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
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Stephen Cammell
Video By
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Come see this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a desirable open-concept layout, dedicated laundry room, and convenient 2-car garage. The incredible backyard is perfect for entertaining, offering a full covered patio with ceiling fan and lighting, plus a storage shed for added convenience. Whether you're hosting family gatherings, enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, or creating lasting
Are you looking for an affordable lot to park your vehicles, trucks, mobile homes, RV, or containers? What about installing renewable energy sources? Check out this lot near Seeley. Construction of a home is possible with the proper permit from the county and getting water from the IID. Buyers are to do their due diligence about the construction of a home or getting utility connections for mobile
Unlock the potential of this A-2-RE zoned lot, ideally situated near Seeley. Store your RV, vehicles, and other equipment. This property is brimming with possibilities. Zoned for general, agricultural, or renewable energy projects, this lot offers versatility to meet your unique needs. It is crucial to conduct due diligence to confirm that the zoning will permit the buyer's intended use of the
Endless possibilities await with this remarkable 42.25-acre property, offering fertile land, valuable canal water access, and exceptional potential for agricultural or development use. Situated on the north side of the canal, approximately 30 acres feature a clean, flat landscape previously used to grow Bermuda grass--making it ideal for farming, expansion, or long-term investment.The property is
Our Plan 1 offers a smart, single-story layout designed for comfort and everyday functionality. With 1,366 square feet of living space, this home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it perfect for first-time buyers, families, or those looking to downsize without compromise. The open-concept floor plan connects the kitchen, dining area, and living room perfect for entertaining or
Are you looking for an affordable lot to park your vehicles, trucks, mobile home, RV, or containers? What about installing renewable energy sources? Check out this lot near Seeley. Construction of a home is possible with the proper permit from the county and getting water from the IID. Buyers are to do their due diligence about the construction of a home or getting utility connections for mobile
Unlock the potential of this A-2-RE zoned lot, ideally situated near Seeley. With the opportunity to construct your future home (pending county permits) and explore water and power access through IID, this property is brimming with possibilities. Zoned for general, agricultural, or renewable energy projects, this lot offers versatility to meet your unique needs. Investors and buyers, it's crucial
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Unlock the potential of this A-2-RE zoned lot, ideally situated near Seeley. With the opportunity to construct your future home (pending county permits) and explore water access through IID, this property is brimming with possibilities. Zoned for general, agricultural, or renewable energy projects, this lot offers versatility to meet your unique needs. Investors and buyers, it's crucial to
Unlock the potential of this A-2-RE zoned lot, ideally situated near Seeley. With the opportunity to construct your future home (pending county permits) and explore water access through IID, this property is brimming with possibilities. Zoned for general, agricultural, or renewable energy projects, this lot offers versatility to meet your unique needs. Investors and buyers, it's crucial to
28.99 Acres of Opportunity Adjacent to I-8 – Imperial County Desert Land Discover the potential of this approximately 20-acre parcel (APN 033600020000) located in the wide-open landscapes of Imperial County. Conveniently situated adjacent to Interstate 8 and just minutes from Coyote Wells and Ocotillo, this property offers outstanding accessibility while providing the peace and privacy of the
Are you looking for a lot to park trucks, mobile homes, RVs, or containers? This lot is located west of Seeley at the corner of Brown Rd. and Evan Hewes HWY. Buyers should do their due diligence regarding obtaining power connections and water service. The lot is currently zoned A-2-RE per Zone Map 50.
Are you looking for an affordable lot to park your vehicles, trucks, mobile home, RV, or containers? What about installing renewable energy sources? Check out this lot near Seeley. Construction of a home is possible with the proper permit from the county and getting water from the IID. Buyers are to do their due diligence about the construction of a home or getting utility connections for mobile
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Enjoy this 48 Unit 3 Story upscale Apts Elevator, Washer/Dryer in Unit, Pool/Spa area w/ Tables Umbrellas Chairs & Lounges, Community Center w/Kitchen and Lrg TV /Gathering area. Gas & Charcoal Barbeques, Outdoor Dining areas, Well Equipped Fitness Center, Covered Parking.Top Restaurant on Site, Financial/Banking Office on Site.
Beautiful Corner Townhome for Rent in Imperial Available Now!Don't miss this opportunity to lease a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath corner townhome with an attached 2-car garage in one of Imperial's most desirable communities.Offering over 1,500 square feet of modern living space, this well-maintained home features an open floor plan, abundant natural light, and a premium corner location that provides
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Great Imperial Location second floor Level 3 Bed / 2 Bath Condo. Experience comfort and convenience in this beautifully appointed second -floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence located in one of Imperial's most desirable neighborhoods. This thoughtfully designed home features high vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout, creating a bright and airy living space ideal for both relaxing and
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3 bdrm 2 1/2 ba dual level town home with 2 car garage, granite kitchen with large pantry, indoor laundry room, oval tub in Mbath, with community play & BBQ area.
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FOR LEASE – Monterrey Subdivision $3,000/month | 1-Year LeaseBeautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the highly desirable Monterrey Subdivision!Features Include:• Custom shades• Elegant wall panels• Interior arches• Upgraded front door• Spacious backyard – perfect for family gatherings• Clean, well-kept home in a family-friendly
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