When talking to those considering a move to Palm Springs, the question I get asked the most is, 'Which neighborhood is really the best?' I want to first mention that within this city, located in the middle of the desert, prices and atmospheres can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood.

Old Las Palmas is one of the oldest upscale residential areas in Palm Springs. It was once home to old Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant, with mid-century modern homes lined up under the shadow of the mountains. The median home price is reported to be around $1.5 to $2 million.

Movie Colony, as the name suggests, started as a neighborhood for Hollywood actors' vacation homes. It is conveniently located near downtown, and the median home price is slightly lower than Old Las Palmas, ranging from $1.2 to $1.6 million.

Vista Las Palmas and Thunderbird Heights are also worth considering. Vista Las Palmas is famous for being the location of Elvis Presley's honeymoon home, known as the 'Honeymoon House,' while Thunderbird Heights is situated on the mountainside, offering stunning views of the entire city. Both areas have median home prices around $1.5 million.

If you ask about the background of these neighborhoods becoming affluent, I always mention the vacation home culture of Hollywood stars in the mid-20th century. The reasonable distance of a two-hour drive from LA, the desert's unique dry climate, and the mid-century modern architecture set against the mountains have contributed to their lasting significance.

• Old Las Palmas: Former Hollywood star vacation homes, median $1.5 to $2 million
• Movie Colony: Adjacent to downtown, $1.2 to $1.6 million
• Vista Las Palmas & Thunderbird Heights: Mountain views, around $1.5 million

Among Korean investors, I often see those choosing Palm Springs as a second home after retirement. Many buy condos or single-family homes in this area to enjoy the warm winter weather while maintaining their primary residence in LA or Orange County.

I also want to highlight the gap compared to general areas. The overall median home price in Palm Springs is around $600,000 to $700,000, which is two to three times lower than the affluent neighborhoods mentioned above. You should also consider that, due to the desert area's characteristics, water usage and cooling costs can be significant.

The first concern that comes to mind is whether to use it solely as a vacation spot or to settle down completely. If the purpose is a short visit, a location close to downtown like Movie Colony is convenient, while if you prefer a quiet settlement, Old Las Palmas or Thunderbird Heights may be more suitable.