After talking about it forever, well at least so long that people were tired of hearing about it from me, my wife and I finally bought a vacation home in Palm Springs. More accurately I should say what we bought is now an empty lot that our vacation home will be built on and hopefully ready in about 6-7 months. In other words when it is way too hot in the desert to really enjoy it. But by next winter when it gets to be a “freezing” 60 degrees at the beach, that’s another thing entirely.

Although half my business is Buyers so I knew what to expect. But I can honestly say that nothing prepares you for being a Buyer in this market. Like who thought Palm Springs would be as competitive as the beach. And yes, I totally ate the dog food and my offer had no loan or appraisal contingency just like a lot of people of the Buyers I represent in my business.

We purchased a home in Miralon in Palm Springs. Miralon is different than other gated communities in the desert because rather than being built around golf the focus is food. It is what is considered an “Agrihood”.

“An agrihood is a type of planned community that integrates agriculture into a residential neighborhood. The purpose is to facilitate food production as well as provide green space, recreation, aesthetics and value for a community.

The Urban Land Institute defines agrihoods as “single-family, multifamily, or mixed-use communities built with a working farm or community garden as a focus.”

Agrihoods are based around the concept of integrating farms and gardens into neighborhoods.”

— Wikipedia

ABOUT MIRALON

Miralon is a new master planned gated community being built in the north end of Palm Springs (yes I know it is windy). In addition to the aforementioned “Agrihood” features (more on that in a minute), all the homes are being built in the modern contemporary style I like so much. And we’re buying early in the project. Ultimately there will be 1,150 homes and I think less than 200 have been sold so far.

There are olive 7,000 trees planted and already growing. Leaves and olives everywhere you look. Each a variety of Spanish, Italian and California species. And they actually make and sell Miralon olive oil from these trees. Additionally there are community gardens where you can pick various herbs for your own use. I assume you can’t pick the olives.

In addition to the Agrihood food thing, the amenities of the community are really amazing. There’s a great onsite gym and you know I love that, 2 community pools, a full service bar, meeting spaces, 7 miles of trails to walk or bike, onsite coffee and sandwiches, and a full demonstration kitchen where they will be bringing in world renowned chefs.

The community centered is pretty amazing. It is pretty much completed now. Here’s what it looked like a year ago.