This Quiet California Desert Town Is Becoming a Famous Commercial Gold Mine
Former “Full House” star.Lori Loughlinher estranged husband,Mossimo Giannullirecently pulled off a multibillion-dollar sale in the California desert—and that sale is a window into why La Quinta, CA, has become one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the country.
In December, Realtor.com® exclusively revealed that Loughlin and Giannulli sold their home for $16.5 million, just four years after getting it off the market for $13 million.
Storms like these are becoming more and more common in the celebrity-loving community, which has attracted buyers like the Apple CEO. Tim Cooka musician Justin Bieberreality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and his mother Chris Jennera supermodel Cindy Crawfordand a music star Braun scooter.
The median home listing price in La Quinta is $875,000. There are currently 188 homes listed for $1 million or more, and 24 homes listed for $5 million or more.
So what makes La Quinta such a hot spot for A-listers?
Karen Ahesya real estate agent with Compass whose family first bought a home in La Quinta three decades ago, tells Realtor.com® that the area has transformed from a quiet desert suburb into one of the most luxurious markets in the Coachella Valley.
Benefits of staying at La Quinta
La Quinta is known for its world-class golf communities and breathtaking mountains.
“Over the past ten years, La Quinta has struck a balance between resort-style living and a true residential community,” Aheasy said. “There is a special level of privacy that attracts high net worth homeowners and celebrities.”
The vibrant city—with a population of 37,846—offers a diverse mix of luxurious accommodations, all with easy access to top-notch amenities throughout the valley.
Ahaesy says La Quinta benefits from its proximity to regional attractions such as The Thermal Club, one of the world’s most exclusive private car sports clubs; the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, which offers private jet access minutes away; and large private spaces such as Zenyara buildings, where high-profile events and private gatherings often take place.
La Quinta is also just two hours from Los Angeles, making it convenient for LA residents.
Places to stay in La Quinta
Several forces have been pushing home prices higher in La Quinta, according to Ahaesy.
“Lower-end properties in high-end communities like Madison Club, Hideaway, Tradition, and Quarry rarely see a profit,” he says. “When a high-quality home comes on the market, the competition is intense.”
He also says buyers from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, and even out-of-state markets like Texas and the Pacific Northwest are drawn to La Quinta for the extra space, privacy, resort-like amenities, and new construction.
“Remote and hybrid working methods have amplified this,” Ahaesy said. “And of course the wonderful weather we have is a big draw, especially during the winter months when La Quinta and the surrounding desert communities often enjoy temperatures in the 70s to 80s, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.”
According to Ahaesy, there is a strong demand for a second home in the community.
“La Quinta offers a true ‘escape’ experience,” he says. “This has made it a prime destination for buyers of second homes and holiday homes.”
Nearby high-profile events like the Coachella Music Festival also play a role in making La Quinta real estate more valuable, according to Aheasy.
“Big events like Coachella, Stagecoach, and the American Express PGA Championship all bring international exposure to the region,” he explained. “Many consumers are first introduced to the desert lifestyle through these events.”
Aheasy says promoters and celebrities attending festivals contribute to La Quinta’s image as a resort destination, and that perception also supports long-term housing value.
What makes La Quinta different
Although La Quinta is close to Indian Wells, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert, many things set it apart.
“Palm Springs is very urban, mid-century, and nightlife,” Aheasy explains. “La Quinta is quiet, fresh, and known for its high-end gated communities and custom-built estates.”
While neighboring Palm Desert serves as the valley’s retail and commercial center, Aheasy says La Quinta offers more residential, resort-like accommodations.
“Nearby Indian Wells is beautiful and established but small and traditional,” Aheasy said. “La Quinta offers a wide range of luxury opportunities, including innovative golf communities, large private estates, and proximity to attractions such as the Desert International Horse Park.”
Ultimately, La Quinta sets itself apart by offering a combination of luxury living, privacy, natural beauty, modern homes, and access to amenities such as golf, tennis, motorsports, equestrian sports, and private sailing.
“That combination is rare not just in the Coachella Valley, but anywhere in California,” Aheasy said.
