Peaceful desert living and outdoor recreation define Smith Valley
Smith Valley rests near the California border, surrounded by BLM land and the Pine Nut, Buckskin and Singatse mountain ranges. “People come here looking for peace and privacy,” says Amber Nuzum, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate who has lived in the region most of her life. “We also have a lot of outdoor enthusiasts who are into riding side-by-sides or motorcycles.” While there are a few residential neighborhoods where homes are within sight of one another, the majority of the space is made up of hay fields, dairy farms and open desert.
Plenty of space for off-road adventures, and Topaz Lake is close by
Access to outdoor recreation is one of Smith Valley’s biggest draws. Homeowners often have acres of private land to explore, and there are vast expanses of public land as well, including the Wilson Canyon BLM Recreation Area, a popular spot for riding all-terrain vehicles and horses. There are additional off-road trails to the west, near Mount Siegel. “Topaz Lake is also about 20 minutes away, and a lot of people go there for boating, fishing and kayaking,” Nuzum says. Families often spend their time at Dressler Park, which has ball fields, shaded picnic tables and pickleball courts.
Large lots provide space for custom homes and RV garages
Long, gravel driveways branch off Smith Valley’s paved main roads, leading to properties that range from around 2 acres to more than 50. “Out here, you have property, which gives people more freedom to build what they want,” Nuzum says. “A lot of them want custom homes, workshops and RV garages.” Most sales fall between $380,000 and $880,000, and ranch-style houses are relatively common. Large custom homes and working ranches with agricultural water rights can sell from $1 million to $2.3 million. Land typically sells for between $4,500 and $35,000 per acre, depending on parcel size. Owners maintain their own septic systems and wells. Seasonal flooding and wildfires sometimes affect the region and may cause property damage.
One campus for Smith Valley Schools and the local library
Students can attend Smith Valley Schools, which earn an overall C-plus rating on Niche. All three schools — the elementary, middle and high — share a campus. The campus also includes the Smith Valley Library, which serves both the school and the wider community. High schoolers can participate in extracurricular activities such as baseball, volleyball and Future Farmers of America.
A few restaurants, and most people drive to Yerington for groceries
Smith Valley has a handful of small businesses, including Rosie’s Place, which serves hearty Mexican fare, and Heyday Inn, a classic Western steakhouse. CG Bar is a popular spot to meet up with friends. Buckboard Station stocks a few household essentials, as well as milk, eggs and some produce. Most locals do the bulk of their shopping in Yerington or Gardnerville, both within a 40-mile drive, where there are larger stores such as Raley’s and Walmart.
Smith Valley residents stay connected through events like Fun Days
Although homes in Smith Valley are fairly spread apart, residents maintain a strong sense of community through holiday gatherings and events. The Smith Valley Rotary Club organizes an annual Easter egg hunt and the fall Fun Days festival, which features local vendors, a poker ride and a tractor pull. On Halloween, kids often trick-or-treat at Walker River Resort. “People will rent a space to camp, and they’ll decorate the spot and pass out candy,” Nuzum says.
Driving state Route 208 to connect with nearby cities and services
Smith Valley is a car-dependent community, and state Route 208 is the main thoroughfare. The closest hospital is Yerington’s South Lyon Medical Center, about 20 miles northeast. Carson City is roughly 50 miles northwest, and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is around 80 miles away.
