City of La Quinta

The City of La Quinta is a community nestled at the base of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, just 30 minutes from Palm Springs, in southern California's Coachella Valley. With its small-town friendliness, La Quinta is a peaceful and relaxing community. However, it is also a year-round, multi-recreational and destination resort community. Known as the "Gem of the Desert," La Quinta enjoys low humidity combined with an abundance of sunshine year-round.

Incorporated in 1982, La Quinta had a population of just over 5,200. Today, the population has grown to approximately 24,250 and La Quinta is listed as one of California's fastest growing cities. The vast majority of its open area is attractive for development with the opportunity for planned growth.

The beautiful and diverse City of La Quinta is nestled in the foothills of the scenic Santa Rosa Mountains, in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Incorporated in 1982, La Quinta is recognized for its world- class golf events, thriving arts community and phenomenal growth. La Quinta's extraordinary growth can be attributed to the unparalleled lifestyle that the City offers its residents. The beautiful mountain vistas, abundant recreation opportunities and the variety of available housing have attracted new residents to the City. The expanding population has, in turn, attracted successful commercial growth.

DEMOGRAPHICS

• Population: 28,715
• Median Age: 36.4
• Average Household Income: $54,552.00
• Average Resale House Price: $230,000.00
• Households w/children: 51 percent
• Permanent Residents: 77 percent

MILESTONES

The area's earliest settlers were thought to be the Cahuilla Indians who celebrated the richness of the land some 2,000 years ago. Traces from their time can be seen from petroglpyhs which are visible today.

At one time La Quinta was blanketed by Ancient Lake Cahuilla which dried up in the 1600s. The shoreline is still visible against the mountains.

In the 19th century, cotton and sugar cane were farmed and cattle were also introduced.
In December 1926, Walter Morgan opened the La Quinta Hotel which was soon to become a sanctuary for the stars of Hollywood's Golden Era.

In 1982, the City of La Quinta was incorporated.

Growth has been phenomenal as more and more people seek the same extraordinary climate and beauty that attracted the area's first peace-loving inhabitants.