$220,587Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
A growing community with rural surroundings
As the railroad pushed across the Arizona border in 1883, the Gateway to California was born, bringing families and businesses here to embrace the open space and desert heat. On the outskirts of San Bernadino County, bordered by the Colorado River and intersected by historic Route 66, the secluded city of Needles offers a quiet desert landscape far from the urban centers of Southern California. Its status as a significant highway stop means some people come and go, but as new businesses take root in the area, including many in the cannabis industry, Needles is continuing to grow into its surroundings.
Needles' Borax Wagon, a time-traveling relic, echoing tales of desert expeditions.
Nestled along the river in Needles, CA homes mirror tranquil waters, embodying a serene haven.
1/2
Desert homes with stucco exteriors
Tracts of the Mojave Desert divide clusters of early 20th-century and midcentury ranch-style houses and bungalows painted in neutral earth tones. “As long as a house here is priced right, it'll sell,” says local real estate broker Cindy Tittle of Preferred Home Brokers. “Compared to San Bernardino or Riverside, you can get the same house on the same size lot for half the price.” South of downtown Needles, two-bedroom bungalows built between 1900 and 1950 on modest lots sell for around $100,000, while more centrally located midcentury ranch-style homes -- Spanish-inspired with stucco walls and barrel-tile roofing -- can go for more than $200,000. Quiet sidewalks line fenced-in yards, where residents catch some sun in lawn chairs on sunny days. On the northern end of the scenic riverfront, some recently built homes with four or more bedrooms can sell for up to $2.5 million. Greenery is sparse in the dry heat, but the occasional palm tree or drought-resistant bush does provide a little color and shade.
Amidst Needles, stucco walls and Spanish-style roofs weave a picturesque tapestry.
A two-story home stands tall, modern living with a touch of southwestern charm.
1/2
Comfort food at Wagon Wheel Restaurant
Aside from small markets, most big-box stores and larger grocery chains are located about 25 miles away in Bullhead City, Arizona. Local restaurants include a small range of cuisines, including Mexican, Indian and Asian fusion. Among the dozen family-owned restaurants, Wagon Wheel Restaurant offers inexpensive old-school comfort food for easy weeknight meals. Additionally, 19th Hole Bar & Grill provides drinks and casual bar food to close out a long day on the golf course, making it a local favorite on the weekends.
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant beckons with nostalgic charm and a side of history.
Munchy's Cafe Taco Shop invites residents to savor the essence of Mexico in every bite.
1/2
Competitive athletics at Needles High
The Needles Unified School District scores a B-minus overall from Niche. Local kids may attend the C-plus-rated Vista Colorado Elementary before moving on to Needles Middle, which scores a C. Despite the California location of C-plus-rated Needles High, its athletic teams play in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association for athletics, where they’ve won multiple state championships in softball, baseball and basketball.
Young children begin their education at Vista Colorado Elementary School.
Needles High School has a competitive athletics program that has won Nevada state championships.
Needles Middle School provides a nurturing environment where young minds bloom.
1/3
Birdwatching, fishing, and hiking at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge offers many hiking trails and boat launch points but is more known for birdwatching, fishing and small game hunting. Located just off the coast of the Colorado River, River’s Edge Golf Course provides a more manicured setting with a classic par 71, 18-hole layout peppered with water features and palm trees. For dog owners looking to rest with their pets under a canopy of trees in the scorching hot summers, there’s Spike’s Desert Dog Park, named after Snoopy’s brother, a fictional resident of Needles created by Peanuts creator and former Needles resident himself, Charles M. Schulz.
Spike's Desert Dog Park is where tails wag and paws prance freely.
At Rivers Edge Golf Course, where every shot echoes with the rhythm of the river.
1/2
Generations of memories at the Needles Rodeo
Within this sprawling neighborhood, city-wide events draw everyone together. “There’s a rodeo and an annual parade. They usually have a haunted house for Halloween,” Tittle says. Most of these events have multi-generational appeal, like the Needles Rodeo, an annual staple since 1979 that includes junior barrel racing and cornhole tourneys. The local newspaper, the Needles Desert Star, provides locals with regular updates on community events and safety and economic concerns.
Route 66, I-40 and Amtrak
With limited public transit options and everyday necessities spread across the tri-state area, residents here are primarily car-dependent. For regional transit options, Amtrak train tracks run straight through the heart of Needles, with a station located by the historic El Garces building. Route 66 and I-40 connect Needles to outlying regions while offering residents a more secluded approach to a sunny Southern California lifestyle.
Photography Contributed By
Steven Reyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dennette Burris,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Needles, CA sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Needles, CA over the last 12 months is $132,000, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great potential for this vacant lot in the heart of historic Needles. Corner lot, zoned C-3 (buyer to verify), offering a number of building choices. Near the historic landmark El Garces building that was built in 1908 as the Harvey House and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad depot. Ready for your opportunity.
Location is key and this lot is centrally located in Needles, CA. You'll be able to build a new home here. The lot has previously had utilities and you'll need to get them connected again. This lot is close to Jack Smith Park & Launching Facility, restaurants, schools and entertainment.
Priced to Sell! 12,480?sq?ft Lot in Needles, CA – Seller Financing Available Great opportunity to own a 12,480?sq?ft parcel just blocks from the Colorado River in Needles, CA! Zoned Miscellaneous Vacant Land, this flat, buildable lot is ideal for a custom home, vacation retreat, or long-term investment. Seller financing available with just $5,000 down—a perfect option for buyers seeking flexible
Property Id: 1702965This well-maintained 1 bed, 1 bath multifamily unit is move-in ready and located in a desirable neighborhood. The home features laminated vinyl flooring, central heating and cooling, a gas stove, and ample parking. Water and gas are included, helping keep monthly costs down. Small dogs and cats are welcome with a required pet deposit. Tenants may bring their own
Great corner unit apartment in move in condition. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit. Recently remodeled. Common area laundry, close to park and recreation area, library, aquatics center, skate park, church, Sheriff's department and freeway. Large parking area.
Property Id: 953520Welcome to your new home in Needles, CA! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom multi-family unit is available starting 01/01/2026 for $820/month. Enjoy the convenience of a new in-unit washer/dryer, stove, central A/C, laminate vinyl flooring, and cable-ready connection. Small dogs and cats are welcome, and smoking is allowed outside. If you have your own
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.
