California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Palm Springs, California

Population: 45,731

Located in Riverside County

Palm Springs, California

Whether it's a round of golf in the winter or a massage at a first-class spa resort, Palm Springs is the place to enjoy life. Often described as a small city with the cultural amenities of an urban area, the shopping, entertainment, dining and recreational opportunities are first-class.

Palm Springs lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley in central Riverside County approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. It is within the ecological area known as the Colorado Desert and is 487 feet above sea level. Rising behind the downtown is the impressive Mt. San Jacinto, elevation 10,831 feet. Palm Springs covers a geographical area of 96 square miles with well-established neighborhoods. Recently there has been a fascination with mid-century modern architecture - something Palm Springs is proud to have as part of its mix of eclectic design styles.

Palm Springs still has the charm of the 1930's, 40's, and 50's when it was known as Hollywood's desert playground. Palm springs is also known for the fabulous "Mid-Century Modern" homes here. These timeless classics designed in the '50's are being renovated and restored with an air of contemporary sophistication.

Modern Homes:

Desert Modern means clean lines, brash angles, and a dedication to function inspired form. All over Palm springs are the butterfly rooflines, circular walls, upswept curves, and an open-air design that plays with the natural elements. Albert Frey once wrote, "You have to have your fantasy going too, after all that's what life is." Mid-Century Modernism furnishings can be found in a number of retail stores on Palm Canyon Drive. Visionary architects 30 and 40 years ago designed the sleek, modern homes they felt perfectly suited the desert environment. Today the work of Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, William Cody, Donald Wexler to name a few, is more admired and appreciated than ever. Frey designed Palm Springs landmarks like Palm Springs City Hall (1957), Palm Springs Tramway Valley Station (1963), & Tramway Gas Station (1965). The Alexander Company, worked with Wexler for design, and built several hundred tract homes recognizable by their "butterfly roofline", now sought after by Modernism fans.

Because it is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, there are a large number of second homes in Palm Springs. The permanent population is 45,7310 as of 2005, with another 27,000 to 30,000 people living in the City in the winter, bringing the total population to almost 75,000 residents during the winter season.

Approximately 1 million tourists stay in hotels in Palm Springs annually while another 600,000 visitors stay in non-hotel accommodations. They are no doubt attracted by the weather, which includes some 350 days of sunshine.

For those fortunate enough to call Palm Springs home, the City boasts many parks and recreational facilities including a municipal golf course, tennis courts, a public Olympic-size pool, dog park and a baseball stadium. If you enjoy being active, there are hiking trails, bicycle routes, a water park and horseback riding. Don't forget to check out the City's library and museums.

From the desert floor you can travel 8,500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; it makes the very scenic trip to its mountain station in about 15 minutes.

In downtown Palm Springs, the palm trees grow tall and straight along the City's main drag - Palm Canyon Drive. That's where the City's many parades and festivals are staged. Cruise the one-way strip lined with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and night clubs and you'll soon spot something that will catch your eye. Better yet, enjoy the downtown on foot and see the names of many Hollywood legends that grace the Walk of Stars. Once the trendy playground of Hollywood stars, Palm Springs maintains its chic charm.

The Agua Calient Band of Cahuilla Indians have added an exciting vibrancy to downtown with the new Spa Resort Casino.

Courtesy http://www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us