$267,763Average Value$157Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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.
Discover the simple elegance of ranch-style homes in Big River.
1/2
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 Middle School buildings from the street.
1/2
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.
Challenge your friends to a game of basketball at Western Park.
1/2
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.
For a taste of Big River's charm and exceptional cuisine, The Dock Restaurant is the place to be.
1/2
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.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Karl Le
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laura Ford,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Big River, CA sell after 288 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Big River, CA over the last 12 months is $148,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Look no further—THIS IS IT! The riverfront dream property you’ve been waiting for. This custom, furnished RIVERFRONT estate features TWO stunning homes on a 1+ acre parcel complete with a private launch ramp, boat dock, and sandy beach—the ultimate retreat for family, friends, or exceptional rental potential.Designed for entertaining, each home offers an expansive open-concept layout with
Stunning riverfront home offering the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation! This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence features two master suites and a separate bunk room with its own bathroom off the garage—ideal for guests or family. The inviting living room boasts a beautiful stone fireplace, while the kitchen showcases granite countertops, black appliances, and a formal dining area for
Your Own Desert Oasis on the River - OWNER MAY CARRY $150K Down 7 Years at 7.5% Interest with Balloon Payment— Enjoy An Off-Roader’s Paradise Experience the perfect blend of peaceful riverfront living and wide-open desert freedom in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath retreat. This home isn’t just a place to live — it’s your very own desert oasis, offering unmatched comfort, space, and year-round
Waterfront Paradise with Private Dock, Launch Ramp & Guest Casita! Experience the ultimate riverfront lifestyle in this exceptional waterfront property featuring a private dock and private launch ramp, making it easy to enjoy endless days on the water. Relax and entertain from the covered cabana at the water's edge, the perfect spot to take in breathtaking river views, or unwind on the spacious
Experience the best of Colorado River living in this beautifully updated, fully furnished home located in the gated waterfront community of Echo Lodge, just steps from Parker Dam. This turnkey 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers an inviting open-concept floor plan, perfect for both relaxed everyday living and effortless entertaining. Inside, you’ll find stylish laminate wood flooring, newer
Charming Spanish-Style Home with character and space! This 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom home features an open floor plan with beautiful Spanish tile flooring and a double-sided stone fireplace as the centerpiece of the living area. The spacious kitchen offers an island, breakfast bar, and built-in desk—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. Generous bedrooms with large closets provide plenty of
MAJESTIC – One-of-a-Kind Riverfront Property! Located just six miles west of Parker on the California side of the Colorado River, this Spanish-style custom home was designed to embrace and share the ultimate river lifestyle.Thoughtfully set up like a duplex, one side offers 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, living/dining area, full kitchen, covered side patio, and storage shed. The other side features
Stunning Riverfront Retreat with Private Dock, Pool & 7-Car Garage!Welcome to this exceptional 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom riverfront home that offers luxury, comfort, and the ultimate in waterfront living. Situated on a beautifully landscaped lot with direct river access, this property includes a private dock—ideal for boating, fishing, or relaxing by the water. The thoughtfully designed split
The lot is located 2 miles from the Park that has 2 launch ramps at the Colorado River, park benches, BBQ's, volleyball, Kids Gym. Lot is on leased land with the Colorado River Indian Tribe and therefore is CASH ONLY! Big River Development lease expires in 2029. Lease is currently $100/year. Buyer and agent to do due diligence. All buyers to pass a background check with Big River Development ASAP.
This a 1 Bedroom plus a Den. The Den could be the second bedrom by adding a closet. This home is in the final stages of being remodeled. All new flooring, all new dual paned windows, all new walls. Just needs appliances and finishing one bathroom.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
