A quiet suburb in the heart of the Imperial Valley
Located in the heart of the Imperial Valley, about 15 miles north of the border, the city of Imperial is a small but quickly growing suburban enclave. Both the city and the valley were named for the Imperial Land Company, which built the area into an agricultural center in the early 1900s. Today, the city mostly functions as a bedroom community for workers in nearby Brawley, El Centro and the Lithium Valley area, although agriculture still plays a significant role in local culture. “I would say it’s the diamond of Imperial County, kind of a diamond in the rough,” says real estate developer Ray Roben, who has lived in Imperial for over 40 years. “It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in all of California. It’s still a small-town feel, even though the community has grown so much in the last few years."
Imperial’s rich agricultural roots continue to shape its community, thriving alongside new growth.
With a median price of $430K, Imperial offers modern suburban living.
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Modern subdivisions and midcentury ranch-style homes
While the city has been around for over a century, much of its residential development has occurred in the last few decades. The city has a decent selection of midcentury ranch-style homes, but the housing market is mostly composed of contemporary single-family homes, many of which feature Spanish-style design elements. “Most communities are newer subdivisions with their own green spaces and dog parks,” says Roben. The median single-family home price in the city is $430,000. There are also a small number of condos and townhouses in Imperial, which usually list in the $250,000 to $350,000 range.
Imperial’s newer subdivisions provide space for families, parks, and a strong sense of community.
Spacious single-family homes with Spanish-style touches await in Imperial.
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Imperial Unified School District
The Imperial Unified School District oversees public schools in town and has a B grade on Niche. Imperial Valley College is located on the east side of town. The community college maintains an enrollment of around 7,000 students and is the largest post-secondary education provider in the county.
Imperial Valley College helps students build bright futures with career-focused education.
At Imperial High, students discover endless opportunities to succeed.
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Shopping along Route 86
Retail in Imperial is concentrated just south of town along state Route 86, which runs through the center of town, connecting the city to Brawley to the north and El Centro to the south. The area is home to multiple groceries stores, a Walmart and Costco, and the local movie theater, along with a selection of smaller stores. Restaurants are more evenly distributed throughout Imperial, though they still cluster around Route 86.
Costco located just south of Imperial has everything you need, from groceries to gadgets.
Catch the latest blockbusters at Movies Imperial, where every seat offers a great view.
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Off-roading in the desert
Public green spaces like Eager Park are spaced pretty evenly throughout town, offering well-maintained playgrounds and athletic fields. Smaller parks can be found in the newer subdivisions along the edges of town. While the Imperial Valley is mostly made up of farmland, the deserts that surround it are popular with mountain bikers and off-roading enthusiasts — both of which are major pastimes in the area. Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to the east and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the west are both about 40 miles away from Imperial by car. Imperial has a hot desert climate and temperatures in the summer can stay in the triple digits for days on end, so residents should take necessary precautions during heat advisories.
Children laugh and play freely while adults unwind at the welcoming Eagar Park in Imperial.
Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where nature and striking sculptures harmonize in the desert landscape.
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California Mid-Winter Fair
Imperial holds the California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta every year at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds. The 10-day festival celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage and features rides, livestock shows and live entertainment. Smaller annual city-sponsored events are held from October through March as part of the city’s Signature Event Series, which includes a Christmas festival, a barbecue cook-off and more.
Getting around Imperial Valley
Transportation in Imperial revolves around state Route 86, which connects the city to El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, and, across the border, Mexicali. Interstate 8 passes 6 miles south of town, connecting to Yuma and San Diego. The Imperial County Airport, located just outside the city limits, offers limited flights but serves as a gateway for private aviation and crop-dusting operations. Public transit is available through Imperial Valley Transit, which runs direct bus routes to Brawley and El Centro.
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Miguel Contreras,
an experienced agent in this area.
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