La Quinta: A City for All Seasons

Written By Ellen Paris

The City of La Quinta draws its character from the area’s deep historic roots. The first scheduled trains began operating between Los Angeles and Indio in 1876 thanks to Indio’s water supply. This development allowed farmers to transport vegetables, melon, citrus, and date crops to metropolitan areas. Neighboring La Quinta`s climate was perfect for growing dates, sweet corn, Bermuda onions, and Thompson seedless grapes. The famed La Quinta Resort & Club with its adobe-style bungalows opened in 1926 and soon became a favorite desert escape for Hollywood stars. Today the 45-acre resort draws visitors and locals for golf, health & fitness, dining, and events. 

Surrounded by reach-out-and-touch views of the Chocolate and Santa Rosa Mountains La Quinta residents seek out its “down valley” location (18 miles east of Palm Springs) and active lifestyle. La Quinta boasts 25 golf courses, 16 parks, an award-winning library, and scenic and easily accessible miles of biking and hiking trails. Old Town La Quinta with a small-town yet sophisticated feel is the destination for unique restaurants, cafes, and shopping. During “season” Old Town hosts an art fair most weekends. The La Quinta Art Celebration is a semi-annual event considered to be the #1 fine art and craft fair in the country. Artists from around the globe showcase original works in 10 different categories. 

Many of La Quinta’s residents both full-time and “snowbirds” seek out the area’s numerous golf clubs and gated communities. PGA West with its six championship courses offers luxury estate homes as well as an abundance of mountain view and golf course condominiums. The Madison Club’s large custom estates designed by top architects are home to a number of high-profile celebrities who appreciate the privacy and security found at The Madison Club. The community of Lake La Quinta offers unique desert waterfront living. La Quinta Cove nestled near Old Town is a close-knit neighborhood of single-family homes. La Quinta truly offers an abundance of living choices in a variety of price ranges and architectural styles. 

Good to Know:

Total Population: 38,272 
Median Age: 50.2 
Median Household Income: $100,802 
Source: Est/Coachella Valley Economic Partnership