With its Spanish Revival-style courthouse, its false-front stores along Maine Street and its historic movie theater, Fallon, Nevada is the quintessential Western oasis town. This product of the Gold Rush is alive and thriving not just because of its historical preservation and appealing desert landscapes, but also because it is home to the real “Top Gun” program at Naval Air Station Fallon. “It’s a small town. It’s mostly people who work at the air base, people who work in agriculture and retirees,” says Realtor Hadley Faught of Exp Realty.
Main Street in Fallon highlights local shops and charm in the heart of downtown.
Fallon City Hall serves as the administrative hub in the heart of downtown Fallon.
The Churchill County Museum in Fallon showcases the region’s pioneer heritage.
A young herd of cows grazes peacefully in the fields surrounding Fallon, Nevada.
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Aviators chase the need for speed at Top Gun
Naval Air Station Fallon was founded in 1942 to protect the West Coast during World War II and is located 6 miles southeast of downtown. It is the city’s largest employer. The Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), made famous by the 1986 film “Top Gun,” has been located in Fallon since 1996 and trains the country’s elite U.S. Naval aviators. “You’ll hear some jets buzzing overhead,” Faught says. The city’s status as the seat of Churchill County has made the county, its school district and the city’s community hospital other major employers.
Fallon’s Air Power Museum showcases aviation history and military legacy.
Naval Air Station Fallon serves as a critical training hub for the U.S. Navy.
Iconic aircraft at NAS Fallon honor Fallon’s aviation and military contributions.
The entrance to Naval Air Station Fallon stands as a gateway to military excellence in Fallo
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A growing destination for retirees and servicemembers
Fallon’s history and fortunes are closely intertwined with the local military base. Like the airbase, Fallon’s housing stock first developed during World War II and has grown in size as the Naval Air Station did. This city’s oldest homes date to the 1930s and 1940s. Ranch-style homes built from then until 1960 vary in price from $85,000 to $445,000. New developments have been built along the city’s periphery. Ranch-style homes built since 2000 sell for between $258,000 and $840,000, with the newest residences featuring stucco walls and other New Traditional influences. Proximity to the military base, together with an hour-long commute from both Carson City and Reno, have attracted servicemembers and retirees alike to this growing desert city. Fallon's growth does, however, face a major obstacle. "There’s been some new development in the area, but much of our land is agricultural which has made it difficult to find places for new homes," Faught says.
A row of newly built ranch-style homes in Northern Fallon.
Quaint historic homes in Fallon highlight the city’s timeless charm and character.
A quaint, vine-covered bungalow adds charm to the residential streets of Fallon.
Fallon’s agricultural fields and ranches contribute to Nevada’s vibrant economy.
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A historical downtown offers plenty of modern conveniences
Fallon may not be known as a retail or culinary hub, but Maine Street has been recognized by the federal government for its historic charm and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Along this road, Fallon Theatres continues to screen movies more than a century after it was founded as a vaudeville venue. This road, together with the east-west Williams Avenue, is also home to several chain and local restaurants serving Mexican, Chinese, Indian and American Western dishes. Small shopping plazas offer amenities like a Walmart, a Safeway and even the occasional casino.
Fallon's downtown area buzzes with local shops and eateries, embodying small-town charm.
The historic Fallon Theatre downtown offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural past.
Stone Cabin Coffee in Fallon invites visitors with its rustic ambiance and specialty brews.
The Walmart in Fallon provides convenient shopping options for residents and visitors alike.
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Western traditions are alive and well in Fallon
Churchill County Regional Park serves as the outdoor recreation hub for the city. This massive public space includes several baseball fields, an aquatic center offering swim classes and a small disc golf course. It's also home to the annual Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & County Fair, as well as events like the Fastest Gun Alive quick-drawing world championship.
Churchill County Regional Park in Fallon offers recreational facilities for all ages.
Fallon Golf Course presents well-maintained greens set against Nevada's scenic backdrop.
Laura Mills Park in Fallon provides open spaces and playgrounds for family activities.
Grimes Point near Fallon features ancient petroglyphs.
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Future athletes and officers attend Churchill County schools
Fallon is covered by the Churchill County School District and has three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Niche awards the school district a B-plus rating and recognition as the best district in the state for athletes. Among its many extracurriculars, Churchill County High School offers a Naval Junior ROTC program for aspiring U.S. Navy officers.
An aerial view captures the expanse of the Churchill County School District in Fallon.
The Churchill County School District in Fallon oversees local educational institutions.
The sign at Churchill County High School in Fallon welcomes students and visitors.
Churchill County Middle School in Fallon fosters academic growth for young learners.
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Health and safety in Fallon
According to the FBI, Fallon's crime rate is far below the national and state averages. Because of Fallon’s location in the desert, this city can experience extreme temperatures, including “pogonip” ice-fogs.
Taking Interstate 80 or the scenic route
U.S. Route 50, which runs from Fallon into Utah, is nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America,” as the eastward journey out of Fallon will contact only one small city and two towns for 400 miles. Interstate 80 offers an hour-long commute into Reno, providing travelers access to its shopping and entertainment scenes as well as the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Marcella's real estate journey began in 2001 as her mother's assistant, and in 2004, she obtained her real estate license, sparking her passion for the profession. She excels in new construction, assisting first-time home buyers, helping sellers transition between homes, and handling foreclosure properties. Marcella is certified in new construction and boasts extensive knowledge of construction processes.
Her dedication to the industry is evident through her three-time role as the local president of the local association of REALTORS and her involvement with the National Association of REALTORS MLS committee and treasurer for the State association for 2 years.
On a personal note, Marcella is a native Nevadan, residing in Elko County since 1983 with her loving family and her golden retriever
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