Las Palmas

Originally developed beginning in 1958, Vista Las Palmas achieved immediate cachet by being built just west of one of Palm Springs classic neighborhood, now called Old Las Palmas. Once called the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs, the neighborhood was a favorite of Rat Pack members, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra as well as other Hollywood notables Jackie Cooper, Cyd Charisse, and George Hamilton. Sidney Sheldon and Harold Robbins offered the neighborhood some literary weight too. The neighborhood consists of around 375 houses with many examples of Modernism architecture built by the Alexander Company and designed by William Krisel as well as other architects such as Charles Dubois. Vista Las Palmas is close to downtown a short 15-minute walk during the cooler months of Winter and Spring yet offers an exclusive and private feel due to its lack of streetlights, through traffic and buried utility lines. Its proximity to the base of the San Jacinto Mountains keeps it sheltered from much of the wind and means a quicker escape from the late afternoon sun.

Formerly a citrus grove, the land was acquired, subdivided and developed in the mid 1920s by Prescott Stevens. Today, Old Las Palmas boasts the largest number of former (and current) celebrity homes in Palm Springs. The curvilinear street layout was inspired by the work of Frederick Law Olmsted. Allah Hicks was one of the first builders in the area. Within Old Las Palmas boundaries, there are approximately 290 homes, three apartment buildings, 22 commercial properties, one church and a Jewish Community Center. Old Las Palmas is within walking distance to downtown Palm Springs and offers great opportunities for walking tours detailing the areas architectural and historical relevance. Celebrities who have lived in Old Las Palmas include Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell, Lily Tomlin, Dinah Shore, Lucille Ball & Desi Arnez, Elizabeth Taylor & Mike Todd, Liberace, Red Skelton, Donna Reed, Debbie Reynolds, Mary Martin, Kirk Douglas, Ann Miller, Edgar Bergen, Rona Barrett, William Powell, Alan Ladd, Lena Horne, Jack Warner, Samuel Goldwyn, Edward G. Robinson, Clarke Gable, Gene Autry, Jack Warner and many others. Even currently, Leonardo DiCaprio calls this community home from time to time being a property owner and part-time resident. Old Las Palmas has always has always been recognized as one of the premier neighborhoods of Palm Springs. With many of the older estates and homes being updated and enhanced, Old Las Palmas will continue to be viewed as a desirable and prestigious neighborhood. Full-time residents consider it a privilege to live in such a special place; they have an active neighborhood organization to protect and preserve its heritage.