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The city’s name is somewhat archaic, referring to a type a hacienda or rest stop reached every five days on a long journey via either foot or horseback. There used to be a settlement known as Arabia, near the Thermal/Oasis area. Settlers traveling from Arabia to Palm Springs and/or Los Angeles would stop at designated areas along the way. The stop here was referred to as La Quinta, as it was the fifth stop of the journey, quinta meaning fifth.
La Quinta's Rich History
The ancient Salton Sea, the Cahuillas, the ranches, the Bradshaw Trail, the La Quinta Hotel, celebrities, the Desert Club, PGA West…are all part of La Quinta’s rich history. We invite you explore La Quinta and discover why it’s such a special place.
La Quinta has long been recognized for its world-class golf, thriving arts community, unparalleled quality of life, and strong consumer base – all contributing to La Quinta’s bright economic outlook. The Economic Development Division takes a proactive approach by conducting periodic market studies, annually updating its Economic Development Plan, and managing a comprehensive marketing program. This approach has yielded tremendous success – many national retailers have located in La Quinta alongside thriving small businesses.
La Quinta has it all – a growing population; a large winter/spring seasonal population; retail synergy along its Highway 111 corridor; charming boutique shops and restaurants in its Village area; tourism; a variety of recreational opportunities; cultural activities; and plenty of open space and natural beauty.
La Quinta Highlights
- Home to the nationally-acclaimed Arnold Palmer Classic Course at SilverRock Resort
- Population as of January 1, 2006 – 38,340
- Population projections: 2010 – 50,000; 2015 – 60,000; 2020 – 70,000
- Median age is 36
- Median household income is $65,844
- Total number of households in La Quinta in 2006 - 13,414
- Total number of housing units in 2006 - 18,762 (15,504 SFD - 83%)
- Median new home price - $554,747; median home price - $370,045 (2004)
- Retail sales in 2005 reached $603.1 million
- La Quinta has an assessed valuation of $7.81 billion (FY 2005-06)
- Permit valuation: $272.2 million through December 2006; $376 million in 2005 – a new record high;
- $359 million in 2004; $308.6 million in 2003; $173 million in 2002
- La Quinta has the highest daily ($122.40) and annual ($44,676) per room revenue in the Valley and is home to the largest hotel in the Coachella Valley – the La Quinta Resort & Club (912 rooms)
2005 total hotel room sales for the City of La Quinta amounted to nearly $41.236 million
2006 traffic counts (2-way, average daily trips): Washington Street @ Highway 111 – 45,981; Washington Street @ Fred Waring Drive – 50,837; Highway 111 @ Adams Street – 41,302; Jefferson Street @ Avenue 48 – 28,045
The beautiful and diverse City of La Quinta is nestled in the foothills of the scenic Santa Rosa Mountains, in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Incorporated in 1982, La Quinta is recognized for its world- class golf events, thriving arts community and phenomenal growth. La Quinta's extraordinary growth can be attributed to the unparalleled lifestyle that the City offers its residents. The beautiful mountain vistas, abundant recreation opportunities and the variety of available housing have attracted new residents to the City. The expanding population has, in turn, attracted successful commercial growth.
Demographics
• Population: 41,029
• Median Age: 36.4
• Average Household Income: $65,844
• Median Home Value: $464,515
• Households w/children: 51 percent
• Permanent Residents: 77 percent
Milestones
The area’s earliest settlers were thought to be the Cahuilla Indians who celebrated the richness of the land some 2,000 years ago. Traces from their time can be seen from petroglpyhs which are visible today.
At one time La Quinta was blanketed by Ancient Lake Cahuilla which dried up in the 1600s. The shoreline is still visible against the mountains.
In the 19th century, cotton and sugar cane were farmed and cattle were also introduced.
In December 1926, Walter Morgan opened the La Quinta Hotel which was soon to become a sanctuary for the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era.
In 1982, the City of La Quinta was incorporated.
Growth has been phenomenal as more and more people seek the same extraordinary climate and beauty that attracted the area’s first peace-loving inhabitants.
Learn more about this city
City of LA QUINTA, CA official site
City of LA QUINTA, CA chamber of commerce
City of LA QUINTA, CA general information
City of LA QUINTA, CA newspaper
County of RIVERSIDE, CA official site
State of California official site