$534,776Average Value$435Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
A historic neighborhood with an enduring spirit
As visitors enter Palm Springs and pass the landmark wind turbine farm, one of the first neighborhoods they’ll see is the historic Desert Highland Gateway Estates. Set 3 miles from downtown and established in 1959 as one of Palm Springs' few Black neighborhoods, it stood strong throughout the city's efforts to push out people of color in the 1960s and '70s. Still thriving today, the community is known locally as Desert Highland, and its core is the James O. Jessie Unity Center, where neighbors come together for events like Family Skate Night and Juneteenth celebrations. Deiter Crawford, a member of the neighborhood's Community Action Association and owner of Urban Palm Springs Jeep Tours, says, "In Desert Highland, everyone knows everyone, because most of our families have been living here for four generations.”
From dunes to dwellings, Desert Highland Gateway homes are a dream come true.
Windmill wonders under the vast desert skies of Desert Highland Gateway.
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Modest older homes with recent renovations and backyard pools
Along the neighborhood's sidewalk-lined streets, most yards aren't landscaped, and homes are primarily 1960s midcentury modern, a popular style throughout Palm Springs. Some are 1990s ranch-style, many of which have been remodeled between the 2010s and 2020s; a common upgrade is a backyard pool, as summer and fall temperatures here often top 100 degrees.
The midcentury modern homes tend to range from $400,000 to $500,000, depending on square footage and renovations. Most homes here have three or four bedrooms, set on lots that span between 7,500 to around 10,000 square feet. The newer homes range from around $600,000 to $700,000, depending on size. The home prices here are lower than many other Palm Springs neighborhoods, attracting many investment buyers looking to rent out their properties; roughly half of the residents here are renters.
Homes that capture the essence of Desert Highland's allure.
Experience tranquility and charm in the heart of Desert Highland Gateway.
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Community celebrations held at the Unity Center
The neighborhood's 18-acre Desert Highland Park is home to a playground, basketball court and the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center. “The Unity Center offers after-school programs for kids, access to computers and free Wi-Fi, and a mature adult program—we don’t like to call them seniors here!” says Crawford. The Unity Center is also an institution of community support; a mobile health clinic pulls up every Wednesday to give neighborhood residents easy access to health services. Every Thursday, there's free food distribution as part of a partnership with the local food bank. The Center is also home to the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association, a group that listens to residents' concerns and organizes civic engagement. “The Association has always functioned as a form of communication within the community and with the greater city of Palm Springs,” Crawford explains.
Neighborhood churches include Ajalon Baptist, First Baptist and New Bethel Church of God in Christ (COGIC). In addition to Sunday service, First Baptist Church hosts specialized workshops and community events like Fun Day at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Paws and playtime unite dog owners at Desert Highland Gateway Estates' park.
Experience the beauty of nature while camping at Desert Highland Park.
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Highly rated public schools nearby
Students can start school at the neighborhood's Katherine Finchy Elementary, rated B by Niche, then continue to the B-rated Raymond Cree Middle, which offers a dual immersion program to learn in both English and Spanish. The A-minus rated Palm Springs High is home to the Palm Springs Academy for Learning Medicine, which offers programming for students who want careers in allied health.
Cahuilla Elementary welcomes students in Palm Springs, CA.
A view of the Katherine Finchy Elementary School buildings from the street.
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Palm Canyon Drive leads downtown
Highway 111 (Palm Canyon Drive) leads about 3 miles to Downtown Palm Springs and about 10 miles to Interstate 10; the latter leads about 50 miles to Riverside and 100 miles to Los Angeles. SunLine Transit Agency buses stop along Rosa Parks and Frontage roads. It's a 2-mile trip to Desert Regional Medical Center, and about 5 miles to the Palm Springs International Airport.
Home to one of the only soul food spots in Palm Springs
Brown’s BBQ and Soul Food serves up Southern comfort food out of a small storefront. Neighbors stop into this classic, counter-serve restaurant for menu items like barbecued ribs and crispy fried chicken. Across the street, residents can conveniently stock up on groceries or grab some hot, prepared food to-go at Tower Market. More shopping options are 2 miles away in the Sunrise Square Shopping Center, featuring an Albertsons, Steel Gym and Domino's Pizza. Palm Canyon Drive leads south to a range of vintage shops like Gypsyland, Melody Note and Bustown Modern.
Experience the soul of the south in the heart of the desert at Brown's
Shop with a view of quality and variety at Desert Highland's Tower Market.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Glaz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
The Wellness Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Frances Stevens Park
Trails
Amphitheater
Multi-Purpose Field
Ruth Hardy Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Victoria Park
Desert Highland Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Alta Cresta Park
Basketball
Pool
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Palm Springs International
10 min drive
Bus
Rosa Parks & Frontage
Bus
Rosa Parks & Granada
Bus
Rosa Parks & Eastgate
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Desert Highland Gateway Estates
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Desert Highland Gateway Estates Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Desert Highland Gateway Estates, Palm Springs sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Desert Highland Gateway Estates, Palm Springs over the last 12 months is $665,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3 bed, 2 bath updated home with a spacious front yard and backyard that includes a patio area, plants on a sprinkler system, and no land lease! New water heater installed in January 2025. Currently under the 20% cap rate with the city to qualify for short-term rental license.
Great investment opportunity in Palm Springs! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a 7,405 sq ft lot. The garage has been converted into a third bedroom, providing extra flexibility. The property needs some TLC, making it ideal for investors, or anyone looking to create their own custom desert retreat. Located in the Desert Highland/Gateway neighborhood, just minutes from downtown, shopping, and
Welcome to your dream home in Palm Springs! This exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence epitomizes luxurious desert living. Situated in the desirable Mountain Gate Community outside the gate model so NO HOA with this property. This home offers breathtaking views of the San Jacinto mountains and a resort-style atmosphere. The highly sought-after floor plan includes a grand entry with beautiful
Come to Della Casa and have the best stay of your life. In our amazing newly remodeled, light filled, luxury home, that feels like home! This is that house when you are driving up, looking at the addresses, you hope it is the house your rented. And, guess what? It is!This pueblo style luxury 3-bedroom 2 bath, pool home gives breathtaking mountain views from the jacuzzi.Della Casa
AVAILABLE LONG TERM OR SHORT TERM 30+ DAYS Modern Desert Luxury at ICON 2 Bedrooms + Den/Home Office - Convertible to 3 BedroomsWelcome to your turn-key, fully furnished private escape in Palm Springs Proper. Located in the architecturally acclaimed ICON community, this 2-bedroom + den / 2.5-bath end-unit townhome blends striking contemporary design with ultimate comfort and livability. Whether
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Glaz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,807
Median Age
39
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,848
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,123
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.5%
College Graduates
39.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
4''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
108°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
21/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
