by Robert Borges on September 16, 2025
Looking for the best Palm Springs retirement communities? Top options include:
- Trilogy® at The Polo Club – Resort-style 55+ living near La Quinta with golf, dining, and a hospitality-staffed club.
- Griffin Ranch – Exclusive gated enclave with equestrian facilities, tennis, and luxury Toll Brothers homes.
- Sun City Palm Desert – A premier 55+ community with 80+ clubs, golf courses, pools, and affordable home options.
These communities offer sunshine, mountain views, and resort amenities just minutes from Palm Springs. In this article, we’ll explore each of these communities in more detail, and share some of the benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Palm Springs, CA.
Why Retire in Palm Springs, California?
Palm Springs has long been a sought-after destination for retirees and active adults. With year-round sunshine, stunning desert landscapes, and a lively arts and cultural scene, the area offers both relaxation and recreation. Retirees enjoy the proximity to golf communities, shopping, dining, and healthcare while soaking in the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs retirement living is also about lifestyle choice. From gated communities to 55+ active adult communities, buyers can find homes that match their budget, interests, and long-term plans.
What Are the Best Palm Springs Retirement Communities?
PCR has featured some of the most desirable Palm Springs retirement communities:
Trilogy® at The Polo Club
Just over 30 minutes from Palm Springs, Trilogy® at The Polo Club blends 55+ resort living with a social, all-ages community feel. The centerpiece is The Polo Club, a private hospitality-staffed club with dining, fitness, pools, and daily events. Homes range from 1,294 to 2,549 sq. ft., with open floorplans and indoor/outdoor designs. Golfers and shoppers alike will appreciate easy access to PGA West, La Quinta, and top retail centers.
Griffin Ranch
Nestled in La Quinta, Griffin Ranch offers luxury desert living with estate homes designed by Toll Brothers. This gated community features a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and a resort pool. Unique to the community is the Saddle Club—an equestrian facility with arenas and boarding. Homes span 4,100–4,200+ sq. ft., with options for cabanas, multi-gen layouts, and 4-car garages, making this one of the most prestigious communities near Palm Springs.
Sun City Palm Desert
As one of California’s largest and most established 55+ communities, Sun City Palm Desert offers unmatched variety. With 5,000 single-level homes ranging from 1-bedroom cottages to 3,300-sq.-ft. residences, there’s something for every retiree. Residents enjoy 80+ social clubs, three clubhouses, two Billy Casper–designed golf courses, and amenities like pools, fitness centers, a fishing lake, and a 200-seat theater. Known as one of the most affordable retirement communities in Southern California, it combines low HOA fees with abundant amenities in a secure, gated setting.
What Makes Palm Springs Retirement Living Desirable?
- Climate: More than 300 days of sunshine per year.
- Outdoor Recreation: World-class golf, hiking, biking, and tennis.
- Culture & Entertainment: Art galleries, music festivals, casinos, and theaters.
- Healthcare Access: Top-rated hospitals and specialized medical centers in nearby Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert.
- Location: Easy access to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County for day trips or visits with family.
Are There Drawbacks to Retiring in Palm Springs?
While many retirees consider Palm Springs a dream destination, a few factors to weigh include:
- Summer Heat: Temperatures can soar above 110°F in peak summer months.
- Cost of Living: While affordable compared to coastal California, housing and HOA fees can be higher than some U.S. retirement destinations.
- Tourism Traffic: As a popular resort area, certain times of year bring more visitors and congestion.
FAQs About Palm Springs Retirement Communities
What types of retirement communities are near Palm Springs?
You’ll find 55+ active adult communities, resort-style neighborhoods, and gated enclaves with golf, equestrian facilities, and wellness amenities.
Is Palm Springs good for retirement living?
Yes. With its climate, culture, and amenities, Palm Springs is one of the top California retirement communities destinations.
What are the best amenities for retirees in Palm Springs?
Golf courses, pools, clubhouses, pickleball, dining, fitness centers, walking trails, and social clubs are common features.
Are Palm Springs retirement communities affordable?
Options vary. Sun City Palm Desert is known for affordability, while Griffin Ranch and Trilogy offer luxury resort living with more exclusivity and a higher price tag.
Do Palm Springs communities offer healthcare access?
Yes. Nearby facilities include Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, one of the top hospitals in the region.
Find Your Perfect Palm Springs Retirement Community with PCR
For nearly 30 years, Private Communities Registry (PCR) has helped retirees and active adults discover lifestyle communities across the U.S. Browse hundreds of amenity-rich options, filter by location, price, and lifestyle features, and connect directly with community representatives to learn more about Palm Springs retirement living.
Start your search today and discover lifestyle communities across the U.S. with PCR.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
