Building on a tradition of thoughtful growth, the City of Palm Desert continues to reinvest and reinvent itself. With a full slate of interesting new developments, it’s no surprise this centrally located community is sparking conversation throughout the region.
CATCH A WAVE
Construction is underway on DSRT Surf, the exciting new recreational development set to deliver a world-class surf resort experience by spring 2026. Situated next to Desert Willow Golf Resort, its centerpiece is a crystal-clear, 5.5-acre surf pool engineered to produce ocean-like waves. Capable of accommodating up to 70 surfers at a time, the fan-shaped pool is sure to stoke the imagination of seasoned wave riders and beginners alike.
Beyond the innovative surf lagoon, DSRT Surf’s 18-acre site will offer an eclectic mix of amenities including food and beverage venues, hotel accommodations, residential villas, a spa, pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding desert, the design blends natural and man-made elements, creating a unique destination that complements Palm Desert’s expanding portfolio of attractions.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
The northern end of Palm Desert is experiencing dramatic growth with a variety of new housing options either in place or in development. Over the next two years, the area will see approximately 6,000 new homes, reflecting the city’s commitment to fulfilling the need for workforce housing. Here, all new developments will include an affordable housing component.
Several distinctive communities are part of this expansion. The upcoming University Park community will feature 1,100 units, including detached single-family homes, duplexes, multi-family apartments, and townhomes — all designed to meet varying socioeconomic profiles. Located near University Park Drive and College Drive, University Park will join recently completed projects such as The Crossings at Palm Desert and the Millenium Apartments. Additional affordable apartment communities in development include the 150-unit Spanish Walk Apartments, the 241-unit Palm Villas Apartments, and the 269-unit Vitalia Apartments.
As new neighborhoods take shape, Palm Desert is working to ensure community connections grow alongside them. In March 2026, the city will break ground on a 27-acre park at the northeast corner of Dinah Shore and Gerald Ford drives. Dave Irwin Park will offer a range of amenities, including a large lawn, a playground and splash pad, pickleball and basketball courts, and a community garden. Once complete, the park will be a space for people to come together, play, and enjoy the best of desert living.
Palm Desert is also investing in safety — including the North Sphere Fire Station (FS102), the city’s fourth, which will reduce response times for medical, fire, and other emergency calls in the area.
In addition, recognizing that even one traffic death is too many, the city has adopted a comprehensive Vision Zero Strategy aimed at eliminating life-threatening collisions. This initiative prioritizes safer streets for all, with an emphasis on school zones, older adult areas, and key walking and biking routes to ensure everyone can travel through the city with confidence.
EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT
In addition to an expanding housing landscape, North Palm Desert is also seeing new educational opportunities. In 2022, the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus secured $79 million in state funding for its new 23,700-square-foot Student Success Center. Construction began in May, and it’s expected to open in 2027. Designed to serve up to 4,000 students, the facility will provide space and resources to support the campus’ increasing enrollment.
Exciting developments are also in store for the Palm Desert Library. The city moved away from the county-run system and took direct control of its library in 2024. A new 25,000-square-foot library is planned for Civic Center Park with a vision that goes far beyond traditional bookshelves, positioning it as a modern community hub. Amenities and features will include a maker space, a digital innovation lab, and dedicated Zoom rooms, reflecting the evolution from quiet reading spaces to collaborative creation centers.
EL PASEO IN FULL SWING
Fresh, fashionable, and buzzing with energy, Palm Desert’s world-class shopping destination is enjoying a moment. Popular newcomers including RH, Arhaus, and Modern Hacienda have joined the mix, adding more home design flair to a retail lineup well represented by luxury fashion and fine art galleries. The dining scene is equally dynamic, with recent additions such as Shorebird and Shake Shack jazzing up the menu alongside beloved culinary staples.
Over the summer, El Paseo received a full refresh, courtesy of a major capital improvement project. It was repaved and rebuilt for today’s traffic and made even more walkable thanks to the addition of three new raised mid-block crossings. These improvements are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to support a vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly shopping district.
High occupancy rates underscore the fact this avenue is thriving. Visitors can stay mere steps away from the action at Hotel Paseo or the Mojave Resort. They can also visit shopelpaseo.com to download free “Explore El Paseo” digital passes. The mobile passes unlock dining and shopping deals, happy hour specials, and seasonal savings, as well as self-guided quests for events like Art Walk El Paseo and other events. This shopping and dining mecca truly embodies its tagline of “Meet me on El Paseo.”
THE PLACE TO BE
Ideally situated in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a destination that delivers year-round appeal. Visitors are drawn to its signature attractions — from the ever-popular Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to world-class performances at the McCallum Theatre. For local, regional, and national businesses, both corporate and entrepreneurial, it’s a coveted address where opportunity thrives.
