$376,371Average Value$270Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
Burgeoning resort town in the Coachella Valley
Immediately north of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley is Desert Hot Springs. This once-sleepy resort town transformed itself in 2014, when it became the first Southern California city to legalize medical cannabis. “Ten years ago, Desert Hot Springs was a run-down little desert community filled with retired vets who wanted to be left alone,” explains Mitchell Stein, a local Broker Associate with KW College Park. “Before marijuana was legal in California, Desert Hot Springs allowed people to distribute and sell it in the city legally. Property values shot through the roof immediately. It brought in jobs and money to fix up the city, and there’s a younger, hipper crowd moving in because of it.”
Now, Desert Hot Springs’ Arts and Culture District is amid revitalization, and the city is busy expanding its infrastructure. Included in this wave of development was a new city hall built in 2019 and a library built in 2021. Also, an Amazon facility is expected to be completed by 2025. Despite all this growth, Desert Hot Springs maintains a calm, resort-like atmosphere, befitting its nickname Spa City. “The town’s energy is pretty relaxed, and it’s away from the hustle and bustle,” says Michael Valerio, a HomeSmart Realtor and Broker Associate who has lived here since 2015. “I see a lot of people walking their dogs and running the trails in the San Jacinto Mountains. You can dip into one of the hot springs afterward and recharge.”
Desert Hot Springs is the ideal home for relaxation and desert exploration.
Enjoy the desert lifestyle in the golf community of Desert Hot Springs.
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Low Southern California housing costs
As of late 2023, the median home price in Desert Hot Springs is approximately $400,000, compared to the California median of $890,000 and the national median of $406,000. “You can still buy a three-bed, two-bath home for under $400,000 here, which is basically unheard of in California,” Stein says. “A similar house in Palm Springs will cost you over $800,000, even though the two are right next to each other, so homes sell really fast here, too.”
Single-family homes dominate the market here. Most of these homes were Spanish Revival from the 1990s to the 2020s; these often ranged from $375,000 to $600,000, depending on how new or large they were. Midcentury California ranch-style homes are also prevalent in Desert Hot Springs, with many of them in need of renovation. “One of the great and bad things about Desert Hot Springs is there’s always been tons of residential development here,” Stein explains, “which means that there’s tons of homes, but also that there’s tons that have been vacant for a long time.” Prices for these ranch-style homes range from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on their state of renovation.
Stucco walls and tile roofs define Spanish-style homes in Desert Hot Springs.
Find Pueblo Revival homes that blend perfectly into the desert landscape of Desert Hot Springs.
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Mountain ranges, open spaces and community parks galore
Set in a flat between two mountain ranges, Desert Hot Springs experiences a low desert climate, with mild winters, hot summers and arid weather year-round. The San Bernardino Mountains sit immediately north of the city, its valleys serving as gateways to popular open spaces. Around 9 miles west, the Mission Creek Preserve is comprised of lush foothills and wetlands that are home to deer, bears and mountain lions. Around 31 miles north, the famous Joshua Tree National Park offers nearly 800,000 acres of desert scenery filled with unique rock formations, hiking trails and campsites. To the south, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes explorers up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, which has over 50 miles of trails and pine forests.
Within Desert Hot Springs, locals have access to eight parks, including dog parks, community green spaces and aquatics centers. A narrow strip of greenery in the city's center, Guy J Tedesco Park is the city’s largest park at over 6 acres and features splash pads, a skate park and grassy lawns.
Residents of Desert Hot Springs can explore the trails at Mission Creek Preserve.
Desert Hot Spring Skate Park is the home to a thrilling small skate park for skaters of all levels.
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Colorful arts scene in Desert Hot Springs
Set on the corner of Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs’ Arts and Culture District is home to colorful buildings painted over with murals by local artists. “Desert Hot Springs has become very popular with artists recently,” explains Stein. “They like it here because the city feels progressive with it being at the forefront of cannabis legalization, and it’s also fairly affordable. You’ve got to sell thousands of paintings before you can start charging thousands for them, so Desert Palm Springs feels like a place where they can work on their art and own their home.” Cabot’s Pueblo Museum – a century-old rambling adobe building built by local artist Cabot Yerxa – also invites city artists to share their work at the Artisans at the Pueblo event every month.
Desert Hot Springs' Art District brings together community and creativity in every piece.
Explore art, history, and culture at the iconic Cabot's Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs.
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Cafes, dispensaries and hot springs in the arts district
The Arts and Culture District is a hub for local businesses. “It’s a mix of old Americana and trendy new coffee shops,” Stein says. “Imagine car shops where you can see mechanics in overalls covered in oil, and next door, there’s a new little cafe filled with younger artists.” Here, dispensaries and old barber shops neighbor new pizza and Mexican restaurants. True to its name, Desert Hot Springs is also home to numerous spa resorts. Many of them are closely attached to the city’s burgeoning cannabis industry. “The resorts here are especially popular because they’re some of the only hot springs where you can smoke while lounging in the water,” Stein explains. Additional shopping centers can be found along Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard, offering grocery stores, chain retailers and restaurants.
A local favorite of Desert Hot Springs, is Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant.
Relax with friends at the San Jacinto Bar and Lounge in Desert Hot Springs.
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Palm Springs Unified Schools
Local kids are served by the Palm Springs Unified School District, which scores a B on Niche and is ranked among the top 10 districts in Riverside County. The district supports a group of Artists-in-Residence who create interactive, educational experiences within a variety of artistic disciplines.
Bella Vista Elementary in Desert Hot Springs gives students the skills to succeed.
Desert Springs Middle School offers a space where students can thrive in Desert Hot Springs.
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Convenient commutes within the Coachella Valley
Desert Hot Springs is immediately north of Interstate 10, making commutes into Riverside and Los Angeles counties convenient. SunLine Transit Agency buses service the city and travel between Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs, but most locals rely on cars to get around. Palm Springs’ medical district, 11 miles south, is home to various hospitals and urgent care clinics. The closest hospital to Desert Hot Springs is Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, 17 miles west. Palm Springs International Airport is 11 miles south, and Ontario International Airport is around 70 miles west.
Lowering crimes rates, incoming police facilities
According to FBI data, since 2015, property crime in Desert Hot Springs has dropped by over 57% and violent crime by over 28%. Desert Hot Springs Police Department serves the area, and they built a new dispatch center and remodeled the police station in 2023. “It used to be a place you’d visit the hot springs, but you’d want to make sure you locked your car, or else it was getting broken into,” explains Robert Perez, a local Realtor with Evernest Realty Advisors. “But it now feels a lot safer.”
Written By
Fletcher Varnson
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
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 Desert Hot Springs, CA sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Desert Hot Springs, CA over the last 12 months is $470,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey, fully furnished, and already cash-flowing—this bold 3-bed, 2.5-bath Bohemian Maximalist retreat is a city-permitted short-term rental (VR22-0134) grossing approximately $75K in 2024 (excluding city TOT, actual guest spend was even higher). Whether you're seeking a stylish lifestyle asset or a high-performing investment, this Desert Hot Springs property delivers strong returns and
Welcome to The Desert Lifestyle! This 4 bd, 2 ba beautiful newer home was built on 2018 with 1,650 sqft, sits on an elevated lot. The front yard with professional landscaping designed invites you to enter into the impressive open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, and nice tile flooring throughout. Living room combined with dining area leads you towards the delightful kitchen featuring nice
This piece of land has GORGEOUS, 360 degree panoramic view of the mountains and desert. It is a true gem. Located in an Excellent neighborhood to build your dream home. Developers and Investors dream to buy and hold or develop now. The land is flat, the whole lot is buildable, and the city development is growing toward this property. The parcel is near a developing Master Planned Community called
Extremely well maintained home with 1,440sf just perfect for intimate evenings or lively events for family and friends. There is even an extra sleeping space that is curtained off from the main living room area and can be used as a wet bar area. With several exterior plantings, the interior of this home is extremely private. The updated kitchen offers granite counters and a gas stove/range,
WELCOME TO YOUR DESERT OASIS AT 67846 AVA CT!This beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,845 square feet of stylish, turnkey living with a sparkling in-ground pool and spa—perfect for relaxing or entertaining under the Desert Hot Springs sun.Step inside and immediately feel the pride of ownership. The home features completely redone flooring, remodeled bathrooms,
Incredible Opportunity - 15+ Acres of Vacant Land Near I-10 freeway, at only away minutes from Palm Springs & Joshua Tree!Unlock the potential of this expansive 15+ acre parcel located in a highly desirable area with general use zoning, offering endless possibilities. Whether you're an investor, developer, or dreamer, this rare find is perfect for residential, agricultural, or potential
Welcome to your dream rental home! This beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bath property offers comfort, style, and breathtaking scenery--all just 15 minutes from Palm Springs. Enjoy a spacious open layout with tile flooring throughout, creating a modern and low-maintenance living space.The gourmet kitchen features sleek quartz countertops, plenty of cabinetry, and a perfect flow for entertaining.
Beautiful remodeled home in a quiet street in Desert Hot Springs ready to be call home. This 4 bedrooms with 100% ceramic tile and an almost new kitchen is ready for a new family. Beautiful call for a private showing.
Welcome to Sky Haven Desirable Gated Community located in the heart of Desert Hot Springs. Sky Haven is a Senior community 55+. Close to the center of town and shopping and restaurants. A/c and heat pump were replaced Nov 2021. Long Term Lease opportunity. Spacious home with family open to dining room and picture window views. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms. Bathroom vanities and floors have been
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