About La Quinta
Incorporated: 1982 (Founded in 1926)
Year-Round Population: 36,140
Additional Seasonal Population: 11,000
Median Age: 36
Golf Courses: 23
Major Shopping: Hwy 111 corridor, Old Town Village
The city of La Quinta was named after the historic hotel and resort founded in 1926 by Henry Morgan of San Francisco. Mr. Morgan opened his desert get-a-way, the La Quinta Hotel, for his wealthy friends and the carriage trade from around the country. Many a Hollywood star, national politician, and captain of industry have discovered this quaint village and have cherished its private setting and the healing qualities of the warm Southern California desert sun.
Small Town Freindliness
With its small-town friendliness, La Quinta is a peaceful and relaxing community. However, it is also a year-round, 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. Recently The Robb Report heralded La Quinta as the Best city in their world to enjoy a golfing lifestyle.
La Quinta’s average age, 36 makes its population a bit younger than most desert cities. La Quinta’s developments are also newer than those of most valley cities. In the coming years it is likely that the La Quinta intersection of Washington and Hwy 111 will become the new center of the Coachella Valley as development continues eastward towards the Salton Sea.
La Quinta Shopping
La Quinta’s new shopping corridor runs along Hwy 111 from Washington to Jefferson. Everything you could possibly need is close to home from Costco to Trader Joe's. There are quaint specialty stores and myriad dining opportunities as well as a variety of large box stores, grocery and drug stores, and other necessities such as auto repair and service station establishments.
The peaceful area south of Hwy 111 is home to some of the best golf communities in the desert. Newer communities include The Palms, Hideaway, Madison Club, Andalusia, Tradition, Griffin Ranch and Trilogy. Older communities include PGA West, The Citrus and La Quinta Resort area properties. La Quinta is home to 23 public and private golf courses with several courses rated in the top 100 in the U.S.