Living in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs sits at the western edge of the Coachella Valley, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. It’s a desert resort city famous for its mid-century modern architecture, sunshine, golf, and retro glamour. While it started as a getaway for Hollywood stars, it’s now a full-fledged community where retirees and creatives live year-round.

Downtown Palm Springs keeps the old Hollywood charm alive, with palm-lined streets and cocktail lounges straight out of a movie set. But the vibe isn’t frozen in time; the city has evolved into a design mecca, a festival hub, and a thriving LGBTQ+ capital. It's one of the top cities in the LookyLOO 2025 Guide to LGBTQ+ communities. Residents love the small-city feel paired with world-class amenities and a real sense of style that defines daily life.

The desert heat is real and despised by some and accommodated by others, but so is the sense of calm and space. For those tired of the coastal crowds or endless commutes, Palm Springs feels like a reset button that still keeps you connected to California living.

Palm Springs is part of the Riverside Metro. If you want to understand the region better, check out the LookyLOO Riverside Metro review.

Palm Springs offers a lifestyle that mixes leisure and creativity in equal measure. The sunshine is constant, over 300 days a year, and people build their routines around it. Mornings might mean hiking Tahquitz Canyon or biking through the Movie Colony. Afternoons often turn into pool time or long lunches at places like Trio or Farm.

The arts scene is a major part of the city’s identity. Events like Modernism Week, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Desert X attract global attention, and local galleries keep the energy going year-round. Nightlife is lively but not overwhelming — think live jazz, drag brunches, and rooftop lounges rather than clubs.

Outdoor lovers find plenty to do beyond lounging. The San Jacinto Mountains rise dramatically behind town, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers quick access to alpine hiking. Golf is practically its own religion here, and the network of parks and trails means even casual walkers have plenty of options.

Want to experience Palm Springs like a local? Skip the big resorts for a mid-century Airbnb or small boutique inn. You’ll get a better feel for the community’s rhythm — mornings at Koffi, afternoons at the pool, evenings at VillageFest downtown.

Palm Springs isn’t a major employment hub in the traditional sense — and that’s partly the point. Many residents are retirees, self-employed, or remote workers who’ve chosen the desert lifestyle intentionally. For those still in the workforce, the economy leans toward tourism, hospitality, design, healthcare, and real estate.

Coachella Valley’s broader economy — including Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and Indio — provides job access in healthcare, education, logistics, and tech services. Remote workers enjoy reliable high-speed internet and a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes like The Hive, WorkShop, and Ernest Coffee that double as informal offices.

Palm Springs International Airport makes travel easy, with direct flights to most West Coast cities (and even a few Canadian ones), so it’s practical for professionals who need to travel but don’t want to live in a big metro.