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Big River

Big River

$260,625 Average Value
$102 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A semi-private, waterfront community

Set along the banks of the Colorado River, the aptly named Big River is a popular Southern California vacation spot next to the Arizona border. The area's residents, whether part-time or full-time, tend to be retirees. “A lot of snowbirds come out for boating during the winter,” says Julie Bruckner, a local listing agent with Havapad Realty Group. “It’s a part of the Colorado River Indian Reservation, so many folks here do not own the land. They rent out homes with boating docks for months at a time.” Winter and spring are the most active seasons here, as summer and fall temperatures often top 100 degrees.

A remote area with a Baptist church, some camping areas and a couple of casual restaurants, Big River receives a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Everyday essentials are found about 7 miles away in Parker, Arizona, while the closest schools are about 50 miles away in Needles, California.

Land owned by the Colorado River Reservation

The community's partially paved, sidewalk-less streets are lined with single-story homes built between the 1970s and mid-'80s and set on spacious lots of a half acre to 2 acres. These homes are either ranch-style or manufactured and generally have two or three bedrooms; common features include attached two-car garages, wooden split-rail fences and rock landscaping with the occasional tall palm tree. Prices for both styes typically range from $100,000 to $150,000, but those set on the riverfront range from $230,000 to $400,000 and often include private boat launches. "Most of the land is lease only," notes Larry Hunt, a Broker with Keller Williams Realty who has 5 years' experience in the area. "To buy any property here, you have to pay cash or have an owner carry-back. You can't get a mortgage on the reservation." An owner carry-back, also known as owner financing, is a mortgage loan provided by a home's owner to a home's new buyer.

Big River's ranch-style homes offer the best of both comfort and nature.
Big River's ranch-style homes offer the best of both comfort and nature.
Discover the simple elegance of ranch-style homes in Big River.
Discover the simple elegance of ranch-style homes in Big River.
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The closest schools are 50 miles away in Needles, California

The closest schools are about 50 miles away in the city of Needles, California; the Needles Unified School District earns an overall rating of B from Niche. Kids can start school at the B-minus rated Vista Colorado Elementary, then continue to Needles Middle, which earns a C. The B-minus rated Needles High offers a handful of lunchtime and after-school clubs for activities like knitting, hiking and gaming.

A view of the Needles High School buildings from the street.
A view of the Needles High School buildings from the street.
A view of the Needles Middle School buildings from the street.
A view of the Needles Middle School buildings from the street.
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Seasonal events at Western Park

The Big River RV Park offers public boating access, as well as riverside picnic areas. For more green space, the roughly 8-acre, dog-friendly Western Park is about 13 miles away in Parker, with basketball courts, a baseball field and a playground that was renovated in 2022. Western Park also hosts seasonal events like a winter holiday tree lighting and a local bazaar selling crafts, clothing and more.

Big River RV Park provides access for public boating and features picturesque riverside picnic areas.
Big River RV Park provides access for public boating and features picturesque riverside picnic areas.
Challenge your friends to a game of basketball at Western Park.
Challenge your friends to a game of basketball at Western Park.
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Casual sit-down dining on the river

Neighborhood gathering spots include The Dock, a waterfront spot for hearty meals like ribeye and fried fish, and Dumas Walkers Restaurant & Bar, which serves cocktails and casual bar fare. Most shopping is done about 7 miles away in Parker, which includes a Bealls department store, a Safeway and a Walmart Supercenter, as well as fast-food chains like McDonalds and Taco Bell.

Dumas Walkers Restaurant and Bar is a Big River staple, where good food and community meet.
Dumas Walkers Restaurant and Bar is a Big River staple, where good food and community meet.
For a taste of Big River's charm and exceptional cuisine, The Dock Restaurant is the place to be.
For a taste of Big River's charm and exceptional cuisine, The Dock Restaurant is the place to be.
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Cross the state on the 62

Highway 62 runs northeast along Big River, leading to Parker, Arizona in about 7 miles. Highway 95 connects to Old Parker Road, leading to Blythe in about 50 miles. With no sidewalks and no public transit options, residents here rely on cars to get around the city. Palo Verde Hospital is around 47 miles away, and the Colorado River Medical Center is 64 miles away. The Yuma International Airport (YUM) is a 124-mile trip.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Karl Le
Melinda Anselmo
Video By
Melinda Anselmo

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Parks in this Area

Big River Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$159,999
Median Sale Price
$132,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$132,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
19%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$102

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
220
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,667
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,800
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
845
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,344

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Big River Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
853
Median Age
61
Population under 18
12.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.7%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,571
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,239

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84%
College Graduates
8.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
% Population in Labor Force
41.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
2''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
109°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

18 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.