Affectionately known as California’s “Spa City,” Desert Hot Springs is in the midst of a bold economic and cultural renaissance. Once a quiet retreat for wellness seekers drawn to its mineral-rich hot springs, the city is transforming into a thriving destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
“We’re building a community where opportunity meets quality of life,” says City Manager Doria Wilms. “Desert Hot Springs is more than a getaway — it’s a growing city where families, professionals, and businesses can thrive. Our commitment to smart development and sustainable growth is driving real progress.”
MAYOR: Scott Matas
MAYOR PRO TEM: Gary Gardner
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Jan Pye, Dirk Voss, Daniel Pitts
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1963
Recreation, Hospitality, and Economic Renewal
The city recently celebrated the opening of a 650,000-square-foot Amazon logistics hub, which is projected to create approximately 1,400 jobs. Adjacent developments — including new warehousing, restaurants, and hospitality offerings — will break ground soon, further expanding local employment and infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the city’s historic spa and hospitality sector is undergoing a revival. A spa revitalization incentive program has spurred upgrades to several legacy properties:
• The Hudson (formerly Vista Ventana Motel) will offer boutique charm with modern amenities once renovations are complete.
• Soluna (formerly Hyundae Resort) is being redesigned for a fresh, luxurious guest experience.
• The Relax Inn is receiving essential renovations to elevate comfort while preserving its character.
In May 2025, the city welcomed the opening of Hope Springs Resort, a 10-room boutique hotel with a terrace pool, hot tub, gardens, and kitchenette-equipped suites. This new addition joins iconic spa destinations like Azure Palm and Two Bunch Palms, helping to propel Desert Hot Springs as a premier wellness destination in Southern California.
Adding to this momentum, the Planning Commission has approved Waterland Resort, a destination property designed for both rest and recreation that will expand the city’s appeal to wellness tourists.
Azure Palm and Miracle Manor (left) are among the properties propelling the city as a spa and wellness destination.
A Hub for Culture and Creativity
Downtown Desert Hot Springs is becoming a walkable, art-forward district weaving together commerce, culture, and community pride. At the heart of this revitalization is a striking mural by artist TRAV, prominently located at the corner of Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard. Created in partnership with local youth through the city’s Art in Public Places program, the piece is a key part of a larger beautification effort funded by developer contributions.
Adding to the city’s growing collection is a mural titled “Power & Equality” by world-renowned artist Shepard Fairey that was organized by Casey Zoltan of downtown’s Known Gallery. Fairey’s work anchors a broader initiative that includes contributions from artists such as Mr. B Baby and Yanoe. In total, Phase 1 of the project included the installation of 13 large-scale murals along Pierson Boulevard, transforming the downtown corridor into a vibrant, open-air cultural canvas. City Council recently approved Phase 2 of the Downtown Art and Mural Project, which will begin this fall.
In addition, a year-round farmers market highlighting local artisans and seasonal produce and a monthly concert series will launch this fall in the downtown.
Just steps away, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum continues to be a cultural anchor, offering immersive history and connection to the area’s roots through the life and legacy of pioneer Cabot Yerxa.
CITY STATS
total population
33,527
median age
34.5
population growth rate (2025-2030)
0.71%
Bachelor’s & graduate/professional Degree
17.8%
Average Household Income
$70,919
The average HHI for the entire Coachella Valley is $128,536.
The average HHI for Riverside County is $112,611.
median net worth
$47,023
Average disposable Income
$55,468
total housing units
12,129
Average home value
$509,420
number of public schools
8
diversity index
84.6
Indicates the likelihood that two random people in a given area belong to different race or ethnic groups.
Hispanic Population
64.89%
Number of Public Parks
8
Source: Esri/David Robinson GIS
Eye-popping murals by Shepard Fairey and other regionally and internationally recognized artists have transformed downtown Desert Hot Springs.
A Housing Market on the Move
As one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in the Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs is seeing an influx of residential development. Approximately 400 new homes are under construction, with hundreds more in the planning pipeline.
For years, national homebuilders were absent from the area, but today, Lennar, Pulte, and Monte Vista Homes are heavily invested in the community. Lennar has acquired 187 finished lots at the Skyborne master-planned community, where it’s constructing 79 single-story homes with desert-friendly designs. The builder is also active at Rancho Descanso, where move-in–ready homes are now available.
Affordability is a key draw for prospective home buyers. “Desert Hot Springs is uniquely positioned as one of the only cities in the Coachella Valley to qualify for USDA home loans,” Wilms says. “This opens the door to zero-down mortgages, making homeownership more accessible for working families and first-time buyers — a true advantage in today’s challenging housing market.”
New Services and Community Amenities
As part of its broader revitalization vision, Desert Hot Springs is set to welcome a state-of-the-art fire station at Hacienda Avenue and Long Canyon Road. Construction of Fire Station 98, budgeted at almost $9.4 million, broke ground in May 2024. The city is also enhancing access to education; an evolving partnership with College of the Desert could soon result in additional higher education and workforce development opportunities in the city.
Ever mindful of sustainability and smart urban planning, the city has applied for an $11 million grant in collaboration with Park Lane Homes and SunLine Transit. If approved, the project would include a transit hub near the Senior Center and expanded transit services and pedestrian-friendly improvements in the downtown corridor. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a walkable, connected city.
“This project is about shaping the future we want to live in,” Wilms says. “By investing in cleaner transit, safer streets, and walkable neighborhoods, we’re laying the foundation for a city that moves with purpose and care — for our environment, for our seniors, for our children. It’s not just about getting from place to place — it’s about building a Desert Hot Springs where everyone can thrive, together.”
Desert Hot Springs is a city in motion — revitalizing its downtown, expanding housing options, enhancing community services, and investing in culture, education, and clean infrastructure. With bold plans, national partnerships, and strong civic leadership, the city is well-positioned to meet the future with confidence.
