Ripley has occupied the Sonoran Desert for over 100 years
Ripley is a small wheat farming community in east Riverside County, about 10 miles from Blythe. Desert land and a smattering of residential lots comprise the area, which developed alongside the California Southern Railroad in 1920. “It’s become a huge agricultural community in the Palo Verde Valley,” says Lisa Blair, a Blackbird Real Estate Group agent and lifelong Blythe resident. “It’s very popular for people who like to hunt, fish and get outdoors since the Colorado River is right around the corner.” Apart from the local fire station, people get all their services and amenities from Blythe without having to pay city tax. Though Ripley is mostly fenced-in homes and desert roads, the area still provides accessibility to everyday needs and major thoroughfares, like California state Route 78 and Interstate 10.
Ripley has developed in the desert for the past 100 years along side the California Southern Railroad.
Many residents of Ripley spend their time outside farming.
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One community park, desert terrain and activities on the Colorado River
Ripley’s location and surrounding landscape provide plenty of outdoor adventures. “You are surrounded by desert,” Blair says. “You can off-road right off your property.” Children often visit Jack E. Marlow Ripley Family Park off School Road for its playground, picnic pavilions and basketball court. Peter McIntyre County Park, 7 miles away, sits along the Colorado River and has beaches, boat launches and fishing spots. People from all over the region come to the park in their recreational vehicles to enjoy the waterfront campsite. Just across the Arizona border, a few miles farther down the river, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge has hiking trails, and an auto-tour route allows visitors to observe the natural landscape from their cars. The refuge also accommodates boaters and regulated hunting sessions.
Families head to Jack E. Marlow Ripley Family Park to play on the playground with their children.
Visitors to Ripley love to cool off in the Colorado River at Blythe's Peter Mcintyre County Park.
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Single-family homes sell for under $150,000
Housing options in Ripley are sparse and primarily consist of ranch-style builds with stucco facades and manufactured homes. Fenced-in properties typically have enough room for storage, sheds and recreational vehicles. Desert shrubbery and palm trees decorate the roads, which are often covered with a layer of sand. Prices tend to fall between $40,000 and $150,000. The Tamarisk Villas and Desert Rose apartment communities also offer rentable detached units.
There are many manufactured homes in Ripley.
Residents aren't far from access to roadways in Ripley.
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Blythe covers shopping and dining
The valley’s commercial development operates out of Blythe. “It’s the closest place for shopping within an hour for many small towns, and Ripley is 15 minutes away,” Blair says. The city has Albertsons, hardware stores, autobody shops and Palo Verde Hospital, the nearest healthcare center. Along with fast-food chains, Blythe has a few locally owned spots. Steaks ‘n Cakes is a rustic diner with vintage tractors on its lot, and Garcia’s serves authentic Mexican food and cocktails.
Steak & Cakes is rustic country diner that's been a favorite of Blythe locals for over 20 years.
Albertsons in Blythe provides fresh and daily essentials for Ripley residents.
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Palo Verde schools are 10 miles away
Ripley falls into the Palo Verde Unified School District. Felix J. Appleby Elementary, for kindergarten through eighth grade, scores a C on Niche. Pale Verde High has a B-minus and offers Career Technical Education programs in agricultural studies and business. The high school also has a number of Advanced Placement courses.
Students enjoy the atmosphere at Felix J. Appleby Elementary School in Blythe.
Palo Verde Valley High School has a B- on Niche.
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Major freeways and public transportation options in the desert
Route 78 leads to Interstate 10, one of the state’s main thoroughfares into the Inland Empire and Orange County. Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast are both about 225 miles west. The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency offers RidePV bus services throughout Ripley and eastern Riverside County.
A small farming community, Ripley is close enough to major roadways like California State Route 78.
Residents of Ripley enjoy easy access to Palo Verde Valley Transit
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Written By
Grace Pitney
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brandy Cox,
an experienced agent in this area.
LOT#12This 7,405 sq. ft. parcel offers an ideal canvas to build your dream home or develop a mini farm. Zoned W-2M, this versatile property allows for controlled development with mixed-use possibilities, making it perfect for residential or agricultural projects. Ideal for residential or agricultural projects, Flat, usable land with easy access to utilities nearby, Quiet location with scenic
LOT#10This 7,405 sq. ft. parcel offers an ideal canvas to build your dream home or develop a mini farm. Zoned W-2M, this versatile property allows for controlled development with mixed-use possibilities, making it perfect for residential or agricultural projects.Ideal for residential or agricultural projects, Flat, usable land with easy access to utilities nearby, Quiet location
There are three parcels being sold! Approximately 158x96 this is a great opportunity to build your dream home! Located off of State Route 78 just under 15 minutes away from the Colorado River where you will find water sports, camping, hiking, and the Arizona Stae line is just over the river.
LOT#12This 7,405 sq. ft. parcel offers an ideal canvas to build your dream home or develop a mini farm. Zoned W-2M, this versatile property allows for controlled development with mixed-use possibilities, making it perfect for residential or agricultural projects. Ideal for residential or agricultural projects, Flat, usable land with easy access to utilities nearby, Quiet location with scenic
LOT#10This 7,405 sq. ft. parcel offers an ideal canvas to build your dream home or develop a mini farm. Zoned W-2M, this versatile property allows for controlled development with mixed-use possibilities, making it perfect for residential or agricultural projects.Ideal for residential or agricultural projects, Flat, usable land with easy access to utilities nearby, Quiet location
There are three parcels being sold! Approximately 158x96 this is a great opportunity to build your dream home! Located off of State Route 78 just under 15 minutes away from the Colorado River where you will find water sports, camping, hiking, and the Arizona Stae line is just over the river.
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