This Quiet California Desert City Is Becoming a Celebrity Real Estate Gold Mine

Former "Full House" star Lori Loughlin and her estranged husband, Mossimo Giannulli, recently pulled off a multimillion-dollar real estate win in the California deseert—and that sale is a window into why La Quinta, CA, has quietly become one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the country.

In December Realtor.com® exclusively revealed that Loughlin and Giannulli sold their home for $16.5 million, just four years after they snapped it up in an off-market deal for $13 million.

Windfalls like this are becoming more commonplace in the celebrity-beloved community, which has drawn buyers such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, singer Justin Bieber, reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner, supermodel Cindy Crawford, and music mogul Scooter Braun.

The median home listing price in La Quinta is $875,000. There are currently 188 homes listed for $1 million and above, and 24 homes listed for $5 million and above.

So what makes La Quinta such a hot spot for A-listers?

Karen Ahaesy, a real estate agent with Compass whose family first bought a home in La Quinta three decades ago, tells Realtor.com® that the area has evolved from a quiet desert enclave into one of the most luxurious markets in the Coachella Valley.

Perks of living in La Quinta

La Quinta is known for its world-class golf communities and dramatic mountain backdrops.

"Over the past decade, La Quinta has struck the balance between resort-style living and a true residential community," says Aheasy. "There's an exceptional level of privacy that attracts high-net-worth and celebrity homeowners."

The ritzy city—with a population of 37,846—offers a diverse mix of luxury neighborhoods, all with easy access to top-tier amenities across the valley.

Ahaesy says La Quinta benefits from its proximity to unique regional attractions such as The Thermal Club, one of the most exclusive private motorsport clubs in the world; the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, which provides private jet access minutes away; and large-scale private estates like the Zenyara property, where high-profile events and private gatherings often take place.

La Quinta is also just two hours from Los Angeles, which makes it ultraconvenient for LA residents.

Real estate in La Quinta

Several forces have been pushing home values higher in La Quinta, according to Ahaesy.

"Low inventory in top luxury communities such as The Madison Club, Hideaway, Tradition, and The Quarry rarely see turnover," she says. "When a high-quality home comes to market, competition is immediate."

She also says buyers from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, and even out-of-state markets like Texas and the Pacific Northwest are drawn to La Quinta for more space, privacy, resortlike amenities, and newer construction.

"Remote and hybrid work trends have amplified this," Ahaesy says. "And of course the amazing weather that we have is a big draw, especially during the winter months when La Quinta and surrounding desert communities often enjoy 70 to 80 degree temperatures, making outdoor activities that much more enjoyable."

According to Ahaesy, there's also a strong second-home demand in the community.

"La Quinta provides a true 'escape' experience," she says. "This has made it a top destination for second-home and vacation-home purchasers."

Nearby high-profile events like the Coachella Music Festival also play a role in making real estate in La Quinta more valuable, according to Aheasy..

"Major events like Coachella, Stagecoach, and the American Express PGA tournament all bring international visibility to the region," she explains. "Many buyers are first introduced to the desert lifestyle through these events."

Aheasy says influencers and celebrities attending festivals contribute to La Quinta’s image as a resort-lifestyle destination, and that perception also supports long-term value for housing.

What sets La Quinta apart

Although La Quinta is in close proximity to Indian Wells, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert, many things set it apart.

"Palm Springs is more urban, midcentury, and nightlife-oriented," explains Aheasy. "La Quinta is quieter, newer, and known for high-end gated communities and custom architectural estates."

While neighboring Palm Desert serves as the valley’s retail and commercial center, Aheasy says La Quinta offers a more residential, resortlike environment.

"Nearby Indian Wells is elegant and established but smaller and more traditional," says Aheasy. "La Quinta offers a wider range of ultraluxury opportunities, including newer golf communities, major private estates, and proximity to attractions like the Desert International Horse Park."

Ultimately, La Quinta distinguishes itself by offering a blend of high-end living, seclusion, natural beauty, contemporary homes, and access to elite pursuits such as golf, tennis, motorsports, equestrian sports, and private air travel.

"That combination is rare not just in the Coachella Valley, but anywhere in California," says Aheasy.