Palm Springs has long been a playground for Hollywood’s elite, and The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas are two of its most iconic and historically significant neighborhoods. These areas became the go-to retreats for celebrities in the 1930s through the 1960s, offering privacy, luxury, and stunning examples of mid-century modern architecture.
Today, both neighborhoods remain some of the most desirable real estate markets in Palm Springs, attracting architecture enthusiasts, luxury homebuyers, and those seeking a connection to Hollywood’s golden era.
2025 Real Estate Market Trends
The Movie Colony
Median Sale Price: $2,300,000
Median Price per Square Foot: $797
Median Days on Market: 76 days
Highest Sale Price: Data not specified
Lowest Sale Price: Data not specified
Homes Sold (Last 12 Months): Data not specified
Note: In January 2025, The Movie Colony experienced a 2.2% decrease in median sale price compared to the previous year.
Old Las Palmas
Median Sale Price: $3,375,000
Median Price per Square Foot: $951
Median Days on Market: 20 days
Highest Sale Price: Data not specified
Lowest Sale Price: Data not specified
Homes Sold (Last 12 Months): Data not specified
Note: In January 2025, Old Las Palmas saw a significant 156.7% increase in median sale price compared to the previous year.
The Movie Colony: A Glimpse into Hollywood’s Past
A Neighborhood Rooted in Hollywood History
Located just east of downtown Palm Springs, The Movie Colony earned its name from the many film stars who made it their desert retreat. Developed in the 1930s and 1940s, the neighborhood quickly became a hub for Hollywood’s biggest names. Early residents included Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Gloria Swanson, all drawn to the area’s stylish homes and sense of seclusion.
The Movie Colony became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, hosting lavish parties and intimate gatherings where industry elites escaped the pressures of studio life. Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate, designed by architect E. Stewart Williams, set the tone for modernist luxury in the neighborhood, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, a piano-shaped pool, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. Cary Grant’s Spanish Revival estate, with its arched doorways and lush courtyards, exemplified the timeless elegance that defined the area.
While The Movie Colony is not a gated community, its spacious lots and lush landscaping provide the privacy that made it a sought-after haven for the stars. Tall hedges, mature palms, and carefully designed setbacks create an atmosphere of exclusivity without sacrificing accessibility. Today, the neighborhood maintains its Old Hollywood charm, with many original estates meticulously preserved or thoughtfully updated to balance historic character with modern comfort.
Mid-Century and Spanish Revival Architecture
A Coveted Real Estate Market
Old Las Palmas: Palm Springs’ Most Exclusive Neighborhood
The Pinnacle of Luxury and Celebrity Appeal
Old Las Palmas, located in northern Palm Springs, is widely regarded as the most prestigious neighborhood in the city. Originally developed in the 1920s and 1930s, it quickly became a retreat for Hollywood’s elite and business tycoons.
Residents included Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Elvis Presley, and Dean Martin, among many others.
The neighborhood is known for its large estates, manicured gardens, and breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Unlike many Palm Springs neighborhoods, Old Las Palmas has no overhead power lines, preserving unobstructed desert and mountain views.
Iconic Mid-Century Architecture
One of Palm Springs’ Most Valuable Real Estate Markets
Why These Neighborhoods Stand Out
Both The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas represent the pinnacle of Palm Springs real estate, offering a rare combination of history, architecture, and luxury living. These neighborhoods have long been home to Hollywood’s elite, with estates once owned by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. Their rich Hollywood history gives them a timeless allure, making them some of the most storied residential areas in the city.
Beyond their celebrity connections, these neighborhoods are celebrated for their architectural significance, showcasing designs by mid-century modern icons like Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, and Hugh Kaptur. Homes in The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas feature expansive glass walls, clean geometric lines, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, all hallmarks of classic Palm Springs modernism. Many properties have been carefully preserved or thoughtfully updated, ensuring their architectural integrity remains intact.
In addition to their historical and architectural appeal, these neighborhoods boast prime locations just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, world-class golf courses, and scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of the city center or the peaceful beauty of the desert landscape, both neighborhoods provide the perfect balance of convenience and serenity.
For buyers seeking a piece of Palm Springs history, an architectural masterpiece, or a luxurious retreat in a legendary neighborhood, The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas remain two of the most sought-after residential areas in the city. Their unparalleled charm, mid-century elegance, and enduring appeal ensure that they will continue to be coveted destinations for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a mid-century modern enthusiast, a luxury homebuyer, or a Hollywood history buff, The Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas offer a unique mix of architectural heritage, privacy, and desert beauty. As two of Palm Springs’ most iconic neighborhoods, they continue to attract discerning buyers and preservationists, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.
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