Windermere Realestate

Sun City Palm Desert Homes

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Sun City Palm Desert Real Estate

Located in Riverside County in Southern California, the city of Palm Springs graces the desert with chic charm. About 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is home to many second homes of Hollywood celebrities. With a population of 75,000 seasonal and full-time residents, Palm Springs is one of nine cities that make up the Coachella Valley region. Whether you are a celebrity, or just want to live like one, Palm Springs offers golf, recreational, shopping and cultural opportunities worthy of Hollywood’s brightest stars—all while maintaining its eclectic character.

History

Living in the Coachella Valley for centuries before the first Europeans set foot here, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians were the first inhabitants of the Palm Springs area. The tribe still exists to this day, and is the city’s largest landowner. The Cahuilla name for the area was “Se-Khi” or “boiling water. In the early 1800’s, Spanish explorers named the area “Agua Caliente” or “hot water.” In addition to the hot springs found in the area, the name “Palm Springs” likely traces its roots also to one reference by a Spanish explorer of this area being “La Palma de la Mano de Dios” or “The Palm of God’s Hand.” This sort of “palm,” and possibly the palms growing around this area’s hot springs yielded the name “Palm Springs.” By the time attorney John Guthrie McCallum settled in Palm Springs, the name was already in wide acceptance.

As Hollywood discovered the town of Palm Springs during its heyday, retirees were not long to follow. Because of its numerous opportunities for recreation, and tranquil climate, seniors began to stay. The once ghost town of Palm Springs grew at an unprecedented rate during the 80’s and 90’s.

Though its most famous resident may be the late entertainer-turned-Mayor-turned-Congressman Sonny Bono, Palm Springs welcomes families and seniors of increasingly varied walks of life.

Parks & Recreation

Active seniors and families enjoy the numerous parks and recreational opportunities Palm Springs has to offer. Walk your dog, or skate over to one of Palm Springs’ great parks!

Dog Park
1.6 acres of fenced-in rolling grass with fire hydrants, dual purpose canine/human drinking fountains, picnic tables and benches made from recycled materials, solar lighting and shade structures make this park fun for you and Fido. Dogs run and play leash-free. Small dogs have their own play area. The park has a beautiful fence designed and built by artist Phill Evans; double-gated for safety.

City of Palm Springs Skate Park and Swimming Center
Considered to be one of the best skate parks in California, Palm Springs’ Skate Park is located adjacent to the City’s swim center in Sunrise Plaza at 401 South Pavilion Way. For more information, you can visit http://www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/parks/skate_park.html.

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
With its two spectacular 18-hole golf courses, the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resorts offer both great golf and breathtaking views of Palm Springs. For more information, you can visit http://www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/parks/tahquitz_creek.html

Film Festivals

With its close ties to Hollywood, Palm Springs plays host to many major film festivals. A film buff’s dream, these festivals draw stars and fans alike to screen many premier popular and independent films.

Palm Springs International Film Festival
Founded by then-Mayor Sonny Bono in 1990, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America. The Festival has an attractive film sales and distribution record and is seen by American distributors as one of the best Academy Award campaign marketing tools. The Festival also features cultural events, filmmaker tributes, industry seminars and an annual black-tie gala award presentation.
For more information, you can visit http://www.psfilmfest.org

Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films
One of the largest short film festivals in America is The Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films. Showcasing over 350 short films each year from more than 40 countries, and a library of more than 2,200 in its Film Market, the festival hosts about 20,000 attendees from around the world. Romance, Action, Sci-fi, Thrillers, Animation, Documentary films and more take center stage on the big screen for seven fabulous days of screenings, parties, and seminars. Join the filmmakers for post-screening discussions! Enjoy the best short films available from the four corners of the world.
For more information, you can visit http://www.psfilmfest.org

Palm Springs Classic Film Festival and StarFair
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars will be presenting the Palm Springs Classic Film Festival where 26 classic films will be shown over the December weekend.
For more information, you can visit http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com

Museums

Palm Springs Art Museum
See nationally-known artist in this gallery that could easily be found in a much larger city. With permanent collections and touring exhibitions, this museum is a must-see. Also experience sculpture gardens on the grounds, along with the vibrant Annenburg Theater. A small café is also on the premises. Open Tuesday-Sunday year-round, except for major holidays.
For more information, you can visit http://www.psmuseum.org

Palm Springs Air Museum
Home to an impressive collection of vintage propeller-driven World War II-era aircraft in flying condition, this museum seeks to educate the public on the roles of aviators during the War. 60-seat Buddy Rogers Theatre of the Air, a restoration center, photographs and memorabilia are part of the facility. Open daily year-round, the museum also offers group tours.
For more information, you can visit http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org