In light of Roe v. Wade being overturned by the Supreme Court, many folks in the LGBTQ+ community are considering relocating to somewhere new – and understandably so, as this ruling casts a shadow over the future of human rights in this country across the board.
Since some states could potentially become less welcoming to our beautiful queer community, finding an area where we can simply be who we are is necessary – whether it’s for the longterm or even just to escape to. Palm Springs, California is a smart decision because it’s more than just an LGBTQ+ friendly place – it’s an oasis of pride and inclusivity.
I’ll be focusing more specifically on the gay male experience here in this article because it’s what I know best. Let’s take a look at why Palm Springs is an LGBTQ+ friendly place (especially for gay men). The Coachella Valley has much to offer, even to those who may have been skeptical about Palm Springs until now (hint: it’s not just a retirement community anymore).
Palm Springs is a Welcoming Area for the LGBTQ+ Community
If you’ve ever been curious about Palm Springs, here are some unique and surprising facts about our little city. In 2017, the gay and lesbian community – a majority of the electorate in a relatively small city of 45,000 people (now closer to 50,000) – elected the nation’s first city council consisting entirely of members of the LGBTQ+ community. And out of 53.7% registered voters in 2020, 50.9% voted democratic, 26.7% voted republican, and 17.9% had no party preference.
Revivals is where all the conscientious LGBTQ+ locals shop and volunteer their time. That's because all four (4) Revivals Stores here in the Coachella Valley donates 100% of its profits (around $1 million a year) to support comprehensive healthcare at DAP Health (the Desert AIDS Project). Needless to say, Palm Springs is a very welcoming, safe, and inclusive area for the LGBTQ+ community.
From Modernism Week to Palm Springs Pride and Pride Parade (one of the biggest Pride festivals in California), there’s no shortage of annual events to highlight and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Check out the Gay Desert Guide’s Coachella Valley Calendar of Events for a complete list.
Palm Springs is a Desirable LGBTQ+ Vacation Destination
Did you know that Palm Springs has one of the largest concentrations of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world? There are Mid-century modern homes around every corner that are as unique, colorful, and inspiring as the town itself. There’s so much to be in awe of when you visit here. In addition, Palm Springs might still claim the highest per capita swimming pool rate (a staggering 40,000 pools and counting)!
Palm Springs is also brimming with queer culture for vacationers, from its nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. The Arenas district is the primary gay area of downtown Palm Springs, featuring lots of bars and shops on one short block. It’s happy hour every day at bars like Chill Bar and Eagle 501 Bar, and it’s easy to meet new friends at Blackbook Bar & Kitchen as well. While you’re in the “gayborhood,” you’ll probably want to beat the heat when you arrive with a new pair of short-shorts from Division Palm Springs or swimwear from GayMart USA.If clothing-optional is your thing, check out men-only boutique hotels like Descanso Resort and Santiago Resort that offer an intimate luxury getaway for gay men (both featuring salt water pools). Check out The Palm Springs Guys (our brother site) for more resources and local intel on all things Gay Palm Springs for visitors.
Coachella Valley is a Fast-growing Housing Market Area
If you’ve been skeptical about moving to Palm Springs because you’re under the (false) impression that it’s just a big gay retirement town, let me set the record straight (pun fully intended). While there are still vibrant communities that cater to 55+ (including the Stonewall Gardens retirement complex and Living Out Palm Springs), Palm Springs is getting younger and more diverse every day.
The pandemic may have accelerated many people’s decisions to buy a second home or a new full time residence here in the Coachella Valley. Within the last year alone, the housing market has been in very high demand. It was a competitive sellers market (due to low inventory and high demand) throughout most of 2022 but things are beginning to level out again. That’s great news for new buyers and sellers because more inventory is becoming available and buyers are becoming less hesitant to buy.
I’ve had lots of conversations with young gay male couples who have decided to relocate from the hustle of big-city life (Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles) to the laid-back community-driven pace of Palm Springs. I’ve also had conversations with men of all ages who have lived here for 2 years, 5 years, even 20+ years – and everyone seems to love it as much as they did when they first arrived. With that in mind, buying a home in Palm Springs or the surrounding desert cities is not only a great investment decision – it’s a great “quality of life” decision too.
The pandemic may have accelerated many people’s decisions to buy a second home or a new full time residence here in the Coachella Valley. Within the last year alone, the housing market has been in very high demand. It was a competitive sellers market (due to low inventory and high demand) throughout most of 2022 but things are beginning to level out again. That’s great news for new buyers and sellers because more inventory is becoming available and buyers are becoming less hesitant to buy.
I’ve had lots of conversations with young gay male couples who have decided to relocate from the hustle of big-city life (Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles) to the laid-back community-driven pace of Palm Springs. I’ve also had conversations with men of all ages who have lived here for 2 years, 5 years, even 20+ years – and everyone seems to love it as much as they did when they first arrived. With that in mind, buying a home in Palm Springs or the surrounding desert cities is not only a great investment decision – it’s a great “quality of life” decision too.
If you have questions about the Palm Springs real estate market, consider an experienced and knowledgeable local real estate agent (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. Please feel free to give me a call, text, or use the form below.
Your Palm Springs & Desert Cities Insider,
Glen Nadeau
Your Palm Springs & Desert Cities Insider,
Glen Nadeau
*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.
