are held! This 4bed /3bath home boasts almost 2,600 sq ft of entertainment space and was professionally designed for the ultimate Palm Springs experience. Enter the double doors into an impressive foyer with soaring high
Beautifully remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Talavera, one of Indio's most sought after communities. 20 foot ceilings, abundant natural light and a true sense of openness that instantly feels like home. The downstairs features tile flooring throughout, a spacious bedroom with a bathroom and an impressive custom built entertainment center in the living room, the open concept kitchen
Escape to this exquisite retreat in the heart of Indian Palms, where relaxation and luxury meet. This stunning home boasts a private heated pool and spa, offering the perfect oasis to soak up the desert sunshine all year round. Set on a prestigious golf course, this expansive 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property showcases breathtaking mountain views and modern amenities designed for comfort and style.
Located at the edge of the Mojave Desert, Shadow Hills offers a mix of quiet rural and suburban living between Indio and the Coachella Valley Preserve. Indio started as a railroad town but later developed into an agricultural powerhouse specializing in date farming; Indio’s Shadow Hills community continues to offer rare greenery amid the desert climate of the Inland Empire. Residents of Shadow Hills live in sight of the wide-open desert and distant mountains, in a city whose world-class celebrations of art and culture earned it the nickname “City of Festivals.”
Homes in Shadow Hills are primarily single-family detached houses on open streets and in gated communities, with a collection of condos and mobile home communities. A mix of spacious ranch-style and Spanish-colonial-style homes sit on the more open rural desert streets. The main Shadow Hills Country Club community is primarily designed with stucco walls and soft arches of the Spanish and Mediterranean architectural styles. Unit sizes range from 1,600 to 2,900 square feet, with date palms and other desert foliage furnishing the sides of avenues and cul-de-sacs. Shadow Hills’ homes vary in price from $45,000 for mobile homes to over $1 million for multiple-story residences, many of them complete with pools and verdant back yards.
The Desert Sands Unified School District serves the area, and students attend Richard Oliphant Elementary School – given a B rating by Niche – as well as the B-rated Desert Ridge Academy Middle School and the B-plus-rated Shadow Hills High School. Shadow Hills High is ranked among the top 190 of California’s nearly 1,730 public high schools in teaching quality, as well as among the top 355 for athletics. This school places a heavy emphasis on college readiness, hosting college and career fairs to provide its students with plenty of opportunities for post-school success.
Shadow Hills Country Club was designed to incorporate desert plant life and landscapes. Its 18-hole course is not only accessible to golf players of any skill level but also a part of a conservation effort to protect local resources and wildlife habitats. This club is complete with a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, ensuring that members can enjoy a meal “al fresco” before or after a game.
The nearby Coachella Valley Preserve is home to many hiking trails and desert oases. Nature lovers can relax under fanning palm leaves beside the oasis pond in the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. Indio is renowned for the festivals held in its limits, most famously the Coachella Arts and Music Festival. Excellent live music performances from the likes of Bruno Mars and Beyonce dazzle tens of thousands of attendees every year, a tradition carried on – almost uninterrupted – since 1999.
Shadow Hills is strictly residential, but the nearby Palm Desert houses shopping centers for the essentials. Locals can head to the Marketplace on Varner Road and stop at regional chains like Stater Bros to stock up on groceries, get some classic comfort fare at Coco’s Bakery Restaurant, or beat the desert heat with Lappert’s Ice Cream, offering a mix of soft serve, milkshakes and shaved ice.
Proximity to Interstate 10 gives Shadow Hills residents access to the best of the Coachella Valley.
Just a mile from the Coachella festival campgrounds sits Polo Club, a residential neighborhood in Indio, California, that offers a quiet oasis for those wanting to spend their days swimming laps in the pool, hiking to see bighorn sheep or enjoying the desert weather. Gated communities here offer residents an active social life. With everything from karaoke nights to book clubs and cycling classes, Michael Fogarty, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker and a resident of the community, says, “It’s exceptional, simple living."
Many residents live in one of the area’s gated desert communities, like Trilogy at The Polo Club. Developed by Shea Homes in 2013, this 1000-home development is expected to be finished in 2024. While most homes here are designated for residents aged 55 and older, roughly 200 houses are non-age restricted. Prospective buyers can choose from Trilogy’s single-family and single-story detached and duplex options, which feature two to three bedrooms and range in size from 1,542 to 2,367 square feet. The average listing price varies from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the age, size and location of the property. Houses here don a contemporary feel with open layouts, glass sliding doors and smart technology spaces. Private properties outside of Trilogy range in style from modern two-story designs to ranch-style dwellings and range in price from $471,000 to $3.6 million. “Polo Club is within the renewable-focused Imperial Irrigation District, which makes energy bills cheaper than in places like nearby Edison,” Fogarty adds. As such, a lot of the homes also feature solar panels.
The Polo Club, a 25,000-square-foot adult country club, is one of many amenities located within the Trilogy community. Offering members an array of outdoor and indoor activities, the club gives residents a place to challenge their neighbors to a game of tennis or pickleball, a sport Fogarty says has “taken the desert by storm.” For a taste of luxury, Trilogy’s resort pool includes private cabanas and food service delivered directly to the poolside. The club also houses an interactive teaching kitchen, artisan studio and game rooms. For time outdoors, residents can choose from one of the nineteen parks scattered throughout the community, or just a 7-mile drive from Polo Club is Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, a 710-acre recreational and campsite area. Visitors can spend the day hiking while watching the bighorn sheep climb up and down the mountainous terrain or opt to take in scenic views of the lake while enjoying various activities like horseback riding, beach volleyball and fishing.
Decorative palm trees line the parking lot at the Citrus Plaza, a shopping center just 4 miles from Polo Club. Coffee aficionados will love their proximity to The Vintage Coffee House, a locally owned cafe nominated for best independent coffee shop in the Coachella Valley by readers of the Coachella Valley Independent. Locals get their groceries at Ralphs Fresh Fare, and those who want a unique dining experience can head to Tack Tavern, an American fare restaurant complete with saddle-turned-stools. Indoors, the restaurant brims with equestrian history, while outside, it offers patio dining al fresco.
Students here attend schools within the Coachella Valley Unified School District, which receives an overall rating of C-minus from the educational review site, Niche. Known for focusing on dual language immersion and migrant education, the district also boasts a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. Students can attend Mountain Vista Elementary School for kindergarten through sixth grade, Cahuilla Desert Academy for seventh and eighth grades and Coachella Valley High School for ninth through twelfth. All three schools offer gifted programs and receive a rating of C-minus or higher from Niche.
While bus routes are available, Polo Club is a primarily car-dependent area. Residents wanting to explore other cities can drive to the Palm Springs International Airport, which is around 28 miles away via Interstate 10. Locals can take that same route and California 60 to Los Angeles, which is about 130 miles away. Healthcare workers enjoy being less than 8 miles away from Eisenhower Medical Centre. Music lovers living in Polo Club are less than two miles away from Stagecoach and other music festival grounds.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Indio Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
99,132
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,108
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,893
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.5%
% Population in Labor Force
59.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
2''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
106°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
34/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
38/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
