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The Mesa

The Mesa

Rural Neighborhood in Palm Springs, California

Riverside County 92264

$1,823,065 Average Value
$701 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

A lifestyle of luxury on the hills above Palm Springs

With a location on the hillside in south Palm Springs, The Mesa is a fitting name for this luxurious desert neighborhood. “The Mesa is one of the few neighborhoods we have that offers that hillside type of experience that other parts of town don’t,” says Luca Volpe, the principal broker at Realty Trust and a former resident of The Mesa. “Depending on the elevation, you can capture all kinds of city views. It’s a very unique, special place where you can still find a large lot.” Located south of Downtown Palm Springs, The Mesa is a small, established neighborhood that offers a luxurious lifestyle that is unparalleled in Palm Springs. Notable residents such as author Herman Wouk and businessman King C. Gillette have enjoyed the privacy and natural beauty of the neighborhood over the years. The Mesa provides residents with an elegant feel on large lots overlooking the city while also putting them close to popular shops, restaurants and amenities.

Beautiful aerial view of The Mesa with mountains in the background.
Beautiful aerial view of The Mesa with mountains in the background.
The Mesa is a smaller neighborhood, located right next to Downtown Palm Springs.
The Mesa is a smaller neighborhood, located right next to Downtown Palm Springs.
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Michelin-recognized restaurants near the neighborhood

While homebuyers may seek out The Mesa for its secluded location, it is conveniently located near several popular shops and restaurants. Volpe recommends local spots like Bar Cecil, an old-world cocktail bar serving food like steak frites, oysters and pasta. The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge is another of Volpe’s recommendations. This rustic, elevated American restaurant offers steak, fish and mole. Each of these restaurants was featured in the first Michelin Guide for Palm Springs in 2022. Residents can visit shopping centers on East Palm Canyon Drive to pick up household essentials and other items. Grocery stores include Ralph’s Fresh Fare and Jensen’s Finest Foods. Big box stores in the area include T.J. Maxx, World Market and Michael’s. There are also local shops such as a florist, a jeweler and a card store.

LULU is a new modern restaurant The Mesa residents are raving about.
LULU is a new modern restaurant The Mesa residents are raving about.
Locals of The Mesa will usually use Ralphs as their go to grocery store.
Locals of The Mesa will usually use Ralphs as their go to grocery store.
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Exploring desert plants and landscapes in The Mesa

Moorten Botanical Garden is a popular attraction located in the northern end of the neighborhood, showcasing a wide variety of desert plants. This garden was founded by the Moorten family in 1938 and has been a local favorite ever since. Visitors can view plants from deserts across the world, including Mexico and Africa. The garden also lays claim to the world’s first cactarium, a collection of several different species of cacti ranging from small potted plants to ones that tower above visitors as they walk by. Hikers can check out the South Lykken Trail, which has two trailheads nearby. The closer one is about 1 mile north and begins on West Mesquite Avenue. The entire trail is 4.4 miles and includes over 1,000 feet of elevation gain as it traverses through the desert landscape, offering sweeping views of Palm Springs below.

Step into a lush oasis at Moorten Botanical Garden in The Mesa.
Step into a lush oasis at Moorten Botanical Garden in The Mesa.
Residents of The Mesa will enjoy the beautiful foliage and plant community in the area.
Residents of The Mesa will enjoy the beautiful foliage and plant community in the area.
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Desert luxury on the hillside in Palm Springs

Most of the homes that buyers will find in The Mesa are Spanish-style, but there is some variety in the neighborhood. “There are a few contemporary homes, but the majority remain Spanish hacienda colonial-style for the most part,” Volpe says. Buyers can find sprawling ranch-style estates surrounded by mature palm trees. Shrubs and fences shield homes from the street, adding an extra layer of privacy for residents. Backyard swimming pools and tennis courts are extremely common, allowing residents to cool off or get some exercise without leaving home. Houses under 2,000 square feet start at around $1 million, while those between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet can cost between $1.5 million and $2 million. Homes larger than 3,000 square feet can cost up to $3.5 million. Homebuyers should be aware of the risk of wildfires in The Mesa, which Risk Factor puts at around 0.2%, one of the highest risk areas in Palm Springs.

In The Mesa, you'll find a lovely Pueblo-style home with its unique southwestern charm.
In The Mesa, you'll find a lovely Pueblo-style home with its unique southwestern charm.
A picturesque row of Spanish-style single-family homes graces the streets of The Mesa.
A picturesque row of Spanish-style single-family homes graces the streets of The Mesa.
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Highly rated schools just down the hill

Students in The Mesa will likely attend Cahuilla Elementary School, Raymond Cree Middle School and Palm Springs High School. The elementary and middle schools receive B ratings from Niche, while the high school is rated an A-minus. Palm Springs High serves approximately 1,600 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. The school offers several programs that prepare students for life after high school, including a job shadowing program within the Palm Springs community where students can shadow people in fields from hospitality to the arts. The school also offers academies for students interested in careers in business and medicine.

Older students in The Mesa can attend Palm Springs High School.
Older students in The Mesa can attend Palm Springs High School.
Cahuilla Elementary is a great choice for young students in The Mesa.
Cahuilla Elementary is a great choice for young students in The Mesa.
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Convenient commutes from a secluded neighborhood

With Palm Canyon Drive just north of the neighborhoods, residents of The Mesa have an easy route to commute throughout the Coachella Valley. Downtown Palm Springs is about 2 miles north on Indian Canyon Drive, while nearby cities like Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert are easily accessible on Highway 111. Palm Springs International Airport is about 4.5 miles northeast of the neighborhood, a drive that takes approximately 10 minutes. Residents also have access to public transit, with multiple bus stops on Palm Canyon Drive. Route 1 of SunLine Transit takes residents north to downtown or east to the nearby cities.

SunBus runs just outside The Mesa neighborhood, taking you just about anywhere in the area.
SunBus runs just outside The Mesa neighborhood, taking you just about anywhere in the area.
Feel the rhythm of the road as you cycle through The Mesa's vibrant neighborhoods.
Feel the rhythm of the road as you cycle through The Mesa's vibrant neighborhoods.
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Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Karl Le

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Schools

Source:
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 Keven Stirdivant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Palm Springs International

13 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Mesa US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,850,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,890,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$701
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Months of Supply
13.80
Median List Price
$1,992,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
215
Median Year Built
1958
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,602
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 10
    11am - 2pm

    148 W Camino Descanso, Palm Springs, CA 92264

    $1,875,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,144 Sq Ft
    • 148 W Camino Descanso
    • New 19 days ago

    RELISTED AND BACK ON MARKET - BUYER COULD NOT PERFORM. PRICED $325,000 BELOW ORIGINALLY LISTED PRICE. Introducing Casa de Rosa, a timeless gem nestled in the Mesa neighborhood. This historic residence, built in 1940, holds the distinction of being the first house in the area, and is rumored to be designed by renowned architect Cliff May for the Marlboro family. As a true landmark in the

    Kennon Earl Compass

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  • Saturday, May 3
    11am - 2pm

    215 W Camino Alturas, Palm Springs, CA 92264

    $1,750,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,148 Sq Ft
    • 215 W Camino Alturas

    Welcome to 215 W Camino Alturas, originally built in 1961this beautifully updated residence is located in the highly desirable Mesa neighborhood of Palm Springs. This stylish home seamlessly combines modern luxury with desert charm, offering a sophisticated and comfortable living experience. Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, renowned golf courses, and the best in dining and shopping, this

    Dwayne Carrier Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Keven Stirdivant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
433
Median Age
64
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
4.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
47.8%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,354
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,821

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
61.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
% Population in Labor Force
43.5%
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®

18 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

37 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

23 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mesa