Desert Retreat, Indio, CA - Home Buying Study Guide

(A practical, buyer-first guide to floor plans, lifestyle, costs, and what to ask before you commit.)


If you’re considering Desert Retreat, this guide is meant to help you make a confident decisionβ€”whether you’re buying new construction, waiting for a release, or watching for a resale opportunity.


Quick note: Pricing, features, HOA dues, taxes, and availability can change. Use this as a planning guide, then reach out to me for the most current inventory, lot releases, and incentives.

The lifestyle and amenities buyers actually care about

The three home β€œseries” (Classic, Retreat, Encore) and how they differ

Every floor plan, with who it fits best and what to look for

Common structural options/upgrades you’ll see buyers choose

The FAQ topics that come up in almost every showing or call

Quick Snapshot: What Desert Retreat Is

Desert Retreat is designed as an active-adult (55+) lifestyle community with single-story, detached homes and a resort-style amenity center. At full build-out, the community is planned for 1,432 residences.


Home size + layout range

  • Approx. 1,444 – 2,722 sq ft

  • 2–3 bedrooms (depending on plan + options)

  • 2–2.5 bathrooms

  • All plans are single-level

  • Garages range from 2-car to extended β€œ2.5” style setups, and some Encore plans add a separate golf cart bay


Lifestyle & Amenities: What You’re Really Buying

When people fall in love with Desert Retreat, it’s usually because of the day-to-day lifestyleβ€”not just the house.

Expect a community designed around:

  • A clubhouse experience (social + fitness)

  • Pool + spa energy (lap lanes, lounging, and gathering)

  • Pickleball / tennis / bocce as part of the weekly rhythm

  • Social spaces for events, games, and meetups

  • A calendar-driven lifestyle where it’s easy to meet people and stay active

If you want the β€œshort version”: this is built for people who want low-maintenance living without living a β€œquiet” life.


Community Phasing (How It’s Rolling Out)

The community is being delivered in phases:

  • Phase 1 includes the initial home releases and the main lifestyle core.

  • Phase 2 is planned for additional neighborhoods as buildout continues.

  • There are also areas marked for future development, meaning the community footprint can grow over time.

Why this matters to buyers:
If you’re sensitive to construction activity, dust, noise, or evolving views, phase location (and what sits behind your lot) is a real decision factorβ€”not a detail.

What’s Typically Included (In Plain English)

Here’s a buyer-friendly way to think about β€œincluded features.” These are the kinds of standards you’ll see across the community, with some variation by series and plan.

Exterior + low-maintenance construction

  • Concrete tile roof and a stucco exterior system designed for durability

  • A tall insulated entry door with modern hardware

  • Professionally designed, water-wise front landscaping

  • Smart garage opener capability (Wi‑Fi) and battery backup on the opener

Interiors + everyday comfort

  • 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot interior doors (creates that β€œopen” feel)

  • Tile in the main traffic zones (entry + kitchen, and in some series it extends into more rooms)

  • Brand-name carpet in living areas (unless you upgrade)

  • Modern switch style, clean drywall lines, and straightforward trim packages

  • Pre-wiring for ceiling fans in key rooms and the covered patio

Kitchen standards (what most buyers notice first)

  • Recessed-panel cabinets with adjustable shelving

  • Granite slab counters (typically offered in a small set of included color choices)

  • Undermount stainless sink + disposal

  • Stainless appliance package (dishwasher + gas cooktop + hood + built-in/combination oven setup)

  • Pull-down kitchen faucet and pre-plumb for an ice maker line

  • Pantry space varies by plan (some are significantly better than others)

Bath standards (what matters for resale too)

  • Raised-height vanity cabinets

  • Solid-surface style counters with backsplash

  • Elongated toilets

  • Owner’s bath tends to feature a shower layout geared toward comfort and accessibility

  • Secondary baths vary by plan (tub/shower vs. shower options)

Energy + efficiency + smart-home leaning

  • Low‑E dual-pane windows

  • Hybrid heat‑pump style water heater

  • Spray foam used in attic areas (for heat performance)

  • Solar is commonly offered as a lease or purchase option (details vary)

  • A structured wiring panel and pre‑wire for better Wi‑Fi coverage

  • Smoke/CO detectors and fire sprinklers (where required/standard)

My buyer advice: Treat β€œincluded features” as the baseline, then focus your upgrade budget on structural choices you can’t easily change laterβ€”like sliders, layout conversions, or garage configuration.

Pricing Overview (Base Prices β€œStarting From”)

Below are preliminary starting points shared for the community (these are not final quotes and can change).


Classic Series (starting points)

  • Getaway β€” $444,990

  • Solitude β€” $479,990

  • Verbena β€” $499,990

Retreat Series (starting points)

  • Sanctuary β€” $509,990

  • Haven β€” $529,990

  • Preserve β€” $549,990

  • Refuge β€” $579,990

Encore Series (starting points)

  • Serenity β€” $616,990

  • Journey β€” $646,990

  • Voyage β€” $681,990

These starting prices were shown on an update dated 02/09/26. Your actual number depends on lot premium, structural options, design selections, and market timing.



Floor Plans (All Models)

Below I break down every plan by series, size, layout personality, and the options buyers tend to care about most.


Classic Series

Classic tends to be the cleanest entry point: efficient footprints, straightforward layouts, and the best β€œvalue per square foot” starting point.


1) Getaway β€” ~1,444 sq ft | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want simplicity, minimal hallway space, and an easy lock-and-leave lifestyle.
Layout vibe: Open main living area with a cafΓ©/dining zone, plus a private owner’s suite and a separate secondary bedroom.
Popular options to watch for:

  • Expanded/alternate kitchen configuration (island variations)

  • Patio slider upgrades

  • Low-threshold shower choices (accessibility-friendly)

  • Door style upgrades (barn door variants show up as options)

2) Solitude β€” ~1,650 sq ft | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want a little more breathing room plus a flexible bonus space.
Layout vibe: Adds aΒ flex room near the frontβ€”great for an office, hobby room, or TV lounge.
Popular options:

  • Flex room door style (French/double door presentations)

  • Kitchen package / island upgrades

  • Enhanced patio door configurations

  • Owner’s bath upgrade paths

3) Verbena β€” ~1,732 sq ft | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want the Classic footprint but with a more β€œlivable” flex and entertaining flow.
Layout vibe: A stronger separation of private rooms vs. gathering areas, and a flex room that can feel more substantial than the smaller plans.
Popular options:

  • Kitchen layout variations

  • Patio door upgrades

  • Flex door configuration (double/French door looks)

  • Owner’s bath choices


Retreat Series

Retreat is where you start seeing plans that feel more β€œarchitectural,” with larger gathering rooms, stronger indoor/outdoor connection, and more ways to personalize the layout.


4) Sanctuary β€” ~1,825 sq ft | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want a bigger great room feel without going huge on square footage.
Layout vibe: Open entertaining core + a flex area that can be used creatively.
Notable options:

  • Interior fireplace

  • Wet bar (availability can depend on other structural choices)

  • Bay window option

  • Upgraded kitchen configurations and island styles

  • Owner’s bath variants (including lower-threshold shower designs)

5) Haven β€” ~1,859 sq ft | 2–3 Bed | 2–2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | Extended Garage Feel

Who it fits best: Buyers who like theΒ courtyard concept and want a plan with personality.
Layout vibe: Courtyard + breezeway style experience, with optional ways to create a third bedroom or suite-like setup.
Notable options:

  • Bedroom 3 configuration (depending on plan choices)

  • Interior fireplace

  • Upgraded kitchen + island styles

  • Different door configurations for flex spaces (French/double/barn door looks)

  • Owner’s bath options including comfort/accessibility versions

6) Preserve β€” ~2,011 sq ft | 2–3 Bed | 2–2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | Extended Garage Feel

Who it fits best: Buyers who want a little more square footage AND more configurability.
Layout vibe: A larger-feeling floor plan with a more generous entertaining spine and more β€œupgrade pathways.”
Notable options:

  • Wet bar (often a top pick for entertainers)

  • Bedroom 3 (depending on structure)

  • Enhanced flex/den versions

  • Fireplace, bay window, and upgraded slider opportunities

  • Alternate laundry / flex layouts in some option paths

7) Refuge β€” ~2,187+ sq ft | 2–3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | 2.5-Car Style Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want a bigger home with a powder room and a garage that supports storage, hobbies, or golf gear.
Layout vibe: More β€œluxury single-story” with additional storage and stronger separation of spaces.
Notable options:

  • Wet bar and/or interior fireplace

  • Bedroom 3 / flex conversion paths

  • Upgraded slider options (including corner-style configurations depending on release)

  • Multiple bath accessibility options (low-threshold shower designs)


Encore Series

Encore is the largest collection and tends to feel the most β€œpremium,” especially with courtyards, bigger entertaining zones, and golf-cart garage configurations on certain plans.


8) Serenity β€” ~2,316+ sq ft | 2–3 Bed | 2–2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | 2.5-Car Style Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want a large home but still want smart, usable space (not wasted square footage).
Layout vibe: A den + flex combination gives you real versatilityβ€”office + hobby + guests without feeling crowded.
Notable options:

  • Bedroom 3 or suite-style conversions (depending on option path)

  • Den 2 and alternative door configurations

  • Interior fireplace

  • Higher-impact patio sliders (center / multi-panel / corner-style options)

  • Kitchen island styles + culinary kitchen upgrade paths

  • Owner’s bath upgrades including freestanding tub availability on some paths

9) Journey β€” ~2,548 sq ft | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car + Golf Cart Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who want the golf cart bay and a courtyard-driven layout that feels like a mini resort property.
Layout vibe: Courtyard + breezeway + strong entertaining core; includes a powder bath which is huge for hosting.
Notable options:

  • Courtyard gate option

  • Patio slider upgrades (including multi-panel options)

  • Flex door styles (French/double/barn)

  • Interior fireplace

  • Owner’s bath upgrade paths (including freestanding tub routes)

10) Voyage β€” ~2,722 sq ft | 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Covered Patio | 2-Car + Golf Cart Garage

Who it fits best: Buyers who need theΒ third bedroom as a real room (guests, office, hobby, or multi-gen flow).
Layout vibe: Big gathering room energy + courtyard structure, plus the golf cart garage for lifestyle storage.
Notable options:

  • Guest suite-style configurations on some option paths

  • Den / flex reconfigurations (Flex 2 options)

  • Multiple upgraded slider configurations (center, multi-panel, corner-style)

  • Courtyard gate option

  • Bath accessibility options (including low-threshold shower variants)


Options & Upgrades: My β€œBuy It Once” Priority List

If you’re trying to spend smart, here’s what I’d put at the top of the listβ€”because you can’t easily change these later:

  1. Patio door system
    Multi-panel sliders and corner-style sliders change the entire feel of the house.

  2. Layout conversions (Bedroom 3 / Suite / Den 2 / Flex 2)
    These determine how the home lives for the next 10–20 years.

  3. Garage configuration
    If you want hobby space, golf cart storage, or a workshop feelβ€”choose the right garage now.

  4. Owner’s bath accessibility
    Low-threshold showers with seating aren’t just β€œlater in life” upgradesβ€”they’re comfort upgrades now.

  5. Courtyard gates + breezeway details
    These add privacy, security, and a cleaner indoor/outdoor experience.


How many homes are planned for Desert Retreat?

The community is planned for 1,432 single-story detached residences at full build-out.

What should I expect for property taxes?

A published estimate showed taxes landing around ~1.75% (including a community facilities component). Your exact number depends on your lot, assessed value, and local districtsβ€”so always verify before closing.

What about HOA dues?

A published estimate projected HOA dues around ~$450/month once the community is fully built out. HOA budgets evolve, so treat this as a planning number, not a guarantee.

What deposit is typically required to reserve a home?

Published guidance showed:

  • Classic Series:Β $20,000

  • Retreat Series:Β $20,000

  • Encore Series:Β $25,000
    Deposit terms can vary based on timing and contract structureβ€”ask for the current policy.

What kinds of activities will the clubhouse support?

Expect a true active-adult lifestyle: fitness facilities, group classes, pool + spa time, court sports, social gatherings, and community events. There are also indoor social spaces designed for clubs, games, and hosted events.

Are there medical facilities nearby?

Yesβ€”there are major regional options in the area (including Eisenhower Health, Kaiser Permanente, Desert Regional Medical Center, and JFK Memorial). If proximity to a specific hospital matters, I’ll help you map drive times from different lot releases.

What’s the pet policy?

A published policy allowed up to three pets total per household (cats and/or dogs). A fourth pet may be possible with HOA approval.

Can residents park on the street?

Street parking is generally limited. Published guidance suggested on-street parking may be allowed with a board-approved permit and time restrictions.

What about RV parking?

Published rules indicated RVs may be parked short-term for loading/unloading only, with a time limit (48 hours was referenced). Full-time RV storage is typically restricted in communities like this.

Next Step: How I Help Buyers Get This Right

If Desert Retreat is on your short list, the best next move is to align three things:

  1. The right plan (layout + future-proofing)

  2. The right lot (orientation, privacy, noise, and what’s behind you)

  3. The right timing (releases, incentives, and build stage)

If you want, I can:

  • Pull current availability and lot releases

  • Break down lot premiums and upgrade budgets

  • Compare new builds vs. resale opportunities

  • Help you evaluate which plan fits your lifestyle and guests


Reach out to me at 442-234-3325. We can schedule a time to meet and walk through the model homes. Its easy and short notice is okay because the models are always open and ready to go.


And if you’re actively shopping for other homes, you can search for 55 plus homes on Bloom (I’ll link you to the right filtered search and set you up with alerts).


Disclaimer: This guide is informational and reflects a snapshot of published community materials at the time they were shared. Verify all pricing, features, HOA details, taxes, and community rules before making a purchase decision.

Mark Miller, Real Estate Agent

A top-producing real estate advisor specializing in residential properties across California’s Coachella Valley β€” including Trilogy La Quinta, Trilogy Polo Club, and the City of La Quinta.


With over a decade of experience in the desert market, Mark blends deep hyper-local knowledge with strategic media, advanced search technology, and high-quality storytelling. As the founder of Bloom – Home Search Engine and Desert Oasis Insider, he goes beyond traditional representation β€” delivering data-driven insights, precision marketing, and unmatched digital exposure.


Known for integrity, clarity, and execution, Mark combines real estate expertise with professional photography, video production, and SEO strategy to connect buyers and sellers intelligently. Every transaction is approached with intention, discipline, and a commitment to long-term client success.


Cell: 442-234-3325

Email: MarkMillerCA@gmail.com

Bennion Deville Homes | DRE # 01963114
searchhomeswithbloom.com/agent/mark-miller



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