For years, La Quinta has invested in projects to strengthen its economy, attract new businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors. At the heart of this transformation lies Highway 111, the city’s busiest retail corridor and a vital route through the Coachella Valley. The highway now showcases a transformation in plain view, as hospitality and retail emerge alongside essential infrastructure upgrades.
MAYOR: Linda Evans
MAYOR PRO TEM: Deborah McGarrey
COUNCIL MEMBERS: John Peña, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Steve Sanchez
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1982
Prime Parcels, Big Plans
Two major developments are set to transform the city’s landscape along Highway 111, converting long-vacant parcels into vibrant destinations for shopping, dining, and living.
A 6.2-acre site adjacent to Costco and the Marriott Residence Inn will soon welcome a new hotel and a restaurant, followed by affordable housing units in a future phase. This development promises to enhance lodging options for visitors while generating consistent foot traffic for neighboring businesses.
Just east of this site, developers plan to transform a 15.2-acre parcel beside Shadow Rock Church and Best Buy into a mixed-use project that will include both retail and residential units. With the development of this parcel, the city will create opportunities for entrepreneurs and national brands while also connecting the two sections of Corporate Center Way, allowing vehicles to drive through.
Both projects contribute to La Quinta’s goal of more than 1,500 state-mandated housing units by 2029, ensuring the city’s growth remains inclusive for residents across all income levels. Together, the projects mark a significant step forward in La Quinta’s economic development plan, revitalizing previously empty spaces with amenities that benefit residents and visitors in a more connected and vibrant corridor.
CITY STATS
Total Population
38,710
Median Age
52.3
Population Growth Rate (2025-2030)
0.29%
Bachelor’s & Graduate/Professional Degree
42%
Average Household Income
$152,232
The average HHI for the entire Coachella Valley is $128,536. The average HHI for Riverside County is $112,611.
Median Net Worth
$569,590
Average Disposable Income
$109,546
Total Housing Units
24,672
Average Home Value
$831,755
Number of Public Schools
6
Diversity Index
78.3
Indicates the likelihood that two random people in a given area belong to different race or ethnic groups.
Hispanic Population
37.63%
Number of Public Parks
16
Source: Esri/David Robinson GIS
La Quinta is the exclusive host city for the annual Ironman 70.3 event in December.
Photo courtesy visit greater palm springs
A Growing Business Hub
As development flourishes along Highway 111, La Quinta’s business landscape continues to diversify, featuring a blend of national brands and distinctive local concepts. This year’s lineup includes Dunkin’, Five Below, Quick Quack Car Wash, PGA TOUR Superstore, and The Golf Bar, an entertainment venue that pairs dining and drinks with golf simulators. The city also recently welcomed the Coachella Valley’s first WelbeHealth senior care center, offering comprehensive services for older adults.
One of the most anticipated openings is Daiso USA, which launched in July, providing a popular array of affordable home goods, kitchenware, and beauty items. “Our experience working with the city of La Quinta was very positive,” says Denisse Uriarte, marketing manager for Daiso USA. “The city was responsive, supportive, and collaborative throughout the process.” She encouraged other businesses to consider La Quinta for their ventures.
Chick-fil-A also opened its second Coachella Valley location, at Highway 111 and Dune Palms. “From day one, the community has welcomed us with positivity and open arms,” says local owner-operator Matt Lokay. In addition to creating 120 new jobs, the restaurant will participate in the company’s Shared Table program, which redistributes surplus food to local nonprofits.
These new establishments not only enhance La Quinta’s dining, shopping, and service options but also reinforce its standing as a community that cultivates both entrepreneurs and established brands.
Daiso, offering a range of home goods and a “joyful” shopping experience, launched in the city over the summer.
Photo by chris miller
Chick-fil-A has opened its second Coachella Valley restaurant in La Quinta.
Photo by chris miller
A Foundation for Growth
To support this influx of businesses and developments along Highway 111, La Quinta is making key investments in its infrastructure.
A $7 million project began over the summer to replace — rather than repave — Highway 111 between Jefferson and Washington streets. This initiative aims to extend the roadway’s lifespan and improve safety, ensuring the city’s busiest retail corridor can accommodate the increased traffic and activity generated by new hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The recent completion of the award-winning Dune Palms Bridge near Highway 111 was another milestone. Decades in the making, this project resolves a longstanding safety concern for La Quinta High School students, who now have dedicated pedestrian and bike paths across the roadway. It also enhances flood safety for residents, laying a strong foundation for continued growth.
Looking ahead, La Quinta is evaluating further infrastructure investments, including new utility substations and potential annexation of areas in Vista Santa Rosa and Thermal.
Events, Legacy, and Lifestyle
As new developments and infrastructure enhancements shape La Quinta’s future, a dynamic array of events, attractions, and historic landmarks continues to beckon visitors from around the world.
The city’s X Park, one of the largest skate parks in California, welcomed visitors from more than a dozen countries last year, including Canada, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Its unique design and world-class facilities have hosted professional athletes and adaptive sports competitions, establishing La Quinta as a hub for sports tourism.
This December, La Quinta will serve as the exclusive host city for the annual Ironman 70.3 event, attracting nearly 3,000 athletes and their supporters. The race generates significant revenue for local businesses while highlighting the city’s capacity to host premier events.
The world-class X Park has become a magnet for top skating professionals as well as adaptive sports competitions.
Photocourtesy visit greater palm springs
Looking ahead, the historic La Quinta Resort & Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As one of the desert’s oldest and most iconic destinations, the centennial will honor the resort’s rich legacy and its enduring place in La Quinta’s history, while celebrating its continued draw as a premier resort.
A Vision in Action
La Quinta’s progress is evident in both its developments along Highway 111 and its ongoing infrastructure projects that enhance safety and connectivity. These investments create a roadmap for a thriving future that harmonizes growth with quality of life. As the city continues to progress, it embraces the challenge of inviting new opportunities while maintaining the charm and character that make La Quinta an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike.
