January 9, 2024

Borrego Springs Shines in California's Top 10 Affordable Retirement Towns

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In a recent highlight of California's best retirement destinations, Borrego Springs emerges as a standout choice for those seeking an affordable yet enriching retirement lifestyle. Nestled in the serene Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and cost-effective living, making it an ideal destination for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years without breaking the bank.


Borrego Springs: A Desert Gem for Retirees


Renowned for its captivating Sky Art Metal Sculptures and a harmonious mix of pueblo, ranch, and modern architecture, Borrego Springs provides an idyllic setting for a tranquil yet active retirement. With its affordable living costs – a monthly expense of just USD 1,344 per person without rent – it stands out in Mona Bassil's list of "10 Small Towns In California Where You Can Retire For Less Than $2,000 A Month." This desert oasis is not only budget-friendly but also rich in amenities, offering top-notch resorts, spas, and a plethora of activities like stargazing, camping, hiking, and cycling. Its close proximity to Palm Springs ensures that additional urban pleasures are just a short drive away.


With a population of 2,566 and a median home cost of $337,100, Borrego Springs strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality of life. The town's lower cost of living, coupled with its scenic trails like the Yaqui Well Nature Trail and the South Fork Palm Wash Canyon Trail, make it an attractive destination for retirees seeking both comfort and adventure in California's golden landscape.


The Reality of Retiring in Borrego Springs: A Bit More Information


Borrego Springs, a charming community nestled in the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, is recognized for its affordable living costs, particularly in housing and healthcare. However, this affordability is somewhat offset by higher expenses in certain areas due to its remote location.


Cost of Living in Borrego Springs


  1. General Cost of Living: Borrego Springs has a cost of living index of 154.9, meaning it is 54.9% higher than the U.S. average but 3.3% lower than the average for California​​. In 2023, the area experienced a 2.6% increase in prices, with notable rises in transportation, food, and housing​​.
  2. Housing Costs: The average cost of a single-family home in Borrego Springs is approximately $524,582, which is high compared to the national average but relatively low within California​​. Housing prices are about 116% higher than the national average​​.
  3. Healthcare and Services: The town has limited healthcare facilities, with a small clinic available. For more advanced medical needs, residents often travel to nearby cities such as Escondido, Indio, or Palm Springs​​.
  4. Goods and Services: Some goods and services, like groceries and dining out, tend to be more expensive in Borrego Springs due to its remote location​​.


Reasons for Higher Costs


  • Remote Location: Being a remote desert town, Borrego Springs faces higher costs for transporting goods and services, which in turn increases the prices for residents.
  • Limited Healthcare Options: With only a small clinic in town, residents need to travel for more comprehensive healthcare, adding to their expenses.
  • Housing Market Dynamics: The unique housing market in Borrego Springs, with its limited growth and supply, contributes to higher property prices.


Considerations for Retirees


While Borrego Springs offers a lower cost of living in certain aspects like housing and healthcare, retirees should consider the higher costs of certain goods and services and the limited healthcare options. Potential residents should also be aware of the higher costs for utilities like electricity, propane, and water, which are important factors in the overall cost of living. The town's serene desert environment and strong community spirit, however, make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful retirement.


Check out the article: 10 Small Towns In California Where You Can Retire For Less Than $2,000 A Month




January 30, 2026
Student Concert and Evening Show at BSPAC
January 28, 2026
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event  Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.
January 28, 2026
An Event Hosted by Soroptimist of Borrego Springs
January 27, 2026
Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 26, 2026
Cafecito Monday brought together longtime friends and new faces on Monday, January 26, at Yellow Woman Ranch in Borrego Springs. The weekly morning gathering, organized by Rossy Sanchez, owner of Yellow Woman Ranch, was held from 8 to 10 a.m. and introduced guests to traditional Cuban cafecito paired with sweet and savory treats. Attendees relaxed on the ranch grounds, enjoying mountain views and conversation in a welcoming setting.
January 26, 2026
Paintings & Private Collection See Nita Wipper Paintings & Her Private Art Collection in Borrego Springs, Feb 7–Mar 1, 2026, curated by Elizabeth Rodriguez at The Palms. Nita Wipper: Paintings & Her Private Art Collection is on view Feb 7–Mar 1, 2026 at The Gallery at The Palms in Borrego Springs. Curated by Elizabeth Rodriguez , the show features Wipper’s paintings plus works by Marjorie Reed, Leslie Duncan, Joe Garcia, Betty Carr, Toni Williams, Armand Vallee, and Debra Huse , along with Mexican artifacts including crosses, masks, mirrors, sculptures, angels, padres y animalitos . Visit Details Dates: February 7 – March 1, 2026 Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 8:30 pm Location: The Gallery at The Palms, 2220 Hoberg Rd, Borrego Springs Opening Reception: Saturday, Feb 7, 5–8 pm Phone: 760-443-3300 Email: houseofborregosprs@sbcglobal.net  Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 26, 2026
RoadRunner Club Benefit Tournament The RoadRunner Club will host its 38th Annual Senior Center Benefit Golf Tournament on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 , continuing a long-running tradition of community support through golf. The tournament benefits the Borrego Springs Senior Center and brings together local golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day on the course. Tournament Details Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Start Time: 9:00 am shotgun start Format: Four-person scramble Teams: Sign up as a team, couple, or single player Teams & pairings: Posted on the golf bulletin board Entry & Donations The entry fee is a $35 donation per golfer to the Borrego Springs Senior Center. The RoadRunner Club will donate the green fees, ensuring proceeds directly support Senior Center programs. Golfers will enjoy complimentary coffee, Bailey’s, beer, water, soft drinks, and hot dogs during the event. Hole Sponsorship Opportunity Community members and businesses are invited to sponsor a hole for $100 . Sponsors do not need to golf to participate. Personalized signs will be displayed on the golf course, or sponsors may request the same message used in prior years. Registration Information Golf cut-off date: Friday, February 20, at 5:00 pm Payment: Checks payable to Borrego Springs Senior Center Submit forms: Men’s Golf Drop Box by the cardroom door Or mail to P.O. Box 1514, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Questions For additional information, contact Tom Beck at (503) 357-1680 . This annual tournament remains an important way the RoadRunner Club supports the Borrego Springs Senior Center while offering a relaxed and social day of golf for the community.  Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 26, 2026
Language of Hands at Studio 628 in Borrego Springs Language of Hands by artist Robert Beckmann is currently on view at Studio 628 on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, California. The exhibit runs until February 28 and is curated by Gary Henderson. This show features small painting studies focused on hands. Some hands are occupied in different activities, while others are shown in repose. The subjects are described as enigmatic, with a feeling of both peace and something disruptive that cannot be seen. Dates and Location Exhibit: The Language of Hands Artist: Robert Beckmann Where: Studio 628, Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA On view: Until February 28 Curated by: Gary Henderson What the Show Features Language of Hands centers on gesture and stillness through a series of small works, including: Hands engaged in different actions Hands in repose Study-style paintings with close-up viewpoints Quiet scenes with subtle tension About the Artist: Robert Beckmann Robert Beckmann has a career spanning decades, and his artwork is featured in more than 20 museums in the United States and internationally. About the Curator: Gary Henderson The exhibit is curated by Gary Henderson, founder of Gary Henderson Interiors (formerly Henderson Kelly). Established in 2002, the boutique interior design studio is based in Seattle and also has an office in Borrego Springs. The firm works on new construction, remodels, and existing spaces, offering services that include space planning, interior design, project management, and purchasing.
January 23, 2026
Babes Ride Out Scheduled to Return to Borrego Springs in April Babes Ride Out , a women-focused motorcycle event, is scheduled to take place in Borrego Springs from April 24 to April 26. The event will be hosted at the Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort, which has been fully reserved for attendees during that time. Babes Ride Out began in Borrego Springs in 2013 and has since expanded to additional locations nationally and internationally. Borrego Springs continues to host one of the organization’s annual gatherings. Babes Ride Out and Its History in Borrego Springs  Babes Ride Out began in Borrego Springs in 2013 when founders Ashmore Ellis and Anya Violet invited a small group of women riders to camp and ride together in the desert. What started as a gathering of about 75 participants quickly grew, with Borrego Springs becoming closely associated with the event’s early identity. Over the years, Babes Ride Out expanded to additional locations across the United States and internationally, but Borrego Springs has remained one of its original and recurring host communities.
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