One of the advantages of Palm Springs is that you can enjoy a much more relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle compared to the busy life of LA and the OC coastal areas.

First-time visitors say that the air in Palm Springs is different. It is that clear, the sunlight is strong, and the sky stretches endlessly. Surrounded by mountains, the sky is always brilliantly blue. Most days are sunny, so you rarely feel down because of the weather. It's no wonder that it is said to be one of the sunniest cities in the western United States.

Palm Springs is about a two and a half hour drive from Los Angeles and about two hours from San Diego. However, living here rather than just visiting, you'll find that the strong sunlight during the day and the bright starlight at night create a completely different atmosphere. Summers are hot, but the dry air makes it bearable, and winters are mild, making it a great place to live.

The biggest charm of this place is its 'quiet leisure.' There is no busy energy of a big city, but there is a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Palm trees line the streets, and when the wind blows, the leaves sway slightly, creating a rustling sound. Each neighborhood features mid-century modern style homes, with large windows, low roofs, and exteriors that reflect the orange glow of the sunset, which is quite stylish. Because of this design, Palm Springs is considered a mecca for architecture fans in the United States.

Looking at the real estate market, Palm Springs, being a resort city, has many luxury homes and second houses. According to Zillow, the average home price in 2025 is around $850,000 to $1,000,000, and homes with pools or golf course views are traded for over $1.5 million. However, condos or small townhouses can be found for under $500,000. This makes it popular among those looking to relocate after retirement or find a second home.

There is also a variety of housing styles. From classic modern houses built in the 1950s and 60s to the latest resort homes and gated communities, most homes have private pools or jacuzzis, and yards are often planted with palm trees or cacti. At night, it's common to turn on party lights and enjoy a glass of wine with family or friends while stargazing. This scenery is truly a typical evening view of Palm Springs.

Downtown is filled with stylish boutiques, galleries, wine bars, and restaurants. On weekends, a street market called VillageFest opens, where you can see works by local artists and handmade crafts, and street performances are frequent. If you are interested in art and culture, the Palm Springs Art Museum is also worth recommending. It features modern art inspired by the colors of the desert and nature.

You can't talk about Palm Springs without mentioning golf. There are over 100 golf courses, big and small, in Palm Springs. It is famous for being a place where wealthy people fly in on private jets to enjoy golf.

With good weather year-round, you can play golf anytime, and nearby golf courses like Riviera, Indian Wells, and La Quinta are world-renowned. This attracts not only retirees but also business people and sports fans. In winter, golf travelers from around the world flock to the city, bringing it to life.

Transportation is also convenient, as Palm Springs International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown, allowing direct access to major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver. The city is small, so there is almost no commuting stress, and the roads are wide, making driving easy.

However, summers here are definitely hot. In July and August, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. But it's dry, with almost no humidity, and most homes and shops are well air-conditioned, making it bearable. In fact, winter is the real highlight. Even in December, daytime temperatures are around 22 to 25 degrees, allowing you to enjoy golf or swimming in short sleeves.

Ultimately, Palm Springs is not just a simple resort city; it is a perfect home for those dreaming of a relaxed life. You may sometimes feel that life here is dull, and you have to prepare for the downside of needing to leave for the airport six hours early for international flights at LAX, but it's worth it.