Types of Homes

Chris Lim, senior advisor at Christie’s International Real Estate and a Reno homeowner, noted that single-family homes make up most of the housing in the area. There’s a presence of ski-in, ski-out new construction and turnkey townhomes, but the predominant housing type is standalone homes. There’s also a noticeable rise in upscale amenity-focused communities situated on estate-sized lots.

A large influx of Californians, who are migrating to the area and seeking an outdoorsy, lower-tax lifestyle, are driving new development sales. Lim said that they’re buying estate lots that span more than an acre and constructing large custom homes.

But building is expensive. A five-bedroom property in a gated community that offers amenities such as a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a gym, spa, swimming pool and clubhouse costs a minimum of $3 million, Lim said. The homes are almost always ranch style because homeowners want the convenience of one-floor living.

As an example, the gated community of Franktown Estates, which features stunning views of Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, has homes on large lots that range from $2 million to $4 million. Also, Freedom Ranch is a boutique development with lots spanning from 2 to 5 acres and homes ranging from $3 million to $5 million.

Silver Oak, in northwest Carson City, is an example of a new construction gated community with more affordable options. A three-bedroom, 1,800 square-foot home starts at $660,000, and a four-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot home is around $1.3 million.

With respect to the luxury market thus far this year, research from Christie’s International Real Estate indicates that Carson City has seen 73 sales averaging a sales price of $1.769 million, while the current average sales price throughout Carson City and Carson Valley is $2.818 million.