Elko sits in the northeastern corner of Nevada, placing it square in Cowboy Country. The region, known for its historic Western establishments and homes, was a ranching and farming center in the 1800s that today is home to Nevada Gold Mines, one of the world's largest gold producers. With a population of about 20,000, Elko is the most populous city for over 100 miles in each direction. “It’s a very family-friendly area. There are a lot of people here who were born and raised here and decided to stay, but also people pop in and out for mining jobs,” says Pennie Russin, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Commercial Excel, who has been selling homes in the area for nearly a decade. Her parents have lived in Elko since the 90s, and she and her husband moved back to the city in 2016 after he got a job at a local mine.
Elko’s population has mostly stayed flat in the past decade. Major employers include the Nevada Gold Mines, the Komatsu mining corporation and the gambling and resort industries. “The mining provides a good living for people,” Russin says. “And we have a good flow of real estate because of the mines.” Elko County’s average household income is $83,000, on par with $80,000 nationally.
Elko is a residential town with cowboy roots.
Elko is surrounded by mountains full of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
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Traditional homes with Victorian elements
The median home price is $390,000, slightly lower than the national median of $420,000. Properties stay on the market for an average of 72 days, compared to 45 days nationally. Metal fences separate ranch-style homes and bungalows; the city also has traditional two-story homes with Victorian round bay windows, divided by white-picket fences. Some properties have small front porches, lawns and little-to-no driveways, while others have large yards and paved spaces big enough for RVs.
Elko has traditional homes with Victorian elements
Mobile homes are affordable housing options in Elko.
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The Elko Public School District
Kids attend the Elko Public School District, rated C-plus by Niche. The district serves over 10,000 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. Elko Charter School is a K-8 institution that’s ranked No. 16 for the state’s elementary schools by Niche and ranked No. 5 for the state’s middle schools.
There are no official private schools in Elko, but St. Mark Lutheran Church of Elko, does offer preschool. Other city churches include the Elko Assembly of God, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Elko Institute for Academic Achievement is a public charter school in Elko.
Southside Elementary in Elko is home to the Wolves.
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Main City Park, Elko Railroad Park
In the heart of Elko is Main City Park, the area’s largest green space at 21 acres. It includes a playground, large picnic tables and athletic courts, and it hosts events like a hot air balloon festival in the summer and a car show in September. At Elko Railroad Park, people climb the old trains more than the playground, and the city has many pocket parks, including Peace Park, Angel Park and Mountain View Park. The public can access the Ruby View Golf Course, which has 9-hole and 18-hole courses, and Elko Indian Colony Gymnasium offers people an indoor recreation spot. The HARP trail stretches 2 miles next to the Humboldt River, Nevada’s largest river. From the trail, people can access the Humboldt River disc golf course. The Elko Snow Bowl, a ski resort, is a popular hiking spot in the summer and a skiing spot in the winter 10 miles away.
Big Orv’s Playground is a nod to Elko’s Old West vibes.
Check out a historic locomotive and caboose at Elko Railroad Park in Elko.
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Gatherings at Garibaldi’s Restaurant
Albertsons and Walmart sell everyday essentials, and East End Mall includes big-box stores like JCPenney, Dollar Tree and Harbor Freight, plus chain restaurants like Pizza Hut and Subway. Garibaldi’s Restaurant is a popular Mexican spot, while Double Dice Bar and Grill opened in 1988 and serves American staples like burgers and BLT sandwiches. UEC Cinema 6 is the city’s local theatre. Elko has several casinos, including the Maverick Hotel and Casino and the High Desert Casino.
Enjoy the best seafood in town at Garibaldi’s Mexican restaurant in Elko.
Pull up a seat at the bar at Stray Dog Pub & Cafe in Elko.
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Western-themed events and museums
History enthusiasts can visit the Northeastern Nevada Museum or the California Trail Interpretive Center, which is 10 miles south. Cars race 4 miles south at Summit Raceway. Every January, the city hosts the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering for a week of workshops, exhibitions, films and yodeling performances.
The Star Hotel & Bar in Elko has been serving up Basque food family style since 1910.
Examine local history and vintage firearms at Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko.
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Daily drives on Idaho Street
Interstate 80 and Nevada State Route 227 are the city’s two major freeways. Idaho Street runs diagonally through the middle of Elko. GET My Ride offers local public transportation, and the Elko Regional Airport offers domestic flights through Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
According to Nevada Crime Statistics, the city’s property and violent crime have declined over the last few years. Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital is the local medical center.
Elko’s weather report
Elko has a moderate climate, with highs of 89 degrees in summer and 46 degrees in the winter. The city sometimes deals with poor air quality because of its topography and elevation of 5,000 feet; it has a dry, arid climate and deals with wildfire season from May to October.
Western themed murals can be seen from Interstate 80 in Elko.
Neon lights brighten Elko’s Western charm on a brisk, winter night.
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Written By
Chloe Hawkins
Photography Contributed By
Marcel De Lima
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Beverly Sedivec,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Elko, NV sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Elko, NV over the last 12 months is $507,675, up 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sellers say to sell their lot. Their loss is your gain. This lot is a beautiful lot to build your home on. Not too far from the freeway for easy access.
2.12 Acres " Horse Property " Partially Fenced. Discover the perfect spot to build your dream home or set up a hobby farm on this spacious 2.12-acre parcel located on Lupine Street. This beautiful lot is partially fenced and zoned to allow horses and other animals, offering plenty of room to roam and grow. Enjoy the peace and quiet of rural living with the freedom to create the lifestyle you
One of the last premier lots at The Pointe at Ruby View could be yours. Ideal for custom home that would over look the golf cour(Hole 11) in sought after neighborhood. You are able to choose your builder and your plan for this lot. Your sunset views would be fantastic right here. Buyer to verify all utilities and access
Nestled in the heart of Nevada’s high desert, Elko is a welcoming blend of Western heritage, scenic beauty, and small-town charm. Surrounded by the majestic Ruby Mountains, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a hub for rich cultural traditions, including the celebrated National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Whether you're exploring the vibrant arts scene or enjoying a quiet sunset over wide-open
Great location in the heart of Downtown Elko. The space offers 1920 sqft of professional office space in the lower level of the building, consisting of a large reception area, and 6 private offices. Included is a small kitchenette/break are located in the lower space with plenty of natural light! The space does include some common area for conference room use & ADA compliant restrooms which
Welcome to Ruby Vista Luxury Apartments located at 2642 East Jennings Way in Elko, Nevada. Our newly constructed apartment community offers luxury amenities and features not found in the Elko rental market. We are conveniently located just off I-80 (exit 303) on East Jennings Way, close to shopping, restaurants, banks and schools. Call today for our availability.
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