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is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The population was 10,740 at the 2000 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. It 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 has largely retained its rural character; however, its future as a rural community is uncertain as the city of Phoenix expands into the region.
On October 28, 1999 New River/Desert Hills Community Association, Inc. (NR/DHCA) was officially formed by the area residents by merging two other groups -- the Desert Hills Improvement Association, Inc. (formed 1985) and New River Community Association, Inc. (also formed 1985). NR/DHCA is dedicated to the preservation of the community and its life style as reflected by the Maricopa County Land Use Plan, New River Planning Area, in existence as of July 31, 1992 . NR/DHCA's website is . They hold monthly meetings to keep the community informed of actions and issues that may affect their way of life. The association serves as a communication link between the citizens of the area and the various governmental groups (local, state, and federal) that have an impact on the area.
In the mid 1990s, the Del Webb Corporation proposed a residential development roughly as large as Flagstaff, Arizona's eleventh largest city (2000 census). This instigated a short-lived self-incorporation campaign which failed due to lack of popular support. Phoenix in 1995 and again in 2003 annexed in the region and Del Webb in 1998 opened the newly built Anthem.
As development of the Phoenix metropolitan area continues northward, the broad area that is defined as New River is reduced closer to New River Road. The General Plan of Phoenix includes the entire New River area, making New River's future uncertain. Residents of newly built subdivisions often do not identify with the established residents of New River, often identifying instead with Phoenix or Anthem.