Indian Wells, CA, hosts a population of about 5,000 residents in about 15 square miles. It was incorporated in 1967 and is famous for its role as host to the Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament, one of the largest tennis tournaments in the world. It is held in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which offers an outdoor tennis stadium with a capacity of 16,102 spectators. This stadium is second only to the New York City-based Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the U.S. Open takes place, with a capacity of 23,771.
Golf is also a popular pastime here. Its first golf courses debuted in the 1950s, beginning with the Eldorado Country Club and the Indian Wells Country Club. By 1957, comedian Lucille Ball's (of I Love Lucy fame) husband Desi Arnaz opened the Indian Wells Hotel. Arnold Palmer walked away with the first prize at the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament three years later.
The median price of Indian Wells real estate for sale is about $1,385,495, compared to a high of $1,375,000 one year ago. Despite this modest rise, the area is experiencing a healthy seller’s market, as is the entire state of California. Indian Wells, CA, new homes lie about 17 miles southeast of downtown Palm Springs, and the whole area is rich with resorts, golf and tennis courts, festivals, and snowbirds — retirement-age residents fleeing cold-weather states.
Key things to know about Indian Wells
The weather
Believe it or not, Southern California is a desert, despite its claim to fame for having year-round activities from "the mountains to the sea." Look more closely, and you'll notice cacti amidst the tailored lawns and skyscraping palm trees dotting the landscape. As you travel inland toward Palm Springs and Indian Wells, the desert landscape becomes evident as the terrain becomes less populated. Indian Wells boasts about 276 sunny days every year, with an average rainfall of just five inches and no snow. July is historically the hottest month of the year, with average high temperatures reaching 108 degrees, and January's winter average is 45 degrees.
The city has minimal humidity, and November, March, and February boast moderate temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees. However, Indian Wells is one of the hottest cities in the state, where temps exceed 90 degrees on 176 days of the year. Buyers who’ve just purchased new homes should be mindful of staying hydrated to prevent heatstroke, which can be deadly.
Arts and culture
Photo Courtesy of Indian Wells Arts Festival
If you think that desert cities are filled with retirees who don’t do much, think again. The Taste of Tennis is a unique food and tennis event that launches major tennis tournaments in Indian Wells, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Miami, New York City, and Washington, D.C. It features world-class cuisine prepared by the country’s top chefs, vibrant, live entertainment, wine and signature cocktails, and meet-and-greet opportunities with tennis greats and celebrities. Past guests have included John McEnroe, Serena and Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Billie Jean King, and Andy Roddick.
The Indian Wells Arts Festival is an annual three-day event in the spring. Art lovers can bask in the thousands of works by global artists who produce wearable art, jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, and mixed media. Live jazz performances enhance the relaxed atmosphere, and visitors can engage in artist demonstrations and delightful food and beverage options.
For those wanting to celebrate their purchase of Indian Wells real estate for sale by blowing off some steam, the Ironman 70.3 challenge is just what the doctor ordered. It's just one of many Ironman 70.3 races that happen worldwide throughout the year. Participants swim 1.2 miles, bike for 56 miles, and finish the race with a 13.1-mile run.
The Indian Wells Arts Festival is an annual three-day event in the spring. Art lovers can bask in the thousands of works by global artists who produce wearable art, jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, and mixed media. Live jazz performances enhance the relaxed atmosphere, and visitors can engage in artist demonstrations and delightful food and beverage options.
For those wanting to celebrate their purchase of Indian Wells real estate for sale by blowing off some steam, the Ironman 70.3 challenge is just what the doctor ordered. It's just one of many Ironman 70.3 races that happen worldwide throughout the year. Participants swim 1.2 miles, bike for 56 miles, and finish the race with a 13.1-mile run.
Tennis
Photo Courtesy of Tennis World USA
Indian Wells real estate for sale is in the city commonly referred to as “Tennis Paradise” due to its dry heat and relatively flat 479-feet-above-sea-level elevation. Outdoorsy types looking to engage in walking, hiking, biking, tennis, and golf will find the weather and elevation ideal for working out without getting cold or excessively winded (which can happen in areas with higher elevations). Tennis enthusiasts can attend the annual, two-week-long, award-winning BNP Paribas Open, the world’s largest men’s and women’s pro tennis tournament.
Golf
Photo Courtesy of Voyages Gendron, Indian Wells Golf Resort
In Indian Wells, golfers — amateur, pro, and everything in between — can take in the lush greens, mountain views, and palm trees that dot the city as they line up for a round or two of golf at one of the several top-notch courses. Adults can play rounds at the gentle fairways near babbling streams at the Celebrity Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort, but they can also get into challenging gameplay at the Players Course, which offers bunkers galore and ample fairways to work out those long shots. And golfing isn’t just for adults. Families can indulge in a night of fun and bonding at Shots in the Night, which offers family-friendly golfing fun in a unique glow-in-the-dark setting.
Spas and relaxation
Photo Courtesy of Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Indian Wells has three resort spas. The Well Spa at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers guests privacy amongst its citrus groves and amazing steam rooms infused with eucalyptus. It provides skincare, couples' massages, a hot tub, and a pool.
The Spa Esmerelda at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa offers hydrotherapy, fitness, spacious hot tubs, a pool, body scrubs, couples' packages, a beauty salon, and nail and makeup services.
After a sauna or steam room session, guests can enjoy an enchanting lagoon at Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
Ready to move into an Indian Wells home for sale?
Local realtors are full of knowledge beyond just which Indian Wells, CA, new homes are right for you. When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to the top realtor in Indian Wells, Team Armstrong for guidance today! They can help you explore the Indian Wells homes for sale that match your criteria and budget.