What will $1 million buy in the Greater Palm Springs real estate market? Likely a lot more than it does in the place that you call your primary residence — coastal Southern California, the Bay Area, Chicago, or the Pacific Northwest. In San Francisco, for instance, the amount buys fewer than 800 square feet compared to a sprawling 3,000 in Palm Springs, which also offers a resort lifestyle, easy commutes, and a meteoric arts and culture scene.
The value of real estate in the desert drives its popularity for full-time residences and second or investment homes.
• See related story: Who are the top realtors in Palm Springs and neighboring desert cities.
We looked at the area’s most popular feeder markets, which mirror tourism patterns to a great degree, and used a baseline of approximately $1 million to compare them to communities in Greater Palm Springs. What we found comes as no surprise: Dollar for dollar, the region offers more square footage, land, and amenities. And who could put a price on quality of life? We have great weather, reasonable traffic, and world-class entertainment and activities.
This is how we stack up against other markets.
SEATTLE
2911 Second Ave., Unit 1206
List price $949,000
Square footage 1,066
Price per square foot $890
Annual Taxes $6,462
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $1,169
Neighborhood
Waterfront Belltown brims with stylish eateries, art galleries, and indie boutiques. Thriving nightlife makes it one of Seattle’s hippest areas.
property
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse condo offers direct views of the Space Needle, the water, and the mountains, plus a chef’s kitchen, soaking tub, and parking. Building amenities include a 24/7 concierge, a private supper club, a gym, and a dog run/wash area.
listing agent
Neda Perrina, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, 206-218-8589
PALM DESERT
72789 Bel Air Road
List price $999,000
Square footage 2,510
Price per square foot $398
Annual Taxes $8,428
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee n/a
Neighborhood
Off the scenic Palms to Pines Highway, the neighborhood unfolds 2 miles from El Paseo’s shops and restaurants and is also close to shopping malls, galleries, and recreational facilities.
property
This recently remodeled modern home offers four spacious bedrooms with en suite baths, an upmarket kitchen with double ovens, a living room with a fireplace, and a stylish master and bathroom with a soaking tub. The large outdoor area boasts mountain views, a large pool with custom built-in seating, and a fire bowl.
listing agent
Jolie Leydekkers, Windermere Homes & Estates, 760-660-6444, 760-702-6736
PALM SPRINGS
1304 E. Sierra Way
List price $999,000
Square footage 3,103
Price per square foot $322
Annual Taxes $12,126
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $655
Neighborhood
Opened in 1970, Canyon Estates has
254 condos and single-family homes designed by architect Charles E. Dubois, AIA, near the Indian Canyons.
property
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom (all en suite) gated home features vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows, travertine floors, and a stone fireplace. It offers multiple patios, an outdoor fireplace and bar, and a lap pool and spa with a waterfall and mountain views. Plus: a nine-hole golf course, a gym, tennis, and 15 community pools and 12 spas.
listing agent
Scott Histed, Bennion Deville Homes, 760-218-1751
SAN FRANCISCO
1788 Clay St., Unit 407
List price $950,000
Square footage 764
Price per square foot $1,243
Annual Taxes $10,727
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $627
Neighborhood
With its diverse architecture and
demographics, stylish Nob Hill is a well-established, vibrant locale encompassing cozy cafés, foliage-lined alleyways, and Huntington Park, which provides free Wi-Fi.
property
This airy one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo near public transportation and restaurants offers a luxurious kitchen outfitted with Bertazzoni appliances and a quartz island. Building amenities include a lobby attendant, a communal courtyard, and a bocce court.
listing agent
Monica Burns, Compass, 415-244-7354
CHICAGO
456 W. Deming Place, Unit 2W
List price $1 million
Square footage 2,100
Price per square foot $476
Annual Taxes $19,682
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $495
Neighborhood
Lakefront Lincoln Park buzzes with eateries and shops set amid genteel brownstones, beaches, and parks. It offers attractions like the Chicago History Museum and Lincoln Park Conservatory, as well as a flourishing theater scene.
property
Set in an elegant eight-unit brick row house, this luxurious condo has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. There’s a finely outfitted kitchen, a great room with a fireplace, and a soaking tub, plus a semiprivate elevator and a deck.
listing agent
G. Mayreli Sanchez, Century 21 Affiliated, 847-677-1200
LA QUINTA
78800 Citrus Lane
List price $949,000
Square footage 1,066
Price per square foot $890
Annual Taxes $6,462
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $1,169
Neighborhood
The Citrus Club at La Quinta Resort & Club is a posh, gated haven surrounded by golf courses and mountains.
property
Overlooking the Pete Dye golf course, the furnished Mediterranean-style home has four bedrooms and five bathrooms, formal dining and living rooms, a granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a pool and spa with a waterfall , and a barbecue area. The club’s affiliation with La Quinta Resort & Club offers amenities including golf, tennis, spa, and dining.
listing agent
Sandi Phillips, HK Lane Real Estate,
760-541-4800, 760-561-5313
VANCOUVER, BC
103-1311 Beach Ave.
List price $1.02 million
Square footage 980
Price per square foot $1,041
Annual Taxes $2,025
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $431
Neighborhood
Set on the water adjacent to renowned Stanley Park, Vancouver’s lively West End is full of hip restaurants, museums, public art, and bike paths along the seawall.
property
Overlooking Sunset Beach, this sophisticated one-bedroom condo contains a den, a full
bath, and a powder room. Features include hardwood floors, crown molding, a large patio, and dedicated parking. Building amenities
consist of a garden, a gym, and 24-hour
concierge service.
listing agent
Shaz Karim, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, 604-649-1494, 604-632-3300
NEWPORT BEACH
1949 Vista Caudal
List price $1.13 million
Square footage 1,701
Price per square foot $661
Annual Taxes $11,516
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $444
Neighborhood
This three-bedroom, three-bathroom end unit has an oversized porch and ocean and bluff views from the upstairs master and other bedrooms. It features a custom walnut door, porcelain tile fireplace, renovated kitchen with new KitchenAid appliances, and a spa-like master bath with a double sink and floating vanity.
property
The Bluffs offers the relaxed luxury of a European village. Residents enjoy a community pool, greenbelts, and proximity to the Fashion Island, Back Bay, and beaches.
listing agent
Andrea Ballesteros, Coldwell Banker, 949-415-4052
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
67097 Dillon Road
List price $799,000
Square footage 2,650 + guesthouse
Price per square foot $302
Annual Taxes $6,163
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee n/a
Neighborhood
A few miles from the ultrachic TwoBunch Palms resort, this quiet area is home to ranches, hot springs hotels/spas, and a golf course.
property
This contemporary Spanish-style estate on 15 private acres has five bedrooms and three bathrooms spread across 2,650 square feet, plus a one-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse with a full kitchen. The outdoor space includes a horse corral, a pool, a lit basketball court, and a treehouse. Other perks: a game room, a fire pit, and a three-car garage.
listing agent
Daniel Bragg, TenX Realty & Investments, 760-409-6073
SANTA MONICA
1144 17th St., Unit 11
List price $969,000
Square footage 950
Price per square foot $1,020
Annual Taxes $10,384
Monthly HOA/Condo Fee $437
Neighborhood
Peppered with coffee shops, yoga
studios, galleries, and a hint of salty air from the nearby beach, the Wilshire-Montana area epitomizes easy, breezy Los Angeles living.
property
This split-level contemporary townhouse includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms; an open kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Other amenities include in-unit laundry, a remodeled master bath, a skylight, and the all-important private covered parking.
listing agent
Dan Nessel, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 310-365-0195, 310-255-3422
