Nature's Retreat
Explore lifestyle, homes, and community highlights in Desert Hot Springs, California.
Local Highlights
Underground mineral aquifer feeds dozens of spa resorts.
Two Bunch Palms, The Spring, and boutique spa retreats.
Most accessible entry point to Coachella Valley homeownership.
Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and desert wilderness.
Desert Hot Springs (often called “DHS”) began as a small desert homestead area north of Palm Springs, shaped by the unusual geology of the Mission Creek Fault, which separates hot and cold aquifers and ultimately made the site viable for settlement and spa development.A key early figure was Cabot Yerxa, who arrived in 1913 and is credited with discovering the area’s hot and cold water resources; his hand-built pueblo-style home is now Cabot’s Pueblo Museum (a major local landmark).The town site was laid out in 1941 by developer L.W. Coffee (centered around Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard), and the city incorporated in 1963.
DHS’s “character” is strongly tied to wellness tourism (mineral water soaking, boutique spas, mid-century-era small spa hotels), but it has also evolved into an affordability-focused residential alternative within the Coachella Valley—typically offering lower entry prices than Palm Springs proper while still being a short drive from the valley’s major employment, entertainment, and airport nodes. The community identity blends a casual, local “desert town” feel (small businesses along Palm Drive/Pierson) with resort-style enclaves (golf and 55+ communities) and newer master-planned construction near freeway access. Its setting—foothill views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino ranges—creates a distinct “high desert edge” vibe, often with more wind than cities farther south in the valley, a factor locals commonly mention when comparing neighborhoods.
Pricing varies notably by data source and whether you’re looking at sale prices vs. “typical value” estimates: Typical home value: Typical home values: $376,908 (1-year change: -3.9%), data through Feb 28, 2026. Median sale price: $391,667; median list price: $414,667; median days to pending: 63. median sale price $415,000 in Feb 2026 (-1.2% YoY), median $/sq ft $232 (-5.7% YoY), with homes selling after ~119 days on market (vs 94 days last year).market snapshot: median listing price $259,000; median $/sq ft $226; median days on market 92 days; sale-to-list ratio 100%.
Neighborhood-level price bands show mid-$300Ks to low-$400Ks medians in many common subdivisions: Mission Lakes Country Club: ~ $399,900 median home price. Desert Hot Springs Highlands: ~ $370,000 median. Miracle Heights: ~ $429,999 median.
The city has shifted toward a slower pace vs. peak-cycle years (longer DOM / days-to-pending), with recent-year softening reflected in slightly negative year-over-year price changes.Longer-term appreciation has been strong over the past decade, although a slower 12-month appreciation of 6.59%.
Cost-of-living indexes vary by methodology, but most sources show DHS as materially cheaper than the California average while still above the U.S. average. cost-of-living index: Desert Hot Springs 112 vs California 140 vs U.S. 100. By category, housing index 116 in DHS vs 196 in California, and utilities 94 in DHS vs 127 in California.
compared to coastal/metro California, DHS is typically positioned as one of the more affordable ways to access the Coachella Valley lifestyle, but buyers should budget for high summer cooling costs (electricity) and car-centric transportation.
Commonly referenced neighborhoods / subdivisions for buyers include: Mission Lakes Country Club (golf community; HOA; large subdivision. neighborhood list Miracle Heights / Miracle Hill area (spa/resort zone near the hot-water aquifer; often higher-elevation view lots). neighborhood list Desert Hot Springs Highlands and Desert Springs Estates (typical single-family subdivisions with mid-$300Ks to low-$400Ks pricing in the neighborhood view). Wardman Heights (commonly referenced locally as a hillside/view area; also shown as a neighborhood ’s city market page). Dos Palmas / Desert Hot Springs East (neighborhood labels commonly used by portals).
Notable newer housing developments / master-planned communities: Skyborne (masterplan with Lennar collections; frequently discussed by buyers as “newer community” near Hwy 62/I-10 access). new homes search Rancho Descanso (new gated community of single-family homes; shown as a new community new construction listings). Eagle Point (small gated new-home community; listed as a community new construction).
Most city schools are part of Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD), with local public schools including: Elementary (PSUSD): Bella Vista Elementary, Cabot Yerxa Elementary, Bubbling Wells Elementary, Julius Corsini Elementary, Two Bunch Palms Elementary.city list Middle (PSUSD): Desert Springs Middle School and Painted Hills Middle School.High (PSUSD): Desert Hot Springs High School.
Ratings / performance snapshots: School grades: Desert Hot Springs High School (B-), Desert Springs Middle School (C+), Painted Hills Middle School (C), Bella Vista Elementary (C+), Julius Corsini Elementary (C), Cabot Yerxa Elementary (C), Bubbling Wells Elementary (C), Two Bunch Palms Elementary (B-). public schools have an average ranking of 1/10 (bottom half statewide), with average math proficiency 14% vs California average 34% and reading proficiency 27% vs California average 47%.
For official enrollment detail, the lists Desert Hot Springs High School enrollment at 1,718 with 25.6% English learners.
In-town dining is concentrated along Palm Drive / Pierson Blvd, with local guides listing a broad mix of casual spots. A local directory highlights restaurants such as Delicias Mexican Cuisine, Dillon’s Burgers & Beers, Capri Italian Restaurant, Rocky’s New York Style Pizzeria, and Best Sushi & Grill.One specific example with address:.is at 66121 Pierson Blvd, Desert Hot Springs.
For larger-scale shopping and entertainment, residents typically use nearby Coachella Valley hubs:.is a major indoor mall anchored by Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and JCPenney.Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlets (Cabazon) are a major regional draw, described as ~25.es from downtown Palm Springs on the Greater Palm Springs tourism site.Acrisure Arena (near Palm Desert/Thousand Palms) is an 11,000+ capacity concert/sports venue serving the greater Palm Springs area.
Local parks (within the city) include: Mission Springs Park / “Desert Hot Springs Community Park” at 14510 Palm Dr (a central community park for walking, sports, picnics).
Golf & resort recreation is a major lifestyle driver in DHS, including multiple courses and golf-resort communities: Mission Lakes Country Club (8484 Clubhouse Blvd).course list Desert Dunes Golf Club (19300 Palm Dr).Hidden Springs Country Club (15500 Bubbling Wells Rd).Desert Crest Country Club (69400 Country Club Dr).Caliente Springs Golf Resort (70200 Dillon Rd).
Outdoor access / day trips: DHS sits close to regional outdoor anchors like Joshua Tree National Park and Whitewater Preserve/Sand to Snow National Monument area (commonly used for hiking/day trips from the north valley).
DHS itself hosts smaller, rotating community events (often listed on event platforms), while most signature “big draw” festivals are in nearby Greater Palm Springs / Coachella Valley cities.
Regional signature events that DHS residents commonly attend (by season), per the Greater Palm Springs tourism calendar: Palm Springs International Film Festival (January), Modernism Week (February), BNP Paribas Open (March, Indian Wells), Coachella & Stagecoach (April, Indio), and Greater Palm Springs Pride (November).
For more localized “what’s happening” discovery, an event listing hub for Desert Hot Springs searches.
Desert Hot Springs has a hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. typical annual temperature ranges from 43°F to 103°F (rarely below 36°F or above 109°F), with July averaging about 103°F high / 76°F low and December about 66°F high / 44°F low. Rain is limited and seasonal; February as the wettest month with about 1.2 inches average rainfall, and June as essentially 0.0 inches average rainfall. Wind is a meaningful comfort factor in DHS; the windiest month as April with average wind speed about 8.1 mph. DHS is often cited as running 5–7°F cooler than other Coachella Valley communities in summer due to elevation/winds (but sometimes warmer in winter due to mountain shielding).
Population and household profile: 2020 Census population: 32,512.Projected 2026 population: 34,598 with median household income $52,761 and poverty rate 17.98%.
Community diversity and household structure: 2020 racial/ethnic breakdown includes 61.2% Hispanic/Latino (any race), 34.2% White, and 8.1% Black/African American.
Nearby major hospitals and medical centers (typical drive distances are valley-close): Desert Regional Medical Center (Palm Springs) is listed ~8.7 miles from Desert Hot Springs .Eisenhower Medical Center (Rancho Mirage) is listed ~15 miles away and is a 437-bed hospital on its main campus.JFK Memorial Hospital (Indio) is another major valley hospital option.hospital list
Local clinics / community health: Desert Hot Springs Community Health Center is listed as an “open” community clinic with address 66675 Pierson Blvd on California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information.facility profile Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center at 11750 Cholla Dr., Ste. B, Desert Hot Springs.of Commerce directory
Planned / publicized projects: “Park Lane Homes” affordable housing project: approved by the Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission in May 2025, described as ~167 affordable units plus an 11,000 sq ft early childhood education center, a pool, and a community park on a ~7.5-acre parcel near Palm Drive and Park Lane (next step: state funding).City community development materials also reference Park Lane Homes as a 167-unit affordable multi-family project with an early childhood center.
Active new-home construction / communities: multiple new communities in DHS including Rancho Descanso, Eagle Point, and Lennar collections at Skyborne. Aventura Palms is a gated new-home community marketed by GHA with plans from ~$399,900 and multiple floor plans.
Short-term rentals (STRs) exist in DHS, supported by spa tourism and proximity to Palm Springs/Coachella Valley events.market overview reports ~882 total available listings, ~45% occupancy, and ~$339 daily rate for DHS short-term rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo combined context).a “typical” listing booked 161 nights/year, median occupancy 44%, average daily rate $260, typical host annual revenue $42,200, and ~487 active Airbnb listings (as of Nov 16, 2024 on that page).
Local regulation note: The city’s vacation rental code includes an occupancy table by bedroom count (e.g., 3-bedroom: 8 overnight occupants; 4-bedroom: 10 overnight occupants; plus separate daytime occupant limits).municipal code
Buying a home in Desert Hot Springs means investing in one of the Coachella Valley's most sought-after addresses. Whether you are drawn by the architectural legacy, the resort-inspired lifestyle, the world-class golf, or the promise of year-round sunshine, Desert Hot Springs consistently delivers exceptional value and quality of life. The community's blend of cultural depth, outdoor recreation, and welcoming neighborhoods makes it an enduring choice for primary homeowners, seasonal residents, and savvy real estate investors alike.
Payal Patel and Amie Arbid bring deep local expertise and an unwavering commitment to their clients. With intimate knowledge of every neighborhood and price point in Desert Hot Springs — from entry-level condominiums to estate-caliber properties — they are uniquely positioned to guide you to the right home at the right value. If you are ready to explore what Desert Hot Springs has to offer, reach out today and let Payal and Amie turn your Coachella Valley dream into reality.
Who Lives Here
Natural geothermal hot springs — the city's defining feature and global draw.
Cannabis tourism and wellness retreats drive robust short-term rental demand.
The most affordable single-family inventory in the Coachella Valley proper.
More land, more privacy, and a slower pace — increasingly popular with remote workers.
Market Overview
Older single-family homes and smaller lots — highest value-per-sq-ft in the valley.
Mission Lakes CC, Hacienda Heights, updated properties with mountain views.
Spa-capable properties near hot spring infrastructure — prime rental assets.
Many Desert Hot Springs neighborhoods are non-HOA, which keeps ownership costs very low. Mission Lakes Country Club has an HOA in the $200–$350/mo range with golf access. Some newer gated pockets carry modest fees. The city's affordability is a real advantage for investors.
Where to Look
18-hole golf community — one of the most affordable country club entries in the valley.
Established hillside neighborhood with views; popular for its spacious lots.
Southwest DHS — newer streets, closer to the 62 corridor and Palm Springs access.
Proximity to the famous Two Bunch Palms resort — wellness and privacy-focused living.
Common Questions