Real estate reality TV stirred up a Western-style showdown when “Selling Sunset” newcomer Alanna Gold boldly declared she “owns” Pioneertown, CA. This unincorporated community, nestled in San Bernardino County’s high desert and famed for its vintage movie sets near Joshua Tree National Park, became the unexpected center of a property ownership controversy. Gold’s claim on the hit Netflix series sparked immediate backlash from Pioneertown residents, raising questions about the actual ownership and, more importantly for prospective buyers and curious onlookers, the real Pioneertown cost.
In a Season 8 episode, Gold confidently stated she and her husband possessed “a little Western town out in the desert,” proclaiming, “It’s called Pioneertown. So I’m sheriff of a town. Yeehaw!” When Jason Oppenheim, her boss and renowned real estate mogul, jokingly inquired about the Pioneertown cost to buy it from her, Gold doubled down, asserting, “You guys don’t get to know that. You can’t have it, it’s ours!”
This claim ignited a firestorm. Pioneertown community officials swiftly responded with a public statement in the Pioneertown Gazette and online, vehemently refuting Gold’s “baseless” assertions. They demanded a public apology, emphasizing the damage her words inflicted on the town’s 78-year history rooted in film, art, and culture. The statement clarified the reality of Pioneertown ownership, setting the record straight about who truly holds stakes in this unique locale and, by extension, hinting at the diverse range of Pioneertown cost depending on property type.
‘Selling Sunset’ Star Alanna Gold Sparks Fury After Claiming She ‘Owns’ Pioneertown—So What’s the Truth Behind the Iconic Western Community?
The online article features an image with the headline “Selling Sunset Star Alanna Gold Sparks Fury After Claiming She ‘Owns’ Pioneertown—So What’s the Truth Behind the Iconic Western Community?” and a split image of Alanna Gold and a Pioneertown street scene to introduce the article topic.
The official statement from Pioneertown officials minced no words. It emphasized that Pioneertown is a “mile-square census designated community with over 400 residents” and is “privately owned by more than 100 independent parties.” Addressing Gold’s specific situation, they revealed, “Mrs. Gold has a small minority non-controlling interest in an entity that owns six of thirty five parcels in the Mane Street area, constituting less than 1% of Pioneertown’s total 640 acres. The claim that she owns the ‘entire town’ is verifiably false.” This clarification underscores that the actual Pioneertown cost is distributed across numerous property owners, not concentrated in the hands of one individual.
In response to the uproar, Alanna Gold issued an apology to People magazine, expressing deep regret for the misunderstanding. She admitted her claim was inaccurate and stemmed from excitement about sharing her connection to Pioneertown with her colleagues. “I certainly do not own Pioneertown, I never should have said that and I apologize for doing so,” she stated. She further explained, “I want you to know that I did not mean any harm, I absolutely love Pioneertown and I simply got too excited talking about it.”
A promotional image from Netflix’s Selling Sunset shows Alanna Gold, a Selling Sunset rookie agent, smiling confidently, used to illustrate Alanna Gold’s controversial claim about owning Pioneertown.
Gold’s affinity for Pioneertown is indeed personal. She and her husband, Adam Gold, share a history with the town, having had their first date there and even choosing it as their wedding location. While they do own properties within the community, these holdings are a fraction of the whole, a detail that directly impacts any discussion of overall Pioneertown cost and property investment.
An Instagram photo of Alanna and Adam Gold embracing affectionately at their Pioneertown wedding is included to highlight their personal connection to Pioneertown, despite the ownership controversy.
What Drives the Allure and Pioneertown Cost?
Founded in 1946 by actor Dick Curtis, Pioneertown was originally conceived as a living, breathing 1880s Old West movie set. It features functional businesses like the Pioneer Bowl bowling alley alongside its historic facades, creating a unique blend of cinematic history and real community life. This unusual heritage is a significant factor in Pioneertown’s appeal and, consequently, the diverse spectrum of Pioneertown cost for properties within and around it.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pioneertown draws tourists and locals alike with its reenacted gun shows, live music venues, a film museum, art studios, and equestrian facilities. Its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park and the broader high desert landscape further enhances its desirability, influencing the overall Pioneertown cost of living and real estate.
A snapshot of the Pioneertown Gazette’s response to Alanna Gold’s claim is displayed, showing the community’s official and published rebuttal to the Selling Sunset star’s statement.
Pioneertown’s charm has long attracted celebrities, from Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in its early days to contemporary figures like Robert Plant and Eric Burdon. This celebrity cachet, combined with its remote desert setting yet relative accessibility to Los Angeles, has made it a haven for influencers and city dwellers seeking escape. This desirability is directly reflected in the real estate market and the varying Pioneertown cost for properties.
An aerial view of Pioneertown set against the backdrop of Joshua Tree National Park showcases the location of Pioneertown and its natural desert environment.
Exploring the Pioneertown Cost of Real Estate
The Pioneertown real estate market presents a wide range of options, reflecting the diverse Pioneertown cost spectrum. Prices can soar to $4,890,000 for expansive estates like a 36.7-acre property featuring a mansion and helipad, catering to luxury buyers seeking high-end amenities and privacy. This end of the market illustrates the upper limits of Pioneertown cost.
Conversely, more budget-conscious buyers can find opportunities at significantly lower price points. For instance, a humble, off-grid studio on a 5-acre lot might be listed around $99,900. Undeveloped land offers an even more accessible entry point, with 15-acre lots sometimes available for as little as $19,900. This range demonstrates that Pioneertown cost can be surprisingly accessible depending on individual needs and preferences.
A photo of a rustic street scene in Pioneertown is used to visually represent the community, accompanying the text which clarifies that Pioneertown is owned by many independent parties, not one individual.
To illustrate the variety in Pioneertown cost, here are a few examples from the local real estate listings:
Luxury Estate: 3569 Calmada Rd, Pioneertown, CA – Listed at $4,890,000. This 5,329-square-foot residence on nearly 37 acres boasts six bedrooms, 6.5 baths, a pool, solarium, and helipad. Currently operating as a short-term rental, it exemplifies the high end of Pioneertown cost and investment potential.
An aerial view of a large estate with a pool and helipad exemplifies luxury properties available in Pioneertown, showcasing the high end of Pioneertown real estate cost.
Tiny Home Gem: 12345 Horseshoe Trail, Pioneertown, CA – Priced at $199,900. This vibrant 400-square-foot tiny home on 5 acres, a popular Airbnb, showcases the lower end of developed property Pioneertown cost. It’s fully off-grid, powered by solar and a wood-burning stove, appealing to those seeking sustainable and affordable desert living.
A brightly colored tiny home on a desert lot is pictured to represent affordable and unique housing options in Pioneertown, highlighting the diverse range of Pioneertown cost.
Unique Design on Acreage: 55290 Flying Tigers Rd, Pioneertown, CA – Available for $2,995,000. This 2,923-square-foot home with four bedrooms and three baths sits on a sprawling 160-acre lot. Its unique architectural style, integrated with natural rock and wood, plus vast mountain views, justifies its higher Pioneertown cost for those seeking privacy and distinctive desert living.
A uniquely designed wood and stone home on a large acreage lot illustrates distinctive architectural properties contributing to the diverse real estate offerings and Pioneertown cost spectrum.
Rustic Cabin Retreat: 48901 Devils Gate Pass Rd, Pioneertown, CA – Listed at $99,000. This renovated 400-square-foot studio cabin on 5 acres offers an entry-level Pioneertown cost for a charming, albeit rustic, desert getaway. Off-grid and featuring an outdoor shower, it appeals to those seeking a simpler lifestyle close to nature.
A small, rustic cabin in a desert setting represents entry-level real estate investment and the lower end of Pioneertown cost for property.
Modern Desert Oasis: 5215 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA – Priced at $790,000. The “Infinity House,” built in 2022, is a modern two-bedroom, two-bath home with a heated infinity pool and panoramic desert views. Its resort-style amenities and modern design command a higher Pioneertown cost, reflecting contemporary desert living preferences.
A modern home with an infinity pool under a starlit sky exemplifies modern desert living and a higher price point within the range of Pioneertown cost for real estate.
Conclusion: Understanding Pioneertown Cost and Value
The Alanna Gold controversy served to highlight Pioneertown’s unique identity and community spirit. Beyond the headlines, it also indirectly shone a light on the diverse real estate market and the varied Pioneertown cost associated with owning property in this iconic Western town. From budget-friendly cabins to luxury estates, Pioneertown offers a range of options for those drawn to its history, desert setting, and unique lifestyle. Understanding the nuances of Pioneertown cost requires exploring the specific types of properties available and aligning them with individual budgets and aspirations for desert living or investment. Whether you are seeking a rustic retreat, a modern desert home, or a slice of cinematic history, Pioneertown presents a compelling, if sometimes complex, real estate landscape to navigate.
