Needles the sh!t hole

[AZRiverRunner]

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!

It is located on the best part of river, in my opinion.
-Any time of year, I can run from my place, up river above Needles, to Parker Dam.
-In the spring, I can go all the way up to Davis Dam, and all the way down to Parker Dam. Jet boats can do that most of the year.
-It's almost always quiet during the week, even on holiday weeks.
-Lots of off road trails to do in the winter.

My Grandma and her family broke down in Needles around 1918. They lived in a tent for a couple years, my Great Grandpa got a job with the railroad, saved money and ended up moving on to SoCal. My Grandma told stories of her dad improvising a sprinkler on top of their tent that acted like a swamp cooler in the summers. She also told us a story of nearly drowning in the river, and was saved by local Indians.

I had heard that Billy B was opening or moving shop to Needles, that's good to hear, he's done a lot of good for Needles with his Boat and Hot Rod shows and un-official events. W. Broadway/Main street is getting cleaned up and a lot of the old service stations have been restored too. Without big incentives from the city, county, or state, I doubt we'll see any significant jobs moving into town. I could see more being built just on the other side of the river in Mohave Valley or Fort Mohave, with jobs for Needles. I've considered opening a branch there, and may do it in the next 5 years.

 

[Beerme]

Obviously you guys have overlooked a little slice of heaven at the Needles Dollar Tree!

 

[TBI]

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.

Needles = Radiator Springs

 

[Blackhawk15]

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 --

IMO, the best part of the river is from Topock up to the needles bridge. you can go to the bars if you want action or you can find a nice beach and relax. Best of both worlds.

 

[Bigbore500r]

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

Hidden bar? Do tell....

 

[Bigbore500r]

IMO, the best part of the river is from Topock up to the needles bridge. you can go to the bars if you want action or you can find a nice beach and relax. Best of both worlds.

Yes sir! Was hanging out with your buddy Mike this weekend, man what a cool dude he is. Possibly the nicest dude ever

How u doing, how's the new pad on AZ side?

 

[PVHCA]

Hidden bar? Do tell....

In the restaurant at Rainbow part of the bar rises out of the console like an old tv use to, pretty cool deal.

 

[Bigbore500r]

In the restaurant at Rainbow part of the bar rises out of the console like an old tv use to, pretty cool deal.

That's cool, never noticed it. I'll have to go by there. Last time I went to Rainbo Cafe we had stayed at the Fender motel.....

 

[guest hs]

Needles rules!

 

[dschifan]

Needles sucks I never run up there :skull

[video=youtube_https;misvAJipcEQ]https://youtu.be/misvAJipcEQ[/video]

 

[AZRiverRunner]

For those that want deep water river front, this may be your chance....I recently got notice of a filing to subdivide a large vacant section of river front into 20+ river front home sites near me, about a mile south of the Needles bridge on the AZ side (Mohave Valley). From what I heard, they'll have utilities at the back of the lot, electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Lots look like they'll be about 1/2 acre, with about 60-80ft of deep water river frontage, no association or CC&Rs, and you'd be able to add a boat dock.

 

[Deja_Vu]

It's been a while since we visited the CRA park called North Shore in Needles. Anybody been lately?

One time we drove to Laughlin and when we left the Temecula house I had a half tank of gas and I meant to stop somewhere but the next thing I knew we were passing Ludlow and I realized we might not make it to Needles :eek ...so I started drafting a big rig and sure enough we made it to the first gas stop in Needles... we were so happy to make it across that lonely stretch of road. Nothing like a 32 oz big gulp when its 115 out... ahhhhhhh

 

[Bigbore500r]

For those that want deep water river front, this may be your chance....I recently got notice of a filing to subdivide a large vacant section of river front into 20+ river front home sites near me, about a mile south of the Needles bridge on the AZ side (Mohave Valley). From what I heard, they'll have utilities at the back of the lot, electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Lots look like they'll be about 1/2 acre, with about 60-80ft of deep water river frontage, no association or CC&Rs, and you'd be able to add a boat dock.

Thats prime territory right there! I wonder what the lots will go for

 

[Abc123]

IMO, the best part of the river is from Topock up to the needles bridge. you can go to the bars if you want action or you can find a nice beach and relax. Best of both worlds.

It gets a lot better north of the bridge.

 

[Joker]

It gets a lot better north of the bridge.

Went north for a bit yesterday but need to follow to relearn that part before I go any further.

 

[RCDave]

Went north for a bit yesterday but need to follow to relearn that part before I go any further.

Trim and jack it up and let it fly! :thumbsup

Recently did the run from pirates all the way to Davis in the early afternoon. But know the river well enough to pretty much run it in the mornings.

So nice to get away from most of the river traffic.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

Thats prime territory right there! I wonder what the lots will go for

A friend had inquired and was told $350k, but he didn't get that in writing. There's a lot that was, and maybe still is for sale in the River Terrace community, just south of this property that's 1/4 acre for $550k. From what I was told, the slope down to the water, along with the boat dock is on a long term lease, not owned by the home owners. Where I'm at, south of that, we own down into the river and under our dock, but we have an association and CC&Rs for the street and gate. No waterfront lots for sale currently in our community.

 

[Bobby V]

For those that want deep water river front, this may be your chance....I recently got notice of a filing to subdivide a large vacant section of river front into 20+ river front home sites near me, about a mile south of the Needles bridge on the AZ side (Mohave Valley). From what I heard, they'll have utilities at the back of the lot, electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Lots look like they'll be about 1/2 acre, with about 60-80ft of deep water river frontage, no association or CC&Rs, and you'd be able to add a boat dock.

North of River Terrace.? There is about 1600 feet long available land according to google. 400' deep.

 

[SoCalDave]

A friend had inquired and was told $350k, but he didn't get that in writing. There's a lot that was, and maybe still is for sale in the River Terrace community, just south of this property that's 1/4 acre for $550k. From what I was told, the slope down to the water, along with the boat dock is on a long term lease, not owned by the home owners. Where I'm at, south of that, we own down into the river and under our dock, but we have an association and CC&Rs for the street and gate. No waterfront lots for sale currently in our community.

Interesting as we have been looking in that area as well.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

Went north for a bit yesterday but need to follow to relearn that part before I go any further.

We should map the path on this forum. I know the river in my area, but not so good going into Havasu or past the Avi.

 

[Joker]

We should map the path on this forum. I know the river in my area, but not so good going into Havasu or past the Avi.

Used to always take our Rage from Bullhead to Havasu but haven't made the trip in years. If I don't look down, I'm fine but the clear water makes the depth appear to be only a couple of feet.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

North of River Terrace.? There is about 1600 feet long available land according to google. 400' deep.

Yes, Immediately up-river from River Terrace, to the community that is on Dike Road. That was sold, and I got notice from the County that the owner intends to subdivide it into single family home lots. I believe it was 21 lots.

Used to always take our Rage from Bullhead to Havasu but haven't made the trip in years. If I don't look down, I'm fine but the clear water makes the depth appear to be only a couple of feet.

I've done it a couple times in my boat, only in the spring when the water's high. I scouted it on my waverunners first. Fall and winter, 4,500 cfs or less, (most days before 2-3pm in the fall-winter) some areas south of the Avi are impassible in a mid size-large stern-drive.

 

[Bobby V]

Yes, Immediately up-river from River Terrace, to the community that is on Dike Road. That was sold, and I got notice from the County that the owner intends to subdivide it into single family home lots. I believe it was 21 lots.

Thats a nice area. My buddy owned a place in River Terrace with no river access. So he bought a lot up river off of Budweiser Rd. and built a nice house right on the river. He calls the area North Needles.

 

[Abc123]

We should map the path on this forum.

No No No

 

[DUNEFLYER]

For those that want deep water river front, this may be your chance....I recently got notice of a filing to subdivide a large vacant section of river front into 20+ river front home sites near me, about a mile south of the Needles bridge on the AZ side (Mohave Valley). From what I heard, they'll have utilities at the back of the lot, electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Lots look like they'll be about 1/2 acre, with about 60-80ft of deep water river frontage, no association or CC&Rs, and you'd be able to add a boat dock.

Well unfortunately I have some info on this property, I was in escrow for almost 2 years for the 1700' of riverfront property shown with red lines, long story is BS but State of AZ claims this as sovereign land and I chose not to fight the battle. But the property that is mentioned would be the land in yellow, it is free/clear land that can be developed. That is Jack Smith park across the river from these properties.
I had to sign off access for them to get utilities thru the land I was in escrow for so they could feed the yellow property and the owner was planning on developing/selling the land when title was free/clear. The owner was very close to having the land all cleared up 2 years ago. I know he had it listed for sale so I am not sure who the owner is today. Great stretch of river.

 

[DUNEFLYER]

While I was typing I see you are talking about the property that is north of Tangarine Terrace and River Terrace, the property I talked about is south of jack Smith on the AZ side. There will some day be lots available where I listed also.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

While I was typing I see you are talking about the property that is north of Tangarine Terrace and River Terrace, the property I talked about is south of jack Smith on the AZ side. There will some day be lots available where I listed also.

Yes, the proposed subdivision is immediately north of River Terrace. I'm in Tangerine Terrace. The land between your intended purchase and Tangerine Terrace is un-used Indian Reservation land and from what I've been told, what you were buying is still owned by the City of Needles, as that was all part of California before the river channel was moved.

It is a great area.

 

[DaBank]

Yes, the proposed subdivision is immediately north of River Terrace. I'm in Tangerine Terrace. The land between your intended purchase and Tangerine Terrace is un-used Indian Reservation land and from what I've been told, what you were buying is still owned by the City of Needles, as that was all part of California before the river channel was moved.

It is a great area.

How do you like Tangerine Terrace? About 8 years ago I was going to buy a lot in there not on the water.

 

[Bigbore500r]

So these lots are just down river from where im at (and across the river). I'm south of the bridge, maybe 1000' from the entrance to Needles Park Marina

 

[AZRiverRunner]

How do you like Tangerine Terrace? About 8 years ago I was going to buy a lot in there not on the water.

Hard not to love it. It's a great spot on the river. The problem with the off water lots is that there's not a community river-front area. You can get a lot in there off the water for under $40k, seen them go for around $30k not long ago. Association dues are about $90/mo. We've put a lot into improving the community over the past 2 years. Street, gates, landscaping, etc. It looks good.

Also great for sand/dirt toys, we ride out of our garage in the cooler seasons or at night.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

So these lots are just down river from where im at (and across the river). I'm south of the bridge, maybe 1000' from the entrance to Needles Park Marina

Yes, if you look to the south, the last group of homes on the Arizona side is Tangerine Terrace, there's 9 homes on the water, with a few empty lots. The next group of homes is River Terrace, most of those have a seawall in front of the home, that attaches their docks to the deck, there's about 30 water front homes in River Terrace. North of River Terrace is a empty lot, and a small private boat ramp that off river community behind Tangerine and River Terrace own. North of that is the land that will be subdivided. On a map, it's were Barrackman Rd. ends and turns into River Road, on Google Earth, it's called River Hwy.

From your place, take the bridge over and turn right on Levee Way. (just before the Mobil Gas station) Then a few hundred yards down, turn right on Barrackman Road. You'll be heading back towards the river, at the curve, between the road and river, that's the proposed development.

 

[c_land]

For those that want deep water river front, this may be your chance....I recently got notice of a filing to subdivide a large vacant section of river front into 20+ river front home sites near me, about a mile south of the Needles bridge on the AZ side (Mohave Valley). From what I heard, they'll have utilities at the back of the lot, electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Lots look like they'll be about 1/2 acre, with about 60-80ft of deep water river frontage, no association or CC&Rs, and you'd be able to add a boat dock.

Is there anything new on this?

Looks like the map has been recorded.

 

[RiverDave]

I know, I was being pedantic...

Now I gotta go look up a word.. thx for that. Lol

 

[JDizel]

Water is way to shallow above Pirates Cove. Don't go north unless you're River AF.....

 

[Bigbore500r]

Is there anything new on this?

Looks like the map has been recorded.

View attachment 674067

I dont know, but i guess at some point i'll have new neightbors across the street? We're just across and up river from that launch ramp that sits in the middle of those parcels

 

[Bigbore500r]

Water is way to shallow above Pirates Cove. Don't go north unless you're River AF.....

Lol

 

[77charger]

Water is way to shallow above Pirates Cove. Don't go north unless you're River AF.....

Agree it really sucks besides theres just bushes and trees along the water the best stuff is south of topock.

 

[beaverretriever]

Had to look it up why it's called Needles. Needles was named after "The Needles", a group of pinnacles, mountain peaks in the Mohave Mountains on the Arizona side of the river to the south of the city.

Interesting there is actually an article called "The Dying City of Needles".

http://www.placesthatwere.com/2015/06/the-dying-city-of-needles-california.html


"Its proximity to Arizona has since become a major factor behind the town's decline. With corporate taxes and building regulations being significantly higher in California, many large businesses such as Walmart, Kmart, and Home Depot have chosen to open stores in Bullhead City, AZ, only a 20-minute drive from Needles. And for savvy travelers who know that gas is often a dollar per gallon cheaper east of the Colorado River, the decision to stop for fuel and lunch in Bullhead City instead of Needles in a no-brainer."

BTW, this guy's site is great with a lot of cool info. http://www.placesthatwere.com/p/homepage.html

 

[AZRiverRunner]

Mojave county just voted to rezone the land across the road to allow a truck/trailer storage lot. That's all I've heard lately.

Yeah the river sucks above Topock..Don't go there.

 

[RVR2SNO]

Make Needles Great Again!

We just spent 5 days at Pirates and ran north to Rainbo for dinner one night. I honestly LOVE that stretch of river. It was pretty bitchen coming back at 10 pm with the lightening show that was going off in Havasu too.

 

[KENDOG689]

Every year Needles gets worse.The town government has never wanted it to take off and has passed on major business being there.Hell,when a dollar store cant stay open you know it's bad.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

I feel bad for the folks that I see getting gas on Broadway off the 40 in Needles. They don't know if they drive 3 minutes into AZ, they'll save $1.50-$2 per gallon. I only go thru Needles to get back to work in California. Everything worth going to is in Arizona or Nevada around this area.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

Every year Needles gets worse.The town government has never wanted it to take off and has passed on major business being there.Hell,when a dollar store cant stay open you know it's bad.

..Well, Needles has allowed a bunch of marijuana warehouses to be built. Gotta keep the welfare system heathy and the voters happy.

 

[rivermobster]

Had to look it up why it's called Needles. Needles was named after "The Needles", a group of pinnacles, mountain peaks in the Mohave Mountains on the Arizona side of the river to the south of the city.

Interesting there is actually an article called "The Dying City of Needles".

http://www.placesthatwere.com/2015/06/the-dying-city-of-needles-california.html


"Its proximity to Arizona has since become a major factor behind the town's decline. With corporate taxes and building regulations being significantly higher in California, many large businesses such as Walmart, Kmart, and Home Depot have chosen to open stores in Bullhead City, AZ, only a 20-minute drive from Needles. And for savvy travelers who know that gas is often a dollar per gallon cheaper east of the Colorado River, the decision to stop for fuel and lunch in Bullhead City instead of Needles in a no-brainer."

BTW, this guy's site is great with a lot of cool info. http://www.placesthatwere.com/p/homepage.html

That last link is awesome. Thank you!

 

[stoker22405]

Every year Needles gets worse.The town government has never wanted it to take off and has passed on major business being there.Hell,when a dollar store cant stay open you know it's bad.

They turned down a Walmart hub and a Pilot truck stop...Claimed the city was not set up for said types of Business.
But allowed upwards of a dozen Pot Farms.....Go figure...!

 

[KENDOG689]

..Well, Needles has allowed a bunch of marijuana warehouses to be built. Gotta keep the welfare system heathy and the voters happy.

Yes grow houses,gas and Carl.s.

 

[Big B Hova]

Needles sux

 

[Mandelon]

I thought that the weed growers were using warehouse space there to grow marijuana.... no?

 

[stoker22405]

Yep it's a shit hole for sure

View attachment 486416

Water front homes ,Mobil home parks and the actual river are nice...But the town is a dying Pot Farm Shit Hole...
Great pic of Mohave Valley....

 

[KENDOG689]

I thought that the weed growers were using warehouse space there to grow marijuana.... no?

Yes they are.And building more.