State Guides | california, Palm Desert Retirement Guide (2024)

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What It Is Like to Retire in Palm desert

Palm Desert, a beautiful vacation destination and a popular retirement town, is located in California's Coachella Valley, approximately 14 miles east of Palm Springs. The population was a little over 51,000 in 2020, but that number swells by over 30,000 during the winter months with the arrival of snowbirds, bringing the average age here to 54.. Palm Desert is surrounded by three mountains which contribute to its warm year-round temperature and sunny skies. It is a popular spot for golfers as well as retirees, with over 30 top-notch golf courses and resorts, and several retirement communities. College of the Desert, a community college, is located here, and a few celebrities are said to have homes here also.Watch this short Youtube video presented by PalmDesertTravel:

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Where to Retire in Palm desert and Home Prices

Zillow.com reports the median home value at $560,557 in mid-2023. There are many condos and townhouse developments, Sun City Palm Desert, a community of close to 5,000 homes for 55+ is located here along with several other communities.

What Is Special about Palm desert

Palm Desert offers a lot of outdoor recreation with many golf courses, hiking and biking trails, parks and an aquatic center. It also has a performing arts center, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and sunny skies almost everyday.

What Is Not Special about Palm desert

High cost of living, and summers are very hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees.

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Who Will Like Retirement in Palm desert

Palm Desert is a nice town for snowbirds who like to golf and enjoy all types of outdoor activity. There is a transit system and an international airport in nearby Palm Springs. The Joslyn Center is a very active senior center that offers activites, lifelong learning, and social and health programs. There are several 55+ active adult communities here.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Retail and Tourism drive the economy. JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort is the largest employer.

Climate and Physical Environment

Palm Desert boasts over 350 days of sunshine each year with average January temperature at 58 degrees and July's average is 96 degrees. Summer temperatures can easily go over 100 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Palm Desert boasts upscale shopping on El Paseo Drive, a mile long strip of over 250 shops, dining and the arts. Palm Desert also is home to the McCallum Theatre, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, an art museum, several parks, an aquatic center, amphitheater, and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Crime

Palm Desert's crime rate is a little lower than the national average.

Medical facilities

Eisenhower Medical Center provides primary care services here, its hospital is in nearby Rancho Mirage.

Transportation

Sunline Transit provides transportation in the Coachella Valley; Palm Springs International Airport is just 13 miles away.

Valuable Links

City of Palm DesertPalm Desert TourismThe Joslyn Center

Comments on "Palm Desert"

As a seasoned expert and enthusiast with a deep understanding of various topics, let me delve into the specifics of the article on retiring in Palm Desert, California. My extensive knowledge in geography, demographics, real estate, tourism, and local amenities positions me well to provide valuable insights.

Geographic and Demographic Overview: Palm Desert, situated in California's Coachella Valley, approximately 14 miles east of Palm Springs, is a picturesque retirement town. With a population of over 51,000 in 2020, this number swells during winter with snowbirds, raising the average age to 54. The town is surrounded by three mountains, contributing to its warm year-round climate and sunny skies.

Real Estate Landscape: Zillow.com reports a median home value of $560,557 in mid-2023. The real estate market includes various options like condos, townhouses, and retirement communities. Notably, Sun City Palm Desert, a 55+ community with close to 5,000 homes, is a prominent feature.

Special Features and Outdoor Activities: Palm Desert stands out for its outdoor recreation options, including golf courses, hiking and biking trails, parks, and an aquatic center. It also boasts a performing arts center, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a generally sunny climate.

Drawbacks and Considerations: However, it's essential to acknowledge the high cost of living and hot summers, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. This information is crucial for prospective retirees to make informed decisions.

Target Audience: Palm Desert appeals to snowbirds who enjoy golf and various outdoor activities. The presence of a transit system and an international airport in nearby Palm Springs enhances accessibility. The Joslyn Center, an active senior center, provides a range of activities and programs for retirees.

Economic Landscape: Retail and tourism drive Palm Desert's economy, with the JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort being the largest employer.

Climate and Physical Environment: Palm Desert boasts over 350 days of sunshine annually, with average January temperatures at 58 degrees and July temperatures reaching an average of 96 degrees. Summers can see temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

Cultural Scene and Amenities: The town offers an upscale shopping experience on El Paseo Drive, a mile-long strip with over 250 shops, dining options, and arts establishments. The cultural scene includes the McCallum Theatre, an art museum, parks, an amphitheater, and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Safety and Healthcare: Palm Desert's crime rate is slightly lower than the national average. The Eisenhower Medical Center provides primary care services, with the hospital located in nearby Rancho Mirage.

Transportation: Sunline Transit serves transportation needs in the Coachella Valley, and Palm Springs International Airport is conveniently located just 13 miles away.

For more information and resources, individuals can explore the City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Tourism, and The Joslyn Center.

In conclusion, Palm Desert offers a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and amenities, making it an attractive destination for retirees despite some drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh the benefits and challenges to make an informed decision about retiring in this Californian town.

State Guides | california, Palm Desert Retirement Guide (2024)
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