Country Clubs in Rancho Mirage vs Palm Springs: How to Choose

Some of California’s best private country clubs and golf course real estate can be found in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, but it’s not easy comparing these two idyllic desert communities. 

Are the country clubs in Palm Springs “better” than those in Rancho Mirage, or vice versa? 

How do golf courses in Rancho Mirage compare to those in Palm Springs? 

What are the differences between golf course homes for sale in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs?

What are the major differences between these two neighboring cities in the Coachella Valley?

And, what other questions should you be asking in your search for the perfect desert lifestyle?

From weather to real estate trends to fun things to do, this article is your guide to comparing Rancho Mirage vs. Palm Springs, so you can choose the best country club location for your needs.

Palm Springs vs. Rancho Mirage: Location

Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage are located in central Coachella Valley. Palm Springs is three times larger than Rancho Mirage and has well over double the population. Its larger size and population gives Palm Springs a much different feel than Rancho Mirage. Palm Springs hosts more visitors, more nightlife, and more activity.

Rancho Mirage is much quieter in comparison, with its smaller size and mid-valley location lending a small town feel to the community and the country clubs within it.

Downtown Rancho Mirage is 11 miles southeast of downtown Palm Springs. The Palm Springs International Airport is three miles east of downtown Palm Springs (a 5-minute drive), and nine miles northwest of Rancho Mirage (an 18-minute drive). 

Of the two hospitals in Coachella Valley, one is in Rancho Mirage, and the other is in Palm Springs.

Fun Things to Do: Rancho Mirage vs. Palm Springs

Country club residents in Rancho Mirage are in close proximity to fine dining, shopping, and outdoor activities. The quiet, laid back lifestyle flows smoothly from the country club to nearby amenities.

Fun things to do in Rancho Mirage include:

• El Paseo Shopping District
• Rancho Mirage Observatory
• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• “Restaurant Row”
• Mission Plaza
• Plaza De Monterey
• The River Shopping Mall

Learn more about what it’s like living in Rancho Mirage, CA.

When residents venture beyond the country club gates in Palm Springs, a different experience awaits. The busier feel of Palm Springs brings with it a higher level of energy that suits many locals and visitors alike.

Fun things to do in Palm Springs include:

• San Andreas Fault tours
• Indian Canyons
• The Palm Springs Air Museum
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Palm Springs Art Museum
• Tahquitz Canyon 

Palm Springs vs. Rancho Mirage Real Estate Trends

Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage real estate markets are both competitive. On average, houses for sale in Rancho Mirage spend slightly less time on the market than houses for sale in Palm Springs (36 days compared to 38 days). Country club houses for sale in Palm Springs range from $150k to over $10 million, while Rancho Mirage country club houses for sale range from $139k to over $6 million.

Palm Springs vs. Rancho Mirage Weather: Wind, Rain & Temperature

Wind is a big consideration when buying a golf course home. Palm Springs is located along the San Gorgonio Pass, which is a wind tunnel between the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Anything north of Vista Chino can be especially windy, but golf course real estate in southern Palm Springs (near the base of the mountains) generally receives less wind.

Rancho Mirage runs along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and is better protected from the winds compared to other surrounding cities. Even though the climate is very nice in both locations, the wind blows about 2 mph harder in Palm Springs vs. Rancho Mirage during peak season. There will usually be more wind in Palm Springs than Rancho Mirage, especially later in the day.

Average wind speed in Rancho Mirage:

• Nov. 5 mph
• Dec. 4 mph
• Jan.: 4 mph
• Feb.: 5 mph
• March: 6 mph
• April: 8 mph
• May: 8 mph
  
  

Average wind speed in Palm Springs:

• Nov. 5 mph
• Dec. 4 mph
• Jan.: 5 mph
• Feb.: 6 mph
• March: 8 mph
• April: 8 mph
• May: 7 mph

Temperature and Rainfall

Average temperatures in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage are largely comparable. During the peak season, Rancho Mirage is slightly warmer than Palm Springs by 1-2 degrees.

Temperatures in Rancho Mirage, CA during peak golf season are:

• November – High: 80º  |  Low: 53º  |  Average: 67º
• December – High: 70º  |  Low: 45º  |  Average: 56º
• January – High: 71º  |  Low: 46º  |  Average: 58º
• February – High 75º  |  Low: 49º  |  Average 62º
• April – High: 88º  |  Low: 58º  |  Average: 73º
• May – High: 95º  |  Low: 64º  | Average: 80º

Temperatures in Palm Springs, CA during peak golf season are:

• November – High: 80º  |  Low: 52º  |  Average: 66º
• December – High: 69º  |  Low: 45º  |  Average: 56º
• January – High: 71º  |  Low: 46º  |  Average: 58º
• February – High: 75º  |  Low: 49º  |  Average: 62º
• March – High: 82º  |  Low: 54º  |  Average: 68º
• April – High: 88º  |  Low: 58º  |  Average: 73º
• May – High: 95º  |  Low: 64º  |  Average: 80º

As desert cities, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage get plenty of sun and very little rainfall. However, Palm Springs does get slightly more rain than Rancho Mirage during the peak season.

Palm Springs rainfall:

• Nov.: 0.1-inch
• Dec.: 1-inch
• Jan.: 1.1-inch
• Feb.: ½-inch
• March: 0.2-inch
• April: 0.1-inch
• May: 0.1 inches
  
  

Rancho Mirage rainfall:

• Nov.: 0.1-inch
• Dec.: 1-inch
• Jan.: 1.1-inch
• Feb.: ½-inch
• March: 0.2-inch
• April: 0.1-inch
• May: 0 inches

Choosing Country Clubs in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs

Those in search of the ideal desert lifestyle—with stunning natural scenery, a perfect climate, endless activities, and welcoming neighbors—will find it in both Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs. While it may not be easy deciding between the two cities, they are close enough that locals are able to enjoy the best of both.

Country clubs in Rancho Mirage and country clubs in Palm Springs boast similar offerings, but there is considerably more to differentiate. Choosing a country club is a highly personal decision. You’ll want to ask all the right questions when joining a country club. You’ll also want to tour country clubs to experience the amenities and meet members and staff in person. Lastly, you’ll want to learn what to look for in a golf course home, so you can find the perfect fit.

The best way to begin your journey is by downloading our free Membership Discovery Guide. It’s packed with information to help you understand membership fees, what questions to ask, how to fit in, and more. Get your copy now and start the path to your perfect desert lifestyle.