Carson City, the capital of Nevada, began as a freight and transportation center after silver was discovered nearby in the 1850s. Since then, it has grown from 500 residents to over 58,000, and it has been the setting for hit films, including John Wayne’s last movie, “The Shootist,” and the horror flick “Misery.” Today, the city is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and adjacent Lake Tahoe. The city is a sprawling 150 square miles and most live in an area near downtown called Eagle Valley. “It’s a small, family-oriented town,” says Chris Sieben, a Realtor with Realty One Group Eminence, who has worked in the city for over eight years. “There’s also a lot of great schools here, too.”
The Carson City welcome sign greets visitors to Nevada's state capital.
Nevada State Capitol building in Carson City highlights classic architecture and history.
Aerial view of Carson City reveals its historic charm and scenic mountain backdrop.
Nevada State Museum in Carson City showcases local history in a stately stone building.
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A variety of city parks, natural areas with hiking trails and golf courses
Carson City manages 23 regional and neighborhood parks, along with open spaces and natural areas. At 51 acres, Mills Park is one of the city’s most popular spaces, with pickleball courts, a roller hockey rink and a playground. The Carson Aquatic Facility has an Olympic-sized pool, an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Numerous hiking and cycling trails weave throughout rural areas surrounding the city. Residents can trek up into the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range surrounding Lake Tahoe, including the challenging 14-mile Flume Trail which climbs 1,000 feet through woodlands but offers lake views at the top. Another popular spot is Kings Canyon Waterfall, about five minutes from downtown, where a 25-foot wall of water cascades down the mountain’s rocky edges. Nine area golf courses offer pros and amateurs a chance to play on challenging topography. The state legislature building is open to the public all year. It's busiest on odd years when the legislature is in session from February through May.
Centennial Park tennis courts provide a serene setting for matches in Carson City.
Lakeview Trailhead leads to scenic hikes near Hobart Reservoir in Carson City.
The skate park at Mills Park offers ramps and bowls for all skill levels in Carson City.
Centennial Park in Carson City features expansive baseball fields with scenic mountain views
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Jump starting degrees at Carson City district schools
The Carson City School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche, serves nearly 7,200 students. The district offers Career and Technical Education courses, a Jump Start program for students to earn an associate degree before graduating and competitive athletic teams. In fact, the Carson High School boys cross country team won the regional championship in 2024, and the Carson Middle School girls basketball team won the Tah-Neva championship the same year. In 2023, five of the city’s six elementary schools received the CS100 School award for teaching at least 10 hours of computer science to every K-5 student. Private school options include A-minus-rated Sierra Lutheran High, where 93% of its students attend college.
Grace Bordewich School features modern facilities for engaged learning in Carson City.
Carson Middle School offers a modern campus in the heart of Carson City.
Carson High School serves as a hub for student achievement in Carson City.
Al Seeliger Elementary fosters a vibrant learning environment in Carson City.
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Homes with mountain views
On average, homes in Carson City sell after 58 days, compared to the national average of 44 days. Over the last 12 months the average sale price for single-family homes has been $641,013, up 11% from the previous 12 months. Townhouses here range from $150,000 to $460,000 depending on square footage and number of bedrooms. One-to-three-bedroom apartments cost up to $3,000 per month. Custom-built estates on 1-acre lots can sell for over $2.15 million in the Lakeview neighborhood.
Homes vary from ornate Victorian and Queen Anne styles near downtown to ranch-style and minimal traditional elsewhere. Gated communities like Franktown Estates offer new traditional Craftsman-style homes. Many can enjoy mountain views from their front and back yards.
Tudor-style home offers stunning views of Carson City's open fields and mountains.
Charming Craftsman-style home with a cozy yard in Carson City.
Ranch-style home highlights spacious living in Carson City's suburban neighborhoods.
Modern townhomes in Carson City combine convenience with community living.
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Downtown eateries and breweries, Saturday farmers market
Locally owned bars and eateries sit downtown, including the Bank Saloon and The Basil Thai Restaurant. Great Basin Brewing Company, a local favorite since 1993, features a variety of IPAs and pub grub. Fast-food joints and Mexican restaurants sit along Interstate 580 and Lincoln Highway. Downtown’s Carson Farmers Market opens every Saturday from June through September.
Gift and antique shops border jewelry, coffee shops and juice bars along U.S. Business Route 395. To the south, Carson Mall Shopping Center offers Sportsman’s Warehouse and furniture outlets, while big-box stores like Walmart and The Home Depot sit respectively north and south of downtown. For groceries, locals can head to Smith’s and Trader Joe’s.
Coma Coffee in Carson City offers a cozy atmosphere with vintage-inspired decor.
Heidi's Family Restaurant in Carson City combines rustic charm with hearty dining options.
Carson Mall in Carson City offers diverse shopping and dining options in one location.
Explore unique antiques and decor at Carson Antiques Mall in Carson City.
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Annual events, museum offerings and casinos
The annual Nevada Day Parade is the country’s largest statehood celebration. It all begins with a balloon launch and the parade features over 200 entries. There's also a drill competition and a beard contest. The Nevada State Museum has a replica mine and ghost town to explore. Area casinos offer slot machines and table games, along with bars, restaurants and comedy shows. Families can head to the Bob McFadden Plaza downtown to shop, enjoy ice cream, listen to live music and jump around the splash pad during the summer.
Step into history at the Nevada State Museum’s recreated mining town in Carson City.
Stroll through Carson City's Brewery Arts Center plaza, a hub for culture and events.
Restored vintage railcars at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.
The Nugget Casino lights up Carson City's nightlife with gaming and live entertainment.
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Routes to Reno, public buses and bike lanes
Interstate 580 courses through Carson City, leading the roughly 32 miles north to Reno, while Lincoln Highway (State Route 50) travels northeast toward Dayton and Silver Springs; U.S. Business Route 395 crosses near the city center. The city's public transportation system is called Jump Around Carson (JAC). It offers four city bus routes and paratransit services. Bicycle-friendly roads and dedicated lanes traverse the city, and, while many of the streets have sidewalks the city has plans to increase pedestrian safety.
Reno Tahoe International Airport, about 30 miles north, offers non-stop domestic and international flights to places like Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico. Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center is in the city’s northern end, with 24-hour emergency care, an acclaimed open heart surgery program and a 5-star Women and Children’s Center.
Low crime rates compared to national averages, High desert climate and seasonal flooding
Carson City’s violent crime rate is 125 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 364, according to FBI crime statistics. The property crime rate is 95 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 1,917. Throughout the last five years, the violent crime rate has held relatively steady, while property crimes have decreased. Mitigation efforts include an offender watch program, dispatching the Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST) to help with mental health crises and aerial surveillance. Sheriff Ken Furlong organizes the annual National Night Out, as well as a Cops-n-Kids Spaghetti Dinner and the Sheriff’s Open House/Street Fair.
Carson City experiences a high desert climate with all four seasons. The sun shines an average of 266 days a year here, and summers are dry and typically breezy. An average of 22 inches of snow falls during the winter, but most of it melts immediately. Seasonal flooding can be a reality for residents. City workers practice Low Impact Development, which is designed to reduce the amount of runoff and slow, hold and filter stormwater. An emergency alert system notifies residents of weather events, fires and public safety measures.
I'm an agent with Chase International in Zephyr Cove, NV, and the nearby areas. I have bought and sold several properties, including single-family, multi-family, commercial, and vacant lots, since 1994. I have been a business owner for the last 26 years and have managed short-term and long-term rentals for 18 years. My strong business and real estate background in our local area far exceeds the average agent. I will provide home buyers and sellers with professional, responsive, and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who knows how to market your home so it sells effectively? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you!
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.
