Old Las Palmas Neighborhood

Old Las Palmas: Palm Springs’ Most Iconic Neighborhood

When people ask which Palm Springs neighborhood truly defines luxury, history, and celebrity glamour, one name rises above the rest: Old Las Palmas.
This is the neighborhood that didn’t just attract fame — it created Palm Springs’ reputation as a desert retreat for Hollywood’s elite.

Old Las Palmas isn’t simply one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Palm Springs. It is the original blueprint for luxury desert living.

A Prestigious Beginning: The Origins of Old Las Palmas

Old Las Palmas is among the earliest residential neighborhoods in Palm Springs, with development beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, long before mid-century modern architecture put the city on the global design map.

Tucked against the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains just west of downtown, the location was deliberate. Early residents were drawn to:

• Slightly cooler temperatures and natural wind protection

• Expansive mountain and valley views

• Reliable water access that allowed for lush, mature landscaping

• Privacy paired with easy access to town

Decades before gated communities became fashionable, Old Las Palmas quietly established itself as the city’s most exclusive address — attracting wealthy seasonal residents, industrialists, and cultural tastemakers.

Old Las Palmas began its life not as an enclave of estates, but as a citrus grove. In the mid-1920s, the land was acquired and subdivided by Prescott Stevens, with early development led by New York builder Alvah Hicks and his son, Harold. The neighborhood’s distinctive curving streets were intentionally designed, drawing inspiration from the work of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose influence emphasized natural flow, greenery, and a sense of retreat.

Today, Old Las Palmas encompasses approximately 290 homes, along with three apartment communities, five condominium complexes, two churches, and a synagogue. The neighborhood has also evolved to include notable additions such as the O’Donnell Golf Club and the Palm Springs Art Museum, further anchoring its importance within the city. Despite its serene, residential feel, Old Las Palmas remains within easy walking distance of downtown Palm Springs, offering a rare balance of privacy and proximity.

🎬 Where Hollywood’s Biggest Came to Call Home

Old Las Palmas isn’t just another luxury neighborhood — it’s a living chapter of Hollywood history. With hundreds of estates dating back to the 1920s and ’30s and architectural styles ranging from Spanish Colonial Revival to Mid-Century Modern, the neighborhood quickly became the desert hideaway of choice for elite entertainers seeking sun, serenity, and discretion.

As Palm Springs rose in popularity during Hollywood’s Golden Age, Old Las Palmas emerged as the neighborhood with the largest concentration of celebrity-owned estates in the city.

Among its legendary residents:

• Elizabeth Taylor

• Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz

• Clark Gable

• Liberace

• Dinah Shore

• Cary Grant

• Kirk Douglas

• Mary Martin

This unparalleled legacy cemented Old Las Palmas as the most iconic star-studded neighborhood in Palm Springs — a reputation it still holds today.

Pompei De Las Palmas

🌟 A Celebrity Legacy That Continues

Old Las Palmas’ allure didn’t fade with time. One of the most notable modern connections is Leonardo DiCaprio, who owns the iconic mid-century home originally built for Dinah Shore.

His ownership underscores what continues to draw high-profile buyers to Old Las Palmas: architectural significance, privacy, and a setting that feels worlds away from public life — even when the public knows you’re there.

🌟 Stars Here Yesterday — and Today

While much of Old Las Palmas’ celebrity lore is rooted in history, its allure hasn’t faded. One of the most talked-about contemporary celebrity connections is:

🎥 Leonardo DiCaprio — The Oscar-winning actor purchased the mid-century modern home originally built for singer Dinah Shore in Old Las Palmas. Leo’s ownership of this iconic estate keeps the neighborhood’s star power very much alive. 

DiCaprio’s Palm Springs presence — though private and low-key — continues a legacy of famous residents choosing Old Las Palmas for its architectural pedigree and serene desert setting.

(Note: Unlike some other celebrity residents who live in Palm Springs proper or nearby communities, DiCaprio is among the few widely reported current celebrity homeowners specifically associated with Old Las Palmas.)

The Streetscape: The Beverly Hills of Palm Springs

Walking through Old Las Palmas feels distinctly different from almost anywhere else in the desert. Many locals describe it as the “Beverly Hills of Palm Springs”, and the comparison is spot-on.

Streets are wide, quiet, and intentionally understated. Homes sit far back from the road behind gated entrances, towering palms, mature hedges, and impeccably manicured landscaping. Long private driveways, hidden courtyards, and estate walls prioritize discretion over display.

In many cases, you don’t even see the house — just glimpses of architecture peeking through lush greenery. The overall feeling is exclusive, serene, and deeply residential, where luxury whispers instead of announcing itself.

Architecture That Reflects Palm Springs’ Evolution

Unlike neighborhoods developed in a single era, Old Las Palmas evolved organically over decades. The result is a layered architectural tapestry that includes:

• Grand Spanish Colonial Revival estates from the 1920s

• Mediterranean and Hollywood Regency homes from the 1930s and ’40s

• Select mid-century modern residences seamlessly integrated into oversized lots

This architectural diversity, paired with generous parcels and privacy-driven design, made Old Las Palmas ideal for celebrities — and continues to make it one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Palm Springs.

Why Old Las Palmas Remains at the Top

Nearly a century after its earliest homes were built, Old Las Palmas remains one of the most desirable and expensive neighborhoods in Palm Springs. Properties here routinely command multi-million-dollar prices, driven by:

• Limited inventory and rarity

• Historical and architectural significance

• Proximity to downtown without sacrificing privacy

• A legacy no new development can replicate

While newer luxury communities may offer gates and amenities, Old Las Palmas offers something far rarer: authentic history paired with timeless elegance.

Final Thoughts

Old Las Palmas isn’t just where celebrities once lived — it’s where Palm Springs’ luxury identity was born. From Golden Age film stars to today’s A-list owners, generations have been drawn here for the same reasons: privacy, beauty, architectural distinction, and a sense of place that can’t be manufactured. Long recognized as one of Palm Springs’ premier neighborhoods, Old Las Palmas continues to uphold its reputation. Many of its historic estates and residences have been thoughtfully restored, updated, and enhanced, ensuring the neighborhood remains both timeless and relevant. Through the efforts of the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization, residents remain deeply committed to protecting the character, heritage, and prestige of this special place—preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Nearly 100 years later, Old Las Palmas remains the gold standard — not just for celebrity cachet, but for truly timeless Palm Springs living.

Check out houses for sale in Old Las Palmas, in Palm Springs, California. The Paul Kaplan Group is the reference for mid-century and architectural properties.

For more information on any of these properties, contact us here or give us a call at  760-459-1396.

Resources:  Palm Springs Preservation Foundation
Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization