Once a pit stop for California-bound gold miners, and also the former seat of Lyon County, the city of Dayton preserves its Old West heritage with its false-front stores and scenic desert landscapes. Dayton prides itself on being Nevada’s oldest settlement (though that claim is disputed) and the site of the state’s first gold discovery. It continues to attract new residents due to western Nevada’s popularity among California retirees. Realtor Sandy Gabrielli with Re/Max says, "It’s a small community outside of Carson City, and its biggest attraction is affordability. Not only is it growing because of affordability relative to other areas, but they also have a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer."
Historic downtown Dayton is rich with mining-era architecture.
This rustic structure reflects Dayton’s 19th-century gold rush history.
Preserved mining equipment in Dayton pays homage to its industrial roots.
The Carson River carves itself through Dayton in Nevada.
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Golf course homes and Spanish-influenced properties meet in Dayton
Dayton’s housing stock is much younger than that of neighboring Western Nevada communities. The oldest homes tend to have been built in the 1990s, while the most expensive properties were built from the 2000s to 2010s. Single-story residences, varying from traditional ranch-style homes to Spanish-influenced split-levels, comprise the majority of this city’s housing stock. Homes built before 2000 vary in price from $300,000 to $850,000, while those built since the turn of the millennium start at $330,000 and sell for up to $1 million. Communities like Santa Maria Ranch and the Dayton Valley Golf Course sit along Dayton’s periphery and are home to the priciest properties. Dayton’s residential sections branch off from major roads and vary from golf course properties with sizable lawns to smaller and older properties with pebbled front yards. Dayton has recently experienced growth due to an influx of Californian retirees and exurbanites from Reno and Carson City looking for less expensive home prices. "There are people who like the smaller community that Dayton offers, but affordability is the main draw," Gabrielli says.
Quiet streets in Dayton feature well-maintained ranch-style homes and tree-lined yards.
A horse strolls past new-traditional homes, reflecting Dayton’s rural charm and lifestyle.
This desert-inspired new-traditional home blends beautifully with Dayton's landscape.
A new traditional home with tudor influence in Dayton, Nevada.
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Smalltown shopping and restaurants in Dayton
The site of Nevada’s first Chinatown, Dayton has a long history of cultural and culinary interaction. Its dining scene includes Chinese, Italian, Mexican and Western American cuisines. The Dayton Farmers Market, held every Thursday from 3 to 6 PM, gives locals the opportunity to sample Lyon County’s own natural bounties, from tomatoes to peppers. A Smith's and a Grocery Outlet cover locals' grocery needs, but Dayton residents will need to travel to either Carson City or Reno for more extensive shopping options.
Dayton Taphouse is the city's oldest standing building from its settlement roots.
Enjoy classic drinks and a warm ambiance at the historic Dayton Taphouse.
Smith’s in Dayton offers convenient shopping with stunning mountain views.
Find great deals on essentials at Grocery Outlet in Dayton.
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Celebrating tradition with car shows and a vintage railroad
Dayton pays homage to its rich history with its annual Dayton Valley Days festival every September. The city puts on a cornhole tournament, a vintage car show and an antique tractor exhibit as part of these autumn revelries. The old Virginia and Truckee Railway runs past Dayton and offers a vintage train-riding experience that leads up to historic Virginia City.
The V&T Railway bridge in Dayton honors Nevada's rich rail history.
Iconic railroad crossings in Dayton recall the town's mining-era roots.
Historic railroad tracks in Dayton connect its past to the surrounding region.
A striking sculpture in Dayton celebrates its heritage as a mining town.
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PGA-quality golfing and riverside camping in Dayton
Designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, the Dayton Valley Golf Club plays a major role in this city’s day-to-day life. Not only do dozens of residents call this golfing community home, but the course has hosted the PGA Tour’s qualifiers since 1995. A few blocks to the west, Old Como Road is lined with small parks where neighbors come together to play baseball at the Dayton Ball Field Park, try kickflips at the Dayton Skate Park and bring their families to the playground at Como Park. Next to this park, the Dayton Valley Dog Park includes three sections for dogs of different sizes as well as toys, grass, tennis balls and a trail for canines to enjoy. Dayton State Park, which sits along both banks of the winding Carson River, rents campsites for up to week-long stays.
Dayton Valley Golf Club offers premier golfing with scenic landscapes.
Dayton Valley Golf Club features tranquil ponds and mountain vistas.
Explore the historic Rock Point Mill ruins at Dayton State Park.
Enjoy Como Park's Ball field surrounded by Dayton's surrounding mountains.
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Athletics is big at Dayton High
Dayton is home to three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, all of which are part of the Lyon County School District. The district receives a C rating from Niche, although it is ranked among the top five districts in the state for athletics.
Dayton Elementary in Dayton fosters a love for learning with vibrant classrooms.
Dayton Intermediate School in Dayton serves 7th and 8th graders, fostering academic growth.
Modern facilities at Dayton High School in Dayton support academic and creative success.
Dayton High School in Dayton builds pride with its Dust Devils athletics and spirit.
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Keeping safe in Dayton
Dayton doesn't have a police force of its own and is covered by the Lyon County Sherriff's Office. According to the FBI, Lyon County's violent crime rate is below the state average but above the national average. Its property crime rate is below both.
Drivers will also have to contend with winter storms and mountain winds, which often cause traffic slowdowns or accidents and, sometimes, highway closures.
Shopping and air travel are not far away
Dayton sits 12 miles up Highway 50 from the state capital and healthcare center of Carson City and 38 miles down Highway 95 from the manufacturing hub of Fernley. Reno and its airport are 42 miles up Interstate 580. As local shopping and employment options are limited, many Dayton residents commute to Reno and Carson City for retail, while workers at Fernley’s factories may call Dayton home.
As the 2016 President of the Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS® and the President of the Northern Nevada Chapter of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), I apply the REALTOR® code of ethics and observe the principles of honesty and integrity in every transaction. These ethics and principles have been ingrained in me through my service as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, Firefighter, Emergency Medic and other professional experiences, and will be the guiding principles in EVERY client interaction that I am involved in. Whether you are buying or listing a home, I would like to be the REALTOR® that makes your transaction the most enjoyable one.
Surprisingly, many people do not think they are able to buy a home, but they actually can. For information on many home-buying assistance programs, contact me today. I am ready to assist you with ALL of your real estate needs and look forward to working with you.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
