Home
Where To Retire Quiz
Top 10
By State
Books
Retirement Calculators
Resources
Get Listed
You are here:
Home
>
Carson Valley - Nevada
Retirement Living in Carson Valley - Nevada
Jump to:
Area
,
Characteristics
,
Cost
,
Amenities
,
Climate
,
Demographics
,
Housing
,
Assistance
Area Description
View in Google Maps
Carson Valley –Where Nevada Began
On Nevada’s western border, framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada and the Pinenut Mountains, the Carson Valley unfolds. Broad and green, nourished by the Carson River and its tributaries, the Valley appeared as an oasis to early western settlers drawn by the California Gold Rush of the 1840’s.
Among those settlers was John Reese, who established the first permanent settlement in Nevada at Genoa in 1851. Today, Genoa appears much as it did in that era. It still resists traffic signals, and visitors to its center will find more than a few examples of nineteenth century architecture within strolling distance. Among those structures, Mormon Station State Park, the Courthouse Museum at Genoa, the Genoa Town Hall and Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor (just call it the “Oldest Bar”).
Not long after the founding of Genoa, the beginnings of Gardnerville; a hotel, blacksmith shop and saloon were built along what is now Highway 395; and Minden, just to the north, was created to provide a terminal for the V & T Railroad a few decades later.
Today these two towns have grown into true communities, offering the visitor dining and shopping experiences along with town parks and a vibrant cultural scene. Restaurant choices include several that reflect the area’s Basque heritage and shopping options feature a surprising array of small antique shops and boutiques.
The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center documents the area’s history in the former Douglas High School, a Frederick Delongchamps designed building that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Heritage Park in Gardnerville and Minden Park are classic turn of the century gathering places and often the site of concerts and events.
Yet just a short distance from Main Street, pasture lands and working ranches set against the mountains remind you of the valley’s ranching roots and those same open spaces, protected by the valley’s residents, provide an abundance of recreation. Hiking and biking trails wind through Carson Valley and into the foothills on either side. Horseback riding is the reason many choose to live in the valley and if your preferred mode of transportation is the mountain or road bike, hot air balloon, ATV or motorcycle, you’ll have your chances too. For water sports enthusiasts, Topaz Lake, just 15 minutes south of Gardnerville, is known for its waterskiing and wakeboarding, fishing and boating.
Golfers will feel right at home here. Four valley courses, varying widely in terrain and difficulty, are a reason to visit in themselves. Whether you prefer tight fairways that meander along the river or open links-style courses tucked against the mountains, you’ll find a challenge here, and typically those challenges are available year round.
There is also one particular form of recreation for which Carson Valley is known all over the world. The valley’s contours and wind patterns bring soaring enthusiasts from every continent to ride the thermals in unpowered, fixed wing aircraft. Numerous gliding records for distance and altitude have been set here and operators at the Minden-Tahoe airport offer rides and lessons.
If you’d rather view the birds than fly next to them, you should know that every February, during the calving season, eagles and other birds of prey come to the valley to feed on afterbirth and bald and golden eagle sightings are common. Eagles & Agriculture, a gathering that celebrates this phenomenon, provides lectures, sighting tours and photography workshops during the height of the viewing period.
Eagles & Agriculture is just one of the special events held in Carson Valley during the year. The Genoa Cowboy Festival, held in the spring, is the newest, debuting with tremendous entertainers, workshops and artisans in 2010. June’s Carson Valley Days, a salute to small American towns, brings concerts, a parade, arts and crafts shows and more to the towns and has been doing so for over a hundred years. Each September features the return of the Candy Dance, a Genoa tradition 90 years old, which began as a way to raise funds for town improvements. Over the decades it has grown into an event that draws tens of thousands of visitors for the candy and the offerings of artisans from all over the West.
In addition to the signature events above, throughout the year, concerts, theatrical performances and a variety of community contests, club meetings and social and educational events fill out the calendar. They meet the special interests of residents and help to weave the tapestry of life in Carson Valley.
Includes Cities/Towns: Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden.
Region Characteristics
Urban / City
Rural
Nearby military base
Suburban / Large Community
College Town
Lively downtown business center
Commuter Town
Coastal community
Area Amenities
Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness
Access To Green Space
Fairs & Festivals
Outdoor Concerts
Bike Paths
Fishing
Running Paths
Beach
Golf Course
Shopping
Boating
Hiking
Skiing
Bowling
Hunting
Sporting Events
Casino
Indoor Swim Facilities
Tennis
Continuing Education
Lake
State Park
Dining/Nightlife
Movie Cinemas
Walking Paths
Exercise Facilities
National Park
Cultural Activities
Arts
Lectures
Museums
Ballet
Library
Symphony
Concerts
Live music series
Theater
Films
Public transportation
Bus
Rental cars
Train
Nearby major airport
Subway
VA transportation
Nearby cruise terminal
Taxi
Medical Facilities
Major Hospital
Wellness center
VA Hospital
Climate
Monthly Temperatures / Rain / Snow
Month
Low
Avg
High
Rain
Snow
Jan
17.0
F°
32.0
F°
47.0
F°
1.5
"
4.6
"
Feb
21.0
F°
36.5
F°
52.0
F°
1.2
"
4.6
"
Mar
25.0
F°
42.5
F°
60.0
F°
1.1
"
3.3
"
Apr
29.0
F°
47.0
F°
65.0
F°
0.5
"
1.6
"
May
36.0
F°
55.0
F°
74.0
F°
0.5
"
0.2
"
Jun
42.0
F°
63.0
F°
84.0
F°
0.4
"
0.1
"
Jul
47.0
F°
69.5
F°
92.0
F°
0.2
"
0.0
"
Aug
45.0
F°
68.0
F°
91.0
F°
0.3
"
0.0
"
Sep
39.0
F°
61.0
F°
83.0
F°
0.3
"
0.0
"
Oct
29.0
F°
50.0
F°
71.0
F°
0.7
"
0.2
"
Nov
22.0
F°
39.5
F°
57.0
F°
0.9
"
1.3
"
Dec
18.0
F°
32.5
F°
47.0
F°
1.4
"
6.1
"
Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the mid 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 20's. Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the mid 60's and highs in the upper 80's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 40's. Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 70's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 20's. Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 30's and highs in the upper 40's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 10's.
Natural Disaster Areas
Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Wildfires
Floods
Tornadoes
Volcanoes
Cost of Living for
Carson Valley, NV
Carson Valley, Nevada cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:
Demographics
Race
Religion
Political Party
Age
Senior Housing Options
Adult communities
Gated communities
Rental units
Affordable Housing
Group homes
Residential care facility
Apartments
Houses
RV Parks
Assisted Living
Nursing homes
State veteran home
Condos
Over 50 Communities
Senior Assistance in
Carson Valley, NV
Carson Valley, Nevada offers the following assistance for seniors:
Elder-care facilities
Meals on Wheels
Van services for seniors
Home care
Senior center
Visiting nurses
Additional Information
Visitor Information
Relocation Information
Back to:
Area
,
Characteristics
,
Cost
,
Amenities
,
Climate
,
Demographics
,
Housing
,
Assistance
Disclaimer
Privacy
Contact Us