$791,873Average Value$314Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Rural living in Phoenix's North Valley
Located about 35 miles north of Downtown Phoenix, the unincorporated North Valley community of New River sits right on Interstate 17, within the mountain foothills of the Sonoran Desert and at the edge of Tonto National Forest. Home to fewer than 19,000 people, it's defined by wide-open spaces, a sense of freedom and lower home prices than neighboring Cave Creek. “New River is very rural,” says longtime area resident Jeff Seman, owner and broker at Ironwood Fine Properties. “It’s great for people who want an acre and to be able to keep an RV or some horses on their property and not have any restrictions on the kind of home they can build." Many New River residents commute throughout the Valley, while the sprawling new Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant, a major area employer, is just south of the community.
Elevate your lifestyle in New River's mountainscapes.
Navigate the desert landscape and journey down I-17 for a scenic view.
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Homes on acreage without HOA restrictions
In early 2025, New River's median home price is $670,000, up 5% since early 2024, but still lower than the $900,000 median in neighboring Cave Creek. Single-family and manufactured homes sit on parcels of 1 to 5 acres, and there’s no homeowners association to dictate rules and guidelines. "It’s like the wild west," says Seman. "You could have a trailer right next to a million-dollar home. A lot of people want their piece of land with a septic tank and their own wells so they’re not relying on anybody else’s water.” Homes date from the late 20th century to the 2020s, and while styles vary significantly, many are Santa Fe-style, traditional ranch-style or sprawling custom estates. “New River is ideal for people that are not looking for suburban neighborhoods,” says area resident Angela Jacques, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Endless possibilities unfold on these sprawling acres in New River, AZ.
From above, witness the seamless blend of New River's homes and the desert wilderness.
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Access to expansive nearby trail systems
New River doesn’t have any community parks, though its proximity to the sprawling Tonto National Forest provides residents with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Cave Creek Regional Park spans 3,000 acres, where the popular Go John Trail makes a 6-mile loop through the Sonoran Desert’s mountainous terrain. The 20-acre New River Nature Preserve features a rare willow and cottonwood forest with trails that are especially popular for birdwatching. On the community’s south end, the Desert Hills Trailhead connects hikers to the sprawl.
Bull riding at the local saloon, with grocery, retail and dining options in neighboring Anthem
While New River is limited in shopping and dining options, Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon is a local institution in Western-themed digs, serving hearty American comfort fare with a side of Saturday night entertainment that includes live music and bull riding.
Plenty of additional dining options can be found in neighboring Anthem, which is home to a wide array of locally owned eateries and popular chain restaurants. Anthem’s Safeway, Fry’s and Walmart are the local go-tos for groceries, while Outlets North Phoenix is home to over 50 popular retailers.
Hybrid and career learning options in Deer Valley Unified School District
Students are served by Deer Valley Unified School District, which Niche grades A overall and names among the top ten districts in Arizona. With about 35,000 students across over 40 schools, it’s the fifth largest in the state. Through Aspire, the district’s online learning academy, students of all grade levels have access to flexible hybrid learning options. District high schoolers can also enroll in a variety of hands-on career and technical education courses in their chosen field.
A lack of public transportation and a heavy reliance on personal vehicles
New River is located right on Interstate 17, connecting drivers to destinations throughout the Valley, including Downtown Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 35 miles away. While New River doesn’t have any medical facilities of its own, HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center is just south.
A lower risk of violent and property crime than the national average
New River doesn’t have its own police department and instead contracts service from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. New River has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4.
Sweltering summer temps
While the North Valley experiences cooler temperatures than Phoenix because of the higher elevation, residents can still experience dangerously hot summer temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Written By
Lauren Schott
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kirsten Myers,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in New River, AZ sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in New River, AZ over the last 12 months is $600,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stop the tape! You'll want to lock this house away. Don't just stand there- operate on that offer right now! This is your chance to own one of the true jewels within this highly desirable custom acreage neighborhood in the North Valley. Perfectly positioned to make life a breeze, you're just moments from the I-17 and Loop 303, with all the glorious delights of Norterra, Anthem, and Desert Hills
4.6 acre, flat, fenced with 2188 sf 3/2 home updated kitchen,no HOA.360 degree mountain views, perfect sunset views and peaceful surroundings.Would make an amazing horse property! Private well,RV cover w/hook ups. water-electric and could easily be converted to a horse barn.Ride your horse,mountain bike or hike into Tonto National Forest 10 mins away.10 mins to I-17.
Jeff & Lisa ArmbrusterRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Experience the epitome of luxury living in this beautifully updated Anthem Country Club home, boasting a perfect blend of modern convenience and elegant design. Nestled on a prime lot with unobstructed views of both Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak, this property offers a serene backdrop that is simply breathtaking.Key Upgrades:•Brand new air conditioning system installed in September
Charles FinzerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties
Live the Western luxury dream on this 1-acre horse property with room to ride! This territorial-style home features a 4-car garage, RV gate, corral, and stables—ideal for horse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Inside, rustic charm meets modern comfort with wood-look floors, vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, and an electric fireplace. Entertain in the stylish kitchen with executive island,
Luxury Desert Oasis—Renovated, Solar Savings, No HOA & Close to Cave Creek Rodeo!Completely renovated in 2021, this 4,248 sq ft single-level estate on 1.21 acres offers the ultimate in desert living with no HOA restrictions. Updates include a new HVAC, roof, flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms, giving this home a modern and move-in ready feel. With 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 spa-inspired baths,
Welcome to your private desert oasis! This beautifully upgraded executive home sits on an expansive lot and offers 3 spacious bedrooms plus a versatile flex room—perfect for a 4th bedroom, home office, or formal dining space. Soaring 12-foot ceilings and a bright open-concept layout make this home feel grand and inviting from the moment you step inside.The gourmet kitchen boasts engineered stone
Nestled on over 4.5 acres against the picturesque backdrop of the Tonto Preserve, this southwest-style elegantly decorated home offers comfort and luxury. With breathtaking mountain views from the expansive backyard, this home is a perfect retreat for those looking to explore the miles of national forest nearby. The property includes a covered patio, double courtyards, a pool, a hot tub, and a
Private Gated Community - Furnished 1st Floor End Unit. This Rare Multi-Generational Floor Plan is Ideal for an In-Law Suite, Multi-Family Living, or Assisted Living Needs! Featuring 2 Full Private Master Suites and 2nd Living Room Area. Spacious Open-Concept Main Living Area and a Beautifully Upgraded Kitchen with Brand-New Stainless Appliances. Gorgeous Patios overlook Desert & Mountain Views.
Casa Sonoran is a spectacular home nestled on an oversized lot with plenty of outdoor space. This home offers wonderful curb appeal with refined desert landscape, a spacious 3-car garage, circular driveway, courtyard entry, and RV Gate.The chef's kitchen features granite counters, wood cabinets, tile backsplash, center island, pantry, stainless steel appliances, and patio access. The main
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.
