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Palm Springs,CA Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs, California, is renowned for its sunny weather, mid-century modern architecture, and vibrant community life. When diving into the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs, you’ll find a diverse mix of areas each with its own unique vibe. From the chic and trendy Uptown Design District to the tranquil and family-friendly Movie Colony, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in lively social scenes, historical charm, or peaceful residential streets, the Palm Springs neighborhoods map reveals a rich tapestry of living options that cater to different lifestyles and preferences.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is a top priority when considering the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs. Areas like the Movie Colony and Racquet Club Estates are known for their neighborhood stability and low crime rates, offering a secure environment for families and retirees alike. The city’s police department actively works to maintain safety, especially in more densely populated areas such as Downtown Palm Springs. For peace of mind, the neighborhoods closer to the golf courses and resorts tend to have robust community watch programs, making them some of the most desirable and safe places to live.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Palm Springs neighborhoods have distinct personalities that reflect the city’s cultural richness. The Uptown Design District is a hub of creativity, filled with iconic mid-century modern homes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Meanwhile, the historic Movie Colony neighborhood tells the story of Palm Springs’ golden age, with charming homes once inhabited by Hollywood stars. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas blend a relaxed desert vibe with upscale living, featuring sprawling estates and lush landscaping. Each neighborhood’s layout and architecture contribute to Palm Springs’ overall charm and appeal.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

The food and social scene in Palm Springs is lively and varied, with some neighborhoods standing out as popular hotspots. Downtown Palm Springs is the epicenter of dining and nightlife, offering everything from casual cafes like Cheeky’s to upscale eateries such as Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The Uptown Design District also hosts trendy restaurants and chic lounges that attract a fashionable crowd. For a more laid-back experience, neighborhoods like Twin Palms provide cozy neighborhood joints and local hangouts, making them perfect for socializing without the hustle and bustle.

Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do

When it comes to attractions, Palm Springs neighborhoods are full of things to do. The downtown area features the Palm Springs Art Museum and the bustling Palm Canyon Drive with its shops and weekly VillageFest street fair. The Movie Colony neighborhood is known for its walking tours showcasing celebrity homes and mid-century architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts often head to the Indian Canyons or the nearby Joshua Tree National Park for hiking and nature exploration. Golf lovers will find plenty of courses scattered throughout neighborhoods like Racquet Club Estates, making it a paradise for all interests.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

For those interested in higher education, Palm Springs is home to several institutions located within convenient neighborhoods. The College of the Desert is situated just east of downtown Palm Springs, providing easy access for students and residents alike. Its proximity to neighborhoods like Sunrise Park and Vista Las Palmas makes these areas popular among students and faculty. Additionally, nearby universities such as California State University San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus draw a diverse population, enriching the cultural fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods and adding to the dynamic community feel.

Palm Springs Demographics

Population 44,935
Density (People/sqml.) 475
Median Age 57.3
Married Couples
42%
42% of the population of Palm Springs aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
7%
7% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Mountain Gate 41 21.2% $385,500 $98,476 3.7
Melody Ranch 62.9 6.8% $237,550 $52,854 3.7
Twin Palms 64.1 1.6% $494,660 $92,048 5.1
Desert Highland-Gateway 45.8 19% $364,475 $85,394 5.2
Sonora Sunrise 61.2 4.3% $558,433 $93,900 5.8
Demuth Park 46.2 13.3% $387,333 $70,148 6.1
Deepwell Estates 62.7 1.5% $530,225 $85,102 6.2
Indian Canyon 64 1.3% $710,075 $109,624 6.4
Escena 63.4 5.8% $583,050 $89,938 6.4
Little Beverly Hills 50.8 13.7% $413,500 $69,306 6.5

Palm Springs neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Palm Springs, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Palm Springs

Violent Crime 68% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 83% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 80% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Palm Springs
/100k
CA
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 5 11.0 4.5 5.0
Rape 31 68.3 36.6 37.5
Robbery 67 147.6 119.1 60.6
Assault 171 376.6 325.8 256.1
Total Violent Crime 274 603 486 359
Burglary 175 385.4 305.8 229.2
Theft 1,069 2,354.3 1,345.2 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 215 473.5 427.5 258.8
Total Property Crime 1,459 3,213 2,078 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 1,733 3,817 2,564 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.