A gateway to the High Desert – where small-town charm meets natural wonder.
Perched in the Morongo Basin just west of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley is a growing desert community that blends affordable living with proximity to some of California’s most striking landscapes. Known as the “Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park,” the town offers sweeping desert vistas, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a thriving local business scene. With its mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town warmth, Yucca Valley appeals to both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Life in Yucca Valley is relaxed, practical, and centered around the desert environment. Families, retirees, and creatives alike are drawn to its affordable homes and easygoing lifestyle. Residents enjoy quiet neighborhoods, weekend outings to Joshua Tree or Big Bear, and a growing selection of local cafés, breweries, and shops. The town’s elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor, making it a comfortable year-round base for desert living.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Yucca Valley’s dining scene has grown in recent years, with a mix of classic diners, Mexican restaurants, and newer farm-to-table cafés. Local breweries and coffee shops give the town a creative edge, while antique stores and thrift shops along Highway 62 are favorite stops for treasure hunters. Shopping is practical and convenient, with major retailers and grocery stores alongside independent boutiques and art-inspired shops.
Things to Do
Yucca Valley is a hub for outdoor adventure. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking and rock climbing in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive away. Pioneertown, with its historic Western film set and live music at Pappy & Harriet’s, offers a unique cultural experience. Closer to town, the Hi-Desert Nature Museum highlights local history and ecology, while community events such as the Grubstake Days Parade celebrate the area’s pioneer heritage. With Big Bear Lake just an hour away, Yucca Valley also serves as a gateway to year-round mountain recreation.
Schools
Yucca Valley is part of the Morongo Unified School District, which serves the High Desert region with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. The district emphasizes both academic and extracurricular programs, and Copper Mountain College provides higher education opportunities nearby.
25,782 people live in Yucca Valley, where the median age is 40.3 and the average individual income is $32,036. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
With many decades of combined knowledge of the Coachella Valley, Stanton Williams Group looks forward to providing you with a real estate experience that is second to none. Please feel free to explore our website, and contact us with any questions you may have.
