Palm Springs Area, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Palm Springs Area Climate & Geography

Set in the Coachella Valley in Southern California, 55+ communities in the Palm Springs area are surrounded by mountains: San Bernardino Mountains to the north, Little San Bernardino Mountains to the east, the Santa Rose Mountains to the south, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. The area lies approximately two hours east of Los Angeles and about two-and-a-half hours northeast of San Diego. Palm Springs is also just west of the sprawling Joshua Tree National Park and southwest of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The Palm Springs area is a true desert with a hot, dry climate and little rain. Temperatures in the summer can rise upwards of 105 degrees during the day, and often stay over 80 at night. Yet the winters in Palm Springs are a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees, dropping to the mid-40s in the evenings. Residents in the Palm Springs area delight in the 300 days of sunshine per year and less than 5 inches annual rainfall. This makes a Palm Springs area 55+ community an ideal location for a winter getaway.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment Near Palm Springs Area

Tourism is the largest part of the Palm Springs area's economy, and as a result the area is teeming with fabulous resorts, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational attractions. The Palm Springs area has a significant part-time population, nearly half of the population of the Palm Springs area is only there for a few months out of the year.  The atmosphere in Palm Springs is different than that of other desert hot spots, such as the bustling Las Vegas Strip, the Coachella Valley embraces a laid-back, family-friendly attitude that is appealing to many active adults.

Golfing

Golf is a major attraction in Palm Springs which has more golf courses than anywhere else in California. With over 100 golf courses in the Coachella Valley, including both private and public courses, active adults in the Palm Springs area are sure to find their own favorites. One of the most impressive golf courses in the Palm Springs area, The Golf Club at La Quinta, is located within the Trilogy at La Quinta active adult community. This 18-hole championship course has been a stop on the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 PGA Tour.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking is a popular pastime for active adults in the Palm Springs area, as are tours by horseback, jeep, or mountain bike. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides amazing mountain views from its rotating tram cars. Local hot air balloon rides are available as well. While those who are more adventurous may opt to take in the views while hang-gliding or skydiving.

When relaxation is the goal, Palm Springs has everything to put sun-lovers at ease. Whether vacationing at one of the area's luxurious hotels or relocating to one of the resort-style active adult communities in the Palm Springs area, it's easy to find a sunny poolside deck under an azure sky. Spas are also plentiful throughout Palm Springs, offering rejuvenating massages and revitalizing mineral soaks.

Annual Festivals

Downtown Palm Springs' weekly VillageFest street fair offers an assortment of artisan crafts. Performing arts and seasonal festivals are also popular throughout Palm Springs. Residents particularly enjoy the venerated Palm Springs Follies, a celebration of the arts, music, and culture of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Palm Springs Cost of Living & Taxes

Considering Southern California’s reputation as an expensive retirement destination, the Palm Springs area enjoys a cost of living that is generally lower than the rest of the state. On average, those in 55+ communities in Palm Springs spend 13 percent less on their homes, transportation, and utilities than their counterparts throughout the state, although the Palm Springs area is roughly 13 percent more expensive than the rest of the United States. Residents in the Palm Springs area can also enjoy California’s tax benefits including untaxed Social Security benefits, options for property tax relief, and a $7,000 reduction in the taxable value of a property.

Palm Springs Health Care

55+ retirement communities in the Palm Springs area enjoy proximity to several hospitals. Desert Regional is consistently ranked as the Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News. Other area hospitals include Eisenhower Medical Center, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, and the Hi-Desert Medical Center just outside of Palm Springs.