Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Desert Shores, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 25, 2026
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Desert Shores is a unique, master-planned waterfront community located in the Coachella Valley, just south of the city of Indio. Unlike the stereotypical desert landscape, this community is built around a series of man-made lakes and canals, offering a distinctive boating and waterfront lifestyle reminiscent of coastal living. The real estate market here is highly specialized, centered on single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums with private boat docks, attracting buyers seeking a specific resort-style experience. Property values are heavily influenced by water access, with lakefront and canal-front homes commanding significant premiums over inland properties within the community.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 625,000 |
| Population | 1,107 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.72 |
Desert Shores was master-planned and developed in the 1960s by the McCulloch Corporation, the same company that created Lake Havasu City and famously brought the London Bridge to Arizona.
The community's 4 main lakes and 11 miles of navigable canals were created by excavating the desert floor, with the soil used to build up home sites and create elevation changes.
Originally marketed as a vacation and retirement destination, it has evolved into a year-round community while maintaining its strong identity as a recreational boating and fishing oasis.
The lifestyle in Desert Shores is relaxed, recreational, and community-oriented. The social scene often revolves around the water, with neighbors seen kayaking at sunset or hosting gatherings on their docks. The population is a mix of active retirees, seasonal snowbirds, and some year-round professionals who work remotely or in the Coachella Valley. Community events, often organized through the homeowners' association, foster a strong sense of belonging. The pace is slower than in larger valley cities, focusing on outdoor living, with golf, hiking in nearby canyons, and enjoying the pool and clubhouse facilities being daily staples.
The typical buyer in Desert Shores is often an empty-nester or retiree from Southern California or the Pacific Northwest seeking an active, resort-style retirement with a unique aquatic twist. Second-home buyers looking for a winter escape or a recreational property are also common. The market appeals to boat enthusiasts, anglers, and those who desire a close-knit community feel. Buyers are typically willing to pay a premium for direct water access and prioritize outdoor living spaces and community amenities over proximity to urban centers.
The Desert Shores market remains a niche segment within the broader Coachella Valley. Demand for waterfront properties remains consistently strong, keeping inventory low and days on market shorter for prime lakefront homes. The market is less volatile than some neighboring areas because of its unique, irreplaceable offering. However, it is sensitive to broader economic trends affecting discretionary and retirement purchases. Recent years have seen steady appreciation, though at a potentially slower pace than some nearby cities, as the buyer pool is more specialized. Properties without direct water access compete more directly with the general Indio market.
The smaller 'inland' homes within Desert Shores, which do not have private docks, still provide full access to all community amenities, including the lakes for non-motorized watercraft from communal areas. These homes offer a much more affordable entry point into the community's lifestyle and can represent significant value compared to the premium-priced waterfront properties.
Unique waterfront living with private boat access in the heart of the desert.
A tight-knit, resort-style community with extensive shared amenities.
Proximity to major Coachella Valley events and attractions while maintaining a quieter atmosphere.
A highly specific property type that holds its value for buyers seeking this niche lifestyle.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Desert Shores who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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