Set at the intersection of Highways 62 and 247, Yucca Valley is a quirky desert town that’s known mostly as a pit stop before Joshua Tree National Park. As a gateway city, the town sees its fair share of tourists, a fact that stirs up mixed feelings among the locals, but what really sets Yucca Valley apart is its undercurrent of the unusual. “People live here all year. But it’s also very popular for Airbnbs, so there are lot of visitors,” says Brandy Nelson, Executive Director of Equity Union Real Estate with over 20 years of experience. The city was once known as Lone Star – mostly because it felt like the only speck of civilization for miles around. Today, Yucca Valley has grown into a city of roughly 22,000, small enough to where most residents a place where most residents know each other by name.
Scattered around town are healing spots that go beyond run-of-the-mill day spas, offering alternative therapies to those seeking desert escapes. The town’s history of UFO sightings adds another layer of intrigue, with certain areas once considered hotspots for aliens. Just outside town lies Pioneertown, a piece of the Wild West frozen in time, complete with weathered wooden buildings and tumbleweeds. Companies like Amerigas, Hi Desert Propane and Ferrell Gas have turned the city into somewhat of a propane hub — Yucca Valley's largest industry.
Yucca Valley, California
The Integratron in Landers was listed in 2019 on the National Register of Historic Places.
A group of beautiful desert homes sit near the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.
The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum stands as a special place of desert art in Landers.
1/4
Midcentury homes with desert and Spanish influences
The median home price in Yucca Valley is about $374,000, compared to $415,000 in Joshua Tree and nearly $600,000 million in Palm Springs. While there are a handful of modest ranch-style homes from the 1980s, most local homes are either midcentury ranch-style or 21st-century new traditional with two stories and Spanish-style details. The priciest homes can reach between $1.3 and $2 million, homes that are either newly built or were recently renovated.
Classic Spanish style home seen in the desert landscape of Landers.
Subdivision with midcentury houses
Where mid-century modern design meets desert tranquility in Yucca Valley.
A small desert home located on a large lot in Yucca Valley..
1/4
MUSD supports student artists
The Morongo Unified School District serves roughly 7,400 students and earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche. The district is home to 11 elementary schools, 2 middle and three high schools. In 2019, the district partnered with the Groundwork Arts Program with the goal of expanding arts education, giving art students opportunities to learn from Morongo Basin artists. They were honored with a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association in 2024.
The athletics at Yucca Valley High School are some of the best in the area.
Students are the highest priority at Yucca Mesa Elementary School in Yucca Valley.
La Contenta Middle School populates under 800 students.
Friendly Hills Elementary School in Joshua Tree challenges and encourages children to learn.
1/4
Expanding parks and desert flora and fauna
The 5-acre Yucca Valley Community Center features a playground, skate park and athletic fields. “We’re building 8 pickleball courts in 2025,” says Jakub “Kuba” Kusmieruk, Sports & Wellness Supervisor of the Yucca Valley Community Center. “We offer an adults softball league, fitness classes and even Bollywood dance classes. In the summer, we have concerts.” The adjacent Hi-Desert Nature Museum showcases the High Desert ecosystem, an interactive museum with kid-friendly exhibits. Joshua Tree National Park, 11 miles away, covers an area slightly larger than Rhode Island, spanning parts of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The park’s landscape includes sagebrush, wildflowers, and Joshua Trees among rocky outcroppings, attracting hikers and campers. In Yucca Valley, the Warren Peak trail provides a 6-mile hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
Yucca Valley locals enjoy the skate park at Community Park.
The Hi-Desert Nature Museum
Joshua Tree Visitor Center offers information and local knowledge about the area.
Residents have access to world-class hiking and rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park.
1/4
Eateries and shopping concentrated along Highway 62
Most of Yucca Valley’s restaurants and retail options line Highway 62 -– also known as 29 Palms Highway. However, on Highway 247, the locally owned La Copine stands out. Once dubbed the “High Desert’s Best Destination Restaurant” by the Los Angeles Times, La Copine has been gaining traction since its opening in 2015, known for a menu that features comfort food and international dishes. Thrift and antique shopping are popular here, with secondhand shoppers preferring Angel View Resale Store and Pioneer Crossing Antiques. Regional grocers like Vons and Stater Bros Markets can also be found along Highway 62. Residents head to the Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace for the weekend flea market, picking up locally sourced items.
Yucca Valley locals and visitors go bargain shopping at the Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace.
Yucca Valley locals love sitting outside of Luna Bakery to enjoy their lunch.
Yucca Valley residents can enjoy the endless menu at Frontier's.
Yucca Valley locals enjoy the brunch offered at The Tiny Pony Tavern
1/4
Morongo Basin Transit helps locals get around
“There is one main road, Highway 62,” Nelson says. “It gets busy, but it’s not a problem with traffic.” Highway 62 leads to Joshua Tree in about 8 miles and Palm Springs in about 28 miles. Nearby Interstate 10, which leads to Los Angeles in about 121 miles, gets particularly congested during Stagecoach and Coachella music festivals in April. Hi-Desert Medical Center is a straight shot down Highway 62, less than 10 miles from the center of Yucca Valley. Morongo Basin Transit Authority serves the area, with 9 different bus stops in the city. Palm Springs International Airport is about 36 miles south. Yucca Valley Airport is a small private airport in the center of the neighborhood; it abides by noise abatement procedures.
High fire risk and slightly higher crime risk
Yucca Valley has a fire risk, and the average summer high is 108 degrees, so staying cool is paramount. Cooling centers include the Yucca Valley Community Center and Yucca Valley Senior Center. According to FBI statistics from December 2023, the Yucca Valley Police Department 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.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Marcus Yzaguirre
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lucio Bernal,
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
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve - The Wildlands Conservancy
Brehm Park Family Recreation Center
Jacobs Park
Yucca Valley Housing Trends
On average, homes in Yucca Valley, CA sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Yucca Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous Spanish-inspired three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasting 1,910 square feet. located in the highly sought-after La Paz Neighborhood.Driving through the area, you get a glimpse of what true pride of ownership looks like as you’ll notice well-manicured lots and properties with great curb appeal. As you approach this stunning home built in 2012 and situated on over a third of an acre,
Successful short-term rental opportunity in the heart of Old Town Yucca Valley.Welcome to Casa Chica, a fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering proven short-term rental income potential and exceptional character throughout. This turnkey property is being sold fully furnished (with a few seller exclusions), making it ideal as a second home, primary residence, or investment
Beautiful Spanish-style home in one of Yucca Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods—La Paz. Built by renowned local builder Don Lander, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence combines timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort. The 1,561 sq ft floor plan features porcelain tile flooring, dual-pane windows, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. The open-concept kitchen offers granite countertops, rich wood
Welcome to 56034 Desert Gold Drive, your new sanctuary located on almost 1/2 acre lot, nestled in the captivating landscape of Yucca Valley, CA. This beautifully maintained home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, showcasing 1400 square feet of living space designed to cater to your every need.Step inside to discover an inviting floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and
Showpiece in Yucca Valley — “!!ASSUMABLE LOAN @3.8%!!” **RARE OPPORTUNITY-LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS THAN LOCAL RENT THANKS TO THE ASSUMABLE RATE (IF USED)** Turnkey Corner-Lot Home Welcome home to this stunning, fully renovated "METICULOUSLY REBUILT DOWN TO THE STUDS WITH PERMITS, THIS TURNKEY HOME BLENDS MODERN SYSTEMS AND FINISHES WITH COMFORTABLE DESERT LIVING" 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence with 1
Nestled high in the desirable southern Juniper Terrace area , this immaculate four-bedroom, two-bath home is a true desert retreat. With completely paid off Solar and the summer heat on it's way, wouldn't you enjoy electric bills on average of less than $10/month? Recently enhanced with all-new windows, a beautifully updated kitchen and bath fixtures, and top-of-the-line appliances, this home is
Searching for a serene Yucca Valley home on a cul-de-sac? This energy-efficient 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem in the growing high desert offers the ideal escape from city life. Yucca Valley draws buyers with its wide-open spaces, breathtaking starry skies, and peaceful vibe. Step inside to large, welcoming rooms ideal for entertaining or spreading out comfortably. Rustic barn doors open to a spacious
Residential Development Opportunity | +/-77 Acres | 144 Planned LotsExceptional opportunity to acquire approximately 77.4 acres in Yucca Valley with plans for a 144-lot residential development. The offering includes architectural renderings, presenting a rare chance to move forward with a thoughtfully designed community concept in a rapidly growing High Desert market.Previously entitled as TTM
Fully furnished single-level rambler set into the rolling hills of Yucca Valley’s Western Hills, where a sense of calm begins the moment you arrive. Offered as a turnkey short-term rental opportunity, this thoughtfully updated two-bedroom, two-bath home provides privacy, quiet, and everyday ease—designed for those seeking a peaceful place to truly live, a seamless second home, or an effortless
This is 3 lots - total of 5 acres, being sold all together. 1 lot is 2.5 acres and 2 lots are 1.25 acres each. Located at the intersection of Alta Ave. and Drexel Rd. Parcels are located on the Southeast corner of the intersection.Property has electric pole on the corner and a fire hydrant. Phone cable located across the intersection on the Southwest corner.Buyer would have to have a
Welcome to The Moasis, a striking modern retreat set on 5 private acres and surrounded by iconic Joshua Trees, just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. This bold architectural statement seamlessly blends contemporary design with the raw beauty of the high desert, offering privacy, views, and unforgettable style. Inside, the home opens to an airy, light-filled interior anchored by a
Southside of Yucca Valley, California 7 acres +- . Sub-divide up to 14 Homes, Condos, Mobile home or RV Park, SFH. Sewer, water and power Buyers to verify as to permits call the Town Of Yucca Valley Building Safety.
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located high in the desirable Country Club Estates neighborhood of Yucca Valley—just up the street from the local golf course. This home is a turnkey short-term rental and offers elevated views, stylish upgrades, and everyday functionality. As you arrive, you’ll love the curb appeal, mature landscaping, and the convenience of two
Affordable 3-bedroom, 3-bath home with a private courtyard and a detached, fully finished two-car garage, all situated on a fully fenced property. As you approach the home, you’ll appreciate the convenience of two gated access points, allowing easy entry for vehicles, trailers, or additional parking while still keeping the property secure. A long driveway leads to the detached garage, offering
Welcome to 6998 Lennox Avenue in the heart of Yucca Valley. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath desert stunner offers comfortable living space with a functional layout designed for everyday living and entertaining. The living area features abundant natural light and flows seamlessly into the dining space and kitchen, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The spacious bedrooms provide
Welcome to 56034 Desert Gold Drive, your new sanctuary located on almost 1/2 acre lot, nestled in the captivating landscape of Yucca Valley, CA. This beautifully maintained home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, showcasing 1400 square feet of living space designed to cater to your every need.Step inside to discover an inviting floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and
Welcome to Cherokee Trail Apartments – Your Comfortable Retreat in Yucca Valley!Discover a bright and spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment featuring brand-new carpet and fresh paint, designed for modern comfort. Located in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, this home offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility.Prime Location:Close to top-rated schools, shopping
Modern and vibrant 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Fully Furnished Home on Half an Acre – Minutes from Joshua Tree! Discover desert living at its best in this beautifully maintained single-story home nestled on a spacious half-acre lot in Yucca Valley, just a short drive to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park. This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom retreat offers comfort, convenience, and a touch of
Experience luxury living at its finest in the heart of Yucca Valley, just minutes away from the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree. Our exquisite one and two-bedroom apartments feature expansive floor plans designed to provide ample space for comfortable living and entertaining.Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of lush greenery and the serene atmosphere of the adjacent golf course,
Unique property for rent. Main house renting for $1500. Approximately 1200 sq ft. 3 bedroom 2-3/4 bathrooms, shower only in both; large fireplace, kitchen.Swamp cooler for cooling and wall heating. Tile floor throughout.Please call for information regarding utilities and security deposit. Minimum requirements: credit score 650, no evictions, income 2 x rent and no pets.
Property is located in the higher end of Yucca Valley. It’s located in the high mountain with an incredible view. Two story house with the master bedroom and one bathroom upstairs. The house is fully furnished. It consists of four beds. The property offers an ingrown pool and a hot spot. It is very quiet and exclusive area.please do not disturb tenants, property is currently occupied.
This beautiful, spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo has been remodeled to the Best! All new paint. all ceilings, walls, baseboards, and all new cabinets..Location, location, location !3-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Condo in Yucca Valley, Ready for You to Make Your Own! What a bargain! Spacious at 1701 square feet of living area. Downstairs: kitchen, living room, half bath, laundry, and patio. Upstairs –
Nestled in the hills of Yucca Valley near Pioneertown, this fully furnished Santa Fe Boho Modern home offers a serene desert escape with breathtaking panoramic views. Designed for comfort and style, this spacious residence features a private hot tub looking towards the Joshua Tree National Park, perfect for enjoying starlit nights in total relaxation. FULL SOLAR plus TESLA POWERWALL on fixed
Welcome Home to Old Town Yucca Valley in this newly renovated condo. This newly renovated cndo with 2-Bedroom / 2-Bath, has a 1-car garage with laundry hook-up. Backyard with new concrete Evaporative Cooler, Wall A/C, Gas Heater Fully renovated bathroom (all new tile, pedestal soaking bathtub, rain shower head). Fully renovated kitchen (Garbage Disposal, ice maker, dishwasher, Gas range/ oven).
Get an $80 discount on rent each month! That's right, rent can be as low as $1045! Be sure to ask about the discounted rentMonth to Month Lease - Long term rental only - Not a seasonal rental. Pets ok. ***There is a $25 per month / per pet fee. All pets must be registered with PetScreening & insured through residents renters insurance.Resident pays utilities.We
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.
