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.
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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..
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Yucca Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A beautifully maintained mobile home located in the desirable 55+ Fairway Mobile Estates Park in Yucca Valley, just a short 40-minute drive from Palm Springs. This inviting residence features a spacious open-plan layout with a large, screened in front porch perfect for enjoying the desert evenings. The home boasts durable linoleum flooring in the kitchen, newer appliances—including a gas range,
Spacious 18,991 sq ft residential lot ready for your vision. Sewer is already in place, with utilities conveniently available at the street. The parcel features minimal Joshua trees, offering a more buildable footprint. Zoned for residential use with the option to place a manufactured home. Located in an established neighborhood just minutes from the 10 Freeway and close to shopping and everyday
Beautiful New Construction on 4.14 Acres – 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Single-Story LivingDiscover the perfect blend of space, privacy, and modern comfort in this stunning newly constructed single-story home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 beautifully designed bathrooms. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the brand-new flooring, open layout, and elegant finishes throughout. Stainless
****OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED TODAY SATURDAY APRIL 25th***PRICE IMPROVEMENT ** SELLER WANTS IT SOLD ASAP*** 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
Fully upgraded where it matters most, this home includes a new roof, sewer connection, electrical panel, water heater, and solar - offering peace of mind and reducing future costs. A rare find with major systems already completed. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers over 2,000 square feet of living space on a generous lot in the heart of Yucca Valley, with a spacious and versatile floor plan that
Discover the opportunity to own a piece of the high desert in Yucca Valley! This residential parcel offers a peaceful setting surrounded by natural desert beauty, with nearby homes and easy access to town amenities. Whether you're looking to build your custom home, invest in land, or secure a future getaway spot, this property provides flexibility and potential. Enjoy wide open skies, scenic
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
Desert Retreat Duplex on 2 Acres Two Separate Homes! This unique property offers a versatile setup, live in one and rent the other, or create your own private multi home getaway. Both homes are fully permitted, site built, and financeable, requiring only light cosmetic updates with no major renovations needed. Functional layouts and spacious interiors make it easy to move in or customize to your
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. There is a clearance pad to build a Single Family Home .
Great opportunity to own residential land in the desirable Yucca Valley area! This parcel offers a peaceful high desert setting with beautiful natural surroundings, open space, and nearby residential development. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, create a weekend retreat, or invest in land for future growth, this property provides flexibility and strong potential. Enjoy expansive
Opportunity to own land in the desirable desert community of Yucca Valley, CA! This parcel offers a great chance to build a custom home, create a desert getaway, or invest in an area known for its steady growth and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. Surrounded by open desert landscapes and nearby residential properties, this lot provides a peaceful setting with beautiful desert views and
Prime opportunity to own residential land in the growing and desirable area of Yucca Valley! This parcel offers a great blend of privacy and accessibility, surrounded by the natural beauty of the high desert with nearby residential development. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, create a desert getaway, or invest in land for the future, this property provides a versatile canvas.
OWNER WILL CARRY! Ask an Agent for details and terms. Price Reduction! Seller Says Sell! CORNER LOT! Prime Location! 3.6 acres of buildable land on the corner of Yucca Mesa Rd and Aberdeen across from Mesa Market! This convenient locale offers views and easy access routes to nearby Joshua Tree and the National Park, the city of Yucca Valley with stores and restaurants, the quick access, back way
Melissa Shupp
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices California Properties
New Amazing Price to Sell Quickly! Gates of Spain is one of the favored 55+ communities in the High Desert. Offering a large, well-amenitized clubhouse, with a Billiards room, sparkling Pool, comforting Sauna, and In-ground Spa that offers stunning mountain views and accessible private outer deck, this quiet well-cared for community will steal your heart! This one is Big, at 1,440 square feet of
Melissa Shupp
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices California Properties
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 oversized car garage, ideally located on a generous corner lot a short distance to schools and a short drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approx 15-20 mins) & World famous
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
This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is offered for lease. Move-in ready and fully-furnished, this home features a living room with high ceilings and recessed lights, a double-basin farm sink in the kitchen, quartz countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the house, glass vessel sinks in the bathrooms, double attached garage, an enormous back
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,
5 BEDROOM FOR LEASE NOW!!! Welcome to your next home sweet home! This stunning property offers the epitome of spacious and luxurious living, boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms all conveniently located on a single floor. Step into your own private oasis with an above-ground pool and spa, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day or for entertaining guests on weekends. Enjoy the
Located in the heart of Yucca Valley, this award-winning community for seniors ages 55 years and better, offers high-quality one-bedroom apartment homes at affordable prices. Residents of Dumosa Senior Village enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including a state-of-the-art computer room, a community center for resident services and events, a fitness center, onsite laundry facilities, and
Set on 2 acres in the sought-after Flamingo Heights area of Yucca Valley, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers space, privacy, and classic high desert character surrounded by mature Joshua trees and wide-open views. The expansive living room is a true centerpiece, featuring wood-beamed ceilings, wood-look flooring, built-in storage, and a dramatic stone hearth corner fireplace that anchors the
Property Id: 2310214Make this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home your family’s new oasis in the high desert! Built in 2020, this spacious 1,943 sq. ft. residence offers modern living with plenty of room for everyone to thrive. Perfect for Growing Families:• 4 generous bedrooms, including a primary suite with an extra-large walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, and
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
Detached single family home on a large lot. The home has everything you need to make it yours. It features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, walk-in closets and aseparate living and dining area. The home was completely remodeled about 3 years ago with new dual pane windows, new kitchen cabinets with soft close doors,granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The bathroom was also completely
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 –
Amazing clean 2 bedroom , 1 bathroom with 1 car garage unit in the a highly desirable area of Yucca Valley. Within minutes to shopping center and restaurants!
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