Six Desert Communities I’m Obsessed With—And Why

As someone who was an open house enthusiast long before becoming a Realtor, I’ve explored more neighborhoods across the Valley than I can count. And let me tell you, we’ve got some truly extraordinary ones! From architectural gems to communities offering some rather unexpected amenities, here are six that I’ve become particularly obsessed with!

XO, Lindsay

SHADOW LAKE ESTATES

A waterski lake in the middle of the desert? Believe it or not, there’s a neighborhood for that! Tucked behind gates in northern Indio is this hidden gem of a community, featuring 48 custom homesites surrounding a 42-acre recreational lake, where residents can enjoy everything from wakeboarding to jet skiing to paddleboarding and fishing (the lake is stocked with more than 10,000 fish!), plus two slalom courses for serious waterski enthusiasts. Homesites are approximately an acre, and many feature their own private beach, dock and electric boat lift. It’s like living out your very own Dawson’s Creek fantasies, right here in the middle of the desert!

THE THERMAL CLUB

Prefer cars and pavement to boats and water? This exclusive community has you covered! Featuring three racing circuits spanning more than five miles of track (complete with a Motorsports Village with a ground crew, service garage and professional instructors at the ready), this 426-acre gated enclave is a veritable playground for adults. And let’s not forget the luxury restaurant, clubhouse, on-site spa and fitness center. Each villa and custom home is designed with luxury and racing in mind, with many situated trackside, offering incredible views of the action and the mountains beyond. And the garages? Some can accommodate up to 20 vehicles! Visiting this place left me completely awestruck—and this is coming from someone with zero interest in cars! It’s grand on the grandest of scales, and there’s truly no place else like it!

ESCENA

With some of the most beautiful views in the entire Valley, a fabulous restaurant overlooking the Nicklaus-designed golf course, sleek modern homes and even a few celebrity residents, there’s a lot to love about this 450-acre master-planned community in north Palm Springs. Both the golf course and restaurant are open to the public, and the latter has become one of my go-to spots for taking out-of-town visitors. I especially love popping by for breakfast, when the morning light hits the mountains just right, creating a truly stunning dining backdrop. Bonus: The community is right across the street from the CV Link and Paul Bar/Food (another of my favorite local eateries!).

THE ESTATES AT DESERT SPRINGS

While I’ve never actually set foot inside this community, which is connected to the JW Marriott Desert Springs, I’ve long admired it from afar. The JW is one of my favorite Valley destinations, and one evening many moons ago, my now-husband and I were enjoying a boat ride around the resort when our captain pointed out a unique neighborhood comprising 34 custom homes and explained that residents there enjoy many of the hotel’s perks, from concierge assistance to housekeeping to room service. Yes, residents can actually have food delivered straight to their door! Well, once I heard that, I was officially obsessed. As someone who absolutely loves room service (especially when chicken strips are involved!), this place is an absolute dream. It’s like living at a luxury resort, but with all the comforts of your very own home!

DESERT ISLAND

Every time I step onto the grounds of this Rancho Mirage condominium community (the desert’s only high-rise residential development!), I feel like I’ve been magically transported to Hawaii. All that’s missing are the welcome leis! Featuring three multi-story buildings comprising 226 residences, a 110-acre championship golf course, a lake, a parlor, an art gallery, a casual eatery & the most adorable clubhouse around (think the Rat Pack meets The Beverly Hills Hotel), Desert Island offers a truly unique take on desert living. Oh, and views for days! Who needs a backyard when you’ve got gorgeous fairways, sparkling water & mountain vistas stretching out before you? It’s resort-style living with the perfect touch of old-school glamour.

MARRAKESH COUNTRY CLUB

Marrakesh Country Club has long been my white whale. Despite years of exploring the desert and visiting open houses, I’ve somehow never made it past the gates of this iconic Palm Desert community! Designed by renowned architect John Elgin Woolf, the 155-acre development features 364 homes showcasing his signature Hollywood Regency style, all painted in that unmistakable Marrakesh pink. Factor in all the midcentury glamour and one seriously gorgeous clubhouse, and you’ve got a veritable pink paradise. Getting a proper look inside has been on my desert bucket list for years! (Anyone have an in?)

Thanks for reading!

Here’s to discovering more of the wonderful places that make our desert so special. Until next week!