Friendly, fun-filled desert city near Palm Springs
About 7 miles east of Palm Springs in the hot, windy Coachella Valley, Cathedral City offers scenic golf courses, open desert spaces and a lively events scene. Nicknamed “Cat City” by locals, Cathedral City was incorporated in 1981 and has since attracted snowbirds and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as hospitality and healthcare workers. “Before it was incorporated, Cathedral City had always been more blue-collar, and in many ways, it still is,” explains Vince D’Angerio, a Cat City local and Real Estate Agent with Town Real Estate. “But things are starting to change. The downtown’s getting a new shopping center, we’re getting new people from everywhere between Los Angeles and Canada, and they’re building a new Amazon distribution facility right by the one we already have.”
Beautiful mountain views are seen from the Cimarron Golf Course in Cathedral City.
Larger employers like Amazon have recently built warehouses in Cathedral City.
The proximity to Eisenhower Medical Center attracts healthcare workers to Cathedral City.
Experience beautiful open desert spaces in Cathedral City.
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Scenic golf courses and rotating tram rides at Mount San Jacinto
Surrounded by nature and filled with golf courses, Cathedral City can feel like a sprawling resort. The 27-hole Desert Princess Country Club is popular for its well-maintained greens and sloping fairways, while the Cimarron Golf Resort’s two 18-hole courses offer easier, shorter games. “What really makes Cimarron great is the panoramic views of the mountains, because they’re completely unobstructed there,” D’Angerio says. The 7-acre Panorama Park is the city's largest park, with tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, a dog park and a central splash pad for kids.
The city’s namesake, Cathedral Canyon, was once filled with rock formations said to resemble holy temples; these were destroyed by a flood in 1946, but today the canyon remains a popular hiking spot. Indian Canyons, about 7 miles away, is home to the world's largest California fan palm oasis, while the Coachella Valley Preserve, 13 miles away, offers over 20,000 acres of pristine desert to explore. "There's just so much hiking here," says D'Angerio. "You can even hike along the San Andreas Fault, which starts around here and goes all the way past San Francisco."
Cathedral City residents can play golf all year round at the Cimarron Golf Resort.
Cathedral Canyon offers great hiking with amazing views of the Cathedral City area.
Enjoy the sunshine with your best friend at Panorama Park in Cathedral City.
Kids flock to the playground at Panorama Park in Cathedral City.
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Comparative affordability in Coachella Valley
“Affordability is really important here,” says Anthony Carrona, an experienced Broker with 4th Dimension Real Estate, who grew up in the Coachella Valley. “Cathedral City is right next to Palm Springs, but sometimes the homes can be literally half the price.” The median home price in Cathedral City is $517,000, compared to Palm Springs' $625,000.
Single-family homes dominate the market here. Most are ranch- or Spanish-style homes from the 1980s to 2000s, set in suburban subdivisions like Panorama or golf-oriented developments like Cimarron Cove; prices range from $275,000 to $800,000. Cathedral City Cove has a mix of new luxury developments and ranch-style homes from the 1930s, when an artist colony first moved into the area; these are often pricier and can range from $550,000 to $1 million.
Experience peaceful living in a ranch-style home amid the nature of Cathedral City.
The community of Cathedral City Cove features a mix of ranch and modern luxury homes.
A Spanish home with shady palm trees is seen in Cathedral City.
Many private communities in Cathedral City have access to resort-style amenities.
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Cathedral City's up-and-coming downtown
The Downtown Arts and Entertainment District might still be a work in progress, but it’s been Cathedral City’s center for shopping and dining since the 1990s. The 111 freeway is lined with a mix of locally owned businesses and regional chains, and many eateries blend American and Mexican cuisines. Entertainment options range from the Museum of Ancient Wonders to the Agua Caliente Casino. Across the street from the casino, a new shopping center is slated for completion in 2025.
Check out the latest entertainment at Agua Caliente Casino located in Cathedral City.
Trilussa offers fine cuisine and wine in Downtown Cathedral City.
Find local and regional chain dining options along the 111 freeway in Cathedral City.
Catch a movie at Mary Pickford D’Place Theater in Cathedral City's up-and-coming downtown.
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Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival and Candy Cane Lane
“Over the past decade, the city's been developing a downtown gathering space we call Festival Lawn, in front of City Hall, where we celebrate culture and diversity,” says Stephen Burchard, Cat City resident and Realtor with BHG Desert Lifestyle Properties. “We have all kinds of events, from the Tejano Festival to Gay Days, and there's a real dynamic focus on bringing people of all walks together." Started in 2015, the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival is the community’s showcase event, filling the night sky with glowing balloons and the Festival Lawn with food trucks and market stalls. During the winter holiday season, Minerva Street transforms into what locals call “Candy Cane Lane,” as all the homes are decorated with lights, inflatables and Christmas trees.
High-performing Palm Springs Unified Schools
Cathedral City students are served by the Palm Springs Unified School District, rated an overall B by Niche; in fall 2024, local voters approved Measure S, granting Palm Springs Unified $465 million to renovate and revitalize its schools. In 2022, the Cathedral City High Marching Band won the Southern California Division 4 and 6 championships. Every year, the mayor hosts a ceremony to rename the street adjacent to the high school after high-achieving students.
Cathedral City High band won Southern California Division 4 & 6 championships in 2022.
Nellie N. Coffman Middle teaches Cathedral City students preparedness, respect, and empathy.
Agua Caliente Elementary School in Cathedral City offers students the latest learning tools.
Rancho Mirage Elementary, near Cathedral City, is part of the Palm Springs Unified District.
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Near Palm Springs airport, minimal public transit
Cat City sits right between Interstate 10 and Route 111. I-10 leads roughly 120 miles to downtown Los Angeles, while Route 111 leads 7 miles west to central Palm Springs and the Palm Springs International Airport. "The airport is ridiculously close, literally only 5 minutes away from my house," says D’Angerio. "It's become quite busy and has even started to surpass pre-COVID levels of traffic, so now there's plans to bring more gates." Residents largely rely on cars to get around the area, but the SunLine Transit Agency provides nine public SunBus routes along main roadways. The city also set plans to develop its trail systems to improve walkability throughout the city in its 2023 Cathedral City Active Transportation Plan. Cathedral City is also near several hospitals, many of which are the area's top employers. "The Eisenhower Medical Center has been a big deal for a long time," Carrona says. "Even though it's in Rancho Mirage, a lot of people from Cathedral City work there."
Crime and environmental concerns
According to FBI statistics for 2023, Cathedral City’s rate of property crime was 1 reported incident per each 1,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 18. The city's violent crime rate was less than 1 reported incident per every 1,000 people, compared to the national rate of about 4. The Cathedral City Police Department offers a Current Crime Reports Map that helps residents keep track of recently reported crimes and where they took place.
The San Gorgonio Pass naturally funnels desert breezes and gusty winds through the city, sometimes filling the air with dust and causing air pollution. During the summer months, daily temperatures rarely dip below 100 degrees, and from December to February, Cathedral City experiences a rainy season; although the city rarely receives more than an inch of rainfall per month during this time, it can be prone to flooding due to the desert landscape’s inability to absorb or receive water.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cathedral City, CA sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cathedral City, CA over the last 12 months is $510,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Escena! A Nicklaus designed 18 hole golf course community. The Clubhouse includes a golf shop, lounge and Grill which has a dog friendly patio. The CV link winds around the community for jogging ,biking and hiking. The home is located close to the clubhouse. Generous in size, this beautiful 2965 sq ft home has 2 bedrooms and 3 baths. High ceilings, an open floorplan and glass doors
Welcome to your desert retreat in the gated Cathedral Canyon Country Club, where stunning mountain views, dramatic desert skies, and a peaceful, quiet setting offer a true escape from the hustle of city living. This spacious, light-filled home features an open floor plan designed for comfort and easy entertaining, enhanced by a large sliding glass door in the living room that floods the space
Braulia SheltoneXp Realty Of Southern California Inc
Updated kitchen and baths highlight this spacious two-bedroom, two-bath condo featuring dual master suites, ideally located on the 7th fairway of Lagos. Positioned mid-fairway, the home offers beautiful golf course and mountain views. Just steps away from one of the community's 34 pools and spas, this property combines comfort and convenience. The living area features upgraded large tile
Seller reviewing offers. This home offers plenty of space for entertaining both inside and outside. The dining room features a table that seats eight, along with additional furniture to comfortably accommodate guests. PEACEFUL NEIGHBORHOOD: Enjoy a tranquil setting with only two neighbors nearby. From the front porch, you can relax and watch golfers, dog walkers, and bicyclists pass by, making it
Elevated Desert Living on the Border of Palm Springs. Positioned on the highly desirable border of Palm Springs and Cathedral City, this extensively updated residence offers the rare combination of modern upgrades, prime location, and move-in-ready convenience — a compelling opportunity in today’s market. Built in 2004 and thoughtfully refreshed throughout, this single-level home spans 1,939
Welcome to affordable Palm Springs/Cathedral City on the dividing line this location is close to everything. Shop and Dine, Casino. Community Pool is never overcrowded in this quaint tucked away place called TramView.2 Bedrooms 2 full Baths, at this price is a ''deal''. The home is self contained, Kitchen has Pantry, Dishwasher, Laundry W/D inside, Central Air, Duel Pane Windows,Fenced in ''Yard
Prime Location in a Gated Community – Desert Princess Country Club in Palm Springs. Welcome to your newly renovated desert 3 br/2 ba single-level oasis, ideally situated in one of the safest and most sought-after gated communities. Whether you're seeking a year-round residence or a luxurious vacation retreat, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience.
Prime Location in a Gated Community - Desert Princess Palm Springs Welcome to your newly renovated desert oasis, ideally situated in one of the safest and most sought-after gated communities. Whether you're seeking a year-round residence or a luxurious vacation retreat, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience.Inside, you'll find a beautifully curated
Discover the desert lifestyle you've been waiting forwhere comfort, convenience, and community come together in one move-in ready retreat.Step inside this beautiful manufactured home and immediately feel the difference. An expanded primary suite and bath create a sense of space rarely found at this price point, while thoughtful upgrades throughout make everyday living effortless. Before you even
Welcome to relaxed desert living in this beautifully updated single-story condo located within the gated Cathedral Canyon Country Club. Ideally situated between Palm Springs and Palm Desert, this home offers a peaceful setting with the convenience of easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout the Coachella Valley. Inside the coveted single-story end unit, the home has been
Some properties check boxes. This one rewrites the checklist entirely.In a valley where 'condo' almost always means shared walls and shared compromises -- this one stands apart. Literally. This 1,832 sq ft, 2-bed, 2-bath is a fully detached, ranch-style standalone home inside the intimate 21-unit Palm Oasis community with 3 swimming pools. No shared walls. No unit above or below. And you own the
Another rare opportunity for a PREMIUM VIEW lot in Sungate Country HOA: a vibrant 55+ senior community nestled at the foot of a stunning mountain range, just two blocks from Agua Caliente Casino! Electric (SCE), water(paid HOA) and sewer(paid HOA) are at the site. Move your TINY HOME on to the lot with Park Approval or even an approved travel trailer, 5th Wheel or Motorhome! You are allowed to
Make an offer on this renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home ready to move in home. All new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and ceiling insulation. Includes 2 mini-splits, one in the living room and the bedroom. Oversized patio with an east-facing view. Side yard and space for a shed at the end of the rear yard. Carport behind the patio in the rear, which may accommodate 2 cars depending on the size.
Set in a prime golf course location, this beautifully cared-for three-bedroom, two-bath home captures sweeping mountain views and sparkling city lights from its elevated perch. The raised setting offers enhanced privacy and an exceptional outdoor lifestyle, where the expansive patio is perfect for quiet mornings, sunset views, and effortless entertaining under the desert sky.Designed for easy
Welcome to Sungate, a desirable 55+ gated resort community offering a flexible and affordable desert lifestyle just minutes from Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. This versatile lot is approved for a Tiny Home, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel, or Motorhome (with park approval), making it an ideal full-time residence, seasonal getaway, or investment opportunity.The lot comes well-equipped with a private
2-bedroom apartment homes are equipped with upgraded air conditioning, new tile, and hardwood floors as well as new ceiling fans, new hardware, new faucets, and new mini blinds. Each unit has new appliances including a refrigerator, stove, and microwave.
The property has all large one-bedroom floor plan units. The entire building has been completely renovated. Property renovations include the following: · New roof · New exterior paint · All new landscaping · New security gates · New common laundry facilities and machines · All new interior and exterior lighting · New windows and doors · Upgraded air conditioning · New paint, new blinds and all
Beautiful updated condo in Cathedral Canyon Villas. This gated community offers pool, spa and gym. Condo has been updated and care for, it has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, private washer and dryer and a one car garage.
Welcome to your dream seasonal rental in a 55+ gated community Desert Shadows RV Resort! This park model is located close to Palm Springs, in a highly desirable senior community with abundant amenities. This home is move-in ready, fully furnished, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, Including a washer and dryer and dishwasher. As a guest of The Resort, you'll have access to a wide
Resort is a gated Senior community with 460 units. Features of the resort include 2 well Maintained Clubhouses and 3 Satellite Clubhouses, Laundry, Restrooms, Sauna & Spa. A Grand Ballroom for events, 6 heated pools, Billiards Room 1 Olympic size lap, Indoor Pool, Spa and Sauna. Sunken lit Tennis and Pickle ball courts, Indoor shuffleboard pavilion, Fitness Center, Card and Hobby rooms, Dance
Sought-after RV lot for rent with no RV on it so you can bring your own! Desert Shadows RV resort is a gated Senior 55+ Community with 460 units. Amenities of the resort include 2 large well maintained Club houses, 3 Satellite Club Houses, Laundry, Restrooms, Sauna and Spa. A Grand Ballroom for events, 6 heated Pools, 1 Olympic size lap pool, Indoor pool, spa and sauna. Sunken lit tennis & pickle
Charming Fully Renovated Tiny Home for Rent in Desert Shadows 55+ Resort! Experience resort-style living in this beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath park model with a bright California room and stylish tile flooring throughout. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality, this charming tiny home also includes a convenient storage shed and cozy living spaces perfect for relaxing or
Discover the charm of Santa Fe-style living in this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home, ideally situated in central Cathedral City. Showcasing breathtaking panoramic mountain views, this residence offers a spacious great room with an open and inviting atmosphere perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Formal living and dining room.The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes a
This remodeled 1-bedroom cottage style single level apartment home is located at the Cathedral City Courtyard at 37156 Palo Verde Drive in the city of Cathedral City. The property is located at Highway 111 and Bankside Drive in close proximity to the Cathedral City Civic Center, the Mary Pickford Entertainment Complex, and the new Agua Caliente Casino. The complex has a swimming pool, common
This remodeled 1-bedroom cottage style single level apartment home is located at the Cathedral City Courtyard at 37156 Palo Verde Drive in the city of Cathedral City. The property is located at Highway 111 and Bankside Drive in close proximity to the Cathedral City Civic Center, the Mary Pickford Entertainment Complex, and the new Agua Caliente Casino. The complex has a swimming pool, common
The Cathedral City Cove Apartments Homes is conveniently located in the Cathedral City Cove area of the city. Its close proximity to the City Civic Center & The Mary Pickford Entertainment Complex, the new Agua Caliente Resort Casino & all the retail amenities along the Highway 111 makes it an ideal place for you to live. The property is nestled at the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains in a
The Cathedral City Cove Apartments Homes is conveniently located in the Cathedral City Cove area of the city. Its close proximity to the City Civic Center & The Mary Pickford Entertainment Complex, the new Agua Caliente Resort Casino & all the retail amenities along the Highway 111 makes it an ideal place for you to live. The property is nestled at the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains in a
Amid mountains, lakes and palm trees, the Desert Princess community offers a casual resort lifestyle in Riverside County’s Coachella Valley. Desert Princess has a legacy of “well over 40 years,” says Maggie Jackson, Receptionist and Administrative Assistant for the on-site HOA. “Once you come in here, it’s a different world. It’s like a little oasis – a lush landscape with 7,000-plus trees. Even folks who come here temporarily want to buy.”<br><br>"There are 1,200-some-odd families here, but they all have some commonalities," says Holly Tait Markas of Holly's Homes, a Broker specializing in Desert Princess since 1999. “They find they love the sense of openness and safety, with caring people and a down to Earth, laid-back feel. Here you feel like you're on vacation all the time,” Markas says. "But while people often come here thinking they're going to retire, they soon find they can fill their days with all sorts of stuff.” The Desert Princess lifestyle centers golf, gorgeous scenery and a casual community close to dining, shopping and culture. <br><br>"Folks come here from colder places like Colorado and the Bay Area to seek the sun, hike the trails and play golf all year round,” Markas says. The 27-hole public golf course features wide fairways, several lakes and mountain views. “Some people move here with their friends, but folks here like to gather, so it's easy to just join a golf game or meet up at the fitness center, or for a walk, or at one of the 34 swimming pools." Desert Princess also makes it easy to join a pickup basketball game or to try out pickleball before cooling down at the on-site spa. <br><br>Desert Princess Clubhouse's casual Mountain View Grille includes a full bar, weekly game nights and occasional live music. For cooking at home, residents find a Stater Bros. Market and a CVS just north, plus nearby options like Walmart, Grocery Outlet and Costco. <br>More dining, entertainment and shopping can be found five miles west in Downtown Palm Springs. For a relaxing day out, locals can enjoy a hearty brunch at Wilma & Frieda’s followed by a visit to Palm Springs Art Museum and retail therapy at La Plaza shopping arcade, before ending the day with classic cocktails at Oscar’s. <br><br>Framed by the San Jacinto Mountains and centered around the Desert Princess Country Club, the guard-gated Desert Princess community includes hundreds of condos, villas and a homeowners association. Elegant fountains and desert landscaping line the neighborhood’s sidewalks and wide streets. The one- to three-bedroom adobe-and Hacienda-style homes designed by iconic Southern California architect Gin Wong (whose work includes the spaceship-like LAX Theme Building) date from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s. Some homes, like those in the Arroyos cluster, are situated off-fairway from the club’s 27-hole, PGA Championship golf course. Home prices range from about $280,000 to $890,000. Condos range from about $218,000 to $425,000. <br><br>Beyond the golf carts, Desert Princess is a car-dependent community. It benefits from proximity to Interstate 10, which stretches from L.A. to Phoenix and beyond. Desert Regional Medical Center and Palm Springs International Airport are about 5 miles west. There are also bus stops along Vista Chino, the road that borders the neighborhood’s northern edge. <br><br>The Desert Princess community lies within the Palm Springs Unified School District, whose 28 schools are generally rated average by GreatSchools for students’ test scores and academic progress. Rio Vista Elementary, rated B-plus on Niche, emphasizes social-emotional learning, while James Workman Middle School, rated B, was named a 2023 California School to Watch. Cathedral City High School, rated B-plus, is a California Gold Ribbon School with HEAL (healthcare and environmental health) and International Baccalaureate programs.
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