Is It You... or Is It Your House?
You adore your Palm Springs home. The mountain views, the pool parties, the vintage martini glasses that somehow only make sense here. But lately, something feels off. You're not alone. In early 2025, a surprising 77% of local buyers in the Coachella Valley were already homeowners in the area, simply looking for something that better suits their current lifestyle.
So if you’re feeling torn – loving your home but wondering if it's time to make a change – this article is for you. Let’s explore the signs it might be time to move, even if your heart is still a little attached.
Why More People Are Moving Locally in Palm Springs
Here in Palm Springs, the desert dream is alive and well – locals are just reshuffling. Whether upsizing, downsizing, or swapping neighborhoods, most people aren’t leaving the desert. They’re simply staying and evolving according to their changing lifestyle.
This is what makes the Coachella Valley unique. From Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage to Cathedral City, it’s a tight-knit region. People here love the lifestyle – they just occasionally need a better fit.
Signs It Might Be Time to Move (Even If You Love Your Home)
Your home feels different.
That third bedroom you once needed for guests? Now it just collects dust and unopened Amazon packages. Or maybe you’re bursting at the seams after turning the dining room into your partner’s podcast studio. Sound familiar? You may just need more (or less) space all around!
You’re craving a new neighborhood vibe.
Palm Springs is a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Maybe you’re looking for something walkable like the Movie Colony, or a quieter mid-century escape in Deepwell or The Mesa. Sometimes a 10-minute move can be life-changing.
Maintenance is taking over your life.
Remember when your pool was fun? If it’s now a to-do list item instead of a joy, or if gardening went from grounding to grueling, it might be time for a more manageable property – or one with HOA-included amenities.
Your work-from-home setup isn’t cutting it.
If your "home office" is your kitchen island or guest bedroom closet, daily routines might be feeling more like it did during the pandemic. Remote work is here to stay, and your next home might need to support that lifestyle more intentionally. In Palm Springs, your outdoor space is more an extension of your home, so why not make that home office poolside?
You’re sitting on serious equity.
The Palm Springs market has held strong through 2025 so far. Many locals don’t realize just how much their home is worth – and how that equity could power their next move without adding financial strain.
According to Redfin’s Palm Springs Market Data, home values continue to trend steadily, especially in desirable neighborhoods. That kind of momentum is worth paying attention to.
Should You Upgrade or Downsize?
If you’ve been dreaming about bigger views, more space, or a home that fits your luxury desert lifestyle, an upgrade might be in the cards. But if you’re more focused on simplifying, spending less time on upkeep, or traveling more – downsizing could be your path to freedom.
This isn’t just about more or less. It’s about right-sizing your life to match your current reality.
How We Can Help You Buy and Sell Simultaneously
We specialize in helping locals navigate this exact situation. Selling and buying at the same time can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.
At Compass, we offer concierge-level services – everything from staging to painting to landscaping – to get your current home market-ready. And we front the cost until your home sells.
Plus, we know these neighborhoods inside and out and can help you zero in on what feels right now (not five years ago).
Why Buying and Investing in Palm Springs Is Always a Smart Move
Palm Springs is more a lifestyle than a place, and it’s one that continues to attract savvy buyers who value architecture, community, sunshine, and ease. Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, relocating within the valley is often the best way to stay connected to the desert life you love while creating new possibilities for yourself.
As the market remains strong and equity continues to build, now is the perfect time to reevaluate what home means to you – and how your next move could help you live even more fully in the place you already love.
Which Palm Springs neighborhood do you have your eye on next? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want to learn more, check out 10 Welcoming Neighborhoods: Why Palm Springs Should Be Your Next Home, Is Buying a Home in Palm Springs Worth It in 2025, and Why I Joined The Caldwell & Linger Group – the Best Real Estate Team in Palm Springs.
Thinking about selling your home or just curious about its value? We’ve got you covered! Head over to my Home Valuation page for a free home valuation, and get an accurate estimate from a local expert of what your property is worth in today’s market.
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 Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
