Cathedral City is on the rise, embracing opportunities and building on its diverse and inclusive character. Once viewed as a mere connector between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, the city is shifting perceptions with an expanding calendar of events and a vibrant array of small businesses.
At this pace, Cathedral City might soon outgrow its reputation as a hidden gem.
“We want to keep polishing that ‘gem’ and shed some of that ‘hidden,’” says Ryan Hunt, the city’s communication and events manager.
MAYOR: Nancy Ross
MAYOR PRO TEM: Raymond Gregory
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez
YEAR INCORPORATED:1981
With more than 1,500 businesses, including a variety of independent and family-owned businesses, Cathedral City showcases diversity at every turn. The city boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, female-led businesses, new park spaces, LGBTQ+-friendly storefronts, and a rich tapestry of cultures. This foundation of inclusivity fosters an environment of possibility and pride.
“The momentum we’ve seen over the last decade has been impressive,” Hunt says. “People no longer see Cathedral City as a ‘pass through’ — there’s so much more to experience: unique cultural cuisine and a variety of small-business owners.”
A Robust Events Calendar
Over the past decade, Cathedral City has captured attention with its International Hot Air Balloon Festival (Nov. 21–23), now in its 11th year. The festival saw record attendance last year, with about 35,000 visitors enjoying the festivities, including a concert by LeAnn Rimes.
“Celebrating our 10th anniversary was truly special,” Hunt says. “It’s a significant event for our city.”
Entertainment prevails on the city’s calendar, which includes Coachella Valley Repertory, aka CVRep. The Equity theater opens this season Dec. 3–21 with the regional premiere of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen.
The International Hot Air Balloon Festival (Nov. 21–23) set an attendance record last year.
Photo courtesy city of Cathedral City
At the adjacent Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, the Tastes & Sounds series offers a blend of music, food, and fun, attracting community participation. “Our four-week Fall Series begins in November, and the Spring Series runs Feb. 10–April 7,” Hunt says, describing a mini-Hollywood Bowl experience. “Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and even their dogs. We’ve introduced BYOB, which was a huge hit.”
The Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, including the popular Bed Race, is set for March 6–8, 2026, and the city’s annual Taste of Jalisco moves to May 1–3, 2026, expanding the calendar with a lively celebration featuring live entertainment, an artisan market, tequila tastings, and about 50 food vendors.
“Now, we’ll have events from October to May, providing monthly attractions for our community and visitors,” Hunt says.
CITY STATS
Total Population
51,644
Median Age
42.5
Population Growth Rate (2025-2030)
0.28%
Bachelor’s & Graduate/Professional Degree
27.83%
Average Household Income
$100,751
The average HHI for the entire Coachella Valley is $128,536. The average HHI for Riverside County is $112,611.
Median Net Worth
$192,994
Average Disposable Income
$75,209
Total Housing Units
23,345
Average Home Value
$610,833
Number of Public Schools
9
Diversity Index
84.6
Indicates the likelihood that two random people in a given area belong to different race or ethnic groups.
Hispanic Population
61.89%
Number of Public Parks
10
Source: Esri/David Robinson GIS
Community members contributed to the design of Esperanza Park.
Photo courtesy city of Cathedral City
Ready for Business
The city’s proactive approach to growing the small-business landscape encourages an ethos of “Why Not?” instead of “Why?”
“We’re removing red tape and rolling out the red carpet for new developments,” says Erick Becerril, the city’s economic development manager. “We provide a hands-on approach, akin to concierge service.”
Distinct and diverse flavors continue to arise across Cathedral City. Hot spots include Kpop Foodz, Hot Lips Coffee Shop, and Cafecito Calaveras Burrito & Coffee House.
“This is the most diverse city in the Coachella Valley,” Becerril says. “You see a melting pot of cultures, which makes Cathedral City quaint, unique, and a place that’s accepting to all.”
The city collaborates with the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center to offer small businesses valuable training and workshops to make their operations more efficient and competitive.
This commitment to small businesses is evident in the recently opened Cathedral Cove Center, located on the prime intersection real estate of Highway 111 and Date Palm Drive. Alongside well-known brands like Starbucks, Chipotle, Farmer Boys, and Circle K, the city seeks to cultivate local offerings.
“We’ve long desired development across the street from Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City,” Hunt says. “This fulfills a promise to the community. We’re happy to have the national chains, and the community is ecstatic for more amenities. We hope that small businesses will consider the remaining parcels.”
Other development hot spots include Date Palm Drive with the Wren apartments, and Rosemount Storage, as well as the Interstate 10 corridor, which will see more logistics and manufacturing, retail, and housing including Rio Del Sol, The Collection at Campanile, Mountain View, Verano, and Desert Bloom.
The Taste of Jalisco is set for May 1–3, 2026.
Photo courtesy city of Cathedral City
Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
Photo courtesy city of Cathedral City
A Growing Community
The influx of new guests and residents is prompting Cathedral City to revisit its municipal code.
“We’re experiencing a growth spurt,” Becerril says. “This dramatic increase of development crosses different sectors, ranging from commercial to residential.”
The city currently has 1,000 new residential units in the pipeline — a number that will grow with the new Cathedral Cove Center’s upcoming residential phase.
Among the anticipated developments is the Broadway Cove development, transforming the former Nirvana Estates into a community of 101 single-family homes on 16 acres near Bankside and East Palm Canyon drives. These homes will range in size from 1,800 to 2,000 square feet and include amenities like a fitness center, swimming pool, recreation areas with pickleball courts, pocket parks, and walking trails.
The city also enhanced its communal spaces with the recent opening of Esperanza Park in the Dream Homes neighborhood. Esperanza, Spanish for “hope,” was designed with the community’s input, offering premier playground equipment, a fitness zone, grill and gathering spaces, a dog park, sporting fields, and courts. Equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras, Esperanza serves as a central location for the CV Link pedestrian and bike path, which runs parallel to the park.
“The community championed this project, and we did it the right way,” Hunt says. “We listened to the community and understood the importance of getting this right on the first attempt, and everyone involved took that seriously.”
With its commitment to inclusivity, exciting events, and nurturing the business environment, Cathedral City is poised to become a bustling hub of opportunity in the Coachella Valley.
