Is Palm Springs a Good Place to Retire? Unveiling 5 Compelling Reasons

6 minute read

What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides valuable insights into retiring in Palm Springs, California. The article showcases the abundance of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and indoor entertainment options.

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When it’s time to start planning your retirement, there are many things to take into consideration such as getting your finances in order, saying goodbye to your coworkers, and deciding where you want to live. If you’re looking to move to warmer climates, you may be wondering: Is Palm Springs a good place to retire? In our opinion, it’s one of the best spots for a California retirement!

Situated in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains, this charming California city offers stunning views as well as a relaxing environment. We’ll discuss five reasons why Palm Springs should be at the top of your list of places to retire to when it’s time to enter the next stage of your life.

1. Palm Springs Is Not As Expensive As You May Think

California is not the cheapest place to live. There’s no getting around that, and because of this, many people may avoid moving there. If you’ve always wanted to call SoCal home, however, then Palm Springs may be within your budget. 

Forbes Advisor offers a calculator where you can view a more precise cost. Living in Palm Springs is 24% cheaper than living in Los Angeles, 18.62% lower than San Diego, and 43% lower than San Francisco. 

The price of electricity, groceries, and travel is higher than in other parts of the country. However, the price is significantly cheaper than in other parts of California.

2. Palm Springs Is Close to Other Luxurious California Locations

Many cities in California draw in tourists, like San Diego and Los Angeles. If you decide to call Palm Springs home, then you can visit many destinations for the day and be home in time for dinner.

For example, San Bernardino—known for its San Bernardino Railroad and History Museum, unique tours, and the Angeles National Forest—is only 55 miles away. Los Angeles is 107 miles away, and San Diego is 123 miles. If you want to venture further, Phoenix, Arizona is 278 miles away.

There are also small towns worth visiting if you want something a little more slow-paced. Solvang, California is only a three-hour drive away. This charming small town feels more like a European village. Staying true to its Danish roots, the cozy town is perfect for anyone who just needs to get away for the day.

3. There’s No Lack of Things To Do in Palm Springs

There are many things you can do, places you can go, and people to visit while in Palm Springs. If you want to make the most of the sunny California weather, you can go on hikes, golf, and enjoy long bike rides. The outdoor landscapes are stunning, and you can make a day of it just by visiting them. Big Bear Lake is nearby if you want to cool down and get away from the heat.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the perfect way to get a view of the San Jacinto Mountains. You can also visit some of the many parks with your family when they fly in to visit. 

The Movie Colony neighborhoods are also located in Palm Springs. Many celebrities chose Palm Springs as their haven after tiring of the bright lights of Los Angeles. If you’re interested in movie history, you can visit places where big names like Carmen Miranda, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby once dwelled.

If you’d rather do something indoors, there are plenty of casinos to visit. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops that offer unique finds you won’t get anywhere else.

4. The Weather Is Usually Pleasant in Palm Springs

In Palm Springs, you’ll never have to deal with the cold weather again. The weather is typically hot, but the humidity isn’t as bad as in other parts of the country. This is due largely to Palm Springs being located in the desert.

The weather is typically hottest from June to September, and the temperature can range from 45 degrees to 106 degrees. While this may seem extremely hot, there are plenty of indoor activities you can take part in during the hottest parts of the day. During the summer months, you’ll still have plenty of daylight hours to do things you love once the temperatures begin to drop.

5. You’ll Love The 55+ Communities in Palm Springs

Many 55+ communities offer beautiful locations, attractive homes, and resort-style amenities, and the communities in Palm Springs are no exception. There are too many to mention in detail, but here are two that you should visit if you’re touring communities.

Villa Portofino – Palm Desert, CA

Low $300ks – Mid $700ks

In Villa Portofino, you can bike or hike around the stream that runs through the community. There’s also a pool to relax in. The homes are beautiful and don’t sacrifice comfort. The community is laid-back and is the perfect place to relax if you want to stay closer to home.

Sun City Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA

High $300ks – Mid $1Ms

Sun City Palm Desert is also located in Palm Desert, California. There’s no end of things you can do, as there are three massive clubhouses to choose from. For those who wish to spend their days on the golf course, there are two 18-hole championship golf courses onsite.

Once you’re done with the course, you can enjoy the indoor pool, catch a movie at the theater, or practice your dance moves in the ballroom. If you prefer to stay close to home rather than go into town, you can do so thanks to the full-service post office.

Want to Retire in Palm Springs? Call 55places Today!

So, is Palm Springs a good place to retire? We certainly think so! If you’re ready to take the next step and start looking for your next home in this desert city, 55places is here to help! Our expert agents will listen to what you’re looking for and help you narrow down your options. We can set up tours, help with paperwork, and more. Our goal is to help make the next chapter of your life a great one, so contact us today if you’re looking for a new 55+ community to call home.