Palm Desert: The Education and Retail Heart of Greater Palm Springs 

Palm Desert is a vibrant and dynamic city centrally located in Greater Palm Springs, offering an exceptional mix of culture, recreation, and economic opportunity. As a premier shopping and entertainment hub, Palm Desert is home to renowned destinations such as the McCallum Theatre — where top entertainers and touring Broadway productions take center stage — and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, a nationally acclaimed zoo and botanical park offering immersive sustainably-minded wildlife experiences. 

Where Retail Excellence Meets Economic Growth

At the heart of the city’s dynamic retail scene is the iconic El Paseo Shopping District. This walkable boulevard is lined with luxury boutiques, fine dining, striking public art, and curated experiences. Signature events like the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival and Fashion Week El Paseo add even more energy, making it a cultural hotspot in the Coachella Valley. 

Palm Desert’s economic strength is driven by its diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services, and its commitment to business-friendly policies and innovation. Entrepreneurs and established companies alike benefit from supportive resources, a skilled workforce, and seamless connectivity to the region via a robust infrastructure and central location. 

A Hub for Learning, Lifestyle, and Growth

In addition, Palm Desert is home to several of the region’s top institutions of higher learning, reinforcing its role as a hub for education and workforce development. UCR Palm Desert extends the reach of the University of California, Riverside into the Coachella Valley, serving as a catalyst for regional diversification through innovative research, academic programming, and community engagement. CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus provides undergraduate and graduate degrees tailored to local needs, while College of the Desert enrolls over 12,500 students as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and vital educational access point for the region. These institutions not only support student success but also contribute to the city’s cultural richness and talent pipeline. 

Building Futures and Embracing Life

Palm Desert also delivers an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Renowned Desert Willow Golf Resort offers stunning views and exceptional experiences among its two championship courses. A variety of pickleball venues, popular hiking destinations like the Bump and Grind Trail, and a year-round calendar of cultural festivals create an environment where wellness and community flourish. Housing options range from luxury estates to family-friendly neighborhoods, making the city accessible and attractive to a wide range of residents.

Whether you’re launching a business, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying a night at the theater, Palm Desert offers a lifestyle that is as inspiring as it is elevated — a premier destination to live, work, and thrive.

For more information, contact Palm Desert's Director of Economic Development , Martin Alvarez.

For more information about economic development in Greater Palm Springs, please contact:
Sean Smith
Director of Economic Development
sean@LiveWorkGPS.com | 760.969.1308