Californian Lifestyle

The California lifestyle is defined by its focus on outdoor activities, health, wellness, and innovation, blending diverse cultures with a laid-back attitude, driven by its varied geography, strong tech/entertainment industries, and emphasis on natural beauty like beaches and mountains.

The deserts of California

The deserts of California lie in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are strikingly beautiful regions drawing in photographers, artists and those looking for adventure activities. The Mojave and Colorado deserts in California offer great opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking as well as some incredibly clear skies, perfect for star gazing. In February and April it is possible to see a fantastic display of wildflowers transforming the Californian deserts with a carpet of colourful blooms.

With singing dunes, shimmering salt flats, weathered peaks, steep canyons and twisted vegetation, California’s deserts have a strikingly sculptural appeal. Photographers, artists and stargazers come here to enjoy the clear light and impressive landscapes, whose colours range from palest bone to ochre, russet and crimson. Here and there are natural oddities such as the Trona Pinnacles, pointed tufa rocks which look deliberately planted. The Deserts region has much to offer active adventurers, too: there are rock formations to test climbers, canyons to thrill mountain bikers and, in winter, snow-capped peaks to challenge hikers.

Situated in the rain shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada, this is a devastatingly arid region. It’s home to the place which holds the world record for the hottest ever daytime temperature, Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California’s largest national park. This is the unforgiving heart of the Mojave Desert, a vast area of almost 50,000 square miles which also contains the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.

South of the Mojave is the Colorado Desert, a huge, sandy region which includes the heavily irrigated Coachella and Imperial Valleys, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the eerie, mirror-like Salton Sea, a shallow salt lake situated right on the San Andreas Fault.

To enjoy the deserts’ kinder side, visit between October and April. It’s particularly beautiful in spring. Between February and April, wildflowers of all colours burst into bloom, carpeting the desert floor, and in February and March, the distinctive Joshua Trees grace the landscape with their large white flowers.

The desert has always been a place of wonder, mystery, and magic. The Sahara and Egyptian deserts unlocked the mysteries of the old world while the Southwest represents everything new aged and, for lack of a better word, vibey – and Palm Springs embodies that energy to a T. Located right at the western end of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has been a favorite escape for Hollywood starlets, stargazers, and enchantment seekers for decades. The vast expanse of land, unreal sunsets, and surprisingly resilient wildlife create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure and the the most popular base is Palm Springs, a city that’s a favourite retreat of the rich and famous, with manicured golf courses and a character all its own.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, nestled on the western fringe of the Coachella Valley in central Riverside County, is a prime destination for those looking to enjoy life's finer moments. With its proximity to major Southern California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs attracts many who seek a second home in its welcoming confines. Renowned for its blend of small-town charm and urban cultural amenities, the city offers top-tier shopping, entertainment, dining, and recreational activities. From relaxing rounds of golf during the mild winter months to indulgent spa treatments at luxury resorts, Palm Springs epitomizes leisure and enjoyment. With all of its offerings, it’s no surprise this sunny haven draws over a million tourists each year, drawn by its vibrant cultural scene and diverse culinary offerings.

For residents and potential newcomers, Palm Springs promises a high quality of life with its array of housing options, exceptional amenities, and a warm climate that makes it a perfect escape from colder regions. Whether relocating for work, seeking a vibrant community, or simply embracing a sunnier lifestyle, Palm Springs extends a warm welcome to all.

The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back 

Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or “California look” of the Palm Springs lifestyle. With warm temperatures, low humidity, and major permanent vacation energy, living in Palm Springs is as easy-going and carefree as it can get. If you’ve ever spent time in the city then you’ve most definitely realized that even industries that are considered fairly formal in other cities such as banking tend to welcome a more casual vibe in Palm Springs.

The Weather is Sunny Year-Round

You’ll be greeted by the sun shining in the clear sky almost (if not every) day you wake up in Palm Springs. With an average of 350 or more days of sunshine per year, Palm Springs successfully avoids June Gloom that looms over SoCal’s coastal towns. The summer months do get excruciatingly hot, but that’s a different side of living in Palm Springs that we’ll discuss later on.

Palm Springs is Very Diverse and Inclusive

Residents of Palm Springs have a reputation for being open and welcoming. With a very supportive attitude toward people from many different ethnic, racial, and spiritual backgrounds, Palm Springs doesn’t discriminate against anyone. One might even say that this desert town is a place where even liberals and conservatives tolerate each other more than anywhere else. You’ll find this fact to be true the moment you start living in Palm Springs—it’s definitely one of our favorite things about this town.

The Architecture is Beautiful

Palm Springs’ reputation as an architectural paradise precedes it. So, the chances that you'll live in a Palm Springs neighborhood with very eye-pleasing houses are very high. While real estate prices in Palm Springs are not among the state’s most affordable by any means, you’ll definitely get more for your money while living in Palm Springs.