Carson City Charm: History, Hot Springs, & Affordability Await!
The Biggest Little Capital City
When writing about Carson City, I had a little help from someone born and raised here. We spent Sunday, October 30 driving around town and I got to sit in the passenger seat and take it all in. It really is a lovely place.
Our first stop was the Governor’s Mansion. It is all decked out in Halloween regalia. I had to stop and take a picture. This neighborhood is home to the Kit Carson Trail and is very mature with gorgeous trees and older, charming homes. It’s not far from the main street but still peaceful. There are many historic homes in the 1800s Victorian style and their nameplates are displayed in their front entrances. You will also see museums and churches in this area.
On the East side of town, there is more contemporary housing with neighborhoods that expand out from a central municipal park. I love this area. Many of these homes have high ceilings and beautiful landscaping.
There are so many things to do in this area. I was surprised at how much fun stuff there is to experience. Carson Canyon Railbike Tours look super cool. Four people pedal a chassis on the tracks down the canyon. At the bottom, you get a little break and a snack. The rail bikes are pedal-assisted so it’s not a killer.
After the rail bike tour, it’s time to relax. Carson has its own centrally located hot springs. Carson Hot Springs. A bit farther south, maybe 20 minutes, is Dave Walleys Hot Springs. Walley’s is a beautiful resort with condos, restaurants, and a bar. It is located in Genoa, the oldest town in Nevada dating back to 1851. Also not a bad way to end the day after skiing at Lake Tahoe which is just over the hill.
Nevada became a state on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War, hence the sentiment of Battle Born on our state flag. The Nevada Day celebration is vast. You may start the day with a pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion then head over to the balloon launch. After you may want to run off the pancakes in a 2k or 8k run. From there you can relax and watch the parade before you hit the chili cook-off. If you like to imbibe, surely there are several places to quench that thirst. The Fox Brewpub and The Old Globe Pub are downtown and both will fit the bill.
Housing costs in Carson City are 17.3% lower compared to Reno. The average home price is $421,300 versus $509,200 in Reno. It has a much smaller population of 59,000 compared to Reno’s at 269,000. The unemployment rate is below the national average. My clients who have purchased here really love it and my tour guide who was raised here loves it too.
If you’d like to know more about living in our state’s capital, please click the button below to set up a call. Now I’m going to rake leaves.
Carson City offers a unique blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and affordability. Whether you're looking for a quiet street lined with Victorian homes or a modern neighborhood with easy access to parks and trails, Carson City has something for everyone.