Neighborhood Map, Blade Sign Art, and Portions of Text ©2020 ONE-PS (ONE-PS.org)
Palm Springs Neighborhoods
Andreas Hills
This neighborhood offers easy access to trails suitable for walkers and hikers of all levels. One of the paths brings you to Bob Hope’s estate on nearby Southridge. Another is the gateway to Palm Canyon. Before it was developed former mayor Frank Bogert used to do trail rides here. One of the trails is now named after him, Bogert Trail.
Araby Commons
This neighborhood is tucked close to Southridge where you can see Bob Hope’s large estate on the mountainside. It includes four midcentury modern condominium communities; Imperial Park South, Coco Caban, Sandcliff and Marbella.
Araby Cove
Araby Cove neighborhood is located in South-East Palm Springs, off of Araby Road. Araby cove is a unique, offbeat and often called bohemian neighborhood of 81 eclectic homes. Because of the hill, many of these homes have great views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains. Some homes are cabin-like and date to the early 1920s. Others range from ranch-style to modern.
Baristo
This neighborhood was formalized in 2007 and was comprised mainly of condominium complexes owned by part-time residents. The southern portion of the area is part of “Section 14” – the heart of Palm Springs and an essential portion of the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Canyon Corridor
In 1955 this section of south Palm Springs was undeveloped. As the city grew, this section was developed by Roy Fey. He built the Desert Skies Apartment Hotel, which became one of Palm Springs first condominium concepts. Another of his famous projects was the Villa Roma complex.
Deepwell Estates
Henry Pearson purchased a plot of land in Palm Springs in 1926 and needed more water to keep his investment thriving. He drilled and drilled until he hit 630 feet below the surface. It was the deepest well in the Coachella Valley and so he named his property Deep Well. He built a ranch home that became a guest home. The land was sold in 1950s and subdivided. It holds a large concentration of midcentury modern homes. Architects include Donald Wexler, Howard Lapham, Hal Levitt, John Port Clark, E. Stewart Williams, Hugh Kaptur, William Krisel, Stan Sackley, Herbert Burns, and others. The former William Holden estate is considered among the most architecturally significant homes.
Demuth Park
Demuth holds the city’s largest public park with a 61 acres’ greenbelt and a Community Center. This was the first neighborhood after WWII to offer much needed post war housing. In fact, it was known as the “Veteran’s Tact.” The architecture is more ranch style homes. There is a mix of residential and businesses now.
Desert Highland Gateway
This neighborhood is in North Palm Springs at the entrance from Indian Canyon Drive. It’s a smaller 18-acre tract that has a baseball field, basketball courts and an equipped picnic area. Here you will find the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
Desert Park Estates
Noel Clarke opened the Ranch Club on this tract of land in the late 1950’s which sat on 1,000 acres. He decided to develop part of the land and hired Hugh Kaptur, a member of the Ranch Club, to draw up some home designs. He designed about a half dozen models, all low-set homes with gently sloped roofs, featuring post-and-beam construction. Many of the homes were built between 1959 and 1965. Today there is a mix of styles including modern, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, contemporary and ranch. One of the popular and well recognized resorts in the area is The Monkey Tree.
El Mirador
This neighborhood was first developed in the 1920s by P.T. Stevens who build the El Mirador Hotel. The Desert Inn was already a popular stop with the Hollywood crowd and this large resort on the north part of town, added to Palm Springs popularity. Although the resort no longer exists, you can still see the tower at Desert Regional Medical Center. Stars build homes in this area to be close to the resort, which offered dining, entertainment, a large pool and tennis courts.
El Rancho Vista Estates
This neighborhood is tucked in the corner of Gene Autry and Vista Chino and comprises of 115 midcentury homes. Roy Fey developed this in the 1950’s with architect Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison, who designed about 70 of the homes. Later 20 ranch homes were added and in the 1970s, 20 more stylish homes. It has one main street with eight branching cul-de-sacs.
Escena
This is one of Palm Springs newest neighborhoods with a 450 acres’ master plan that includes an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse. Currently, Alta Verde Homes, Toll Brothers, and Beazer Homes are building in Escena.
Four Season
This was developed from open land around 2005. It is a gated community for active retirees over age 55. There are476 Mediterranean style homes with a central lodge in the heart of the complex. The lodge features a café, ballroom, hobby room, entertainment facilities and fitness center among other amenities.
Gene Autry
Named for the “singing cowboy,” who lived in Palm Springs, Gene Autry neighborhood is a well-maintained, 100 percent residential neighborhood in northeast Palm Springs. The neighborhood is distinguished by more than 100 homes designed by famous mid-century architect Hugh Kaptur.
Historic Tennis Club
The Historic Tennis Club neighborhood is the beating heart of Downtown Palm Springs. With 11 structures registered as historic, the past and present intersect on every corner. The neighborhood is also home to nearly two dozen boutique hotels that make this part of Palm Springs unique.
Indian Canyons
Originally built in the 1960s, Indian Canyons primarily comprises of midcentury-modern custom homes designed by such noted architects as Dan Palmer, William Krisel, Stan Sackley and others. It was a magnet for celebrities like Bob Hope, Sinatra’s Rat Pack, and many more. The Indian Canyons neighborhood lies near the entrance to a cove that is protected from the brunt of the desert winds and the full intensity of the summer sun. The area is adjacent to the largest grove of wild palm trees in the world.
Lawrence Crossley
Lawrence Crossley is a neighborhood of 68 residents, with an additional 42 homes to be built in the future. The western neighborhood is named after Lawrence Crossley, a prominent African-American businessman who helped develop Palm Springs and maintain strong relationships with different members of the community and Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, despite the city being segregated.
Little Beverly Hills
Little Beverly Hills is a neighborhood of 84 detached homes and two apartment complexes. All the detached homes were built by either the Alexander Construction Company or competing midcentury developer Jack Meiselman. Legend has it that Bob Alexander names the streets after things he enjoyed, including his Beverly Hills home, thus many of the streets are the same as its famous counterpart.
Little Tuscany
This Italian-named neighborhood began in 1934 when architect Alvah Hicks built seven Tuscan-style homes amidst Palm Springs’ rocky hillside outcroppings. The neighborhood now boasts notable midcentury homes including the Kaufmann House, the May House, the Edris House, the Palevsky House and the Kramer House. Little Tuscany is distinguished by its spectacular elevated vistas across the valley floor to the area’s landmark wind turbines.
Los Compadres
Named for the Los Compadres Club and Stables, this neighborhood enjoys a great mix of architecture among beautiful, sweeping views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain. By the 1960, midcentury homes were being built near the Western-style Stables, later joined by Spanish-style homes in the 1970s and 1980s, providing even more interest and texture to the neighborhood.
Melody Ranch
“Melody Ranch” was the name given by singing cowboy Gene Autry to the hotel he purchased in 1961, but now has grown to consist of that original hotel (The Parker), the Seven Lakes Homeowners Association, the Oasis resort and the Canyon Sands Homeowners Association. Each is a unique contributor to the beauty of the neighborhood.
The Mesa
Snuggled into the hillsides of the San Jacinto Mountains in south Palm springs, sheltered from much of the area’s blazing sun and rushing wind, is the charming Palm Canyon Mesa neighborhood, more commonly known as The Mesa. The area is eclectic as Palm Springs itself and features a variety of architectural styles, including native adobe, Spanish-inspired, midcentury modern and contemporary. Famous former residents of this neighborhood include Sonny Bono, Cher and Rita Hayworth.
Midtown
The city’s most metropolitan neighborhood, Midtown comprises 960 residences in the northern half of “Section 14” – the land set aside in 1877 by Executive Order of President Grant as the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Now home to many hotels, the Convention Center, and the Aqua Caliente Spa Resort Casino, as well as being close to the fun downtown, Midtown is the hip, fresh urban neighborhood where Palm Springs stays, plays, and celebrates life.
Mountain Gate
This neighborhood was built in 2003 and is the new “in” neighborhood, as is the first residential development seen coming into Palm Springs from the north. The neighborhood consists of 450 sophisticated, contemporary residences with plans for more. Each winding road provides neighbors with a different perspective of the beautiful mountains surrounding Palm Springs.
The Movie Colony
In the mid-1920s, Palm Springs transformed from a health resort destination to a residential community. It was about that time when Hollywood discovered the desert city’s proximity to Los Angeles and the ‘anything goes’ atmosphere made it a great place to unwind. Notable residents include Gloria Swanson, Rory Calhoun, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant and so many more. With a collection of Spanish Colonial Revival and other revival styles mixed with midcentury modern and other minimalist forms, the Movie Colony is as unique as its amazing history.
Movie Colony East
Another neighborhood filled with Hollywood history, Movie Colony East is a mid-century wonderland filled with great homes by famous architects E. Stewart William, Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, and others. In these wonderful homes lived stars that included Dorothy Lamour, Clara Bow, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra. This neighborhood also includes artist Kenny Irwin, internationally recognized “RoboLights” exhibition- a robot-themed multimedia sculpture garden and light show – enjoyed by tens of thousands of strolling visitors each December.
Oasis Del Sol
Located between Farell Drive and Sunrise Way, this neighborhood is perfectly centered for easy access to the Airport and not far from the bustling unique downtown. Oasis Del Sol is filled with great single-family homes and great businesses that make this neighborhood comfortable for residents and visitors alike.
Old Las Palmas
Old Las Palmas has approximately 290 detached homes at the base of Mount San Jacinto. The homes in this neighborhood reflect virtually every period of Palm Springs development; old Spanish, Western, midcentury, contemporary, and postmodern construction. Notable of residents in this community include Judy Harland, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kirk Douglas and so many more. Then and now, ownership of A-listers was so prevalent, that it seems like every property can claim a Hollywood connection.
Parkview Mobile Estates
Parkview Mobile Estates is a distinguished, attractive, affordable, well-situated, 55-and-older community that’s brimming with character. With a unique grouping of all different types of styles, Parkview is different from most mobile home parks.
Racquet Club Estates
This neighborhood is known for its style. Featuring post-and-beam construction, soaring rooflines, clerestory windows, open floor plans, and blurred lines separating outdoors and in, the vast majority of the 500-plus single-family homes are iconic midcentury designs by architects William Krisel, Jack Meiselman, and Donald Wexler. Wexler pioneered the strikingly original ‘steel homes’ that introduced prefabricated, steel-and-glass construction of affordable housing created specifically for the desert and is seen prolifically in this neighborhood.
Racquet Club West
Racquet Club West is prized for its large lots and range of architectural styles. The 460 households include family homes and sizable estates, modest apartments, and luxury condos. Many of these were designed by renowned midcentury architects, and none are very far from Hollywood’s hollowed ground in the desert. The neighborhood also incorporates the famous Racquet Club where many Hollywood stars frequented to play tennis and lounge around the pool.
Ranch Club Estates
300 beautiful midcentury homes are situated around what was the Ranch Club, the largest and most popular social club in Palm Springs during the 1950s. Designed by architect Hugh Kaptur, the homes are all low set, with gently sloped roofs, post-and-beam construction, and insulated ceilings.
Park San Rafael
Park San Rafael is a neighborhood in Palm Springs, California. Park San Rafael mostly features midsize homes that are competitively priced. This community dates back to 1991 and has continued to develop over the years.
Sonora Sunrise
This neighborhood successfully combines a relaxing desert ambiance with classic Palm Springs cool. Sonora Sunrise is nearly surrounded by scenic bike routes and hiking trails. It also is home to the Purple Room at the Hotel Trinidad, where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack used to host.
Sunmor
Central Palm Springs’ Sunmor neighborhood is a remarkably intact collection of midcentury homes. Most of the 141 residences still maintain their Modernist rooflines, breezeways, clerestory windows, and other classic architectural features of the 1950s and 60s. During World War II, the western portion of the Palm Springs Army Airfield was located where the original Sunmor Estates tract was later built. You can still see the circular concrete pads where military planes were tied down.
Sunrise Park
Centrally located, this neighborhood is less than 1 mile from Downtown and uptown Palm Springs. The quiet residential area is dotted with midcentury homes, including several post-World War II tract houses designed or developed by some of the most innovative and influential names of the era. Sunrise Park is also home to the Camelot Theater where many of the city’s film festivals are held.
Sunrise Vista Chino
A tranquil enclave in north-central Palm Springs, Sunrise-Vista Chino has a variety of different styles of residences, like the unique Sagewood condominiums, the Ranch Club Estates, and the Philip Caplin Vista Sunrise. Today’s residents live the diversity and convenience of their neighborhood, its colorful history, and its proximity to essential services and downtown.
Tahquitz Creek Golf
Located near the eastern corner of South Palm Springs, this neighborhood is a community of condominiums and single-family homes nestled in and around the championship Lawrence Hughes-designed Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. The neighborhood is adjacent to the scenic Tahquitz Creek Wash, and the 900 homes represent several architectural styles.
Tahquitz River Estates
The neighborhood was first fashioned in the early 1930s to build mall Spanish Revival homes. Now, thanks to earthmovers and a bridge, the neighborhood has expanded to incorporate many modernist homes, quirky motor courts, hotels by noted architects Howard Lapham and Hugh Kaptur, an Albert Frey-designed church and what may Palm Springs first modernist residence – a home dating to 1933 by architect William Gray Powell.
Twin Palms
Twin Palms was the birthplace of large-scale Modernism in Palm Springs. It was the first midcentury modern neighborhood completed by the Alexander Construction Company and the first truly modern housing tract in the city.
Vista Las Palmas
In this neighborhood of Palm Springs, architecture and celebrity continue to make history. Vista Las Palmas is a stunning neighborhood of iconic midcentury homes. Hollywood celebrities discovered the neighborhood early in the last century around the same time residential air conditioning was making its debut. Entertainment executives and performers till own homes in Vista Las Palmas today.
Vista Norte
Residents of Vista Norte enjoy unrestricted views in every direction thanks to its central location and all utilities being placed underground. The neighborhood consists of approximately 400 single-family, detached residences, some built as early as the 1940s.
Warm Sands
This neighborhood is among the most historic and diverse neighborhoods in all of Palm Springs. The neighborhood is approximately one-half square mile and contains historic Spanish-style houses from the 1920s and 30s, midcentury modern homes from the 50s and 60s as well as many historical resorts and hotels with large historical significance.
