Needles the sh!t hole

[Bpracing1127]

So I am staying with a friend in Needles. It has been a few years since I have been here. Wow has this town really died and become a shit hole. There is nothing here anymore. No Bashas, no chevy dealership, no food places. No decent hotels. Wtf happened? Is this due to California tax and regulations? My friend has a place on the water in colorado shores so house is nice. But the rest of it sucks ass. Is there even a boat mechanic here? Why did this town die?

 

[propcheck]

yes needles has been on the decline for years. The recession accelerated the problem. In addition the close proximity to a More business friendly less regulated state does not help them. I am on the other side of the river. The only shopping I do in Needles is the electrical supply house at the bridge and river pizza. It is a shame the state and city works to drive out business like they do.

 

[bk2drvr]

I'm on the other side of the river also and I feel the same way about Needles. It's a sad deal for sure. It has slid backwards in the ten years I've owned my river house. The Ford dealership that was there was one of the first 5 dealerships in the country. The family still owns the one in Bullhead or Kingman or both can't remember. There is a kick ass hardware store in town and an easy in and out quick CA DMV but otherwise I operate out of bullhead and fort Mohave. :thumbsdown

 

[boatdoc55]

I think it's the highest in the nation fuel prices111111 GEEZ

 

[Waffles]

So I am staying with a friend in Needles. It has been a few years since I have been here. Wow has this town really died and become a shit hole. There is nothing here anymore. No Bashas, no chevy dealership, no food places. No decent hotels. Wtf happened? Is this due to California tax and regulations? My friend has a place on the water in colorado shores so house is nice. But the rest of it sucks ass. Is there even a boat mechanic here? Why did this town die?

The only shop I know of and have visited for parts, is Premier Sports off Broadway. Super nice and helpful staff. I have a friend that has a house in Rio Buena Vista and we don't leave that neighborhood unless we absolutely need to.

I think it's the highest in the nation fuel prices111111 GEEZ

$3.79 this last Wednesday I was out there! Took my ass across the bridge where it was $2.11 at Arco

 

[No Butt No Putt]

You know why it's called Needles?

Because they didn't know how to spell syringe.

 

[TPC]

I heard the town was named in tribute to rock stars that died from drugs.
That's why their are statues of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrison, Keith Moon and others planned to be placed along the main drag.

 

[shueman]

Needles is closed ... try Blythe maybe

 

[Bigbore500r]

Yep it's a shit hole for sure

 

[Racey]

They forgot to add the extra s to the name....

Needless

 

[Flynryan]

Yep it's a shit hole for sure

View attachment 486416

great pic

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I heard the town was named in tribute to rock stars that died from drugs.
That's why their are statues of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrison, Keith Moon and others planned to be placed along the main drag.

Considering John Steinbeck went through there in the Great Depression, I would say "no".

 

[Bigbore500r]

It's crazy how the town just deteriorates. Then you go across the bridge 15 minutes in bullhead city and its 100% better.

 

[jones performance]

kinda hard for anything in needles to compete really i think.

heres a screen shot i just did showing price differences in gas and diesel between needles and mohave valley.

 

[thmterry]

I always feel sorry for the people I see at the gas stations in Needles, If they only knew.

 

[GRADS]

Last time I called a place a shit hole it didn't go so well.:rolleyes

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Just sit tight folks. Billy B's in the process of making the city Needles great again.

I like it there. :thumbsup

 

[Bobby V]

I heard the town was named in tribute to rock stars that died from drugs.
That's why their are statues of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrison, Keith Moon and others planned to be placed along the main drag.

Considering John Steinbeck went through there in the Great Depression, I would say "no".

I think TPC was trying to make a joke and failed. Sleek.There are still some old historical sites that are interesting to look at.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I know, I was being pedantic...

 

[thetub]

Just sit tight folks. Billy B's in the process of making the city Needles great again.

I like it there. :thumbsup

Billy "The Don" B making needles great again...

gotta get him a red hat...

 

[Rajobigguy]

I don't get all of the " the town is deteriorating " statements. I've been passing through Needles since I was a little kid (a very long time ago) and I don't ever remember it being a shining star of the desert.

 

[DC-88]

I don't get all of the " the town is deteriorating " statements. I've been passing through Needles since I was a little kid (a very long time ago) and I don't ever remember it being a shining star of the desert.

Exactly, and it's a double edged sword. Is "great" a place that has no wake zones, bridge cameras, crowds cause it's got amenities, checkpoints, lots of enforcement, zero water hazards to negotiate, hauling ass on a narrow body of water that almost never sees chop over 3' in offshore boats ? I love Havasu , enjoy Topock, and am Not a total hater on improvements/ people's choice of boat type in general but for my money I'll take the area the way it is shitty parts of town and all . Relaxing and being left alone most of the time are worth it IMO . Other than lower river there's not too many places left on the river where that's possible --

 

[bk2drvr]

Exactly, and it's a double edged sword. Is "great" a place that has no wake zones, bridge cameras, crowds cause it's got amenities, checkpoints, lots of enforcement, zero water hazards to negotiate, hauling ass on a narrow body of water that almost never sees chop over 3' in offshore boats ? I love Havasu , enjoy Topock, and am Not a total hater on improvements/ people's choice of boat type in general but for my money I'll take the area the way it is shitty parts of town and all . Relaxing and being left alone most of the time are worth it IMO . Other than lower river there's not too many places left on the river where that's possible --

I agree with you 100%.

Needles had never been an oasis in my lifetime but it has slid downhill in the 10 years I've been around there. A couple of the hotels have gone under and look like something out of a movie and the route 66 burger joint is gone and no grociery store.

Double edge sword for sure - I'm all for keeping things unchanged and id prefer my stretch of river this way for my
own selfish reasons of course. What lurks a few block back from the river is out of sight out of mind as far as I'm concerned. It's a great stretch of water and we can go down river to the party anytime we want and when we're done we can head back to fewer people, smooth water and quieter surroundings.

Needles is officially closed. It sucks here.

 

[Toddpools]

Yep it's a shit hole

 

[Paul65k]

Last time I called a place a shit hole it didn't go so well.:rolleyes

True but....................Needles truly IS a Shit hole :lmao

 

[Strabo]

It was great back in the '70s......Grew up in Mojave County, jumping from the old bridge into Needles was a blast.

 

[Rajobigguy]

Yep it's a shit hole View attachment 486448

I don't think anyone was saying there is anything wrong with the river in that area, just not impressed with the town.

 

[steve d]

I agree with you 100%.

Needles had never been an oasis in my lifetime but it has slid downhill in the 10 years I've been around there. A couple of the hotels have gone under and look like something out of a movie and the route 66 burger joint is gone and no grociery store.

Double edge sword for sure - I'm all for keeping things unchanged and id prefer my stretch of river this way for my
own selfish reasons of course. What lurks a few block back from the river is out of sight out of mind as far as I'm concerned. It's a great stretch of water and we can go down river to the party anytime we want and when we're done we can head back to fewer people, smooth water and quieter surroundings.

Needles is officially closed. It sucks here.

Yep.....Probably no reason to ever go back there again....!!

 

[TrollerDave]

They forgot to add the extra s to the name....

Needless

OOHH Damn!

It's crazy how the town just deteriorates. Then you go across the bridge 15 minutes in bullhead city and its 100% better.

100% ? :headscratch:

 

[shippingguy]

Well I guess I love shitholes! Haha. We will be launching out of Jack Smith and heading down to Moabi. If you see us stop and say hello.

 

[Bigbore500r]

OOHH Damn!



100% ? :headscratch:

What's the question?

Bullhead has a supermarket
Bullhead has furniture stores
Bullhead has a Lowes
Bullhead has a Taco Bell
Bullhead has a hospital

 

[MSum661]

What's the question?

Bullhead has a supermarket
Bullhead has furniture stores
Bullhead has a Lowes
Bullhead has a Taco Bell
Bullhead has a hospital

Older Bullhead has some areas that ain't soo great but what city doesn't these days.
One thing I like about Bullhead is the newer areas seem well planned for future growth. The views up near the newer developments are Bitchin!
I've looked at some lots up on the Hill with a view of Lake Mojave, The Casino's, nice River View looking out towards your neck of the River and the wrap around
Mountains which I think are Beautiful.

Considering its the River...I see more good than bad, IMO.

 

[BHC Vic]

Five minutes from lake Mohave, 5 minutes from casinos, 20 minutes from jack smith and needless. Sorry guys BHC IS CLOSED!!!!

 

[Bobby V]

Five minutes from lake Mohave, 5 minutes from casinos, 20 minutes from jack smith and needless. Sorry guys BHC IS CLOSED!!!!

You need a new watch because yours is broke. Besides this thread is about Needles. Where is that thread about the shit you see in BHC.

 

[CobraDave]

I wonder what theft is like in needles. I would be worried to have 60k in toys in the garage in a run down city where people are trying to make a buck. Low income = crime in every city.

 

[BHC Vic]

You need a new watch because yours is broke. Besides this thread is about Needles. Where is that thread about the shit you see in BHC.

Speedo in my boat is broke too:hmm:hmm:hmm:hmm

 

[AZRiverRunner]

I wonder what theft is like in needles. I would be worried to have 60k in toys in the garage in a run down city where people are trying to make a buck. Low income = crime in every city.

Per capita higher than Havasu, but the number of crimes is significantly lower.

Regarding rebuilding Needles. California is doing everything it can to drive out business. I can't see anything other than highway 40 that would make a business open up in Needles vs. doing it on the AZ side of the river.

Regulations are only part of the problem. In my business, it's the broken Workers Comp system, non-competitive hour/wage laws, insurance, property Tax, income tax, and utilities costs.

 

[nowski]

I always feel sorry for the people I see at the gas stations in Needles, If they only knew.

When driving thru Needles if I see someone pulling into the gas station I'll pull over and tell them where to find the cheap gas (Follow me). I hate to see anyone get ripped off at the pump...

 

[nowski]

Yep it's a shit hole for sure

View attachment 486416

I've seen your place in the rental section, "Nice Place"!!! Is it on the California side?

 

[pronstar]

When driving thru Needles if I see someone pulling into the gas station I'll pull over and tell them where to find the cheap gas (Follow me). I hate to see anyone get ripped off at the pump...

I would think most folks would rather not do that, in this day and age, especially in a desert creepy town at night...sorta sounds akin to "help me find my puppy" or "come with me for free wi-fi" LOL

 

[WTMFA]

When I lived in Havasu I knew a guy who grew up in Needles......I don't remember the exact figure but he told me the suicide rate was very high among those just out of high school........

 

[Bigbore500r]

I've seen your place in the rental section, "Nice Place"!!! Is it on the California side?

Yea on CA side in Needles

 

[nowski]

Just sit tight folks. Billy B's in the process of making the city Needles great again.

I like it there. :thumbsup

Back in the 80's and 90's I spent a lot of weekends at Needles Marina, great memories...

 

[SoCalDave]

Per capita higher than Havasu, but the number of crimes is significantly lower.

Regarding rebuilding Needles. California is doing everything it can to drive out business. I can't see anything other than highway 40 that would make a business open up in Needles vs. doing it on the AZ side of the river.

Regulations are only part of the problem. In my business, it's the broken Workers Comp system, non-competitive hour/wage laws, insurance, property Tax, income tax, and utilities costs.

^^^^This has been going on for 20+ years.

 

[TPC]

Needles is where my dad first took me to visit the river.
We tent camped right on the shoreline.

I was taken back how fantastic it was and I was about 9 at the time.
I remember my first thoughts like it was today.
The sandbars, the sleepy trees along the shoreline, the quiet, clean remoteness of the desert,, instantly became my favorite place and still is.

 

[Demoman]

We have had our place in Needles for 8 years. I have never had anything stolen. I have only heard of one house in our neighborhood being broken into. Yes Needles is badly deteriorated and I wish the town was doing better but for us the positives out way the negatives. Remember this is a small town and everyone knows everybody. Nothing much happens without somebody knowing who did it. The crime rate is not nearly as bad as the physical and economic condition of the town. Really is a shame that CA is so unfriendly towards business. Seems like some manufacturing operation could do well with the 40 and the railroad running through. Remember the 40 has not always been there. The town did much better when all traffic heading west was passing thru downtown. Cars back then did not go 375 miles per tank with the AC blasting. Most travelers would stop and drop a few bucks in Needles. Now those purses and wallets are just flying by on the interstate.

 

[westair]

Just sit tight folks. Billy B's in the process of making the city Needles great again.

I like it there. :thumbsup

I'd never seen Needles before going to Billy's B events .... been going to havasu and parker most of my life, never thought about stopping there ......possibly some good opportunity's in that town!

 

[SCV2RVR]

I've had place in Rainbo Beach in Needles for 10 years. I have never had anything stolen, broken into etc. I have always loved Needles as a town, it has a bit of charm. I even joined the Needles Elks club and love hanging out there with all the old Needles locals. Other than the Basha's closing and my favorite Taco Bell closing the town actually still just keeps chugging along. I think about 8 years ago or so there was talk of Needles becoming part of Nevada or Arizona.

 

[Wicky]

I heard the town was named in tribute to rock stars that died from drugs.
That's why their are statues of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrison, Keith Moon and others planned to be placed along the main drag.

Can't forget about Sam Kinison. Granted, it was speed that killed him. And it's "there"...lol...Sorry, couldn't help it.

 

[PVHCA]

I've had place in Rainbo Beach in Needles for 10 years. I have never had anything stolen, broken into etc. I have always loved Needles as a town, it has a bit of charm. I even joined the Needles Elks club and love hanging out there with all the old Needles locals. Other than the Basha's closing and my favorite Taco Bell closing the town actually still just keeps chugging along. I think about 8 years ago or so there was talk of Needles becoming part of Nevada or Arizona.

I had my place at The Palms River resort for over 10 years and loved needles. Ya it's kinda a shit hole but it is what it is. A guy name Lance bought my Eliminator that has a place at Rainbow, cool guy. Love the bar there and the hidden bar, LOL