$354,857Average Value$280Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
It all started with a railroad
At the turn of the 20th century, the Southern Pacific Railroad moved its shops and headquarters to an undeveloped area a few miles east of Reno, Nevada. A town grew up around the new headquarters, and it was named Sparks after the former governor of Nevada, John Sparks. Nearby Reno gained national notoriety as an alternative to Las Vegas as a place to gamble, but Sparks residents were happy to stay in the shadow of “The Biggest Little City in the World,” as its neighbor is known, despite being just 4 miles east. Offering residents easy access to both Interstate 80 and Highway 659, Sparks maintains its slower pace of life while also welcoming new and exciting developments. And much of that growth is occurring in the Downtown Sparks neighborhood on the city’s southern border.
The main drag of Downtown Sparks is lovely in the afternoon sun when your dog needs a walk.
The Southern Pacific Railroad still has a train in the heart of Downtown Sparks in memorial.
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An affordable alternative to Reno
Another draw of Downtown Sparks is the affordability of the neighborhood. The median price of real estate in the neighborhood is $360,000, and the average price per square foot is $301. Both of those numbers are significantly lower than what buyers will find just a few miles west in Reno. A one-bedroom/one-bathroom condominium here can start at $172,000, and prices can go up to $460,000 for a three-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style home.
California Golden Poppies have taken a liking to this front yard in Downtown Sparks.
Smaller Bungalow style homes comprise a majority of residences in Downtown Sparks.
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Outdoor fun
There are plenty of options for outdoor entertainment in the neighborhood, with several different municipal parks within the borders. The 4-acre Ardmore Park is a family favorite in the neighborhood, offering a playground, basketball court, horseshoes pit, walking trails and a picnic area with grills. Alternatively, families can cool off in the community pool at Deer Park or play on the playground. Less than 2 miles east of Downtown Sparks is Sparks Marina Park, what locals call “the marina,” where visitors will find sand volleyball courts, biking trails, picnic areas and a dog park, as well as rental establishments offering boats and stand-up paddleboards for on-the-water fun. And every Labor Day Weekend, Downtown Sparks plays host to what has been called “the Super Bowl of national rib competitions,” the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. The event encompasses more than six blocks of the neighborhood and features the country’s best rib chefs competing for a $10,000 cash prize. “The rib cook-off is a really cool event,” says Tully. USA Today agrees with him, naming the event the Best BBQ Festival in the country.
Sparks Marina is right next door to Downtown Sparks and offers a beautiful setting to recreate.
Downtown Sparks is easy to bike through, with plenty of artistic architecture to enjoy.
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Washoe County schools
Downtown Sparks is served by the Washoe County School District, which earns an overall rating of B-plus from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Robert Mitchell Elementary, George L. Dilworth Middle and Sparks High School. Mitchell earns a B-minus from Niche and both Dilworth and Sparks High earn a C-plus. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, students at Sparks High School can participate in the school’s Pathful program, a virtual connection between educators, students and a network of area professionals. The program provides a platform for skills-based volunteering that enables students to grow and strengthen their connections with potential future employers. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of several area private schools, including the nearby Sage Ridge School in Reno, which Niche rates an A-plus and names it the second best best private school in the state.
The drop-off area at Sparks High School is flooded with students in the morning and afternoon.
The drop-off area at Robert Mitchell Elementary School.
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The Super Bowl of rib cook-offs
Every Labor Day Weekend, Downtown Sparks plays host to what has been called “the Super Bowl of national rib competitions,” the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. The event encompasses more than six blocks of the neighborhood and features the country’s best rib chefs competing for a $10,000 cash prize. “The rib cook-off is a really cool event,” says Tully. USA Today agrees with him, naming the event the Best BBQ Festival in the country.
Great beer and great food
“Sparks is a growing area,” says David Tully, a local Realtor with LPT Realty who has been representing transactions in the area for a decade. “Newer places are popping up there all the time, and it’s a good change of pace from Reno.” That slate of new places includes restaurants, homes and other attractions. One new business that’s making headlines in Downtown Sparks is Revision Brewing Company, whose award-winning Blonde NV was part of the reason Revision was voted the best beer destination in Nevada by USA Today. Another is the Engine 8 Urban Winery, where their private-label Battle Born Blend is a favorite of red wine drinkers from far and wide.
Downtown Sparks is also home to plenty of renowned restaurants, ranging from the iconic In-N-Out Burger to the elegantly appointed Oyster Bar at The Nugget, which has been serving up steaming bowls of their famous seafood stew to hungry patrons since 1959. Speaking of The Nugget, the casino is home to four additional restaurants, several bars and a coffee shop, as well as three live entertainment venues. “The Nugget has a cool outdoor venue, and they attract some big names,” says Tully. The casino has hosted the likes of Nelly and Flo Rida, Jason Aldean, Jay Leno and many other A-list performers. When they’re feeling lucky, Downtown Sparks residents can hit The Nugget’s casino floor, where they can choose from slots, table games, Keno and sports betting.
Great Basin Brewing is central to Downtown Sparks and always has a local crew at the bar.
The Spicy Conductor is the most ordered pizza at Engine 8 Urban Winery in Downtown Sparks.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christi Mercurio,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Teglia's Paradise Park
Deer Park
Picnic Area
Pool
Playground
Ardmore Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Derek Teglia's Paradise Park
Poulakidas Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Trails
Lillard Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Reno/Tahoe International
25 min drive
Bus
Victorian Avenue And 4th Street
Bus
Pyramid Way And I Street
Bus
Prater Way And Pyramid Way
Bus
Prater Way And 6th Street
Bus
Prater Way And 4th Street
Bus
Prater Way And Shriver Boulevard
Bus
Victorian Avenue And 16th Street
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Sparks
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Sparks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Sparks, Sparks sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Sparks, Sparks over the last 12 months is $303,500, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fantastic investment opportunity in the heart of Sparks! Instant cash flow with a multiplex and single-family home generating income on one parcel. All four units have been tastefully updated in 2024 and are fully leased with stable, long-term tenants. The property includes a standalone 2 bed / 1 bath home in front, plus a triplex behind it consisting of two 1 bed / 1.5 bath units and one 2 bed /
This 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo is waiting for its new owner. Conveniently located ,it provides easy anccess to shopping, schools, restaurants, and major commuter routes. Enjoy Hot August Nights, concerts, or even a movie within minutes due to this centrally located Sparks home. With low-maintenance patio and solid rental potential, this property is a smart starting point or strong addition to an
Don't miss this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse featuring an attached 1-car garage! Ideally situated in a central Sparks location, you'll enjoy quick access to shopping, dining, schools, and local amenities. The functional layout offers a spacious living area downstairs, with bedrooms and full bath upstairs for added privacy. Good size private patio.
Fountainhouse is a luxury urban inspired multi-use residential and retail community located in the heart of Victorian Square. Conveniently situated between The Nugget casino and the Galaxy Luxury 13-Plex Movie theater, Fountainhouse is in the center of all Victorian Square events. This vibrant community has a variety of 1 and 2 bedroom single level apartments and townhomes. The apartments have
Charming & Cozy 3-Bedroom Home in Sparks!Welcome to this adorable and newly updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home nestled in a great Sparks neighborhood! Featuring brand-new flooring throughout, this home boasts a beautifully updated kitchen and bathroom, complete with modern finishes and brand-new appliances, including a gas stove perfect for cooking enthusiasts.Enjoy the convenience of a dedicated
Would you like to experience the ultimate in high rise luxury living with modern designs and great amenities? If so, The Deco has the best luxury apartments Reno and Sparks have to offer. These iconic art deco apartment home floor plans bring the glamour of the early 20th century style with symmetrical designs, rich colors, and bold geometry. Our luxury high rise residences offer spacious floor
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christi Mercurio,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
14,878
Median Age
37
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,967
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,613
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
14.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.8%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
9''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
