Set between Palm Desert and Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage is a Coachella Valley resort town known for its PGA golf courses, Santa Rosa Mountain views and desert scenery. Well-evolved from its 1920s origins as farmlands for dates and grapes, the city gained popularity as an alternative to Palm Springs, which became increasingly crowded as more celebrities sought refuge from the busy Los Angeles. Rancho Mirage offered a solution. It would go on to earn the nicknames “Playground of Presidents” and “Filmland Annex” due to its growing popularity among U.S. leaders and Hollywood stars. Today, the population stands at roughly 18,000 residents; many are retirees, healthcare workers and creatives. Rancho Mirage’s economy is centered on healthcare and tourism; Eisenhower Medical Center is a major employer.
“Every day you can find something new to do outside,” says Brooke Ancheta, general manager at Desert Island Community Association. “Everyone’s very friendly and neighborly with all the events happening, especially the farmers market in downtown and concerts in Rancho Mirage Community Park. About half the people have second homes here, and it’s always so busy in winter when everyone moves back.” Major companies like Disney have sought out Rancho Mirage’s resort-like atmosphere to build one of their first ever master-planned communities. The 620-acre Cotino is slated to finish construction between 2025 and 2026 in Rancho Mirage; the community will have 2,000 homes, a lagoon and a luxury clubhouse.
Experience luxury and leisure in the heart of Rancho Mirage.
Rancho Mirage is nestled within the Coachella Valley, which is known for its picturesque views.
Welcome to the poolside of pleasure, where food and fun coexist at Water's Edge Bar & Grill.
Breathtaking views meet unparalleled luxury in this striking Rancho Mirage property.
1/4
Guard-gated communities with quick access to country clubs
As of December 2024, the median home price in Rancho Mirage is $925,000, higher than Palm Springs' price of $640,000. Closest to Eisenhower Medical Center and downtown malls, Clancy Lane’s midcentury estates can sell between $1 million and $13 million, and some properties even have horse stables. Rancho Las Palmas, next to downtown, has condos between $400,000 and $900,000, and residents are right next to its 27-hole golf course. Mission Hills is a guard-gated community to the north, featuring about 2,500 homes and condos with fairway views; dwellings start around $400,000 but could land toward $4 million. Other country club communities include Santo Tomas, Tamarisk and Victoria Falls. Prices are driven by golf course views and pools, in addition to square footage and lot size. As far as additional fees, buyers should be aware of homeowners associations and lease land, which varies with each community. They’ll also have to pay country club dues, as each neighborhood is associated with one.
Step into your dream life with this lavish Rancho Mirage estate that redefines luxury.
Discover the pinnacle of opulence in this majestic Rancho Mirage mansion.
Discover the luxury and serenity of The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
Indulge in the luxury of a modern mansion with a sparkling pool in Rancho Mirage.
1/4
Well-rated schools from the Palm Springs Unified District
The median age in Rancho Mirage is 62, and people with children have few education options. Still, the Palm Springs Unified School District has an elementary school in the area — Rancho Mirage Elementary — and it serves 310 students. Niche rates it a B-plus and marks it as one of Palm Springs’ top five standout schools. The district also offers Rancho Mirage High, serving 1,500 students and rated a B by Niche. Palm Valley School, a private option for all grade levels, is rated an A-plus by Niche and ranks as the best high school for STEM in Palm Springs.
Rancho Mirage High School looks out to the beautiful desert horizon.
Rancho Mirage Elementary School is a highly rated school in Rancho Mirage.
Rancho Mirage Elementary School has dozens of effective and excellent teachers and staff.
Rancho Mirage High School challenges and encourages children to learn.
1/4
Stand out golf courses and plenty of pickleball courts
Golf courses are one of Rancho Mirage’s major draws, with five resort and 10 private courses. Among these, Desert Island Country Club stands out as one of the most popular. Mission Hills Country Club offers particularly challenging options, including the Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye Challenge and Dinah Shore Tournament Course. This prestigious club not only hosts a leg of the PGA Tour, the Galleri Classic, but also organizes the popular March Madness pickleball tournament. Most clubs in the area feature similar amenities, such as pickleball, tennis and racquetball courts, as well as gyms and recreation centers.
The Rancho Mirage Community Park hosts events at its amphitheater, while Wolfson Park provides a fenced-in area for dogs. For those interested in history and culture, the Sunnylands Center & Gardens, once home to Walter and Leonore Annenberg and host to presidents and queens, now offers public tours of its expansive 200-acre estate.
Tee off and catch up with friends on the greens of Rancho Mirage.
Experience unparalleled luxury in this exquisite Rancho Mirage manor.
Expansive grass fields at Rancho Mirage Community Park are perfect for a soccer match.
Sunrise in the tranquil hills of Rancho Mirage, California.
1/4
Downtown Rancho Cucamonga offers shopping and dining
One of the most popular shopping centers in the city, The River, is synonymous with downtown Rancho Mirage. This 30-acre walkable mall features locally owned shops and restaurants, alongside chains and a movie theater. These businesses along Highway 111 are a part of "Restaurant Row," and this 3-mile stretch features over 30 food spots. Just north of the mall, luxury car dealers brush up against the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory: this is one of the most highly rated libraries in California, known for its Writers Festival and stargazing tours. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, 4 miles north, offers 50-plus interactive exhibits and caters to curious toddlers. Adults can play at nearby Agua Caliente Casino, and its 16-story resort won the Forbes Four-Star Award in 2024.
Four miles west, Cathedral City has a hot air balloon festival. Palm Spring’s trendy downtown and international airport are 7 miles farther. Palm Desert, 3 miles east of Rancho Mirage, has the area’s biggest indoor mall at the Shops at Palm Desert, and El Paseo Shopping District is famous for its luxury brands. The desert's only ice rink, Berger Foundation Iceplex, is also in Palm Desert. For a day trip to San Bernardino, residents can drive 65 miles west on Interstate 10; downtown Los Angeles is more like 120 miles.
Unwind with riverside views and shopping delights at The River mall.
Indulge in mouth-watering Bar-B-Que and refreshing brews at Babe's in Rancho Mirage.
Savor the freshness with every bite at Five Guys in Rancho Mirage.
Enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment at The River mall in Rancho Mirage.
1/4
Major highways lead to large SoCal cities
Interstate 10, just north of the city, leads 120 miles to Los Angeles, while Highway 111 provides access to other cities in the Coachella Valley. Travelers aren’t always in cars, however, as golf carts are commonly used on neighborhood streets. Since Rancho Mirage is about 26 square miles and lacks public transportation, residents usually drive around town. Most streets have little traffic, including main thoroughfares like Gerald Ford, Frank Sinatra and Country Club Drives. Palm Springs International Airport is the only commercial service airport in the Coachella Valley, hosting 13 airlines with one-stop connections to more than 300 global cities; the busier Ontario International Airport is 72 miles from town. Eisenhower Health is the major area hospital.
Elevated property crime rates
Summer afternoons consistently reach 100 degrees. These temperatures don’t incite wildfires, but they do cause droughts; thus, residents should follow water use ordinances and conserve when they’re able. Northern regions of town are also prone to Santa Ana Winds up to 20 miles an hour, most common in early spring and late summer, and consequent dust storms sometimes affect visibility.
According to FBI statistics from December 2023, the Rancho Mirage Sheriff Station reported violent crime at an annual rate of about 8 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the California rate of about 10 and national rate of roughly 12. Property-related crime was reported at an annual rate of around 29 incidents per 1,000 residents, higher than the California rate of 20 and the national rate of 17.
Lea is a trailblazer—the only woman to have founded both a registered investment advisory and a real estate brokerage. She leads with heart, driven by passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to giving 100% to every client, every time.
Her love for real estate runs deep. A third-generation real estate professional, Lea spent her childhood riding shotgun with her mom, scouting properties and soaking up knowledge that would shape her future. Today, she brings that legacy to life—excelling in all facets of real estate with a sharp eye for value and an innate ability to negotiate remarkable outcomes. From Indio to Rancho Mirage, she’s known for securing deals well below asking in hot markets, and for setting new comps with record-breaking sales.
Lea is more than just a top-tier agent—she’s a visionary. As a successful real estate investor and flipper, she also helped co-found CityBldr, one of the first artificial intelligence companies of its kind, becoming its first major angel investor and strategic advisor. Her impact helped the company earn a top spot in Forbes for AI in real estate innovation. Lea is also recently nominated as a Best Agent for 2025 by the editors of the Best in Real Estate Magazine.
Despite her achievements, Lea is remarkably grounded. A self-proclaimed workaholic who’s learning to prioritize happiness, she still outperforms the competition—driven by a genuine love for helping people. She especially values the camaraderie of working with fellow industry veterans, even if those intense 30-day collaborations sometimes feel like short-term relationships.
Off the clock, Lea is a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, a proud mom of two, and an active philanthropist. She believes in meaningful, enduring relationships—and nothing makes her happier than helping clients realize their dreams and live their best lives.
Ready to experience the superhero team difference? Reach out today for your complimentary real estate strategy session with Lea—your trusted partner in making big things happen.
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.
