What It Is Like to Retire in Rancho Mirage |
| Rancho Mirage is a small, but popular golf vacation destination in Riverside County, California, with a population of 18,528 (2019 census). It is one of nine cities that make up the Coachella Valley, which also includes Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City. Rancho Mirage is know for its golf courses and exclusive country clubs which date back to 1950’s, when it was home to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and many other celebrities. The city
became the leader in the development of the Coachella Valley and was considered the “golf capital of the world.” The Bob Hope Classic was hosted here many times, along with the Ryder Cup and the Desert Classic. Due to its climate and location, many U.S. Presidents have visited here, giving Rancho Mirage the nickname “Playground of the Presidents”. Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson all visited. President Barack Obama hosted three world summits here, and President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford moved here after leaving office. Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley is LGBTQ friendly and is home to 13 golf courses, country clubs and resorts. The median age is 66 years, proof that it is popular with retirees. Photo of Intersection of Rancho Las Palmas Drive and California State Route 111 in Rancho Mirage, California, courtesy of Wikipedia and Patrick Pelster; photo of Agua Caliente Casino Hotel Spa courtesy of Wikipedia and TigerPaw2154 (Public Domain); photo of Sunnylands, the former home of philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg, now a high level retreat, courtesy of Wikipedia and Emily Gadek, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
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Where to Retire in Rancho Mirage and Home Prices |
| Rancho Mirage is the most exclusive of the nine towns that make up the Coachella Valley, and is home to many golf clubs and resorts in which most residents tend to live. There is a mix of homes, with some dating from the 1970s and 1980s building boom, and many feature Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Zillow reports the median home value to be about $670,000 in mid-2021. The city owns and maintains four affordable house properties for those 55+. In 2022, Rancho Mirage will be the first site in the U.S. to feature a neighborhood made up of 3D-printed and zero net energy homes. |
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What Is Special about Rancho Mirage |
| Golf and more golf. There are many beautiful and world-class golf courses and country clubs located here, along with a casino, great restaurants and upscale shopping. |
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What Is Not Special about Rancho Mirage |
| Summers are very hot with the average July temperature 94 degrees, and many days it rises to over 100 degrees. The town is not considered a walkable or bikeable community. |
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Who Will Like Retirement in Rancho Mirage |
| Those looking to retire in a scenic and sunny golf community or resort would enjoy living in Rancho Mirage. The city offers warm winters, and residents enjoy approximately 350 days of sunshine per year. Rancho Mirage has a network of popular hiking trails, parks that host concerts and festivals, public transportation, a library with a new observatory, a casino, and is home to Eisenhower Health. The senior centers within the valley offer numerous classes, social activities and programs. |
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Local Economy Is Driven by |
| The economy is driven by tourism with seasonal resort-based golfing. The largest employers are Eisenhower Medical Center and Aqua Callente Casino. |
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Climate and Physical Environment |
| Rancho Mirage sits along the foothills of the Santa Rosa mountains which allows the city to experience a warm year-round climate. The average January temperature is 58 degrees but daytime highs during the winter months range between 73-84 degrees. Summers are hot with high temperatures creeping over 100 degrees. July's average temperature is 94 degrees. |
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Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
| Rancho Mirage offers several dining venues including those that offer outdoor seating, local cuisine, and fine dining. The cultural scene includes the Desert Rose Playhouse, and the entertainment and music at the Aqua Callente Casino. Rancho Mirage is home to Sunnylands, a historic estate built in 1966, and is now a famous retreat that has hosted several meetings and summits by U.S. Presidents and world leaders .
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