$1,020,470Average Value$396Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Resort-like community in The Golf Capital of the World
Renowned for its high quality of life and views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Desert Willow began as a golf course instead of a neighborhood. Built in 1997 to increase the city of Palm Desert’s tourism, the resort-like area has won numerous accolades as one of the best public golf courses in Southern California. And there’s not just one championship course; there’s two: Firecliff and Mountain View. Used as a tank battalion training ground in WWII, the area transformed into The Golf Capital of the World in the post-war years. Today, the neighborhood is home to families, retirees and seasonal residents called “snowbirds.”
The Retreat at Desert Willow is a gated community with amenities exclusive to residents.
Desert Willow residents enjoy a day of golf at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.
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Gated communities with luxury homes
Homes in Desert Willow begin in the $700,000 range and continue to more than $1 million. They’re split between two gated communities: The Retreat at Desert Willow and Montecito. The houses in Montecito take their prairie-style architecture from the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, while The Retreat specializes in Spanish-inspired single-family homes and condos. Each style gives the area a uniform but unique look enhanced by the neighborhood’s meticulously landscaped lawns. Paved golf paths snake through the courses, leading straight to the clubhouse and restaurant. It can take some planning to live in Desert Willow as housing is very limited. Dwellings sell for a median price of $983,000 after 75 days on the market, longer than the 42-day national average.
Desert Willow features Prairie-style homes inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Many homes feature drought-resistant landscaping that thrives in the climate of Desert Willow.
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Parks, pools and fairways
“The weather is almost always perfect, so you have a ton of outdoor activities. There’s a lot of hiking and biking trails all over the valley. Spring is beautiful here,” says William Taylor, a broker with nearly 50 years of experience and the owner of Desert Elite Properties, Inc. Palm Desert’s Freedom Park stretches over 26 acres and includes a dog park, playgrounds and walking trails. It’s also home to numerous athletic fields and courts for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball. Hovley Soccer Park is immediately recognizable thanks to the giant soccer ball sculptures lining the space. The 21-acre park contains horseshoe pits, a disc golf course and five full-size soccer fields. Back in Desert Willow, several pools and a sidewinder waterslide are available for residents to enjoy on warm days. However, the real recreational attractions in Desert Willow are the two golf courses. Firecliff opened in 1997 and was named for a local supper club. It’s the more challenging of the two courses, with difficult fairways and numerous water features. The Mountain View course opened a year later and remains a more beginner-friendly option for golfers.
“Palm Desert is kind of a magnet. There are probably more golf courses here than anywhere else in a small area. In Desert Willow, the courses are public, so it’s not a country club. Everyone can use it, and it’s a very nice facility. It’s a very popular area, and the housing market is active but stable at the moment,” says Taylor.
Desert Willow locals enjoy a day of sunshine at Freedom Park.
Mild spring weather is a great time to enjoy a game of golf in Desert Willow.
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Upscale dining and shopping options
Palm Desert is centrally located in the Coachella Valley and has become known as the area's retail and cultural center. Cork Tree restaurant, Waldo’s Ristorante and Katsuyama are adjacent to the Desert Springs Marketplace, which also has the neighborhood's grocery store, Ralphs. Katsuyama features Japanese tavern food, while Waldo’s Ristorante creates authentic Italian dishes. Cork Tree Restaurant focuses on California cuisine with locally produced wines and ingredients. El Paseo Shopping District is famous for its luxury boutiques filled with high-end designers and fine jewelry. Often compared to Rodeo Drive, this upscale shopping district features sculpture installations and a First Friday art walk from November through May.
El Paseo Shopping District features high-end shopping near the Desert Willow area.
Head over to Waldo's Ristorante in Desert Willow for some classic Italian dishes.
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Golf carts, buses and cars
Desert Willow is centrally located in Palm Desert, just five miles from downtown and 15 miles from Palm Springs. The neighborhood is near Interstate 10 and State Routes 74 and 111, but bike lanes and sidewalks are plentiful, too. The nearest public transportation is found just south of the neighborhood at Cook Street and Country Club Drive. That bus route takes riders to The Shops at Palm Desert, Town Center Square Shopping Center and the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. Licensed drivers can use golf carts on some Palm Desert streets for trips to government offices, businesses, schools and parks. The Palm Springs International Airport lies 12 miles from Desert Willow, while the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital is a 10.5-mile journey.
Desert Willow residents can easily access the I-10 freeway toward Los Angeles.
Desert Willow residents can find convenient access to public bus lines in the area.
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Highly rated schools and programs
The Desert Sands Unified School District serves Desert Willow, and students can attend James Earl Carter Elementary, Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle and Palm Desert High. The elementary and high schools earned an A from Niche, while the middle school has a B. Carter Elementary teaches kindergarten through fifth grade and is known for its active parent-teacher organization. Paige Middle educates sixth through eighth graders and hosts the Bright and Early Club to help students with homework before school each day. Palm Desert High has a career technical education program with courses in healthcare, broadcasting and engineering. For higher education options, California State University, the California Indian Nations College and the University of California each have campuses just outside the neighborhood.
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School in La Quinta offers a great education experience.
Palm Desert High School challenges and encourages children to learn.
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Environmental factors and crime
The Palm Desert is a fragile ecosystem, so the designers of Desert Willow carefully planned landscaping to be beautiful and considerate of the environment. At the same time, extreme heat can be a fact of life in the summer months, with an average high of 106 degrees. Those doing outdoor recreation or work are advised to take frequent breaks and drink water regularly. Earthquakes are possible in Desert Willow, and residents can download the free MyShake app from the Earthquake Warning California program. The system sends alerts when an earthquake is detected to give people extra time to take cover before the shaking starts. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department also looks out for residents’ safety with neighborhood watch and citizens-on-patrol programs. The neighborhood has a CAP Index score of 3 out of 10, meaning Desert Willow’s crime risk is below the national average.
Cyclists can find bike paths to ride safely in the Desert Willow neighborhood.
Desert Willow residents enjoy access to some of the greatest golf courses in the area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Glaz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Palm Desert Soccer Park
University Dog Park
Palm Desert Civic Park
Civic Center Park
Rancho Mirage Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Magnesia Falls City Park
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Transit
Airport
Palm Springs International
22 min drive
Bus
Cook & Frank Sinatra
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Desert Willow
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Desert Willow, Palm Desert sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Desert Willow, Palm Desert over the last 12 months is $988,926, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The pinnacle of Palm Desert living awaits at this spacious pool home in the intimate guard-gated enclave of Montecito, where custom modern art and cascading fountains greet all who visit. Extending approximately 3,063 square feet across an open single-level floorplan, the upscale residence is filled with light and welcomes residents and guests through a gated front courtyard and double entry
Welcome to 44 Lucerne Drive, a premier estate located on the largest of 98 custom home lots in the desirable guard-gated community of Montecito Homes. This beautifully upgraded residence is an Entertainer's dream situated along the 11th fairway of the prestigious Desert Willow Firecliff golf course, offering sensational views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges. Enjoy lounging by
Welcome to 6 Taylor in the exclusive Montecito community! This custom-built, 3-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom pool home, plus office, offers over 3,100 sq ft of ample living space and over $300K in beautiful upgrades! With OWNED SOLAR, you'll enjoy no electricity bills. The home was rewired in 2018 when new roof was installed.The modern kitchen features quartz countertops, black stainless steel
Experience refined luxury in this exceptional Desert Retreat! Encompassing approximately 2,200 square feet,this distinctive residence offers 3 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated den, and 2.5 elegant bathrooms. The property provides immediate access to premium amenities including the clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool. Residents enjoy exclusive access to a private path leading to Desert
Property HAS BEEN Leased for Nov and December 2025 and Jan thru April 2026. It is AVAILABLE from April 1st through October 31st 2025 at $6000 Per Month And April 1st through Dec 31st 2026 at $6000 per month. It is an Amazing Home. Come spend your Winter / Spring / Summer at the Beautiful Retreat at Desert Willow. This Condominium is located on the Main Level. You have Direct Access through
Experience luxury living in this stunning Desert Retreat penthouse! Spanning nearly 2,600 sq. ft., this fully furnished gem features breathtaking panoramic views of the south mountains and western horizons. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 elegant bathrooms, it boasts a private elevator and a wealth of designer upgrades. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen, 90 disappearing sliding glass doors, and surround
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Glaz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
493
Median Age
68
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
7.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
57.4%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$87,878
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,673
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.8%
College Graduates
36.3%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.5%
% Population in Labor Force
33.8%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
2''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
106°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
34/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
27/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
