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New River, AZ

Frequently asked questions

New River, AZ

New River is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The population was 17,290 as of the 2020 census, up from 14,952 at the 2010 census. New River is named after the seasonal wash of the same name, part of the Agua Fria River system which drains into the Salt River. The community was founded by Lord Darrell Duppa in 1868 as a stagecoach stop. For many years it was the terminus of the old Black Canyon Highway (now Interstate 17). The pavement ended in New River and continued as a dirt road to the city of Prescott.

New River is located in northern Maricopa County at 33°52′9″N 112°5′9″W (33.869149, −112.085759). It is bordered by the Tonto National Forest to the north, Cave Creek to the east, Phoenix to the south, and Phoenix and Anthem to the west. The CDP includes the area known as Desert Hills. New River is approximately 36 miles (58 km) north of downtown Phoenix. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 56.1 square miles (145 km2), of which 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2), or 0.02%, are water. 3,176-foot (968 m) Daisy Mountain and 2,980-foot (910 m) Gavilan Peak are within the community.

As of the census of 2000, there were 10,740 people, 3,921 households, and 3,066 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 151.6 inhabitants per square mile (58.5/km2). There were 4,514 housing units at an average density of 63.7 per square mile (24.6/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.9% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 4.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,921 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.9% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 15.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.04.

Health and wellness are priorities in New River, AZ with a range of facilities and programs dedicated to promoting residents' well-being. Banner Behavioral Health Hospital located in Scottsdale, about 20 miles south of New River, this hospital provides behavioral health services including psychiatric care and addiction treatment. Abrazo Scottsdale Campus also in Scottsdale, approximately 20 miles from New River, this hospital offers a range of medical services including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments. HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center situated in Phoenix, about 17 miles south of New River, this hospital provides comprehensive medical care including emergency services, surgery, and specialized treatments. Reflections Body Spa offers a variety of spa treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, and wellness packages. The Spa at Talking Stick Resort is situated in Scottsdale, approximately 25 miles from New River, this spa offers a range of luxurious treatments including massages, facials, body scrubs, and salon services. Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort provides a tranquil retreat with a focus on holistic wellness, offering massages, skincare treatments, and wellness programs.

Population: 17,290. Area: 56.12 mi². Elevation: 2,014ft. Area code: 623. ZIP Code: 85087

Top Sites in New River, AZ: Anthem Community Park, Anthem Veterans Memorial, and Pioneer Telephone Museum. 

FAQs

What is the history of the New River, AZ?

New River is named after the seasonal wash of the same name, part of the Agua Fria River system which drains into the Salt River. The community was founded by Lord Darrell Duppa in 1868 as a stagecoach stop. For many years it was the terminus of the old Black Canyon Highway (now Interstate 17). The pavement ended in New River and continued as a dirt road to the city of Prescott.

What tribes lived in New River, AZ?

The first known settlers of the area were the Hohokam, a pre-historic Native American tribe. They were the first to establish communities in the area, however for unknown reasons the site was abandoned by 1450 AD. Later the Tonto Apaches and the Yavapai settled in the region. The Tonto Apache lived alongside the Wipukepa ("People from the Foot of the Red Rock") and Kewevkapaya, two of the four subgroups of the Yavapai of central and western Arizona. 

Is New River Arizona a nice place to live?

The overall cost of living index for New River is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. The cost of living index for Arizona is 101, virtually equal to the national average. Housing in New River, however, is 49% above the national average, and utilities are 33% higher. Although buying a home and paying for utilities is expensive in New River, the good news is that the cost of goods and services, groceries, healthcare, and transportation are all below the national average.

Sources

Maricopa County

Wikipedia

Mentors Moving

Anthem Community Park 

Anthem Veterans Memorial 

Pioneer Telephone Museum

Banner Behavioral Health Hospital

Abrazo Scottsdale Campus

HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center

Reflections Body Spa

The Spa at Talking Stick Resort

Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.