Gardnerville has changed, but it still has a small-town feel
Gardnerville is a growing community in Nevada’s Carson Valley. “It’s a magical little place that’s beautiful in all four seasons,” says Tomi Hochgurtel, a Realtor with Intero Real Estate and a lifelong resident of Gardnerville. In the late 1800s, miners would stop in the area on their way to Carson City. By the late 19th century, Basque immigrants began building restaurants and inns to house the weary travelers, and the town grew from there. Cattle ranching was another early industry. Today, the community has a few remaining Basque restaurants and cattle ranches. In more recent years, the number of national chain restaurants has increased, and some of the ranches have been subdivided into housing developments, but that hasn't changed Gardnerville's character. “It still has a small-town feeling because everybody knows each other,” Hochgurtel says.
Gardnerville is a picturesque town at the base of the Sierra Nevadas.
For years, cattle ranches dominated most of the land in Gardnerville.
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Trails, community parks and activities
With the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe to the west and open desert to the east, hiking and outdoor exploration are very popular, Hochgurtel says. The Jobs Peak Ranch Trailhead, along Five Creek Road, is one entry point to a 10-mile trail system shared by mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. There are also community-run recreation areas, including Lampe Park, which has a large playground and several ballfields. Local kids play Pop Warner football at Stodick Park, and the Douglas County Community & Senior Center has a large gymnasium, workout rooms and space for group gatherings. “We also have one of the most amazing communities for special needs adults,” Hochgurtel says. Athletes can participate in Douglas County’s Special Olympics sports, which include basketball and bowling. Expand-Able Horizons, a local nonprofit organization for adults with developmental disabilities, also provides a variety of activities, including art classes, community service projects and movie nights.
Hikers and bikers enjoy the great outdoors in Gardnerville.
Residents can hit the links at the 18-hole Carson Valley Golf Course.
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From cattle ranches to planned developments
For many years, cattle ranches dominated most of the land in Gardnerville. Beginning in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, some of the land was sold, and planned developments started to crop up around town. “There’s still a lot of new construction right now,” Hochgurtel says. Along the curving streets and cul-de-sacs, buyers may find stucco-sided homes with wide, front-entry garages and compact front yards. Single-family houses tend to list between $400,000 and $875,000. Condos and townhouses may range from around $300,000 to $500,000, and manufactured homes often sell between $100,000 and $370,000. Many communities charge HOA fees, which can add $10 to $125 per month to owners’ costs.
Gardnerville has ranch style homes mixed in with Stucco-sided styles.
Condos and townhouses in Gardnerville generally range from $300,000 to $500,000.
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B-plus-rated Douglas County schools
Students can attend schools within the Douglas County School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. The district offers a gifted program for third- to sixth-grade students, an alternative learning option for middle and high school students and adult education. Some Gardnerville children begin their learning at the B-plus-rated Gardnerville Elementary School. Carson Valley Middle School and Douglas High School also receive B-plus ratings.
Gardnerville Elementary School is where some students can begin their education.
Cason Valley Middle School is highly rated amongst the local community.
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Long-standing downtown businesses and newer chains
Gardnerville has a mix of locally owned businesses and chains. Sidewalks line the small downtown area, which is packed with antique stores, clothing boutiques, restaurants and dive bars. J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room’s white, two-story Victorian exterior stands out from the many brick and stucco buildings. The restaurant has been in the Lekumberry family since 1960, and patrons can sip Picon punch and try authentic Basque cuisine. Overland Restaurant & Pub also offers a few Basque menu items, as well as some American and Asian-inspired entrees. Less than a half mile away, more modern shopping plazas line the sides of U.S. Route 395. They hold chain restaurants, pharmacies and grocery stores. Farther along, there’s an Ace Hardware and a Walmart Supercenter.
J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room has been in the Lekumberry family since 1960.
Gardnerville has a mix of locally owned businesses and chains.
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Carson Valley events and celebrations
The town’s most popular event is Carson Valley Days, a multiday celebration with a themed parade through Minden and Gardnerville and a carnival at Lampe Park. The BackCountry Festival brings rock and country musicians to the stages at the Corley Ranch. In September, the Douglas County Rodeo takes place at the County Fairground Complex, about 5 miles southeast of central Gardnerville. In Minden Park, just a few miles north of Gardnerville, there are car shows and community dances. Genoa Western Heritage Days is another Carson Valley tradition. Many people make the 30-mile trip into Virginia City to participate in the annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, Hochgurtel says. These unusual races trace their origin to a Mark Twain tall tale.
Car and bus travel to nearby services and cities
Most residents rely on cars for travel, and U.S. Route 395 connects the town to Carson City, about 15 miles north, and Reno, around 50 miles north. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is also close to 50 miles away, and Tahoe Transportation District buses offer service from Gardnerville to the airport. Eastern Sierra Transit buses also run through town, and riders can travel to Stateline, Nevada, along the southeastern edge of Lake Tahoe. Emergency care is available at the Carson Valley Health Hospital in Gardnerville.
Environmental concerns and water testing
The region faces some environmental concerns, including the potential for wildfires and poor air quality. Arsenic has also been detected in groundwater and some Carson Valley wells. Buyers who purchase land or homes with private wells are advised to test the water quality. Most Gardnerville homes are connected to public water and sewer service, and the water quality is regularly tested and treated for contaminants.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Gardnerville, NV sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Gardnerville, NV over the last 12 months is $585,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally situated in the desirable Gardnerville Ranchos neighborhood. This cozy yet open home features brand-new dual-pane windows, fresh exterior paint, and vaulted ceilings that fill the space with natural light and warmth. Relax in the inviting living room with a fireplace, perfect for chilly Nevada evenings. The open floor plan creates a seamless
Experience elevated living in this brand-new 2025 custom luxury home on 5.72 private acres, with sweeping panoramic views of Jobs Peak and the Sierra Nevada. Designed for those who love the outdoors, it offers the rare combination of space, privacy, and easy access to town amenities. BLM land is just a few parcels away, creating endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring right out
Welcome to your private retreat in the stunning Jobs Peak Ranch, where mountain beauty and refined living come together in perfect balance. This remarkable log-style residence, built from Northern White Pine, showcases timeless craftsmanship while offering unobstructed views of the iconic Jobs Peak—a dream setting for skiers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. Spanning 4,534 square feet, this
Situated in a great neighborhood this charming single-level 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, convenience, and incredible outdoor space with cherry and plumb trees, fire pit and horseshoe pits, perfect for families, entertainers, hobbyists, and those who love room to roam. Step inside to find a spacious and functional layout with a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas.
On a 4.87acre hillside/flat, view lot this lovely home backs to 6600++acres of BLM land for unlimited exploration and ride outs and has a lot to offer in a quiet rural setting. No close neighbors, but the wild horses will visit! Enter through remote control electric gates to drive between the trees - check the fall colors, to the extensive concrete parking areas, 3 car garage and RV space Main,
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the desirable Chichester Estates community of Gardnerville. This single-story floor plan features an open living area with vaulted ceilings and plenty of natural light. The kitchen includes ample cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and adjacent dining area perfect for gatherings. The primary suite offers a walk-in closet and private bath with dual sinks and
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