Neighborhood Spotlight: Rancho Mirage, CA

Located in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, California, is a popular place for residents and visitors alike to unplug. With more than a dozen world-class golf courses, excellent medical facilities like the Betty Ford Center, and other luxury amenities, Rancho Mirage has become known as the “Playground of the Presidents”. This is because several former U.S. Presidents have enjoyed spending their leisure time here, including Barack Obama, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon.

Rancho Mirage at a glance

Rancho Mirage is situated in Riverside County in Southern California. It has a current population of approximately 17,200 people, thought that number can increase by 20,000 or so because of part-time residents who own vacation homes here. It is nestled between Palm Desert and Cathedral City and is considered part of the Greater Palm Springs area. The city has a unique climate because of high mountain ranges on three sides and has some of the warmest winter weather in the western United States. It averages 348 days of sunshine a year.

Rancho Mirage real estate and neighborhoods

Rancho Mirage is comprised of several smaller neighborhoods, each with its own character and vibe. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Rancho Mirage include:

• Mirada Estates – This guard-gated community is popular for its tranquility and its wide range of architectural styles.
• Clancy Lane – This upscale neighborhood is known for its estate homes, many of which can accommodate horses.
• Presidential Estates — This guard-gated community features 52 homes in a Mediterranean style with stunning views.
• Rancho Mirage Country Club — This guard-gated golf community boasts estate homes and a championship golf course.
• Tamarisk Gardens — This small condo community is located next to Tamarisk Country Club and offers midcentury modern single-story condominiums.

The focus in Rancho Mirage is on luxury, and most communities offer plenty of opportunities to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate. Interestingly, Rancho Mirage has announced that it will be the first community in the United States to build a neighborhood of 3D-printed homes with zero net energy. 15 homes are expected to be completed by 2022. The median home price in Rancho Mirage is approximately $410,000.

Rancho Mirage history

Rancho Mirage really took off as a community after World War II. The Annenberg Estate known as “Sunnylands”, owned by the philanthropists Leonore and Walter Annenberg, became a hotspot for celebrity sightings. They hosted many famous people through the years including Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Bob Hope. The first resort to open in Rancho Mirage was the Thunderbird Guest Ranch in 1946. Others soon followed, and Rancho Mirage now has more than a dozen luxury golf resorts and country club communities. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1973.

Rancho Mirage amenities

Golf is arguably the favorite pastime of those who live in Rancho Mirage. With more than a dozen world-class courses, the city is a popular place to tee off for amateurs and professionals alike. Popular courses include the Rancho Mirage Country Club, Westin Mission Hills Resort, and Toscana Country Club.

History buffs will enjoy taking a tour of Sunnylands. It’s a well-known destination for U.S. Presidents to meet with world leaders, including Barack Obama. The 200-acre estate home has a beautiful 9-acre garden with walking paths and a nine-hole golf course. The home is open for tours and hosts rotating exhibitions. If you have kids to entertain, then be sure to take them to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. With more than 80 interactive exhibits, this is a hands-on museum that children love.

And don’t forget to check out the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. This world-class casino has dozens of table games and hosts top-name acts including ZZ Top and Cyndi Lauper. Have fun in their hugely popular pool or dine in one of the fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bars on the property.

Rancho Mirage schools

Students in Rancho Mirage are served by the Palm Springs Unified School District. There are two public schools within the city limits — Rancho Mirage Elementary and Rancho Mirage High School. Nellie Coffman Middle School sits on the border between Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City. It is also home to the private Palm Valley School and a campus for the Santa Barbara Business College.

Explore Rancho Mirage today!

Are you ready to find out why many former presidents have taken such a shine to this unique Southern California city? Then view available properties in Rancho Mirage and schedule your private showing today!