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.
Written By
Tess Evans
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Falanga,
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Carson City, NV sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Carson City, NV over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"The White House" - Welcome to this inviting custom 2-story home that perfectly blends comfort and style. The spacious living room makes a stunning first impression with high ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and grand staircase.The primary suite on the located on the first floor offers a private retreat with a walk-in shower and relaxing jetted tub. While upstairs greeted with three additional
Beautiful completely remodeled home in Silver Oaks. Close proximity to medical facility's and CTH. Two must see primary suites, game room with full bar including wine refrigerator, sink, fans, surround sound and a pass through to kitchen. Gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, island and more. After a hard day, come home to relax and enjoy the covered back deck
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!!! OPEN HOUSE HOSTED BY VIERA JEVIC. A unique cottage in a quiet neighborhood, on a street of similar "Painted Ladies," yet centrally located. Many amenities that Carson City has to offer are within walking distance including; Smith's Market, the farmer's market, the Aquatic Center with swimming pool and gym, post office, banks, government offices, restaurants, retail, and
Experience refined living at 3638 Jarrard Court, where every detail of this exquisitely updated home reflects quality and sophistication. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Carson City's most desirable areas, this property offers unmatched privacy with convenient access to scenic hiking and biking trails, the Carson River, top-rated schools, and quick freeway connections.The interiors
Welcome to 2400 South Lompa Street, a rare and versatile property in the heart of Carson City offering breathtaking views, multi-generational living potential, and room for all your hobbies and animals. This meticulously maintained home is situated on a desirable lot with sweeping views from Job's Peak to Slide Mountain. Zoned for horses and featuring a detached garage, RV parking, and ample
Come see this charming home at 225 Tacoma Avenue, ideally located on Carson City's desirable west side, close to top-rated schools, local attractions, restaurants, and everyday amenities. This property perfectly blends original 1960s character with thoughtful modern updates. The beautifully remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, crisp white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a
Where you live matters just as much as how you live, so we ensured that Parkway Terraces delivers quality living. We designed our apartments with you in mind with a variety of one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. All of our apartment homes feature kitchens with pristine cabinets, countertops, and built-in appliances. Best of all, Parkway Terraces occupies a first-class location which makes
Charming Duplex for Rent in Carson City, NVWelcome to your new home! This beautifully maintained duplex offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a quiet Carson City neighborhood. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home boasts a bright, open floor plan with plenty of natural light.Enjoy cooking in the updated kitchen with nice appliances and ample cabinet space, or
Welcome to The Marlette on Little Lane, a brand-new apartment community situated in the city of Carson City, Nevada.Discover how our groundbreaking property adds an elevated flair to our adventure-packed neighborhood. Select from unique one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans, each equipped with contemporary finishes, like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern smart-home
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