Gardnerville

About Gardnerville

Gardnerville is a small community in Douglas County, located on the western border of Nevada. Along with its closet neighbors, Minden and Genoa, it helps make up the Carson Valley. It's roughly a 15-minute drive from Carson City, Nevada's state capital. The local population has grown steadily in recent years, driven by the city's historical charm, revitalized downtown area and convenient location.

The History of Gardnerville

Danish settlers who arrived in the area in the 1870s became some of the first residents of Gardnerville. In 1879, Lawrence Gilman established a home near the eastern fork of the Carson River. His was the first home in the area, and the community continued to grow from there. The settlement was named Gardnerville for one of Gilman's close friends, John Gardner.

Spanish and French Basque people began arriving in 1898, typically making their living as shepherds and later as inn and restaurant proprietors. A newly-established hotel served as the hub of the city, accompanied by a saloon and blacksmith shop that rounded out the agricultural town.

Today, Gardnerville is home to several thousand residents. While much has changed since its early days, Basque restaurants continue to draw travelers to this small Nevada neighborhood, and farming has also remained a key industry in Gardnerville.

Jobs in Gardnerville

Although the unemployment rate in Gardnerville is higher than the national average, job growth has been positive. Unemployment has been steadily dropping as the local economy improves, which is good news if you're planning to look for a job in the city.

A large percentage of Gardnerville's working population hold sales, office and administrative support positions. The city also has many residents who work in the fields of construction, extraction, maintenance and repairs, production, transportation and material moving.

Gardnerville Schools

Douglas County School District, located in nearby Minden, oversees the public schools of Gardnerville, Minden and South Lake Tahoe.

Resources for Moving to Gardnerville

Here are a few helpful resources for planning your move to Gardnerville:

• Utilities: Your utility companies are largely determined by your home's location. Major providers include Gardnerville Water Co., Douglas County Utilities, NV Energy and Southwest Gas.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect regular collection of trash and green waste in most residential areas of Gardnerville.
• Transportation: The county's transit system, DART, offers dial-a-ride services for senior citizens and disabled residents. The DART Express is a fixed route transportation option that provides transit between many of the major points throughout the area.

Gardnerville Housing

Despite it's small size, Gardnerville is a fairly expensive place to live. Median home prices are more than double the national average, and housing options are somewhat limited due to the city's small geographical footprint. However, many properties represent excellent value for the money, as they are typically on spacious blocks spanning an acre or more.

The Ranchos community offers small family homes, town houses and condos, while the contemporary Chichester Estates is a great option if you'd prefer to live closer to Gardnerville's downtown precinct.