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
Charles Barenbrugge,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Desert Hot Springs, CA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Desert Hot Springs, CA over the last 12 months is $419,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOVE IN READY!Brand-new single-story home, built in 2025, offering modern design and comfort in a prime location. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, this thoughtfully designed residence boasts 2353 sqft of living space on a 7,360 sqft lot. The open concept layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating the perfect setting for both daily living and
MOVE IN READY-Brand-new single-story home, built in 2025, offering modern design and comfort in a prime location. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full baths, this thoughtfully designed residence boats 2003 sqft of living space on a 7,186 sqft lot. The open concept layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating the perfect setting for both daily living and
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
Unique Log Aframe majestically overlooking Sky Valley. Log interior and exterior with soaring 30ft cathedral ceiling. Picturesque views from all windows. Wrap around deck perfect for enjoying sunrises and views down valley. Large kitchen with long counter. Basement has 3 rooms which could be additional bedrooms or maids quarters. In addition to the 2 car garage, there are 2 LARGE architectural
Welcome to this charming corner-lot home located in the highly desirable Mission Lakes Country Club--just 15 minutes from vibrant downtown Palm Springs!Perfectly positioned on a spacious corner lot, this light-filled and airy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers added privacy, extra outdoor space, and great curb appeal. Situated in a peaceful setting, the home welcomes you with an open and
Discover PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP in this beautifully maintained 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME located in the desirable JOSHUA SPRINGS 55+ COMMUNITY of Desert Hot Springs. Offering 1,248 SQ FT of comfortable living space, this charming CORNER-LOT HOME features a thoughtful blend of MODERN UPGRADES and everyday convenience.Step into the FULLY RENOVATED KITCHEN, showcasing a complete MODERNIZED OVERHAUL with
Beautiful, MOVE-IN-READY 2BD/2BA home in the desirable 55+ Joshua Springs community! Built in 2010 and lightly lived in, this IMMACULATE HOME offers an OPEN FLOOR PLAN with CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, vinyl flooring, and ENERGY EFFICENT dual-pane windows showcasing the stunning San Jacinto Mountains. Features include CENTAL A/C, ALL APPLIANCES, and partial furnishings--just bring your suitcase! Enjoy a
Welcome to peaceful desert living in Wagner Mobile Home Park, where PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP shines. This well-maintained and thoughtfully upgraded home offers EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND CHARM with DOUBLE WINDOWS (a SECONDARY WINDOW LAYER added to exterior of home for SUPERIOR INSULATION), helping keep the home cool on hot summer days. Enjoy PLANK WOOD-FINISH FLOORING, a BRIGHT AND
Opportunity awaits with this home currently undergoing thoughtful updates and improvements. Planned upgrades include new carpet in the bedrooms, stylish tile flooring throughout the main living areas, updated bathroom vanities, modern lighting fixtures, and fresh interior paint, creating a bright and refreshed living environment.Featuring a comfortable floor plan, spacious living areas, and
Welcome to 11459 Bald Eagle Lane in Desert Hot Springs — a modern desert retreat offering open-concept living, mountain views in one of the Coachella Valley’s fastest-growing markets. Designed for today’s lifestyle, this home features a bright, open floor plan with seamless flow between the living room, dining area, and chef-inspired kitchen, perfect for entertaining, remote work, or relaxed
FIXER UPPER OPPORTUNITY! Unlock the potential of this one-of-a-kind property featuring a spacious floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile den that can be used as a home office, guest room, or additional living space. Situated on a generously sized lot with a huge backyard, this home offers endless possibilities for customization, expansion, and outdoor enjoyment.This light fixer is
Elevated high above the desert floor in desirable Desert Hot Springs, this contemporary modern residence offers sweeping mountain views from both the private front courtyard and expansive rear yard. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and just under 1700 square feet, the home sits on a generously sized lot designed for comfort and outdoor enjoyment.The inviting great room showcases a gas fireplace and
Sky Valley Resort, a gated mineral pool community that is just a 25-minute drive from Palm Springs. Two bedroom and two full bathrooms and covered attached porch. The unbelievable view will make sipping wine while watching the colors from the sunset . The outdoor area and covered porch is ideal for entertaining. This is expected to go fast, so call today to get gate code and chance to see this
LOVELY 1BED/1BATH HOME... CUTE AS CAN BE! CALL SHERRY TO VIEW! WELCOMING AND WARM, THIS 1 BEDROOM PARK MODEL COMES WITH 2 REFRIDGERATORS, STOVE TOP, BUILT IN MICROWAVE, MINI-SPLIT AND A WINDOW A/C... THE FENCED PATIO AREA OFFERS ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR A PET, GARDEN AREA, OR RELAXING IN THE EVENINGS...AND ANOTHER GREAT BENEFIT IS THAT THE ROOF WAS RECENTLY REDONE!. THIS HOME SITS IN AN ALL AGE
GREAT OPPORTUNITY to MAKE THIS HOME YOUR OWN in the DESIRABLE JOSHUA SPRINGS 55+ COMMUNITY! This 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH manufactured home offers approximately 896 SQ FT and is ready for your VISION. A true FIXER, it's ideal for someone HANDY and ready to transform it into the perfect WINTER GETAWAY, SEASONAL RETREAT, OR FULL-TIME RETIREMENT HOME. With updates and personal touches, this home has STRONG
WOW!!,DUPLEX LARGE 3 bedroom / 2 bath 1294sf of living space, GREAT ROOM w/ FIREPLACE. You have a place for your washer/dryer, DOUBLE car garage, plus your very own PRIVATE YARD. WATER/TRASH PAID by OWNER.New laminate flooring in primary bedroom.
This is a Senior Community (55+) ONLY! Your own piece of paradise at Desert Hot Springs Apartments. Studio and one bedroom apartments, now leasing! Sparkling pool, friendly management, 24/7 emergency maintenance, resident services events!
Call for Availability! White Sands, a unique community you will love, offering 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes. The 1 bedroom, 1 bath and 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment homes are located in single story buildings (no one living above you), all ground Floor. Each apartment features a Stove, Dishwasher, Full Size Washer Dryer Hook Up’s, Central Heat and Air, Ceiling fan, Fenced Patio Area, and
Elevated high above the desert floor in desirable Desert Hot Springs, this contemporary modern residence offers sweeping mountain views from both the private front courtyard and expansive rear yard. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and just under 1700 square feet, the home sits on a generously sized lot designed for comfort and outdoor enjoyment.The inviting great room showcases a gas fireplace and
TRAVELING NURSES - PRIVATE BEDROOM, SHARED BATHROOM. It is a private bedroom with shared bathroom and shared entrance, assigned parking and important to note, with limited access to living/dining room and kitchen, access to private bedroom and shared bathroom and assigned parking.
Property Id: 2531944Coming soon - Lovely 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home perched on the hilltop of the spa zone. Has new roof, new AC, hardwood floors, tile flooring and carpeting in the master bedrooms. There is a beautiful recently re-done Pool and spa for your enjoyment. Currently in the process of doing some TLC prior to renting out again. All major appliances included in
Not ready to buy a home yet but want to enjoy the ownership? Or are you searching for a home perfectly suited for RV enthusiasts, seasonal residents, or retirees who crave sunshine, space, and the freedom to travel? Experience true desert freedom at 64243 Eagle Mountain Ave—a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath, approximately 2,221 sq ft single-level home in the sought-after Mountain View
Welcome to your commercial space in the downtown Arts and Culture District in Desert Hot Springs, CA! This charming property offers a prime location with a muraled building in a vibrant community, perfect for those who enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities and outdoor activities.The commercial space features 1,800 square feet of office/retail/cafe space within a generous open floor
Welcome to your new home in Desert Hot Springs, CA! This charming property offers a comfortable and inviting space perfect for those looking to enjoy California living. The property features a spacious interior equipped with solar central heating and cooling, ensuring comfort year-round. Enjoy the refreshing breeze from the ceiling fan and the convenience of air conditioning on warm
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