Palm Desert/La Quinta

Open vistas, warm weather, and laid-back living—living in the Coachella Valley has never been more desirable. The resort cities that stud the area, particularly Palm Desert and La Quinta, are simply paradisiacal. Resorts, golf clubs, upscale shopping, and top-rated schools abound, and the homes are magazine-worthy. From mid-century modern masterpieces to Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial styles, the entire Valley is an architectural tour de force. But where you settle very much depends on your interests. Love golf? La Quinta’s courses have drawn names like Tiger Woods, George Lopez and former President Bill Clinton to their greens, and clubs like the La Quinta Resort and PGA West are both pristine and challenging. Tennis is also wildly popular, especially thanks to the annual BNP Paribas Open—one of the premier professional tournaments in the world—taking place each March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Love shopping? Where Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive, Palm Desert boasts El Paseo, a mile-long shopping district with many of the biggest designer brands in the fashion industry. Love food? There’s plenty of great options, but don’t miss Morgan's in the Desert, helmed by James Beard-award winning chef Jimmy Schmidt. There’s also numerous spa and hot springs scattered throughout the greater Palm Springs and Coachella Valley area, and attractions like Palm Desert’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway regularly draw crowds. Homes in each city generally average under $1 million, with ultra-desirable mid-century homes commanding prices north of a million.