Palm Springs

Situated deep into the hillside of south Palm Springs, Araby Cove helps residents feel secluded in a private pocket of the city. However, civilization isn't as far away as it seems whenever they feel like dining out or running errands. "As you clear out of the area and get down to Highway 111, you're within minutes of some of the best dining in Palm Springs," says John White, a Realtor with Equity Union. "As much as it's tucked up and back, it's not really that far from good restaurants and services." This scenic neighborhood does an excellent job of blending privacy with convenience, allowing residents to enjoy their mountainside homes with spectacular views and backyard pools. A quick drive north on Araby Drive or Rim Road will lead residents to Highway 111, where they can access popular shops and restaurants in south Palm Springs. Smoke Tree Village is a shopping center just 1.5 miles from the neighborhood with several restaurants, a Ralphs Fresh Fare and Ace Hardware. Smoke Tree Commons is another shopping center nearby, with stores like T.J. Maxx, Petco and World Market. Residents can grab gourmet groceries at Jensen's Finest Foods. For a casual meal, locals stop in Manhattan in the Desert, an old-school deli and bakery known for its bagels and pastrami sandwiches. Norma's is a colorful restaurant east of the neighborhood on Palm Canyon Drive. Located in the Parker Palm Springs hotel, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space full of midcentury modern décor. Residents are not far from the trendy, chic restaurants of Palm Springs either, with downtown just 4 miles from the neighborhood. Palm Springs has plenty of hiking trails around the city, and White says Araby Cove is as popular a neighborhood for hikers as any. The Araby Trail begins at the neighborhood's northern end at the intersection of Southridge Drive and Rim Road. Hikers will trek 1.7 miles uphill along the trail, traveling through rocky terrain and desert landscape. The trail also takes residents behind the gated Southridge neighborhood, allowing them a behind-the-scenes look at homes they would otherwise miss, including Bob Hope's former house. For some low-key recreation, Demuth Park is just 2.5 miles north of the neighborhood and offers several activities. The park has baseball and soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, walking paths, playgrounds and a small stage. Araby Cove features a mix of housing styles that give buyers plenty of options. "It's a very eclectic mix of different architectural styles, many of which are sort of Spanish Colonial Revival and some that are very unique to the area," White says. "There are a lot of homes that are constructed out of stone up there. It also has a mix of contemporary and midcentury modern homes." As buyers drive the hilly, winding streets of the neighborhood, they'll notice that no two houses look the same, allowing them to find something unique that fits their taste. Tall palm trees line the streets, and the homes in the highest points of the neighborhood offer sweeping views of Palm Springs below. Many homes in the neighborhood have backyard swimming pools where residents can cool off on hot summer days. Houses in Araby Cove typically cost between $1 million and $2 million, with some outliers on either end of the range. Buyers should be aware of the fire risk in Araby Cove, which Risk Factor calculates at around 0.2%. Students in the neighborhood might attend Cahuilla Elementary School, Raymond Cree Middle School and Palm Springs High School. The elementary and middle schools are rated B by Niche, while the high school receives A-minus. Palm Springs High serves just over 1,600 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. The school offers job shadowing programs, allowing students to connect with local professionals in the fields they want to pursue after high school. Students can also study in the school's health and business academies. Due to the neighborhood's isolated location, having a car is essential to life in Araby Cove. Highway 111 is less than a mile north of the neighborhood, giving residents easy access to the rest of the city. Palm Springs International Airport is about 2.5 miles north of Araby Cove, a drive that takes about 10 minutes. Desert Regional Medical Center is about 5 miles northwest of the neighborhood, and the drive typically takes around 12 minutes. Residents can take Highway 111 east through the Coachella Valley to get to Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert nearby.

At the gateway to downtown Palm Springs is the stylish community of Baristo, which became a playground for movie stars and golf players in the early 20th century. Today, residents live in view of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, a stone’s throw from Palm Springs’ downtown shopping centers and world-class courts in the historic Tennis District. Reagan Richter, a Realtor with Compass Realty who has lived in the Palm Springs area for over a decade, says the tourism industry is one of the area’s main employers. “It’s a second home destination for a lot of people,” she says. The neighborhood hospital, Eisenhower Health, is also a major employer. “The area has a more laidback pace compared to other cities like San Diego or L.A.,” says Richter. “There’s a less dense population so it's easier to get around. It’s also really pretty, so that’s always a plus.” The Historic Tennis District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Palm Springs. The area is full of historic establishments like Melvyn’s Restaurant and museums like the Frey House. Shops and restaurants in downtown Palm Springs are just as close to Baristo, with retro diners like Bit of Country serving comfort dishes and boutique and thrift shops lining Palm Canyon Drive. Baristo is also known as a hub for LGBTQ+ businesses and events in Palm Springs, with events like the White Party Weekend and the Dinah Shore Weekend attracting tens of thousands of people annually. Escena Golf Club is where people go to practice their swing or enjoy a meal at the restaurant inside. Golfers can expect to deal with noisy conditions as the club sits near the airport. Residents are a short walk or bike ride from Baristo Park, where they can host picnics, play basketball or relax on the large grassy area. Just across South Sunrise Way is the Palm Springs Public Library, offering free Wi-Fi and computers for use and over 100,000 books, DVDs and audiobooks on its shelves. On Sundays, the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs is a popular destination. The church offers free meals for those in need and haircuts on select days. Palm Springs has a monthly farmer’s market that takes place every first Sunday of the month from October through May. Developers primarily build condominiums and townhouses in Baristo, and favor building materials fit for the low desert environment, present in the Mediterranean and Mission styles. These townhouses and condos range from $330,000 to $500,000 with terracotta roof tiles and durable stucco walls, which help maintain interior temperatures. Along with hotter temperatures, the area has a moderate risk of flooding, which is maintained by the Baristo Flood Control Channel. Contemporary condos and townhouses range from $700,000 to $1.1 million. Residents are served by the Palm Springs Unified School District, where young students can attend Rancho Mirage Elementary School, which has a B-plus from Niche. Kids may move on to Nellie N. Coffman Middle School, which receives a B-minus and offers many different clubs such as robotics, drama and a book club. Curious minds can advance to Palm Springs High School, which earns an A-minus from Niche. The school has a prominent athletic program, with notable alumni Tayler Hawkins, who recently made it to the 2024 Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. Residents can pick up fresh produce and other essentials from Ralph’s in Sunrise Place Shopping Center. The shopping center is also home to well-known chains and Mario’s Italian Café, which is a local eatery. More dining options sit along Indian Canyon Drive, such as Bit of Country, a brunch spot with a 1970s retro vibe. Sonny's Bar and Grill is a popular place for happy hour. Richter also says there are lots of vintage shops in the area. Residents have many options for commuting, whether it be by foot, bike, or through the public Sun Bus that reaches Palm Springs. While the area is walkable, Baristo earns a crime score of 7, with the U.S. average being 4. Drivers can also hop on South Palm Canyon Drive to reach Palm Springs and San Bernardino. Frequent flyers have quick access to Palm Springs International Airport, which is just 2 miles away.

Hidden away from the bustle of Palm Springs, Chino Canyon is an elegant neighborhood offering luxury estates on the hillside. “It’s tucked away against the mountain, and if it’s in the elevated area, it’s got gorgeous views,” says Sandra Quinn, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Service California Properties who has sold multiple homes in Chino Canyon. “It’s a hidden treasure because a lot of people don’t hear about it. It’s a nice little area, and it’s hidden against the mountain.” The fact that this neighborhood has remained a hidden gem can be surprising, given its former A-list residents. Notable stars like Frederick Loewe, Ernst Krenek and even Elvis Presley have called this neighborhood home, settling down in the shadow of Mt. San Jacinto and enjoying the desert lifestyle. With tall palm trees all around and luxury estates lining the streets, Chino Canyon is a sought-after Palm Springs neighborhood for those who know where to look. Chino Canyon allows buyers to browse a wide variety of housing styles. “It’s a super mixed bag everywhere in Palm Springs, including there. It’ll be like one huge modern house that somebody’s built and then old Spanish-style and Mediterranean homes next door,” Quinn says. Many of the homes in the neighborhood are Spanish-style buildings with stucco siding and red tile roofs, which are popular for the coolness they provide during hot summers. There are plenty of modern contemporary homes with lots of windows, metal accents and flat roofs. Most houses in the neighborhood have shrubs or fences along the front yard, adding privacy from the streets. Backyard swimming pools and tennis courts are common, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities from the comfort of their own homes. A three-bedroom house in Chino Canyon can cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. Four-bedroom homes typically cost between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Some houses towards the bottom of the hillside are less expensive, often around $800,000. Due to the neighborhood's location on the edge of the mountains, Chino Canyon has a higher fire risk than much of Palm Springs., which Risk Factor calculates at somewhere between 0.2% and 0.5%. While there are no parks within Chino Canyon, residents are just a short drive from Victoria Park, which has several recreational facilities. Residents can visit this green space for some time on the playground, a picnic with friends and family or a volleyball game. Hiking enthusiasts can access the North Lykken Trail in the neighborhood on West Cielo Drive. This trail traverses through the desert landscape, taking hikers to viewpoints west of the city and connecting to the Museum Trail behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. Just 4.5 miles from the neighborhood is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tramway in the world. Riders travel 2.5 miles up the mountains in a rotating car that offers panoramic views of the valley floor below. Once at the top, visitors can dine at one of the two restaurants, browse the natural history museum or trek along 50 miles of hiking trails. With Chino Canyon being a primarily residential neighborhood, there are few restaurants or shops in the community. However, residents are close to some of the most popular dining options in the city, just down the street on North Palm Canyon Drive. Billy Reed’s is an old-fashioned American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a wood-paneled dining room with red velvet seating. Locals can enjoy a cocktail and elevated American fare at 1501 Uptown Gastropub, known for its short ribs. Further down the street in Downtown Palm Springs, residents can shop at local stores and boutiques that sell clothes, shoes, and home goods. Groceries are available at Albertsons on Sunrise Way, about 2 miles east of the neighborhood. There is also a Stater Bros. on East Vista Chino, also about 2 miles from the community. Students in Chino Canyon will likely attend Katherine Finchy Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche; Raymond Cree Middle School, rated a B; and Palm Springs High School, rated an A-minus. The high school serves approximately 1,600 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. Students can prepare for careers in the Palm Springs Academy for Learning Medicine and the business academy. The school also offers job-shadowing opportunities, allowing students to experience hands-on learning in fields ranging from hotel management to the arts. With North Palm Canyon Drive nearby, residents can easily drive into Downtown Palm Springs, about 2.5 miles south of the neighborhood. Palm Springs International Airport is about 5 miles east along Racquet Club Road and Farrell Drive, a drive that takes roughly 10 minutes. For those who prefer to use public transit, Route 4 of the SunLine Transit Agency has stops in the neighborhood. The route takes riders throughout Palm Springs and west to Palm Desert.

Vibrant views of the San Jacinto Mountains greet Palm Springs Desert Park Estates residents each day. This residential planned community was built in the 1950s as an extension of the Palm Springs Country Club and features midcentury housing designed by renowned local architect Hugh Kaptur. The community is 3.5 miles north of downtown, making it a tranquil location close to shopping, dining and cultural attractions. The neighborhood’s laidback lifestyle is reflected in the Monkey Tree Hotel, a popular resort at the area’s southern border and one of the only businesses in Desert Park Estates. This charming community offers entry-level housing prices for Palm Springs and easy access to the nearby Coachella Valley.   The neighborhood is almost entirely residential, so there are no restaurants or retail stores within its boundaries. However, plenty of shopping and dining options are just minutes away. El Salvador Cafe lies just below Desert Park Estates. This locally owned eatery is known for its extensive selection of pupusas. Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill offers customers a salsa bar, freshly made tortillas and a covered patio. Plus, the colorfully decorated interior sports murals of chili peppers, tacos and burritos. Santorini Gyro specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with an assortment of kababs, soups and grilled meats. Nearby, the Sunrise Square Shopping Center is home to an Albertsons grocery store, and North Palm Canyon Drive has a range of antique stores, boutiques and other locally owned businesses.     The community has no parks, but several are within 2.5 miles of the area. Victoria Park is east of Desert Park Estates and covers eight acres with picnic shelters and volleyball courts. There’s also a soft-surface playground divided into sections for two- to five-year-olds and five- to 12-year-olds. Gateway Park is a pocket green space around two miles from the neighborhood. It has walking paths, bocce ball courts and benches where visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes. Ruth Hardy Park is one of Palm Springs’ largest green spaces. It boasts tennis courts, a playground, large open areas and public art installations. The park is a popular dog walking spot with several sensory gardens and a labyrinth in its Wellness Park. The community also isn’t far from the Palm Springs Art Museum, several golf courses and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a rotating tram car that runs above Chino Canyon for over two miles.     “Desert Park Estates is a larger neighborhood with a community feel. It’s got midcentury homes and some contemporary styles from the 1970s and ‘80s. It’s a good neighborhood for potential buyers to find a home and put their own touch on it. It’s accessible to the freeway, and it’s easy to get to other desert cities,” says Morgan Janney, a Realtor with The Firm Brokerage with almost a decade of experience. The neighborhood features spacious lots landscaped to support the natural desert environment, large backyards and a variety of price points. Homes sell for a median price of $840,000 after 73 days. Remodeled midcentury houses range from $950,000 to $1.4 million, while ranch-style dwellings begin around $675,000 and continue to $1 million.   Students could start school at Niche B-rated Vista Del Monte Elementary. It’s home to a dual language immersion program for Spanish and English speakers from kindergarten through fifth grade. B-rated Raymond Cree Middle operates the Think Together program for before- or after-school tutoring. A-minus Palm Springs High offers a college and career center, several specialized academies and a dual enrollment program with the College of the Desert.   Although Desert Park Estates is car-dependent, there are several ways to get around without a vehicle. Bus stops are found on North Sunrise Way, one of the neighborhood’s major roadways. Sidewalks are sporadic due to the different periods the neighborhood was built in, but residents still stroll along the gridded residential streets thanks to minimal traffic. The estates are near California State Route 111 and the 10 Freeway, which takes people to Los Angeles or Coachella. In fact, most working residents commute less than 15 minutes one-way daily, one of the nation’s shortest travel times. Sunrise Medical Center is just over a mile away, and the neighborhood has some air traffic noise from the Palm Springs International Airport three miles southeast.   The Center for Spiritual Living-Palm Springs sits along the neighborhood’s southern border. The non-denominational center focuses on unity and offers classes and spiritual workshops to the community.     Like all of Palm Springs, Desert Park Estates has a chance of wildfires and earthquakes. The city is near several active fault lines, and the windy area makes the threat of wildfires more serious. To lessen the damage from these natural disasters, the city ensures that buildings meet current construction code standards, that debris is removed from around homes and that water reserves are kept above a minimum.