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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
As a full time professional real estate agent, I pride myself on offering superior personal service before, during and after your transaction. Knowledge, commitment, honesty, expertise and professionalism are the cornerstone of my business. Let me earn your trust, your business and most importantly your friendship. Don’t make another move without me. I guarantee you will see the difference quality service makes. I look forward to working with you!
Get to know me! I moved to Elko, in the mid 80's, so I know the many changes that Elko has been through. I married my husband over 29 years ago, was blessed with one son. We love to spend our free time camping, fishing, and riding our ATV while exploring the great outdoors. We have five grand kids that we adore.
Last year I was the number one agent in my office. My goal is to help you buy or sell your next home without all the stress.
Thank you for taking the time to read my bio and get to know me.
Sincerely,
Kristina R. Garcia-Drake #House2Home 775.934.7278 www.kristinahomes4u.com
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.
