On the banks of the Colorado River, Bullhead City tends to turn its tourists into locals. “Tourism is our biggest industry,” says Tara McMullen of Premier Executives Real Estate and a Bullhead City native. “With the water activities and the gambling right across the river in Laughlin, the city feels like a giant playground. People will visit and want to get a home here.” Bullhead City was incorporated in 1984, about 30 years after the completion of the Davis Dam first brought people to the area. Since then, its population has grown to more than 70,000 full-time residents and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31% of them are over the age of 65. “We get a number of snowbirds who want to retire someplace warm, but also a fair share from California that want a place to finally use their boat or easy access to casinos,” says McMullen. The casinos are on the Nevada side of the river, and many Bullhead City residents work at the resorts.
The Davis Dam was built in 1951 facilitating waterflow into Bullhead City.
Bullhead City residents enjoy riding between resorts in boats.
The Colorado River splits Bullhead City, AZ on one side with Laughlin, NV on the other.
Bullhead City locals and tourists are seen at the nearby gambling machines.
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Fun on the Colorado River and gaming in Laughlin
The Colorado River is the main source of recreation in Bullhead City. Residents can relax on the beach or swim in buoyed-off areas. Anglers dip fishing lines into the river while others whip around on jet skis and speed boats. Locals also hang out at Bullhead City Community Park and Rotary Park, which have seen major renovations in the past few years. “Over the past four years, millions of dollars have gone into the park system,” says McMullen. “They re-paved the skate park, put in turf at the parks -- which conserves water -- and completely re-did the community pool and added a new slide.” People head across the river to Laughlin, Nevada for gaming at one of many casinos.
Bullhead City residents love to visit the beaches next to the Colorado River.
Bullhead City locals love driving their motorboats through the Colorado River.
Gambling at the casinos in across the Colorado River is a favorite pass time in Bullhead City.
Rotary Park is popular for some great sports in Bullhead City.
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Bullhead River Run and other events
One of Bullhead City’s biggest annual events is the Bullhead River Run. This motorcycle rally is held each year over the last weekend in April. “It started in 2021 after the Laughlin River Run stopped,” says McMullen. “The Laughlin festival had a long run and it’s basically the same festival, but on our side of the river now.” Thousands of bikers descend on Bullhead City for a weekend full of live music and motorcycle shows. The Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse hosts the annual Oktoberfest and Holly Jolly Holiday Bazaar festivals, featuring live music and local food vendors.
The Bullhead River Run invites motorcyclists to participate in its annual event.
Many motorcyclists repair and customize their bikes in preparation for the Bullhead River Run.
The Bullhead Chamber of Commerce is where visitors can find information about local events.
Bullhead City blooms all year long with its many events for visitors and locals.
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Housing prices under Arizona's median
The median price for a single-family home in Bullhead City is right around $300,000. Home prices remained consistent over the past three years. “It’s honestly one of the most affordable places to live in Arizona, and much more affordable than California,” says McMullen. Most single-family homes are ranch-style builds with stucco facades and Mediterranean influences. Condos sit near the river, and Bullhead City also has its fair share of manufactured homes. Prices vary depending on location; the Laughlin Ranch neighborhood tends to be pricier, while areas near Riviera are more affordable.
Manufactured homes are one of the most common types of homes in Bullhead City.
Ranch-style homes with large yards are a popular choice for Bullhead City residents.
Bullhead City residents can purchase condos close to the river.
Homes in Bullhead City have a waterfront view, allowing people to pull their boats to their deck
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Hot summers and mild winters
Bullhead City has a hot, arid climate. Temperatures exceed 100 degrees for most of the summer; days in July and August frequently top out over 110 degrees. “It can get ridiculously hot in the summer,” admits McMullen. Winter temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s, a plus for the city’s many snowbirds. The city gets an average of 5 inches of precipitation per year.
Dining options along 95
Diners can check out a variety of restaurants ranging from sushi spots to steakhouses to authentic Mexican joints along Highway 95. The area near the river features tiki-themed spots with dog-friendly patios and views of the Colorado. Shoppers can access big box stores like Kohl’s and Ross for clothing and Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart for everyday needs. “We recently got Boot Barn and Bath & Body Works, so new things are coming to our shopping centers all the time,” McMullen says.
Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi is the perfect Bullhead City dining spot along the I-95.
Bath & Body Works is a recently established store in Bullhead City.
Agaves serves authentic Mexican cuisine along the I-95 in Bullhead City.
Bullhead City residents can shop grocery and retail at Target.
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Colorado River Union High School District
The Bullhead City School District serves the area and holds a C-minus overall grade on Niche. The district has three elementary schools and two middle schools. Teens attend the C-rated Colorado River Union High School District, and Mohave Community College and Northern Arizona University both have campuses in Bullhead City.
Commuting and crime reports
Bullhead City is not just improving its parks. “The mayor is really involved with procuring new businesses, bringing jobs to Bullhead City and doing whatever possible to make it even more desirable for tourists,” says McMullen. Locals hop on Route 95 and drive 100 miles north to Las Vegas, home to the closest major airport. Bullhead Area Transit has bus routes Monday-Saturday throughout the city. CrimeGrade gives Bullhead City a B, putting it on par with the national average. The Bullhead City Police participates in events throughout the year to foster a greater relationship with the community, including National Night Out Shop with a Cop around Christmas time and the Walk Away from Drugs 5K. The Western Arizona Regional Medical Center is a 139-bed acute care facility and Bullhead City’s largest hospital.
Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Brian Rodriguez
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristina Horton,
an experienced agent in this area.
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