$648,291Average Value$355Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
"Step Back in Time" in Virginia City
With a motto of “Step Back in Time,” historic Virginia City, Nevada has never truly left the 1870s. Its main drag, C Street, is lined with false-front stores and old-fashioned saloons, vintage shops and museums that invite everyone to experience the lively atmosphere of a 19th-century boomtown. “It’s really hopping on the weekends. There are tons of events. We’ve got camel races, ostrich races, outhouse races, gunfight reenactments. There’s a little bit of a wildness to it still. It’s a taste of the old west,” says Realtor Donna Frey of Haute Properties NV, a longtime real estate professional in the Reno area.
While the city, which is less than a square mile in size, is known to draw throngs of tourists, it’s home to around 800 people, most of whom work in the tourism industry or commute to nearby cities like Reno. Homebuyers will find a close-knit community that, from some angles, appears frozen in time. “It’s really for people who want to get out of the city, who want a more rural lifestyle,” Frey says.
Virginia City is a reasonable drive to Reno where some locals will choose to have employment.
On the outskirts of Virginia City are homes on private property connecting to Nevada wilderness.
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A true Bonanza
Virginia City is a shining example of America’s iconic “Wild West” era. Founded almost overnight amid the 1859 silver rush at the Comstock Lode, it was the first major silver mining town in the country, but the Great Fire of 1875 and the depletion of the silver mines by the end of that decade led to Virginia City losing half its population. That changed in the 1960s when Virginia City was prominently featured in Western television shows such as “Bonanza.” That transformed the town into both a tourist attraction and a place for Western enthusiasts to call home. Virginia City’s downtown area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, establishing tourism as this town’s main industry.
During the holidays the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City has Christmas themed rides.
Virginia City once had 25,000 residents who came from around the world to work in the mines.
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Homes on the range
Residents live on hillside streets overlooking Virginia City’s downtown area. Victorian homes from the late 19th century sit beside contemporary cabins, cottages and vernacular homes built throughout the 20th century. Homes in Virginia City vary in price from $375,000 to $1 million, reflecting their varying sizes, styles, ages and states of refurbishment. The median home price in 2024 sits just above $480,000.
Virginia City has large custom homes sprinkled throughout the Highlands with great views.
Virginia City sits on variable topography, with many homes lots that use retaining walls.
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Saloons and sugary treats
Virginia City is full of life, even for a town whose prime years were a century-and-a-half ago. “Shops line the way, and you can even check out old mines,” says Reno-based Realtor and local expert Joe Hanich. “The sidewalks are all wooden planks, and many houses were built in the 1800s.” Residents can enjoy lunch at the vintage Palace Restaurant & Saloon, in business since 1875, or have a “New American”-style meal at the Cider Factory. For a sweet treat, one can also stop by Red’s Old-Fashioned Candies, which offers an impressive selection of confectioneries from rock candy to peanut brittle. For more modern conveniences, nearby Dayton is home to a Smith’s supermarket, accessible within a 13-mile drive.
Virginia City has over one dozen restaurants and saloons in downtown steeped in historic decor.
Virginia City is located South East of Reno, and sits at an elevation of 6,148'.
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The wild outdoors
Outdoor recreation is an essential feature of Virginia City living. Locals can enjoy a stroll down C Street, the main commercial and historic thoroughfare of Virginia City, to visit the 1859-built Mackay Mansion. The Virginia City Arena & Fairgrounds is a local attraction that brings visitors from all over the region to its racetrack. This isn’t the Kentucky Derby though — the main events are ostrich and camel races. It’s also home to the World Championship Outhouse Races, where contestants race creatively designed porta johns through the city’s main drag sporting names like “The Butt Hut” and “Forrest Dump.” The 2024 winner: “Craptain America.” For hiking, mountain sports and skiing, residents are only 35 miles from Lake Tahoe, a nationally renowned vacation destination nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The Virginia City Fairgrounds host the world-renowned International Camel & Ostrich races.
Miner's Park is the only park in Virginia City and is large enough for recreation and events.
Residents of Virginia City are only 35 miles from Lake Tahoe and its unlimited outdoor activity.
Mackay Mansion has been featured on Ghost Adventures and is a main tourist stop in Virginia City
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Learning in a historic town
Virginia City is in the Storey County School District, which holds a B rating from Niche. Students start their education at B-rated Hugh Gallagher Elementary School and B-plus-rated Virginia City Middle School before moving on to B-rated Virginia City High School. The high school ranks among the top 25 high schools for athletes in the state, while featuring a student-teacher ratio nearly half the national average, offering more personalized education for the school’s 150 students.
The front entrance to Hugh Gallagher Elementary School in Virginia City.
The front entrance to Virginia City Middle School in Virginia City.
The front entrance to Virginia City High School in Virginia City.
Virginia City has a newly built astroturf football field highschool students can practice on.
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Happy Trails
Virginia City’s desert locale means residents will likely need a car to get around. The city is located within a 15-mile drive from Carson City and 25 miles south of Reno. Reno–Tahoe International Airport is 23 miles north via Interstate 580 and State Route 341. “Virginia City is 25 minutes from both Carson and Reno, and you’ve got an old-timey feel and so much history. It’s a completely different experience to live here, and there’s so much to do,” Hanich says.
Public safety
Virginia City features a remarkably low CAP Index score of 1, compared to the national average of 4, marking this community as one with a minimal risk of crime. The city falls under the jurisdiction of the Storey County Sheriff's Office. The county’s overall violent crime rates are slightly higher than the state and national averages, while property crimes are typically lower, according to FBI stats.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Jeremy Jensen
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bob Fredlund,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Virginia City, NV sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Virginia City, NV over the last 12 months is $440,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just under 12 acres of land in the beautiful Virginia City Highlands with exceptional views. This centrally located parcel of land is the perfect mix of off grid living and convienience. Positioned perfectly it is less than a 15 minute drive to Historic Virginia City one way and the ever expanding Shayden Summit Mall in the other. Power is on adjacent properties which makes developing this parcel
Development Opportunity in up and coming Storey County. Living at the top of the world in the mountains above Virginia City with views as far as the eye can see. Prepare this clean slate to be built the way you see fit. Close to Geiger Grade for access down to Reno. Be close to a part of both our state's and the nations history. Ask us about our other parcels in the same area, so that you can
Stunning views from this spacious 1.21-acre lot in the scenic Virginia City Highlands. This property offers the perfect setting for you to build your dream home!! With HOA managed snow plowing you'll have year round access. Electric on property. Less than 20 mins away from highway 395. Drive by today!!
Development Opportunity in up and coming Storey County. Living at the top of the world in the mountains above Virginia City with views as far as the eye can see. Prepare this clean slate to be built the way you see fit. Close to Geiger Grade for access down to Reno. Be close to a part of both our state's and the nations history. Ask us about our other parcels in the same area, so that you can
STUNNING LEVEL LOT on paved Cartwright Road! Power is at the corner of the property. This lot is perfect for your dream home or spec in this neighborhood of beautiful custom homes. Bring your horses or enjoy the wild ones that roam freely! Less than 15 min to 395/580. No manufactured homes permitted.
Now is your chance to own a piece of iconic Downtown Virginia City! Brimming with the characteristic charm of the historic structures that surround, this mixed-use property is an investment opportunity you won't want to miss. Featuring a 2-story floorplan with a combined 2880 sq ft of interior area, this property boasts a commercial space on the primary level with two separate apartments above.
Exceptional opportunity in historic Virginia City. This versatile parcel offers sweeping mountain and valley views in every direction, creating a stunning backdrop for your vision. City utilities are available, adding convenience and flexibility. Zoned for both commercial and residential use, this property supports a wide range of potential projects. Live, work, invest, or build to suit. A rare
Majestic mountain views from this private lot on the edge of Virginia City in the historic downtown district of Gold Hill! Get creative with the commercial/residential zoning, This lot is perfect for a prefab, cabin or stick built, two story, minimum 800 sqft, 1 bedroom home/cottage, with an exterior that fits in with the historic theme of the area. Use it as your primary residence, vacation
Stunning Vacant Land in Virginia City Highlands. Come and see this beautiful 12+ Acres with Breath-taking view of the Mountains. Very close to Virginia City and 25 Minutes from Carson City.20 Minutes from Reno.
Built in 2021, this well-designed 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 1,888 sq ft of comfortable living in scenic Virginia City Highlands. The open great room features cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow into the dining and kitchen and great room areas. The kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with ample cabinetry, generous counter space, and modern appliances, the great room
This beautiful lot located in the Virginia City Highlands boasts 2.69 acres with spectacular views and a large level area ready to build your dream home. The lot has plenty of trees for both privacy and shade during the hot winter months. There are two powerline poles located at both front corner ends of the property to easily bring power to the property. This lot was originally two separate lots
Bring your full-price offer and the seller will include their 2025 Polaris XP 1000 Ultimate ATV-perfect for exploring the trails under those big open skies. Take in breathtaking views and endless big skies from this 1.35-acre property, where peaceful living meets room to roam. The 1944 sq. ft. home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, offering comfortable living and space inside and out. A
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