P alm Springs, California is a stunning desert oasis located in the upper Colorado Desert at the foot of the 10,804-ft San Jacinto Peak. Once known as a seasonal resort town, Palm Springs has blossomed into a year-round destination with a growing number of full-time desert residents. Many desert-dwellers first experience the Palm Springs area as seasonal or part-time residents and (sooner than expected) become full-time residents because of the amazing quality of life found in the desert area. The city had a total population of 45,807. Located within Riverside County, it is a scenic two-hour drive to Los Angeles, San Diego and the Mexican border.

The city of Palm Springs is one of eight adjacent cities that make up the Palm Springs area, more commonly known as the Cochella Valley. The Valley has a permanent population of 285,000 with an additional 100,000 seasonal residents. In the past this community was considered primarily a retirement area, however the Valley witnessed a tremendous change during the late 1980's that continues today. In 1985, the median age in the Valley was 64. Now with more families relocating here, the median age has dropped to 31.5.

While tourism continues to be an important facet of the local economy, its dominance has been reduced by the continuing development and expansion of other segments of the economy along with the increase of permanent residents. The median household income for Palm Springs is $37,973 a year. An estimated 20 to 25% of the land is developed with build-out projected sometime around the year 2030, at which time the population is anticipated to exceed 800,000. Palm Springs is a jewel among the other desert cities. It has preserved its quaint village atmosphere and added many new attractions as it continues to enjoy international appeal.

Rich in history and blessed with fantastic weather, the charming downtown with its lampposts, benches, sculptures and tile-paved enclaves invite strolling among the shops and galleries. Palm Canyon Drive is the cultural artery that pulses through the historic heart of Palm Springs. Artfully lined with majestic palm trees continuously lit in a wrapping of sparkling lights, Palm Canyon Drive is a veritable goldmine of art galleries, restaurants, historical landmarks, pubs and every kind of shop!

Homes in the Valley are affordable, compared to most parts of California. You'll be amazed at what your money can buy. Palm Springs housing is diverse. Detached single-family homes make up about 32% of the total housing with attached single-family homes accounting for 21%. Elegant country club resort living totals about 37% and mobile homes are the remaining 10%. The median sales price is $310,000. Newly constructed houses saw a 50.2 percent increase over 2003, with the median price for that segment reaching $391,750.

If you love golf...then you are going to love Palm Springs! With over a hundred fantastic golf courses, numerous tournaments (Skins Game, Nabisco Dinah Shore) the Palm Springs area is the "Golf Capitol of the World." Besides golf and the weather, art is the big attraction in the Palm Springs area. There are over a hundred galleries to choose from and many are widely recognized for their ability to showcase the 'up and coming' in the art world. You will marvel at the variety of cuisines showcased in Palm Spring's intimate cafes, elegant French and continental restaurants, eclectic bistros, trendy steak and seafood houses, Mediterranean, Oriental, Italian, ethnic and family-style eateries.

Other attractions in Palm Springs include the ever-growing "Walk of Stars" on Palm Canyon Drive that honors the city's pioneers, benefactors, and celebrities who have contributed to the growth and charisma of the village. Also the Indian Canyons, located on Agua Caliente tribal land, are just minutes from downtown Palm Springs and are a local favorite. The brainstorm of the late Sonny Bono, the Palm Springs Villagefest is held year-round every Thursday evening from 6 - 10pm. From Amado Road to Baristo, Palm Canyon Drive is sealed off to traffic and becomes a walker's paradise of fresh fruit stands, local restaurant samplings, live music and the best of Palm Spring's artists & craftsmen. The visitors come here for the fantastic deals that are reminiscent of a 1950's flea market...the natives come here to say "Hello" to each other. There is so much to see and do including jeep tours of the desert, the Palm Springs TRAM, the Palm Springs Follies, the Spa Resort Casino, Palm Canyon, luxury spas, not to mention all of the attractions throughout the greater Palm Springs area... that you will be busy for a lifetime!

Education in Palm Springs is solid and has a fine reputation. Currently the Palm Springs Unified School district has fourteen elementary schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school, one independent study program, eight headstart/state preschools, three full-day headstart programs, four childcare programs, and an extensive adult education program. PSUSD is striving to meet the needs of a diverse student body and provides a wide array of programs.

Palm Springs is a charming desert oasis with affordable housing and an outstanding quality of life. It is a fabulous place to live, work, retire or raise a family! If you are considering moving here, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!