Topaz Lake offers a waterfront retreat in the Nevada desert
The small community of Topaz Lake is a desert oasis in rural Nevada. “It’s really a must-see. It’s a beautiful area. There’s a reason everybody wants to be here,” says Lisa Wright, a Realtor with Intero with 15 years of experience. “It’s rural but has amenities close by. It offers an outdoor lifestyle with the lake nearby.” Home to around 200 people, Topaz Lake consists of dirt roads and a variety of housing styles on the shores of the reservoir. Fishing and boating are the main draws, featuring several docks and ramps. With U.S. 395, nearby cities are an easy drive away, while the few local businesses are within quick reach.
Lakeside homes in Topaz Lake nestle beneath the nearby mountain range.
Many Topaz Lake homes enjoy natural shade from mature trees.
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New Traditional, Craftsman and custom homes on the water
Buyers can find several styles of houses in Topaz Lake. “Oh, there’s a wide variety. You’ve got manufactured homes up to multimillion-dollar homes,” Wright says. New Traditional houses with stucco siding and attached garages sit next to custom contemporary properties. Craftsman and mountain lodge-style houses are also common. Yards in this desert community are full of small shrubs and pine trees. Many homes offer views of the lake and the area's rolling hills. Waterfront properties frequently have small beaches and docks extending into the water. Wright says Douglas County doesn’t allow short-term vacation rentals, so most properties in the area are occupied by full-time residents or are family summer homes. The median list price is around $825,000.
Topaz Lake homes feature generous indoor space and open yards.
A suburban vibe emerges from tightly spaced homes in Topaz Lake.
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Boating, fishing and off-roading in the desert
The lake provides plenty of recreation, but it’s not the area's only activity. “It’s very popular for boating and fishing. There’s also Bureau of Land Management land out here that gives you access to wide-open spaces for off-roading, motorcycles or horseback riding. You name it, you can do it,” Wright says. Topaz Landing & Marina-RV Park has a dock where residents can store their boats and begin a day on the water. The boat launch at Topaz Lake Recreation Area can be used for motorboats or kayaks. This site also has a large beach area and room for fishing, camping and picnicking.
Off-road trails around Topaz Lake offer excitement for motocross enthusiasts.
Fishermen cast lines from the dock or launch boats at Topaz Lake.
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Traveling to Gardnerville for shopping and dining
Topaz Lodge is a hotel and casino with the only two restaurants in the community. The Lakeview Diner serves classic diner food with unobstructed water views, while the steakhouse serves a variety of meats and seafood. For more shopping and dining, residents can drive to Gardnerville, which has fast-food chains and locally owned options. J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room serves family-style Basque dinners, with dishes like lamb shoulder, Basque chicken or steak. Groceries are available at Raley’s, Smith’s and Grocery Outlet. Other shops in Gardnerville include Walgreens, auto parts stores and a Walmart.
Topaz Lake residents shop locally at nearby Smith’s.
Topaz Lake residents rely on nearby Raley’s for everyday essentials.
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Douglas County schools are a good drive from the community
The schools serving the community are between 20 and 24 miles away. Minden Elementary School gets a B-plus from Niche, while Pau Wa Lu Middle School earns a B. Douglas County High School receives a B-plus and provides a Career and Technical Education program with 11 areas of study. Students can learn about industries like computer science, digital game development and military science. The school also offers a JROTC program and has been recognized as an Advanced Placement Honor Roll School, with a pass rate of 87%.
Students from Topaz Lake attend Douglas County High School in Nevada.
Children from Topaz Lake attend Minden Elementary School for early education.
Topaz Lake teens attend Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School for academic growth.
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U.S. 395 makes it easy to get around Nevada
U.S. Route 395 passes through the community, offering a route to nearby cities. Gardnerville is about 21 miles away, while the state capital, Carson City, is about 37 miles. The highway also offers an 83-mile drive to the Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite National Park, although this entrance is only open from late May or June through November. Carson Valley Health Hospital is about 19 miles away in Gardnerville.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Bob Yukich
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Samuel Whiteside,
an experienced agent in this area.
Experience nearly 1,800 square feet of upgraded comfort in this pristine home with breath taking views, featuring a thoughtfully designed open and split floor plan. Highlights include exquisite granite countertops, vaulted ceilings with ceiling fans, and a cozy wood-burning stove in the living room. Built with 2x6 perimeter walls, this residence boasts three spacious bedrooms, modern flooring,
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20 acre off grid retreat near Lake Topaz with beautiful views of the Sierra Mountains. 2,886 sf manufactured home converted to real property. Self contained with propane, well, septic, solar power, battery bank and back up generator. Quonset garage/shop, 2 additional outbuildings, fenced with remote gate control, wood burning stove plus propane fireplace, nice sitting porch and covered patio.
Experience nearly 1,800 square feet of upgraded comfort in this pristine home with breath taking views, featuring a thoughtfully designed open and split floor plan. Highlights include exquisite granite countertops, vaulted ceilings with ceiling fans, and a cozy wood-burning stove in the living room. Built with 2x6 perimeter walls, this residence boasts three spacious bedrooms, modern flooring,
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