Why Summer Is the Best Time to Buy in Gay Palm Springs
Discover why summer is the best time to buy in the Palm Springs real estate market, how it’s giving buyers the upper hand – and why gay Palm Springs is calling your name.
If you’ve ever stepped foot in Palm Springs and thought, “Could I just… stay forever?” – you’re not alone. Between the sunshine, sexy pool parties, and more mid-century modern eye candy than anywhere else, Palm Springs is the place gay dreams are made of.
If you’re considering buying into a slice of this desert paradise, now might be the smartest (and hottest) time to do it.
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us (and let us know why).
In the meantime, here’s why we think summer is the best time to buy in Gay Palm Springs.
It's (Currently) A Buyer's Playground
Yep, you heard that right. Palm Springs is still in a buyer’s market, which means you’ve got leverage, gurl. That means more wiggle room on price, better options, better terms, and the chance to actually sleep on it (without losing the deal). But fair warning: this won’t last much longer.
Hot Summers Are Ideal For Buyers
Palm Springs summers may be toasty, but that’s precisely why smart buyers are making their moves now. Fewer tourists means less competition – and sellers are more likely to negotiate when the city’s a little quieter. While everyone else is cooling off in the pool, savvy gays are locking in their desert dream homes.
Inventory Is Still Plentiful
There’s still plenty of inventory to choose from across Palm Springs' beautiful neighborhoods, from high-style condos in the historic Tennis Club district to sprawling mid-century marvels in Vista Las Palmas. Whether you're looking for a weekend retreat or your full-time queer sanctuary, the options are diverse.
Search Homes at Modern Living Palm Springs
But Change Is Coming
Word on the street (and by street, we mean data from actual real estate economists) is that we could see a shift toward a seller’s market this fall. Translation: more buyers, less inventory, and tighter competition. So if you want in before the crowd, the time is now.
Book Those Private Tours
If you're ready to see for yourself, I (Glen Nadeau) am happy to be your Palm Springs real estate spirit guide. As a local expert (and one half of this fabulous duo behind The Palm Springs Guys), I know this market inside and out. Let’s book your private tours now and start your journey towards finding your gay desert dream home.
Don’t be shy. Call or text me at: 805-220-8097– or email me directly at: glen.nadeau@compass.com.
Why Palm Springs Is Always a Smart Idea
Palm Springs is like summer camp for grown-up gay men with free spirits and great taste. Whether it’s January or July, this desert oasis offers 350+ days of sunshine and a welcoming LGBTQ+ community that’s unmatched anywhere else. From world-class dining and mid-century-made-modern design to poolside flirtations and drag brunches, every season is gay pride here.
Palm Springs is full of kindred spirits ready to become new friends. It will always be a smart investment – in your dream home, your community, and your quality of life.
Would you move to Palm Springs full-time if you could? What would your dream home look like? Let us know.
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like:
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎 My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Barracks to Eagle: The Leather Legacy Lives On in Gay Palm Springs
Introducing the Eagle Cathedral City bar, uncovering the surprising LGBTQ+ nightlife history of Cathedral City, and why gay Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is still the ultimate desert getaway.
Welcome to Gay Palm Springs (But First… Cathedral City)
We’re all a buzz of excitement here in Palm Springs because we’re gearing up for the ultimate queer nightlife comeback with the upcoming Eagle Cathedral City – a leather community legacy reborn!
That’s right – a brand-new Eagle bar is officially coming soon to Cathedral City, California. If you know anything about the legendary Eagle bars across the country, you know they’re not your average cocktail lounges. They’re unapologetically queer, kink-positive, leather-leaning safe spaces that celebrate community, connection, and a little (or a lot of) good old-fashioned gay cruising-culture debauchery.
But Cathedral City isn’t just getting a new bar – it’s reclaiming its rightful place in the queer nightlife hall of fame. Before Palm Springs became the shimmering epicenter of queer fabulousness, Cathedral City was already doing most of the heavy-lifting to pave the way.
Yes, momma – Cathedral City was the quiet pioneer, the original Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. While Palm Springs was busy with its mid-century closeted cocktail crowd, Cathedral City was where the first openly gay bars in the Coachella Valley dared to sashay into existence. It’s where queer desert nightlife was born, raised, and perfected – making this new Eagle a symbolic full-circle moment.
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!
In the meantime, here’s what we know so far about the new Eagle Cathedral City…
Tha Barracks (RIP)
The New Eagle Bar: Rising from the Ashes of The Barracks
The beloved Barracks Bar shuttered in mid-2024 after a legendary 31-year run of beer busts, harnesses, and gay mischief. Many have said, “That space will never be a bar again” – but it appears that Eagle Cathedral City is very much taking its place.
"THE SCENE YOU’VE BEEN CRAVING IS LANDING THIS WINTER"... That's all it says on their Instagram and Facebook page right now. So get ready, boys – winter is coming 😉
Eagle bars are iconic in the gay nightlife scene, known for embracing leather, kink, and unapologetic freedom. From Eagle NYC to Eagle LA – even Eagle 501 (now Dick’s on Arenas) here in Palm Springs – these bars are less about bottle service and more about bottle service ;) Think dark rooms, testosterone-forward beats, and a crowd that leans into cruising culture over cocktail culture. If the Eagle brand stays true to form, we’re in for a sweaty, cruisy, unapologetically queer new chapter in Cathedral City nightlife.
A Brief History of Cathedral City’s Fabulous Gay Nightlife
Before Cathedral City became the underrated brother of Palm Springs, it was the place to go out if you were queer and fabulous in the desert. Starting in the 1930s, clubs like the Dunes Club (1931) and the 139 Club (1939) drew eclectic, often queer-friendly crowds.
By the 1970s and ’80s, the city’s relaxed incorporation laws made it a refuge for gay entrepreneurs who couldn’t open bars in Palm Springs proper due to stricter ordinances. Cat City was already serving queer realness at iconic spots like Queen’s Attic (1969), GAF (1970), and Oil Can Harry’s Spa (1971). Other trailblazers included The Party Room, Sir James, Daddy Warbucks, and Rancho Dandy at the Desert Palms Hotel.
By the time Wolf’s Den opened in 1992 (The Barracks was originally opened as the Wolf Den), Cathedral City was already known as the leather and kink capital of the Coachella Valley. Bars like Trunks, One Eleven Bar, The Roost Lounge, The Runway, and of course, The Barracks, carved out space for identity, expression, and resistance.
Meanwhile, Palm Springs finally caught up in 1991 with the now-iconic Streetbar, giving the Arenas district the gay street cred it’s known for today.
Search Homes at Modern Living Palm Springs
Barracks drawing by David Doherty
Why Cathedral City Deserves More Gay Credit
Cathedral City is the kind of place where long-term locals and leather daddies mingle with curious newcomers, and where the party doesn’t need to be Instagrammed to be iconic.
Sure, Palm Springs has the polished resorts and the gogo boys – but Cathedral City has roots. And with Eagle on the horizon, the city may be headed for a renaissance that merges its underground energy with a new wave of travelers and locals ready to keep the party going.
Why Visiting Gay Palm Springs (and Cathedral City) Is Always a Good Idea
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Why The Barracks Bar is Closing: The Facts and Speculations, CLUB541: Discover Palm Springs' Newest Sex Club, Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, and The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs.
Beyond the history and hot spots, Palm Springs and Cathedral City remain the ultimate gay desert escape. It’s sunny 350 days a year (seriously), there’s always something happening – from Pride festivals to modernism week – and the community is one of the friendliest you’ll find anywhere.
Whether you're laying naked poolside, exploring the mid-century architecture, or living your best gay life at a Sunday beer bust, it's almost effortless to make new friends and create lasting connections here.
And now with Cathedral City’s nightlife legacy getting the spotlight it deserves as the Eagle prepares to flap its wings, this is your moment to rise from the ashes too (i.e. come visit us)!
Stay tuned for more info on the Eagle Cathedral City’s grand opening (TBA).
Did you ever party at The Barracks? What’s your favorite memory there? Share your experiences (if you dare)! 😈
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎 My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Things We Always Tell Gay Friends Visiting Palm Springs for the First Time
Planning your first Palm Springs gaycation? Here are 5 things we always tell our gay friends visiting Palm Springs for the first time – insider vacation tips on weather, nightlife, resorts, and embracing your fabulous self.
We’ve lived in Palm Springs for five years now, and let us tell you – there’s simply nowhere else quite like it. If you’re a gay man looking to live your best vacation fantasy (and maybe even flirt with the idea of staying for good), Palm Springs is the sun-soaked, speedo-clad, cocktail-in-hand escape of your dreams.
Palm Springs isn’t just gay-friendly – it’s practically gay-designed. From the moment you land, the mountains flirt with you, the boys wink at you, and the warm desert breeze whispers, “Take off your shirt, sexy.”
Whether you're coming to party, relax, explore, connect, or disconnect, here are the 5 things we always tell our gay friends before their first visit.
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!
1. Yes, it’s hot here in the desert – but it’s not like how you imagine.
Here’s the truth: desert heat hits differently. If you’re coming from a humid place like NYC or DC, 80° there feels like 110°. But here, a dry 105° can actually feel... dare we say... refreshing. Or at least comfortable.
That said, don’t get cocky about it. The sun is strong, the booze is stronger, and the dehydration is real. Hydrate often (we love a reusable water bottle), layer on that SPF, and bring a fan you can snap open for dramatic effect (yaass, Queen).
Pro Tips:
Do your hiking, brunching, or grocery shopping early.
Head indoors mid-afternoon – think Palm Springs Art Museum exploration, or a stylish air-conditioned nap.
Take the Aerial Tramway to escape the heat – temps up there can be 20° cooler (and the views are magnificent)!
With more pools per capita than anywhere in the country, take a dip – day or night.
2. You’ll feel more seen here than anywhere else you’ve been – so embrace it.
Palm Springs is proudly over 40% LGBTQ+. That means wherever you go – whether it’s the farmer’s market, a drag brunch, or Trader Joe’s – you’ll feel like you belong here.
Don’t hold back. Hold hands. Rock the mesh tank. Flirt with strangers. Be the main character at brunch. Whether you’re 25 or 75 – a twink, a bear, or a daddy – you’re part of the tapestry here.
From our local government and police force to our local businesses and eateries – there’s something magical and deeply healing about being in a town where your queerness is celebrated.
3. Most of our resorts for men-only are clothing-optional – but that doesn’t mean what you think.
Yes, most of our resorts for men-only clothing-optional. But that can mean different things depending on where you stay.
Looking for a relaxed, classy vibe with a friendly crowd? Start with Santiago Resort – perfect for first-timers. Ready to crank up the steam? Casa Oliver brings the heat (and then some).
Etiquette 101:
Be yourself, but embrace the opportunity to be as free as you’d like.
Keep your phone to yourself (no photos!).
Respect everyone’s vibe – friendships and flings happen naturally.
And who knows? That stranger in the hot tub might just become your new bestie. It happens all the time here.
Search Homes at Modern Living Palm Springs
4. Check out the theme parties – but pace yourself!
Palm Springs nightlife comes to life when a good theme calls. At Tool Shed, underwear night is always a popular weekly attraction. Be sure to wear your sexiest jock strap and leather harness for this – or make a pit stop at Gear Leather & Fetish next door.
Pro tip: the “Palm Springs pour” is not for amateurs. One drink here is often a double (and it’s still 90° outside), so sip wisely, gurrrl.
After Dark Suggestions:
Start at Tool Shed or Dicks on Arenas
Dance it out at Chill Bar or Quadz in the Arenas district after, or…
If you're in the mood for more... Club 541 (Palm Springs’ new sex club) is across the street.
Take a Lyft or Uber. Nobody looks cute getting a DUI in a harness.
5. During in-season (September–May), make those dinner reservations in advance – and leave time for a disco nap.
Palm Springs is a seasonal lady – and when she’s in-season, everyone’s out. Tables book up fast, especially at hot spots like:
Bar Cecil (try booking 1–2 months out!)
Clandestino, Lola Rose, and Ponzu are also go-to faves.
Shows, concerts, and drag revues can start early (7 or 8 PM), but the bars don’t start hopping until 9 or 10. Our advice is to plan ahead for dinner, take a disco nap, then head out looking rested and radiant.
Why Gay Palm Springs Is Always a Good Idea
Year-round sunshine, breathtaking desert views, and one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ communities in the world? Yes, please.
From chill pool days to wild theme nights, from world-class dining to once-in-a-lifetime friendships, Palm Springs invites you to strip off the expectations, dive into freedom, and just… be exactly who you are inside and out. You’ll come alive here.
If you could give one piece of advice to a gay friend visiting PS for the first time, what would it be? What surprised you most during your first visit to Palm Springs? Share your experiences!
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs, and Santiago, Descanso & Twin Palms Resorts: A Three-Way Comparison.
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why the 2025 DBA Impact Awards Stole Our LGBTQ+ Hearts
A recap of the 2025 DBA Impact Awards in Palm Springs – celebrating LGBTQ+ changemakers, queer joy, and why gay travelers contribute so much to our vibrant, inclusive community here in the Coachella Valley!
Let’s get one thing straight – I mean, GAY. Because here in Palm Springs, we like our sunshine bright, our cocktails full, and our LGBTQ+ community loud and proud 365 days a year. And nowhere was our radiant community support more palpable than at the 2025 DBA Impact Awards this week – hosted by the Desert Business Association (DBA), our local LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce.
For visitors and locals alike, events like these are a heartwarming reminder that Palm Springs isn’t just a destination – it’s a celebration of who we are.
What Are the DBA Impact Awards?
In case you’re new to town (hi, welcome, let’s grab a drink later), the Desert Business Association is the Coachella Valley’s only LGBTQ+ business chamber organization. Founded in 1979, DBA has been advocating for equality, inclusion, and economic empowerment for over 40 years.
Each year, the DBA Impact Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on local businesses, nonprofits, and community members who uplift and inspire. From trailblazing trans advocates to queer-owned start-ups, this awards ceremony honors those making a meaningful difference across the desert – the tears were flowing like bottomless mimosas.
A Night to Remember
Presented at the Palm Springs Convention Center with a crowd full of style and chosen family vibes, the 2025 ceremony was surprisingly one of the more moving events we’ve attended. Emotional speeches, applause, and that signature Palm Springs charm created a space where love, recognition, and resilience took center stage.
Beyond the awards, the energy was actually the star of the show. The entire evening was an important reminder that this desert town continues to be a sanctuary where LGBTQ+ folks are not only safe, but celebrated.
Local Legends & Desert Pride
The entire evening flowed effortlessly thanks to the ever-charming Peter Daut of KESQ, who emceed with warmth, wit, and the kind of smile that should honestly have its own Instagram account.
And then came the honors – a lineup of truly deserving community champions whose work uplifts our region every day. This year’s Impact Award recipients included:
Business of the Year – Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living
Businessperson of the Year – Bob Smiland, Desert Hand Car Wash
Outstanding Community Service Organization – Dinner with Patsi
Outstanding Community Service Leader – Palm Springs Police Department – All Officers and Staff
Legacy Award – Lisa Middleton, Former Palm Springs Mayor and Council Member
Each acceptance speech was a love letter to the Coachella Valley – filled with tearful emotion, gratitude, and the kind of stories that reminded everyone in the room why this community is unlike anywhere else.
What’s more, the event raised funds to benefit Youth Educational Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities, helping support the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders. Because in Palm Springs, we don’t just talk about making a difference – we actually do it.
Why Gay Palm Springs Is Always a Good Idea
If you’re feeling pulled to a place where you can show up as your full, authentic, fabulous self – Palm Springs is it. With nearly 50% of the population identifying as LGBTQ+, our city has become a beacon for queer travelers from around the globe and a trailblazer for inclusivity – from our local government to our police force to our community itself.
Here’s what also makes it magical:
Endless sunshine (300+ days a year—yes, really ☀️)
Year-round events like Palm Springs Pride, Modernism Week, Coachella, Palm Springs Hot Rodeo, and SO many more
World-class resorts, spas, and nightlife tailored – many being for the gay male traveler
It’s not just the palm trees and the pool parties – it’s the people. The 2025 DBA Impact Awards reminded us why we fell in love with Palm Springs in the first place. The fearless and resilient, big-hearted humans who make this place feel like home, even if you’re just visiting.
So pack your short-shorts and come live your best gay life here in the desert. We’ll be here with clothes off (I mean, bells on).
Which local LGBTQ+ business or changemaker has made a difference in your life? Share your experiences with us!
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️