Over 120 miles east of Palm Springs, on the banks of the Colorado River, the desert city of Blythe is known for its small-town charm, water sports and low housing prices. “Blythe is a river city and full of water activities throughout the year,” says Tiffany Williams, a Realtor with Williams Realty Group with nearly a decade of experience. “It’s a sleeper city that’s turning into an increasingly diverse destination spot.”
Once a hub for agriculture, Blythe has slowed down overtime as waterflow in the Colorado River has slowed and major employers like the Chuckawalla Valley Prison have left. Now, even as the city’s small population of 18,000 people continues to shrink, newcomers are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere and affordability. “Recently, the people relocating are those that can work remotely,” says Jonathan Smith, a Blythe local and the Owner of Re/Max Blythe Realty. "The biggest thing, and you don’t know until you go there, is its small-town, homey feel. You don’t get that across California because of all the rapid growth. You can only experience it by being here.”
Blythe shows diverse architectural styles like Spanish, ranch, and modern Mediterranean homes.
Biking is a favorite activity among young people in Blythe.
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Low housing prices in Riverside County
As of early 2025, the median home price in Blythe is $240,000, far below Palm Springs’ median of $615,000 and the national median of around $410,000. Prices have been on the rise, however, with the average home price in Blythe growing 52% between 2020 and 2025. “The prices here are going up, but they’re going up everywhere,” says Cynthia Logan, a Blythe native and Agent with Osborne Realty. “It’s still much more affordable than what people who are moving here from the coast are used to paying.”
Most properties are single-family homes from the 1950s to ‘70s; common styles include California ranch and Spanish Revival. Both styles generally range between $120,000 to $300,000, depending on their size and state of renovation.
Blythe has plenty of large Spanish style homes with that classic California look.
Blythe has a large stock of affordable single family homes.
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Fun in the Colorado River and Ehrenberg Sandbowl
The Colorado River is not only key to Blythe’s history as a fertile farming area but also its recreation. Locals can head to the river to kayak, fish and swim, or launch into the water on jet skis from the Cove RV Resort. Around 6 miles east, the Ehrenberg Sandbowl offers 2,000 acres of dunes and sandy trails for off-highway vehicles. In the northwest corner of the city, the Blythe Municipal Golf Course is an 18-hole course surrounded by desert views. Blythe also manages eight public parks, including small greenspaces used for events and sports facilities for little leaguers.
Residents of Blythe enjoy cooling off in the nearby Colorado River.
Todd Park is the best place to enjoy the green shade in the Blythe desert.
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Small-scale businesses and large community events
The city has an abundance of businesses along Hobonsway and Lovekin Boulevard. Scattered among the grocery stores and fast-food eateries here are local diners, barbecue spots and small-scale retailers.
The Blythe Chamber of Commerce also hosts events throughout the year to draw in tourism and support the local economy. The biweekly Blythe Marketfest invites residents to Hobonsway to shop from artisans and enjoy food from their favorite local restaurants. Every March, the four-day Colorado River Fair and Livestock Show brings everything from rodeo shows to carnival games to the Colorado River Fairgrounds. At the same venue in January, the Blythe Bluegrass Jam attracts thousands to enjoy music from bands across the Southwest.
Rebel BBQ in Blythe offers both indoor and outdoor seating for your dining pleasure.
Steaks n Cakes offers great food at a good deal with the Blythe desert atmosphere.
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Palo Verde Unified School District and College
Local kids are served by the Palo Verde Unified School District, which receives an overall score of C from Niche. Palo Verde High scores a B-minus, earning its highest marks in diversity, teachers and college preparation; in 2022, GreatSchools awarded Palo Verde High the College Success Award for preparing students for college. Students can continue to Palo Verde College, which offers over 80 programs for trades certificates and associate’s degrees.
Blythe Middle School is centrally located, making pick up and drop off easy.
Palo Verde Valley High School earned a B- rating and has 820 students in grades 9-12.
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Interstate 10 access and Palo Verde Valley Transit
Interstate 10 runs through the center of Blythe, connecting residents to the Coachella Valley, around 100 miles west, and Phoenix, 150 miles east. The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency provides 6 bus routes in and around Blythe; introduced in 2017, the Blythe Wellness Express line is the newest route and helps residents reach medical care in Palm Springs, 120 miles west. Palm Springs International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are the nearest airports to the city.
Lowering crime rates in Blythe
According to FBI data from 2023, Blythe’s property and violent rates were higher than national and California averages. Criminal activity has generally been on the decline in Blythe, with total crime dropping 45% between 2013 and 2023.
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.
