$445,700Average Value$238Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes For Sale
Borrego Springs is an artsy oasis in the Southern California desert
While it’s technically in northeast San Diego County, Borrego Springs takes pride in being in the middle of nowhere. “We’re a seasonal destination. People come here to connect with nature, to hike, to stargaze,” says Realtor Kerry Christenson with Coldwell Banker Borrego, who’s been selling here for over 10 years. Borrego Springs is entirely surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on the eastern side of the Peninsular Ranges. In fact, it’s the only town in California that’s fully surrounded by a state park. It’s also one of the state’s only certified International Dark Sky Communities, meaning it has unobstructed views of the cosmic expanse. Having a mountain range and desert separating it from any sizable city has turned Borrego Springs into a uniquely artistic community. Roadside grapefruit stands run on an honor system, stargazing parties are a standard activity and metal dinosaur sculptures line the main roads. “The natural beauty attracts artists from all over the world,” Christenson says. “The stars and mountains give so much inspiration.”
Camp beneath the stars at a scenic Borrego Springs campsite surrounded by natural desert beauty.
Borrego Springs is an ideal getaway destination with peaceful landscapes and minimal light pollution.
Borrego Springs statues offer photo opportunities and artistic wonder in the heart of the desert.
Statues in Borrego Springs showcase dramatic desert art, attracting visitors from around the world.
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Spanish-style homes made for desert living
Borrego Springs has separate clusters of homes, but the town is so small that it’s really one community. “It’s a very small community,” Christenson says. “You can drive from one end to the other in 15 minutes.” Most residents are seasonal, so the town is full in the winter and rather empty in the scorching summers. Spanish-inspired and adobe-style homes dominate, as the tile roofs and light stucco walls keep cool in the desert sun. The median price is about $350,000, which is typical for midsize homes. However, small ranch-style homes can start under $150,000, and condo units begin around $100,000. More spacious midcentury modern and Spanish-style homes with a pool or larger lot can cost around $500,000. Sprawling homes in the town center can cost about $1 million, and some artistic custom homes can go for over $1.3 million.
Condos with pools in Borrego Springs offer resort-style relaxation under clear desert skies year-round.
Spanish homes in Borrego Springs showcase warm stucco exteriors ad elegant Southwest character.
Borrego Springs is California’s hidden desert gem, perfect for stargazing, hiking, and scenic drives.
Visitors love taking pictures of massive desert statues in Borrego Springs’ wide-open scenic landscape.
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Stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The sea breeze that cools off San Diego doesn’t make it to this side of the Peninsular Ranges, so the average summer high temperature is almost 110 degrees. People don’t spend much time outside from late spring to early fall, but the rest of the year is open season in the wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. At 600,000 acres, this is California’s largest state park. Hikers can climb mountain trails to the west and explore desert plains to the east. The Salton Sea, one of California’s largest oases, is 30 miles east. Even during the summer, people come out at night for stargazing parties. As an International Dark Sky Community, the full sparkling glow of stars and galaxies is visible to the naked eye. This also makes Borrego Springs a popular camping location for stargazing enthusiasts. In town, there are leisurely offerings, like The Courts Anza-Borrego, a minimalist, midcentury Palm Springs-inspired racquet club. The club’s slogan is fitting: “Four tennis courts, a clubhouse and pool in the middle of nowhere.” The only green grass in Borrego Springs lives at Christmas Circle Community Park — the center of town — and golf courses around town.
Golfers in Borrego Springs appreciate sunny days, wide fairways, and stunning desert landscapes while playing.
Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where nature and striking sculptures harmonize in the desert landscape.
Anza-Borrego in Borrego Springs features scenic trails, slot canyons, and panoramic desert mountain views.
The monument of the Borrego Springs Park in Outlying San Diego County.
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Fostering an artistic culture in the desert
Borrego Springs can be considered an unofficial artists’ colony. Many of the town’s community projects are focused on cultivating creative energy, like the metal sculptures of dinosaurs and other creatures along the main roads and placed throughout the local desert by artist Ricardo Breceda. Borrego Springs is renowned for the Plein Air Invitational. “Artists come from all over the world for Plein Air,” Christenson says. “They set up their easels in the desert and paint landscapes to sell at the festival.” The Borrego Springs Art Institute invites these premier artists to compete for best in show every spring. The institute is prominently located around Christmas Circle. They provide exhibits, demonstrations and classes. The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a lineup of performances and free movie screenings every other Wednesday. The Borrego Springs Film Festival is the center’s signature annual event, usually held on a January weekend.
Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center showcases drama, dance, and music in an intimate local venue.
The Borrego Art Institute supports emerging artists and connects the community through desert-themed visual art.
Discover hidden canyons, unique rock formations, and sculptures at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Experience the wonder of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where thoughtfully placed sculptures enhance the natural desert charm.
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Grapefruit stands and small shopping malls
Behind stargazing, Borrego Springs is probably best known for its grapefruit stands. Local orchards, like Seley Ranches, set up roadside stands of ruby red grapefruits. They’re unattended because it’s an honor system. People take what they like and leave an appropriate amount of money in the box. Residents do the rest of their shopping at small neighboring malls on Palm Canyon Drive. The Mall — on the south side of Palm Canyon — has groceries at Desert Pantry, sporting goods at Borrego Outfitters a few restaurants. Across the street, The Plaza Shopping Center also has a grocery store, eateries and boutiques like the Frugal Coyote. It’s also home to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Just down the way, there are more local restaurants around Christmas Circle, like Red Ocotillo and Carlee’s.
The Mall in Borrego Springs offers local shops, cozy cafés, and essential services in one location.
Visitors explore The Plaza Shopping Center in Borrego Springs for unique boutiques and relaxed desert vibes.
Seley Ranch fruit stand in Borrego Springs offers seasonal favorites in a rustic desert setting.
Shoppers gather near the water fountain in Borrego Springs for rest, conversation, and local purchases.
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Borrego Springs Unified School District
The three schools in town are part of the Borrego Springs Unified School District, which receives a C grade from Niche. Students begin at Borrego Springs Elementary and continue at Borrego Springs Middle. Both are rated a C-minus. Borrego Springs High School rounds out the pipeline and earns a B.
The sign of the Borrego Springs Elementary School in Outlying San Diego County.
Borrego Springs High School provides quality education with a strong sense of community and desert pride.
Borrego Springs Middle School offers engaging academics, enrichment programs, and caring staff in a close-knit campus.
The sign of the Borrego Springs Middle School in Outlying San Diego County.
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Less than 70 miles to Escondido, and 90 miles to downtown San Diego
Commuters typically drive into San Diego for work. Downtown San Diego and its massive port and military bases are 90 miles southwest, an almost two-hour drive. However, there are closer San Diego County cities with plenty of industry, like Escondido, under 70 miles west. Oceanside is 80 miles west. It’s a prominent military hub and has a growing business scene. Residents can fulfill basic healthcare needs at the Borrego Medical Clinic in town, but larger hospital visits require a drive to the coast.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Khiem Huynh
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Borrego Springs, CA sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Borrego Springs, CA over the last 12 months is $322,500, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come enjoy the desert culture of metal art, intricate shops, golf courses, hiking, riding, artist displays, starry nights, and more. Sale includes 2 5th wheels and jobsite trailer. Level land next door to Peg Leg storage. 308' of frontage on S22 at mile marker21. In between the elementary school and Regional Airport with both residences and businesses near by.
Oasis in the Desert! This home features a double lot, fully fenced with mature plantings. Large covered patio in back, 2 secure enclosed outdoor areas for pets or kids, a fenced dog run and great views. Includes 2 sheds with mini-splits, and a large RV/carport. 16 panel owned solar with battery, evaporative cooler, whole house fan, and regular HVAC. Inside you will find plank flooring and dual
Borrego Springs, Ca. Large Residential lot 27,878 sf M/L. Build your dream home located on a cul-de-sac in great area surrounded by nice homes. Gorgeous views of the Mountains to the West. Build your desert winter, vacation or permanent retirement home. Close to center of town. Borrego Springs centrally located close to San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties. Borrego Springs area know
Remodeled duplex unit with 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath and 1 car garage located in a nice area of Borrego Springs. upgrades include Kitchen and Bathroom granite counters and new roof. Unit is ready for move in.
This octagon-shaped building is a pilot’s dream home right across from the Borrego Valley Airport. Fly in & walk to the house for your getaway adventure. Fully furnished and ready to enjoy watching the aircraft land and take off in this desert get away. Huge Great Room includes dining room, kitchen and living room, 3 decks to enjoy the outdoors, gated compound. Non pilots will enjoy the private
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