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Salton City

Salton City

Located in Imperial County

$258,718 Average Value
$206 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes For Sale

Salton City, once a resort town, offers buyers near Coachella room to grow

Salton City is a small, developing suburb that sits on the shores of the Salton Sea. Once known as a resort town, today it draws its identity more from its proximity to Coachella. “You could call it an extension of Coachella Valley, or say it’s Coachella Valley-adjacent,” says Realtor Carols Ortega with Century 21 Coachella Valley, who has 5 years of experience in the area. “It’s appealing to people because prices up in Coachella have gone up, and Salton City is one of the most affordable places you can buy a first home within a reasonable commuting distance. Otherwise, it’s pretty much just out there. It’s not desolate, but it’s growing slowly into a community.”

Salton City features modern homes set on generously sized lots, offering uninterrupted views and a true sense of openness between properties.
Salton City features modern homes set on generously sized lots, offering uninterrupted views and a true sense of openness between properties.
With a rich tournament history and elevated tee boxes overlooking the valley, The Golf Club at Terra Lago in Coachella brings premier desert golf close to Salton City.
With a rich tournament history and elevated tee boxes overlooking the valley, The Golf Club at Terra Lago in Coachella brings premier desert golf close to Salton City.
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Modern Traditional starter homes on the banks of the Salton Sea

The residential streets of Salton City are sparsely dotted with single-story homes, often stucco-sided and featuring Spanish tile roofs. Homes sit on small lots, with backyards large enough to accommodate in-ground pools, but are spaced out due to slow construction. “There’s not much current development there,” Ortega says. “Most homes were built in the last boom cycle, around 2005 or 2006. Some are manufactured, but I’d say most are Modern Traditional houses, three bedrooms and two baths, just good starter homes for young families.” Prices for single-family homes range from around $110,000 to $370,000, depending on the number of bedrooms, square footage and build year. “One nice thing is that, even though it’s developing slowly, the majority of homes in the area are on city amenities,” Ortega adds.

Buyers in Salton City can find modern traditional homes with plenty of space to grow, starting around $110,000.
Buyers in Salton City can find modern traditional homes with plenty of space to grow, starting around $110,000.
Each home in Salton City feels like its own retreat, with surrounding land separating it from the next neighbor.
Each home in Salton City feels like its own retreat, with surrounding land separating it from the next neighbor.
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Coachella Valley Schools earn C ratings

Salton City is zoned for the Coachella Valley Unified School District, which earns an overall grade of C-minus from Niche. Sea View Elementary, located on Sea Shore Avenue in the heart of the community, receives a C-minus. West Shores Middle and High School scores a C.

Sea View Elementary in Salton City offers a welcoming environment where students grow through academics and community connection.
Sea View Elementary in Salton City offers a welcoming environment where students grow through academics and community connection.
West Shores High School stands as a pillar of education in Salton City, encouraging students to explore, excel, and lead.
West Shores High School stands as a pillar of education in Salton City, encouraging students to explore, excel, and lead.
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State Route 86 is Salton City's main commuter highway

California state Route 86 is Salton City’s main highway, cutting through the west side of the area and connecting it north to Coachella, home to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the closest hospital. “Pretty much everyone who lives in Salton City is going to be commuting on the 86 to Coachella daily,” Ortega says. “It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive most days, depending on the traffic.”

Highway 86 runs through Salton City, providing residents with direct access to nearby towns, regional attractions, and scenic desert drives.
Highway 86 runs through Salton City, providing residents with direct access to nearby towns, regional attractions, and scenic desert drives.
Enjoy the freedom of horseback riding on expansive grass polo fields at Empire Polo Field, a memorable adventure close to Salton City.
Enjoy the freedom of horseback riding on expansive grass polo fields at Empire Polo Field, a memorable adventure close to Salton City.
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Limited local options, with most major shopping in Coachella

The closest supermarkets, including Aldi, Ralph’s and Albertsons, are located over 30 miles north of the city in Coachella. Both Family Dollar and Dollar General are available within the community for daily household necessities. “Most of the supermarkets and shopping centers residents have access to are going to be up in Coachella Valley,” Ortega says. “I’d say the one people would be most likely to visit is the WinCo Foods, since it’s right by the freeway. The rest are in the city, so they’re a bit more inconvenient.” Restaurants at the travel plaza on the south side of town include Subway, KFC and Jack in the Box. The area’s only sit-down spot is Alamo Restaurant, located on Marina Drive.

Salton City residents rely on Family Dollar for quick access to cleaning products, personal care items, and more.
Salton City residents rely on Family Dollar for quick access to cleaning products, personal care items, and more.
Salton City Travel Plaza provides a reliable stop for gas, snacks, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut Express, and clean restrooms in a tidy and welcoming facility.
Salton City Travel Plaza provides a reliable stop for gas, snacks, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut Express, and clean restrooms in a tidy and welcoming facility.
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The Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari is the largest off-roading event in the nation

Local children can play on the shaded jungle gym at Salton City Park. Just west of town, hikers can explore the trails at Slot Canyon. The closest trailhead is at the Calcite Mine. While the prospect of the nearby Salton Sea is appealing, it is not often a source of recreation for locals. “It’s contaminated and drying up,” Ortega says. “It looks beautiful from far away, but when you get close it smells awful.” Instead, residents turn to the western desert when looking to get outside. “Off-roading is a huge thing out there,” Ortega continues. “The events they hold out there still draw plenty of people every year.” The Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari, which takes place every March, is the largest such event in the country.

Hugh Taylor
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Stephen Cammell
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sabrina Chapman, an experienced agent in this area.

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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

Salton City Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$310,000
Median Sale Price
$303,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$300,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$392,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
86
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$206

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
23
Months of Supply
3.20

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jul 19
    11am - 1pm

    2862 Argus Ave, Thermal, CA 92274

    $264,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,152 Sq Ft
    • 2862 Argus Ave
    • New 13 days ago

    Fully Renovated & Move-In Ready!Welcome to 2862 Argus Avenue -- a beautifully reimagined 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering modern upgrades, open-concept living, and plenty of outdoor space in Thermal.This move-in ready gem features an open floor plan filled with natural light, brand-new flooring, all-new windows, and stylish finishes throughout. The sleek, modern kitchen boasts quartz countertops,

    Braulia Shelton eXp Realty Of Southern California Inc

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Salton City Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,409
Median Age
36
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,561
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,995

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
63.6%
College Graduates
3.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.9%
% Population in Labor Force
24%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
1''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Salton City
Sabrina Chapman
Liberty Real Estate
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