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Needles

Needles

Rural Neighborhood in California

San Bernardino County 92363

$227,219 Average Value
$157 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes 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.
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.
Nestled along the river in Needles, CA homes mirror tranquil waters, embodying a serene haven.
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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.
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.
A two-story home stands tall, modern living with a touch of southwestern charm.
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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.
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.
Munchy's Cafe Taco Shop invites residents to savor the essence of Mexico in every bite.
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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.
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 High School has a competitive athletics program that has won Nevada state championships.
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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.
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.
At Rivers Edge Golf Course, where every shot echoes with the rhythm of the river.
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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 signs in Needles guide travelers through an iconic journey.
Route 66 signs in Needles guide travelers through an iconic journey.

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.

Andi Sink
Written By
Andi Sink
Steven Reyes
Photography Contributed By
Steven Reyes
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sue Dearing, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Laughlin/Bullhead International

46 min drive

Bus

1111 Bailey Avenue

Bus

J Street & Hospitality Lane

Bus

Bailey Avenue & Lily Hill Drive

Bus

Erin Drive & Coronado

Bus

Broadway & J Street

Bus

3rd Street & F Street

Bus

Coronado & J Street

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Needles US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$165,000
Median Single Family Price
$190,000
Median Townhouse Price
$175,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$125,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$157
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Months of Supply
5.90
Median List Price
$199,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,430
Median Year Built
1959
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,428
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,192
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sue Dearing, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,195
Median Age
44
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,459
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,721

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.8%
College Graduates
11.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
% Population in Labor Force
42.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
2''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
110°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

9 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Needles