$267,539Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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.
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.
1/2
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.
Each home in Salton City feels like its own retreat, with surrounding land separating it from the next neighbor.
1/2
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.
West Shores High School stands as a pillar of education in Salton City, encouraging students to explore, excel, and lead.
1/2
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.
Enjoy the freedom of horseback riding on expansive grass polo fields at Empire Polo Field, a memorable adventure close to Salton City.
1/2
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 Travel Plaza provides a reliable stop for gas, snacks, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut Express, and clean restrooms in a tidy and welcoming facility.
1/2
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.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darin Eppich,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Salton City, CA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Salton City, CA over the last 12 months is $332,500, up 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 786 Molokai Avenue in Thermal! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,372 square feet of comfortable living space on an expansive nearly 10,000-square-foot lot. Thoughtfully remodeled and move-in ready, the home features stylish flooring, a modern kitchen with updated cabinetry and quartz countertops, and renovated bathrooms with contemporary finishes. The
Welcome to 'Treasure Island' -- a rare 10X opportunity in the heart of Salton City/Thermal! This charming 2-bed, 2-bath home sits on the coveted street Treasure Drive, surrounded by open desert views, mountain backdrops, and views of the iconic Salton Sea. With high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and an open-concept layout, this home feels bright, spacious, and ready for your lifestyle. The
Welcome to the Salton City Keys--where you get space, views, and real opportunity. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a massive lot just under an acre, giving you the flexibility most buyers can't find. Room for RVs, off-road toys, extra vehicles, or simply the freedom to enjoy your own space. Inside, you'll find travertine flooring in the bedrooms, Living room, Kitchen, nook, and bathrooms have
Build your vision on this residential vacant lot located in the growing community of Salton City, CA. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, invest in land, or secure a property for the future, this lot offers an excellent opportunity. Enjoy beautiful desert landscapes, wide-open skies, and easy access to local schools, parks, shopping, and Highway 86 for convenient travel throughout
Own a Piece of California's Next Great Opportunity! Discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and future growth with this affordable lot located in the heart of the Salton Sea area and along a busy Marina Dr. Whether you are an investor looking for the next big thing or a future homeowner ready to build your desert oasis, this property offers incredible potential. Key Highlights: Prime
Opportunity is knocking in the growing community of Salton City! This residential vacant lot offers an excellent chance to secure land in one of Southern California's most affordable and up-and-coming markets. With water, sewer, and power available at the property line, much of the groundwork is already in place for your future plans. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, create a
***All lots have Sewer, Power and Water on the lots!*** Welcome Home! New Custom Homes for Sale by Desert Oasis Construction, Inc. CSLB #1003828 - This home will include 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths and a 2 Car Attached Garage. See the elevation and floor plans in the photo section. Why not order your custom home today? Thank you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
If you or someone you know is in search of a location to build a custom home or place a manufactured home, this lot offers great potential. This large corner lot features nearby utilities and existing homes on both sides of the property. The area is renowned for its pleasant winter weather, and recent growth suggests potential price increases in the future. Seize the opportunity to acquire this
Opportunity is knocking in Thermal / Salton City. Introducing TWO side-by-side vacant residential lots, each over 10,000 square feet, offering unobstructed lake views and wide-open desert skies. If you've been waiting for the right location to build, invest, or secure land in a growing area -- this is it.Both parcels feature water and sewer at the property line, with power conveniently running
Embrace the opportunity to own this vacant lot near the scenic Salton Sea, located in a small but close-knit community. With plant of open space surrounding the area. This lot is perfect for anyone that is seeking tranquility and a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city life. The property offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets, painting the sky with vibrant desert colors . Make an offer
Build your vision in one of the fastest-growing pockets of the Salton Sea region. This residential lot sits on the desirable west side of Highway 86, offering easy access with room to breathe. Water, sewer, and power are available at the property line, making planning and development more convenient. The area's got momentum, steady growth, new investment, and it's close to schools, recreation,
Build your vision on this residential vacant lot located in the growing community of Salton City, CA. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, invest in land, or secure a property for the future, this lot offers an excellent opportunity. Enjoy beautiful desert landscapes, wide-open skies, and easy access to local schools, parks, shopping, and Highway 86 for convenient travel throughout
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Discover tranquil desert living at this charming rental property located at 2214 Portola St in Thermal, CA. This inviting light blue home, accented with warm brown trim, welcomes you with a covered front porch, perfect for enjoying the serene surroundings. The expansive, fenced lot offers ample space, featuring
Wide open desert surrounds this Salton City retreat, where peace and quiet reign and the views are uninterrupted. On a nearly 9,500 sq ft lot, this freshly remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers two separate bedroom wings, a primary suite, indoor laundry hookups, and a two-car attached garage. A crisp, contemporary look and brand new kitchen appliances give it an elevated, refreshed feel inside
**Studio for Rent – $800/Month** SALTON CITY Private studio attached to main house, conveniently located right off Highway 86. **Property Highlights:** * $800/month * Private entrance * Private bathroom * Refrigerator included * Mini-split A/C & heating * Laundry room * Small private backyard * Tenant pays 25% of monthly electric bill * Owner
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home in Salton City! Welcome to this spacious and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the growing community of Salton City. Step inside and enjoy a bright, colorful living area that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for family and guests. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, this home features a dedicated laundry room, allowing you to handle household
YOUR FIRST MONTH RENT IS FREE - Tenant only needs to pay the deposit fee to move in !!! Monthly rent will be $1,500 for the remainder of the lease term. This charming, fully remodeled gem boast a modern design and effortless style, perfect for those looking for a cozy retreat or a comfortable starter home. It has 720 square feet of living space, the home offers a harmonious blend of modern
One of the few homes in the Salton City area/Vista del Mar that has a green lawn. Home has been refurbished nicely. Large back yard. Front yard has a grass lawn. Call 760-485-6764 for your private tour.
Salton City, Ca. 2104 Thomas R Cannell Road. For Lease. Two Shop Bays with roll up doors perfect for mechanic/tire & brake shop. Wall separating the bays can be removed. Swamp cooler. Separate restroom and electric meters. Gated rear work area. 2 post lift and Roll up lift in rear. Owner will also be installing slab in rear. Roll up doors approx. 10ft high. Hwy 86 and Frontage Road view. Seller
Built in 2025, only one tenant has lived here. Located near the coast of the Salton Sea, Salton City is located equally between Coachella to the north and Brawley to the south. If you are interested in the employment that Lithium valley is offering but want to be close to a more metropolitan area like La Quinta, Coachella, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. This is the place! It is a unique area with
Enjoy peaceful rural living in Riviera Keys in Salton City. Three bedrooms, two baths, approximately 1,466 square feet on an 11,114 square foot lot. Comfortable floor plan with a cozy fireplace, spacious living areas, and plenty of outdoor space. Ideal for those seeking privacy, seclusion, and a relaxed lifestyle near the Salton Sea. Contact Roy Lagpacan at 760-835-0116 or Maria Elena at
FIRST MONTH RENT IS FREE - tenant only needs to pay for the security deposit to move in. Monthly rent will be $1,500 for the remainder of the lease term. For Rent - Thermal, CA!Freshly remodeled & painted 2-bed, 1-bath unit with tile floors, new kitchen cabinets & quartz countertops, new AC units, water heater, and private carport. Only $1,500/month. Don't miss out--book your appointment today!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
