New Homes in Palm Desert, CA

New Homes
8 Builders
0 Communities

City overview

About Palm Desert

Palm Desert, California, presents a compelling landscape for homebuyers and those considering relocation, offering a distinct blend of modern amenities and local character. The city, a recognized cultural and retail center within the Coachella Valley, draws a population of 53,147, according to 2024 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This community maintains a median household income of $77,513 (in 2024 dollars), reflecting data collected between 2020 and 2024, which underpins a stable environment for both economic expansion and family life. The local real estate market signals opportunity. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) and recent Census reports indicate a median home value of $542,000 for the 2020-2024 period, with an owner-occupied housing rate standing at 65.0%. Demographically, the city's population under 18 years constitutes 12.8%, while those 65 years and over account for 37.7%. Residents typically experience an average commute time of 21.0 minutes, based on 2020-2024 data for workers aged 16 and above, allowing for a balanced lifestyle that connects suburban calm with access to the broader Indio-Palm Desert-Palm Springs Urban Area. The unemployment rate in Palm Desert registered at 5.30% in January 2026, according to YCharts data.

Palm Desert Market Snapshot

Population

53,147 (V2024)

Median Household Income

$77,513 (2024 dollars)

Median Age

Under 18: 12.8%, 65+: 37.7%

Median Home Value

$542,000 (2020-2024)

Median Rent

$1,778 (2020-2024)

Owner-Occupied %

65.0% (2020-2024)

Unemployment Rate

5.30% (Jan 2026)

Job Growth Trend

Steady

Commute Time

21.0 minutes

Education (Bachelor's+)

40.7% (2020-2024)

Housing Units

24,690 (2020-2024)

Top Builders in Palm Desert

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Beazer Homes Logo

Beazer Homes

0(0 reviews)
|Est. 1985|Atlanta, GA

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. is a prominent home construction company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1985, it has grown to become one of the largest home builders in the United States, operating...

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Building in:AZGACAFL

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D.R. Horton Logo

D.R. Horton

Verified
0(3,892 reviews)
|Est. 1978|Fort Worth, TX

D.R. Horton, Inc. is an American home construction company founded in 1978 by Donald R. Horton in Fort Worth, Texas. Since 2002, the company has consistently been the largest homebuilder by volume in the...

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Building in:GAAZFLCOCAWA

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Richmond American Homes Logo

Richmond American Homes

0(0 reviews)
|Est. 1972|Denver, CO

Richmond American Homes, a subsidiary of MDC Holdings, Inc., has been building new homes across the United States since 1977. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company operates in Arizona, California,...

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Building in:COCAAZ

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Pulte Homes Logo

Pulte Homes

VerifiedPremium
4.6(2,156 reviews)
|Est. 1950|Atlanta, GA

Pulte Homes is a leading nationwide homebuilder known for creating new construction homes that combine innovative floor plans with opportunities for personalization. With a commitment to quality and...

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Building in:GAAZFLCOCANVORWA

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Meritage Homes Logo

Meritage Homes

0(0 reviews)
|Est. 1985|Scottsdale, AZ

Meritage Homes, established in 1985, stands as the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States, recognized for its commitment to constructing energy-efficient and affordable homes. The company...

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Building in:CAAZFLGATXCO

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Toll Brothers Logo

Toll Brothers

0(0 reviews)
|Est. 1967|Fort Washington, PA

Toll Brothers, Inc. is an award-winning Fortune 500 company and the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. Founded in 1967 by brothers Bob and Bruce Toll, the company has established a reputation for an...

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Communities in Palm Desert

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Local Market Guide

Living in Palm Desert, CA

Neighborhoods

### Indian Ridge Country Club Indian Ridge Country Club stands as a premier guard-gated community, distinguished by its luxurious residences, two championship golf courses, and comprehensive club amenities. This enclave primarily attracts affluent buyers, often retirees or individuals seeking a second home, who desire an active and social lifestyle. Properties within Indian Ridge typically command prices ranging from the high six figures to several million dollars. The community cultivates a resort-like atmosphere, offering convenient access to fine dining and upscale shopping experiences. ### Desert Falls Country Club Desert Falls Country Club offers a well-established, guard-gated living experience, centered around a championship golf course, tennis facilities, and a modern fitness center. The community presents a diverse housing portfolio, including condominiums, villas, and single-family homes, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers from active adults to families. Price points generally fall within the mid-to-high six figures. Its strategic location provides easy access to major roadways and various shopping centers. ### Palm Desert Country Club As one of Palm Desert's oldest and most expansive communities, Palm Desert Country Club provides a more accessible entry point into the area's golf-centric lifestyle. It features an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, and a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and condominiums. This neighborhood draws a diverse resident base, encompassing first-time homebuyers, retirees, and seasonal occupants. Homes are typically priced in the mid-six figures, and the community benefits from its proximity to local schools and parks. ### Cahuilla Hills Cahuilla Hills offers a distinctively private and secluded residential experience, characterized by custom-built homes often situated on generous lots. These properties frequently provide expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The area appeals to buyers prioritizing tranquility and a connection with nature, without sacrificing convenient access to urban amenities. Property values in Cahuilla Hills exhibit significant variation, ranging from high six figures to multi-million dollar estates. The neighborhood is also recognized for its scenic beauty and immediate access to hiking trails. ### South Palm Desert South Palm Desert is widely regarded as a desirable residential area, particularly in its proximity to El Paseo. The district is known for its meticulously maintained properties, serene ambiance, and pedestrian-friendly layout. It encompasses a range of housing styles and price points, with the median home price hovering around $825,000. This area attracts individuals who appreciate a dynamic community coupled with effortless access to high-end shopping, diverse dining establishments, and cultural attractions.

Economy & Jobs

Palm Desert’s economic foundation rests heavily on tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors. The city functions as a central hub for these industries within the Coachella Valley, attracting 14.4 million annual visitors and generating $1.7 billion in spending. El Paseo, in particular, stands out as a prominent retail destination. The city has seen a 2.57% increase in overall employment since February 2022. Major employers span retail, including Walmart, Costco, and Target; healthcare, with Kaiser Permanente; and financial services, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Palm Desert actively pursues redevelopment and infrastructure projects, notably the DSRT Surf Specific Plan and the Palm Desert Country Club Executive Course, which is undergoing redevelopment to include 69 condominium units. Construction projects continue to expand, encompassing new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Schools & Education

Educational services in Palm Desert are primarily provided by the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), which also serves neighboring communities like Indio, La Quinta, and Indian Wells. Portions of the region also fall under the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD). Both districts are dedicated to preparing students for higher education, professional careers, and life beyond the classroom. Within Palm Desert, notable institutions include Palm Desert High School, recognized for its strong academic standing, and Palm Desert Charter Middle School, which serves as a magnet for advanced learners. At the elementary level, James Earl Carter Elementary School and George Washington Charter School are highly-rated institutions, offering a range of educational programs and extracurricular activities. For post-secondary education, Palm Desert provides several options. College of the Desert operates as a local two-year community college, offering various associate degree and certificate programs. California State University San Bernardino maintains a Palm Desert Campus, providing four-year degree programs. Additionally, the University of California Riverside has a presence with its Palm Desert Center, indicating opportunities for advanced studies and research within the area. Approximately 40.7% of persons aged 25 and over in Palm Desert hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, according to 2020-2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Palm Desert offers a lifestyle characterized by abundant outdoor recreation, upscale shopping and dining, and a robust arts scene. The city manages over 200 acres of parkland, including 17 parks, two community centers, and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. Popular outdoor pursuits include hiking on trails such as the Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail and Art Smith Trail, alongside exploring natural features like the San Andreas Fault. Golf remains a central pastime, with numerous championship courses available throughout the region. Shopping and dining are integral to the Palm Desert experience, particularly along the celebrated El Paseo Shopping District, often referred to as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert." This high-end avenue features designer fashion boutiques, art galleries, interior design showrooms, and a diverse array of restaurants, ranging from American classics to international cuisine. The Gardens on El Paseo further enhances the luxury shopping and dining landscape. The city also hosts various cultural events and art walks, solidifying its reputation as a cultural center. Commute patterns in Palm Desert are generally favorable, with an average commute time of 17.7 minutes, notably lower than the national average. The majority of residents commute by car, while a significant 14.4% work from home. Traffic conditions are typically predictable, even for commutes to nearby areas like Palm Springs. This efficient commute contributes to the overall quality of life, affording residents more time to engage with the city’s amenities and recreational opportunities.

FAQs About New Homes in Palm Desert

What is the current population of Palm Desert, CA?+

As of 2024, the estimated population of Palm Desert, CA is 53,147, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the median household income in Palm Desert, CA?+

The median household income in Palm Desert, CA is $77,513 (in 2024 dollars), based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020-2024.

What is the median home value in Palm Desert, CA?+

The median home value in Palm Desert, CA is $542,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) from 2020-2024.

What is the median rent in Palm Desert, CA?+

The median rent in Palm Desert, CA is $1,778, based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020-2024.

What percentage of homes in Palm Desert, CA are owner-occupied?+

Approximately 65.0% of homes in Palm Desert, CA are owner-occupied, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020-2024.

What is the average commute time for residents of Palm Desert, CA?+

The average commute time for workers aged 16 years and over in Palm Desert, CA is 21.0 minutes (2020-2024), which is lower than the U.S. national average.

What is the educational attainment level in Palm Desert, CA?+

Among persons aged 25 years and over in Palm Desert, CA, 40.7% hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020-2024.

What are the primary industries driving Palm Desert's economy?+

Palm Desert's economy is primarily driven by tourism and hospitality, healthcare and wellness, and retail, attracting significant visitor spending and employment.

Which school districts serve Palm Desert, CA?+

Palm Desert is primarily served by the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), with parts also served by the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD).

Are there higher education institutions located in Palm Desert, CA?+

Yes, Palm Desert hosts College of the Desert (a community college), the California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus (offering four-year degrees), and the University of California Riverside Palm Desert Center (for advanced studies).

What kind of lifestyle does Palm Desert offer its residents?+

Palm Desert offers an active lifestyle with extensive outdoor recreation, including over 200 acres of parkland and numerous golf courses. It also features upscale shopping and dining, particularly along El Paseo, and a thriving arts scene with various cultural events.

Which top homebuilders are active in Palm Desert, CA?+

Prominent homebuilders active in or near Palm Desert include D.R. Horton, Meritage Homes, Pulte Homes, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, Richmond American Homes (in nearby Palm Springs/La Quinta), Beazer Homes (in nearby Palm Springs), and LGI Homes (in nearby Indio).