If you’ve recently binge-watched Hulu’s newest series Mid-Century Modern, you’re probably dreaming of caftans, martinis, and mid-century masterpieces in sunny Palm Springs. Welcome to my real life!
Starring legends like Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham, the show follows three gay best friends who move in together in Palm Springs to live out their golden years — with a touch of drama and a whole lot of sass. But as fabulous as the show is, many are left wondering:
Is this what life in Palm Springs is really like for gay men today?
As a real estate agent who lives and works in Palm Springs — and proudly caters to LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers — I’ve got the tea, the truth, and the real estate listings to back it all up.
Life in Palm Springs: Fact vs. Fabulous Fiction
Chosen family vibes? 100% real.
Palm Springs has long been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, especially gay men 45+. With its welcoming spirit and thriving queer culture, many of us find our “chosen family” here. Whether you’re single, coupled, retired, or rebranding, you’ll feel at home here — without the big-city noise or judgment.
In fact, Palm Springs has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any city in the U.S. – over 40% identifying as LGBTQ+ – making it a uniquely safe and affirming place to call home.
Mid-century homes? Even better in real life.
The show is practically a love letter to mid-century modern design — and it’s not exaggerating. Palm Springs is the global epicenter for mid-century architecture, with homes designed by master architects like William Krisel, Donald Wexler, and Albert Frey.
We have entire neighborhoods — like Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas — where original mid-century homes are lovingly restored or reimagined. And yes, you can actually buy one (often starting around $1M+ depending on location and updates).
Want to see what’s on the market right now? Start here for a curated look at available homes.
What the Show Got (Mostly) Right…
Let’s give Hulu some credit — they nailed the vibe. From poolside shade-throwing to old friends turning into roommates, Mid-Century Modern taps into a real phenomenon: the dream of retiring fabulously in Palm Springs.
Things like:
-
Breezeblock walls and butterfly roofs? Check.
-
Sun-soaked backyards and martini hour at 4? Definitely.
-
Palm Springs as a safe space for gay men? Always.
But of course, not everyone here lives in a designer home with their best friends and their mother. Some of us have mortgages, HOA meetings, and demanding jobs. Still, the spirit of the show resonates loud and clear.
Where the Characters Would Really Live
Bunny? He’s in Old Las Palmas — money, glamour, history.
Jerry? Twin Palms — social, fun, full of mid-century charm.
Arthur? Deepwell Estates — thoughtful, stylish, and a little more grounded.
Sybil? Indian Canyons — elegant, elevated, and always with a view.
Which character do you identify the most with?
Real Estate in Palm Springs: Smart, Sexy, and Stable
Beyond the fiction, Palm Springs is a solid investment. According to Zillow, the median home price in Palm Springs is over $750,000 and rising steadily – with demand from LA, San Francisco, and across the country.
Why? Because it’s beautiful, inclusive, stylish, and manageable (you can get anywhere in this town in 10 minutes or less).
Mid-century homes, in particular, hold incredible value. Their architectural & historical significance and continued demand from savvy buyers & architectural connoisseurs (especially during Modernism Week) keep them in high demand year-round.
Final Thoughts: Is Palm Springs Right for You?
If Mid-Century Modern has you dreaming of desert days and gay paradise — it might be more than just TV magic. Palm Springs offers a real opportunity to live well, feel safe, and invest wisely in a home that reflects your taste and lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to relocate, retire, or simply own a piece of this design-driven paradise, I’d love to help you find your perfect place in Palm Springs.
Still skeptical about moving to the desert? Check out the following videos:
-
10 Welcoming Neighborhoods: Why Palm Springs Should Be Your Next Home
-
10 Reasons You Should Never Move to Palm Springs (Wink, Wink!) for a more transparent (and sarcastic) look 😉
What other questions do you have?
Consider an experienced and knowledgeable local realtor (like me) to help you make sense of things.
If you’re ready to buy and/or sell yourself, I look forward to assisting you. I promise to give you a much more targeted answer than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Please feel free to give me a call, text, email me – or let’s schedule a Zoom meeting.
I’m looking forward to connecting with you!
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: [email protected]
📅 Zoom: Click here and let's schedule it!
💻 Website: https://www.modernlivingpalmsprings.com/
🔎 My Google Business Profile: https://goo.gl/maps/hipgpHfDezGWBTxd6
PS- Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community and looking to relocate to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley? Check out our FREE “Palm Springs Enthusiasts LGBTQ+ Relocation Guide” and find out why Palm Springs is such an oasis of Pride and inclusivity – brought to you by The Palm Springs Guys and Glen Nadeau Real Estate 🏳️🌈
*We cannot guarantee any of the above statements or third-party links. Before you enter any transaction, you should read and review all contracts, leases, and information as they are unique and subject to changes. We recommend you consult with your accountant, attorney, tax advisor, and local real estate professionals prior to any real estate transactions.
