While it may read like a sound effect, Pahrump’s unique name derives from the Southern Paiute tribe's name for their community. It was originally called “Pah-Rimpi” (water rock) after the artesian wells in the Las Vegas Valley. This is just one of many things that distinguishes this unincorporated town from its glitzy neighbor to the east. Hugging the California-Nevada border at the southernmost point of Nye County, Pahrump is over 300 square miles long. Right between the Spring Mountains and Nopah Mountains, it includes desert, greenspace and a few things in between.
From its formal conception in the 1880s to the midcentury introduction of State Route 160, Pahrump has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. The growth is reflected through the town's wineries, restaurants, golf courses, parks and casinos. And while it's not too far from the bright lights of Las Vegas, its sense of rural-influenced tranquility is a big draw for homebuyers. “It’s great for people who want a smaller town feel but still want access to civilization," says Rooftop Realty co-owner Brad Whiting, who has sold homes in Pahrump for about 15 years. "You tend to get people out here who like to go into town, but they also like their own space and value their privacy."
Pahrump’s unique name derives from the Southern Paiute tribe's name for their community.
Pahrump sits right between the Spring Mountains and Nopah Mountains.
Pahrump's sense of rural-influenced tranquility is a big draw for homebuyers.
Pahrump includes desert, greenspace and a few things in between.
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Native birds, golf courses and mountain views of Nevada
Discovery Park is the green eye of the desert, dotted with trees and native gardens. It’s also an avian oasis, with over 176 varieties of birds calling it home. Ian Deutch Memorial Park is used for local events. There are several golf courses around, including the Mountain Falls Golf Club and Lake Executive Golf Course. The city is a big draw for RV travelers wanting mountain views. Because Pahrump is surrounded by mountains like Mount Charleston, Spring Mountain and the Nopah Range, there is plenty of hiking, biking and exploring to do. Desert tortoises can be spotted in the desert wild (although it should be noted they are federally protected and should not be bothered.) Death Valley National Park is 60 miles east of Pahrump, awaiting unique recreation opportunities and an iconic landscape.
Over 176 varieties of birds call Discovery Park in Pahrump home.
There are several golf courses in Pahrump, including the Lake Executive Golf Course.
Pahrump is a big draw for RV travelers wanting mountain views.
There is plenty of hiking, biking and exploring to do in Pahrump.
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Wineries, restaurants and shopping centers around Pahrump
Several wineries call Pahrump home, including Sanders Family Winery, the first modern winery to grace the town and the visually stunning Charleston Peak Winery. Tower Pizza is popular with the locals and has earned multiple awards from the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Guru and Restaurantji. Roadside spot Seemore’s Ice Cream calls itself the “world’s tallest ice cream stand,” and its majestic ice cream cone statue certainly makes it worthy of the superlative. The town also has multiple grocery stores, and the shops at Wheeler Springs Plaza and Pahrump Valley Junction include stores for everyday needs.
Several wineries call Pahrump home.
MiaAva East Coast Pizza is popular with locals in Pahrump.
The shops at Pahrump Valley Junction include stores for everyday needs in Pahrump.
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Cultural and seasonal celebrations, Pahrump-style
Pahrump puts on several events throughout the year, making the most of its desert landscape and cultural heritage. In March, the Silver State Chili Cook-Off draws big crowds. Summertime at Ian Deutch Memorial Park includes family-friendly movies under the stars. September’s Pahrump Fall Festival includes a parade, rodeo and tons of local vendors. Every November brings the Pahrump Social Powwow, a celebration of the indigenous cultures that have shaped the community. Coffinwood, a home decorated with coffins, offers tours throughout the year and even displays creepy Christmas decorations for the holidays. Plus, hot air balloon rides are offered year-round for a great way to take in the sweeping views around the city.
Pahrump puts on many events throughout the year, making the most of its cultural heritage.
During summers, at Ian Deutch Memorial Park in Pahrump, families can watch movies outdoors.
Coffinwood, a home decorated with coffins, offers tours throughout the year in Pahrump.
Pahrump is home to several rodeo events during fall.
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Attractive homes
Pahrump homes include townhouses, ranch-styles and manufactured homes. "You also see a lot of stick-built homes, which are essentially the same as manufactured, but these are built on-site," Whiting says. He adds, "The average property out here takes up one acre, compared to the average 0.1 acre in Las Vegas." Because of when the town was formed and modernized, homes do not date much later than the mid- to late-twentieth century. Properties typically remain on the market for about 64 days, significantly longer than the national average period of 44 days. The trends have shown a 7% increase from 2023, with the average price reaching nearly $400,000.
Most homes in Pahrump sit on generous lots.
Townhouses are common in Pahrump.
Some residents of Pahrump live in condos with view of the mountains.
RVs and manufactured homes are also common in Pahrump.
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Nye County School District schools
The Nye County School District serves the city, with 27 schools and nearly 6,000 students. The NCSD earns a C-minus rating from Niche and ranks among the top ten most diverse school districts in the state of Nevada.
The student population of Hafen Elementary School is 440 and the school serves PK-5.
Pahrump Valley High School is 1 of 6 high schools in the Nye County School District.
Pahrump Valley High School's football team are the Trojans.
The student population of Rosemary Clarke Middle School is 1,060 and the school serves 6-8.
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Highway 160 and airports
Because public transportation in Pahrump is very limited, car travel is the prime way to get around. Highway 160 – also known as Pahrump Valley Highway – is an important travel corrido, lined with several retailers. The town has its own regional airport, Calvada Meadows Airport but more commercial and international flights are available at Harry Reid International Airport, which is 57 miles away and closer to the Las Vegas area.
Climate trends and crime rates in Pahrump
Pahrump’s climate is significantly influenced by its location in the desert. Data collected by First Street suggests that the town of Pahrump is at severe risk for extreme heat and a major risk for wildfires. The city is served by the Nye County Sheriff's Office (NCSO). Crime rates in Pahrump are lower than those in the state overall. In 2023, NCSO reported a rate of 135 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the state’s rate of 164. Property crime activity has experienced a similar trend, with 121 crimes reported compared to the state’s rate of 211.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Claudiu Varzaru
Video By
Mallory Nolte
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Pahrump, NV sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Pahrump, NV over the last 12 months is $418,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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