Custom-Home Builders
- Custom and semi-custom lots from the developer
- Lots about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres
- Budget for design review and utilities
- Compare with a finished home
Santa Maria Ranch · Dayton, Nevada
Santa Maria Ranch Homes For Sale
Nevada Real Estate Group — Northern Nevada specialists for Santa Maria Ranch, the 954-acre master plan on the Carson River in Dayton, 14 to 20 minutes east of Carson City. Live NNRMLS listings.
Where Can I Find Santa Maria Ranch Homes for Sale?
Santa Maria Ranch had 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 — six homes and one lot — out of 167 across ZIP 89403 in October 2026, per NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data. The listings below are matched to Santa Maria Ranch and refreshed throughout the day.
Homes for sale in ZIP 89403 near Santa Maria Ranch
- 214 Shady Grove Lane, Dayton 89403 — $550,000 · 4 bd · 2 ba · 2,155 sq ft · Courtesy of Call It Closed International Realty
- 359 Bayhill Circle, Dayton 89403 — $629,000 · 4 bd · 2 ba · 2,250 sq ft · Courtesy of Ink Realty
- 610 Union Road, Dayton 89403 — $535,000 · 5 bd · 3 ba · 2,315 sq ft · Courtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- 19 Stope Road, Dayton 89403 — $309,900 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,056 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Carson
- 111 Oakmont Drive, Dayton 89403 — $490,000 · 4 bd · 2 ba · 1,748 sq ft · Courtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- 430 Sabino Canyon Road, Dayton 89403 — $569,900 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 2,549 sq ft · Courtesy of RE/MAX Traditions
- 552 Sugarloaf Drive, Dayton 89403 — $400,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,394 sq ft · Courtesy of Dickson Realty - Damonte Ranch
- 2018 Warm Creek Way, Unit Homesite 53, Dayton 89403 — $559,950 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 2,547 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- 196 Chandler Road, Unit Homesite 254, Dayton 89403 — $489,950 · 5 bd · 3 ba · 2,629 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- 103 Rio Grande Way, Dayton 89403 — $519,000 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 2,103 sq ft · Courtesy of Engel & Völkers Reno
- 10 Cottage Court, Dayton 89403 — $519,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,907 sq ft · Courtesy of Dickson Realty - Caughlin
- 325 Bayhill Circle, Dayton 89403 — $498,000 · 4 bd · 2 ba · 1,976 sq ft · Courtesy of Keller Williams Group One Inc.
- 435 La Costa Circle, Dayton 89403 — $532,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 2,107 sq ft · Courtesy of Real Broker LLC
- 426 Keystone Drive, Dayton 89403 — $409,900 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,344 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- 308 San Roma Drive, Dayton 89403 — $699,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 2,312 sq ft · Courtesy of Chase International-Damonte
- 196 Gordon Lane, Dayton 89403 — $399,900 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,152 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of Sierra Nevada Properties-Frnly
- 662 Saint Andrews Drive, Dayton 89403 — $540,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,823 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Dayton
- 832 Laca Street, Dayton 89403 — $537,500 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 2,372 sq ft · Courtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- 45 Rose Peak Road, Dayton 89403 — $419,900 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,680 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of RE/MAX Realty Affiliates
- 627 Fraser Loop, Dayton 89403 — $520,990 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 1,898 sq ft · Active Under Contract · Courtesy of D.R. Horton
- 1146 Cheatgrass Road, Dayton 89403 — $529,900 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 2,095 sq ft · Courtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Dayton
- 115 Creekside Drive, Dayton 89403 — $515,000 · 3 bd · 2 ba · 1,584 sq ft · Courtesy of Dickson Realty - Gardnerville
- 618 Fraser Loop, Dayton 89403 — $562,990 · 4 bd · 3 ba · 2,425 sq ft · Courtesy of D.R. Horton
- 620 Fraser Loop, Dayton 89403 — $558,990 · 5 bd · 3 ba · 2,311 sq ft · Courtesy of D.R. Horton
See all listings in Dayton, NV
Listing information is provided through the MLS Internet Data Exchange program and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Inventory checked Oct 29, 2026, 11:27 PM Pacific; availability and prices may change.
MEDIAN LIST PRICE (ZIP 89403)
$498K
NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026
DAYS ON MARKET (ZIP 89403)
64
NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026
TO CARSON CITY
14–20 min
About 11 miles west on US-50 (NREG road model)
TO SPOONER SUMMIT
27–33 min
Lake Tahoe’s east shore, about 23 miles via US-50
Property research
Verify for your address
Confirm current school assignments, association documents, parcel taxes, and insurance with the applicable sources.
Last updated
October 26, 2026
Individual data periods may differ from the page update date.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What Should You Know About Santa Maria Ranch at a Glance?
Santa Maria Ranch is a 954-acre master plan on the Carson River in Dayton, an unincorporated Lyon County town of about 15,781 residents per the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024. Across ZIP 89403 the median list price was $498,000 in October 2026, per NREG’s MLS analysis; Santa Maria Ranch itself had 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026.
- Prices: six homes listed at $615,000 to $1,325,000 and one lot at $147,000 on Sept. 26, 2026.
- Plan: 954 acres, 13 phases and 2,214 planned home sites, per the developer.
- Lots: from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres, including estate lots at The Bluffs on the river’s south bank.
- Location: Dayton’s west side on the Carson River, 14 to 20 minutes from Carson City.
- Before you buy: confirm HOA dues, CC&R design rules and the parcel’s tax bill for the exact lot or home.
Last updated October 2026 · Sources: NREG’s MLS analysis, Santa Maria Ranch developer site
PRICE DISTRIBUTION
How Many Santa Maria Ranch Homes Are for Sale in Each Price Range?
Across all of ZIP 89403 the median list price was $498,000 in October 2026, per NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data. The cards below count only Santa Maria Ranch listings (matched by subdivision name), live, so you can gauge competition in your budget.
Browse Santa Maria Ranch Listings
How Can You Find a Santa Maria Ranch Home by Neighborhood & Price?
Santa Maria Ranch had 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 — six homes and one lot. The links below open the Dayton neighborhood guides, with counts from NREG’s MLS analysis data.
Which Dayton Neighborhoods Should You Explore?
Tap a neighborhood for its guide. Counts are active NNRMLS listings recorded under that subdivision name on Sept. 26, 2026, lots included; price ranges cover homes among the newest listings.
By Neighborhood (Sept. 26, 2026)
167 active listings across ZIP 89403 as of October 29, 2026 · MLS data
STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET
How Can You Get New Santa Maria Ranch Listings First?
Custom alerts by price, lot size and features — no spam, unsubscribe anytime. Santa Maria Ranch had only 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026, so an alert is the easiest way to see new homes and lots the day they list.
- Custom criteria — neighborhood, price, beds, baths, features
- Instant alerts — emailed within minutes of a new MLS listing
- 1,200+ buyers used NREG alerts last year
Create your alert
School planning
Which Schools Serve a Dayton Address?
Ask the district for the address-specific school assignment for the enrollment year, since boundaries change, and confirm it before you buy. Proximity to a school does not guarantee admission; charter, magnet and private schools set their own rules. Find your school district · Nevada Report Card
CRIME DATA
How Can You Check Reported Crime Near a Home?
Ask the law-enforcement agency that serves the address for its current reports, and compare places only across the same reporting period, boundary and offense definitions. Missing records do not mean zero crime, the FBI cautions against ranking communities on crime totals alone, and a citywide figure does not describe a particular street.
FBI crime data resources · FBI guidance on comparing communities
Living In
What's It Like Living in Santa Maria Ranch?
The Answer
Santa Maria Ranch is a 954-acre master plan on the Carson River at the west end of Dayton, with custom and semi-custom home sites, 14 to 20 minutes from Carson City. The Dayton census-designated place is governed by Lyon County, and Nevada has no state income tax.
What is Santa Maria Ranch known for?
Large custom and semi-custom lots on the Carson River — from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres, per the developer — and estate lots at The Bluffs on the river’s south bank.
Who should live in Santa Maria Ranch?
Buyers who want a custom or semi-custom home, more land than a typical Dayton lot, and a river setting 14 to 20 minutes from Carson City.
What is daily life like?
The developer describes a three-acre regional park and trails in Phase 1; errands run along US-50, and Carson City is 14 to 20 minutes west. Nearly everyone drives; the mean commute in Dayton is 30.8 minutes (Census ACS 2020–2024).
Location
Where Is Santa Maria Ranch
Santa Maria Ranch sits on the west side of Dayton on the Carson River, in Lyon County along US-50, 14 to 20 minutes east of Carson City. Drive times are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, from the community’s map center, without traffic.
Carson City
14–20
Min
Reno
41–53
Min
Spooner Summit
27–33
Min
Fernley
42–50
Min
Dayton State Park
4–5
Min
Santa Maria Ranch
At a Glance$498,000
Median List Price (ZIP 89403)
167
Active Listings (ZIP 89403)
7
Santa Maria Ranch listings (Sept. 26, 2026)
64
Days on Market (ZIP 89403, Jul 2026)
Median, active-listing and days-on-market tiles: NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026.
- Community Type
- Master-planned, custom lots
- Size
- 954 acres (developer)
- Planned Home Sites
- 2,214 (developer)
- Lot Sizes
- ~1/4 acre to 11.54 acres
- County
- Lyon County
- ZIP
- 89403
- River
- Carson River
- To Carson City
- 14–20 min
- Schools
- Lyon County School District
Quick Answer
Is Santa Maria Ranch a good place to live?
For buyers who want a custom home on a larger lot by the Carson River, often yes. Its active homes on Sept. 26, 2026 were listed at $615,000 to $1,325,000, the developer sells lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres, and Nevada has no state income tax. The trade-offs: most services are in Carson City, 14 to 20 minutes away, and nearly everyone drives.
Source: Santa Maria Ranch developer site
Census Housing Data / Dayton
What Does the Census Show About Housing in Dayton?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 American Community Survey, the tiles below compare housing and population figures for Dayton and its surrounding area with the wider county. Each tile's label names the area it covers.
These are housing and population counts only. We don't describe who lives in a neighborhood or suggest which buyers it suits. Compare homes by their features, location, HOA terms and total cost, and use the Census source for the full tables.
15,781
vs Lyon County 61,680
$433,200
vs Lyon County $366,100
79.9%
vs Lyon County 76.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Dayton CDP and Lyon County) · Updated
POPULATION & GROWTH
How Fast Is Dayton Growing?
The Census Bureau counted 8,964 people in the Dayton CDP in 2010 and 15,153 in 2020; the 2020–2024 survey estimate is 15,781. Lyon County grew from about 59,500 in 2020 to an estimated 65,088 in 2025. Dayton is Lyon County’s largest community after the city of Fernley, which the Census Bureau estimates at 26,214 for 2025.
15,781Dayton CDP, ACS 2020–2024
65,088Lyon County, 2025 estimate
26,214Fernley, 2025 estimate
Dayton CDP population, 2010 Census to the 2020–2024 ACS
Recent building includes Lennar’s Traditions neighborhoods and later phases of subdivisions such as Riverpark and Dayton Valley. Census-designated place boundaries can be redrawn between censuses, so compare the 2010 and 2020 counts with care. Businesses in unincorporated Lyon County, including Dayton, need a county business license.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 and Census Bureau 2025 population estimates. 2010 and 2020 figures are the decennial census counts for the Dayton CDP. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
REPORTED MARKET SERIES
How Is the Dayton Real Estate Market Trending?
Median sold price, median days on market and closed sales for single-family homes in Dayton, by settled month from August 2025 to July 2026, from NREG’s Dayton market report (NNRMLS data via Repliers). A month is added about six weeks after it ends, once late-posting closings are in, so the figures do not restate.
Median Sold Price
$490,470 in July 2026 · +11.5% vs July 2025
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
Median Days on Market
49 days in July 2026 · 17 days faster than July 2025
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
Closed Sales per Month
385 closings, Aug 2025–Jul 2026 · about 32 a month
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
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TEAM IN NEVADA
9,600+
HOMES SOLD SINCE 2011
9,097+
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AVERAGE RESPONSE
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Get matched with a
Northern Nevada specialist.
Market Competitiveness
How Competitive Is Dayton Right Now?
Dayton homes that closed in July 2026 took a median 49 days to go under contract, and the monthly median ranged from 49 to 96 days over the past year, per NREG’s Dayton market report. That pace gives buyers room to negotiate, especially on unique or higher-priced homes. New Lennar homes add supply at $399,950 to $619,950.
- 49 daysMedian days on market (July 2026 closings)
- 49–96Monthly median DOM range (12 mo)
- $490,470Median sold price (July 2026)
- 167Active listings (ZIP 89403, October 29, 2026)
Before You Buy
What Should You Compare Before Buying a Home in Santa Maria Ranch?
Compare individual homes by the features, services, and total ownership costs that matter to you. The points below can help structure your property research before you make an offer.
Which Buyers Fit Santa Maria Ranch?
Space & Land Buyers
- Estate lots at The Bluffs
- Carson River setting
- Larger lots than much of Dayton
- 14 to 20 minutes to Carson City
Move-Up Buyers
- Active homes $615K–$1.325M (Sept. 26, 2026)
- Homes built 2005–2026
- River and foothill setting
- No state income tax
Remote Workers
- Room for a home office
- Carson City 14–20 minutes, Reno 41–53
- No Nevada income tax on wages
- Check broadband for the address on the FCC map
California Relocators
- No state income tax (California’s top rate is 13.3%)
- Custom lots rarely available near Carson City
- Dayton’s July 2026 median sold price: $490,470
- 36 to 45 minutes to Reno-Tahoe airport
Best Fit For
- Custom-home buyers — developer lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres.
- Land buyers — estate lots at The Bluffs on the Carson River.
- Move-up buyers — homes listed from $615,000 on Sept. 26, 2026.
- Remote workers — room to spread out 14 to 20 minutes from Carson City.
- California relocators — Nevada’s zero income tax.
Ready to explore homes in Santa Maria Ranch? Our Northern Nevada team can walk you through Santa Maria Ranch homes, lots and CC&Rs.
Start Your Santa Maria Ranch Home SearchPros
- Custom and semi-custom lots on the Carson River
- Lots up to 11.54 acres, per the developer
- Zero Nevada state income tax
- 14 to 20 minutes to Carson City jobs
- A 3% yearly cap on a primary residence’s tax bill once the owner claims it (NRS 361.4723)
Honest Considerations
- Very small inventory: 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026
- Higher prices than Dayton’s median: active homes started at $615,000
- Building a custom home takes time and design review under the CC&Rs
- Most services, hospitals and specialists are in Carson City
- School assignment depends on the address — confirm with the Lyon County School District
Neighborhood Comparison
How Does Santa Maria Ranch Compare to Dayton Valley and Riverpark?
A snapshot of three Dayton neighborhoods from active NNRMLS listings on Sept. 26, 2026, found by subdivision name in our listings feed (NREG’s MLS analysis). Counts include vacant lots; price ranges cover homes among each neighborhood’s newest listings. Neighborhood medians and days on market are not shown because the samples are small.
| Submarket | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active Listings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Valley | — | — | — | 20 | Golf-course · Carson River |
| Santa Maria Ranch | $659,000 | — | — | 7 | Master plan · Custom lots · River |
| Riverpark | — | — | — | 14 | Multi-phase subdivision · River |
Source: NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, Sept. 26, 2026. Santa Maria Ranch plan details from the developer’s website.
Neighborhood Deep Dive
What’s Inside Dayton’s Best-Known Neighborhoods?
Submarket 1
Dayton Valley
The subdivision around Dayton Valley Golf Club. Of its 20 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 (lots included), the homes among the 12 newest were listed at $445,000 to $699,000, including two homes built in 2026.
Browse Dayton Valley homes →—Median Price
—Days on Market
20Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 2
Santa Maria Ranch
A 954-acre master plan on the Carson River, planned by its developer for 2,214 home sites in 13 phases, with lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres. Its 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 were six homes at $615,000 to $1,325,000 and one lot.
Browse Santa Maria Ranch homes →$659KMedian Price
—Days on Market
7Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 3
Riverpark
A multi-phase subdivision east of central Dayton along the Carson River. Its 12 newest active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 ran $410,000 to $635,888 for homes of 1,502 to 2,770 sq ft built 2006–2025.
Browse Riverpark homes →—Median Price
—Days on Market
14Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 4
New construction — Lennar in Dayton
Lennar lists four Dayton communities on its website: Desert Rose and Oro Hills at the Traditions master plan, plus Gold Sky and Sagebloom — $399,950 to $619,950 on Sept. 26, 2026.
Browse New construction — Lennar in Dayton homes →$399,950Lowest Lennar list price
4Lennar communities
2,214Santa Maria Ranch planned sites
954Santa Maria Ranch acres
Where Are Dayton’s Neighborhoods on the Map?
Three of Dayton’s best-known neighborhoods spread along the Carson River valley in ZIP 89403: Santa Maria Ranch on the west side, Dayton Valley around the golf club, and Riverpark to the east along the river. Pins are placed from the median location of each neighborhood’s active listings on Sept. 26, 2026.
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STILL DECIDING?
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neighborhood fits?
BY ZIP CODE
What Does the Dayton Market Look Like by ZIP Code?
Dayton is a single-ZIP market: every active listing in our Dayton feed is in 89403, so one row covers the town. For Carson City, Fernley and Reno, see the city comparison below, which uses the same July 2026 settled-month data.
| ZIP | Primary Area | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89403 | Dayton · Dayton Valley · Santa Maria Ranch · Riverpark | $490,470 | — | 49 | 164 | +11.5% |
Source: NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers — single-family homes, July 2026 settled month; the last column is the change from July 2025. Monthly detail in the Dayton market report.
New Construction
Who Is Building New Homes in Dayton?
Lennar is the national builder with active Dayton communities on its website (checked September 26, 2026): Desert Rose and Oro Hills at the Traditions master plan, plus Gold Sky and Sagebloom. Santa Maria Ranch’s developer sells custom and semi-custom home sites. Builder prices, incentives and availability change often — confirm them before you visit.
Outdoor Recreation
What Outdoor Amenities Does Dayton Offer?
Dayton’s outdoor life centers on the Carson River and Dayton Valley Golf Club, with Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit about 23 miles west of Santa Maria Ranch on US-50. Dayton State Park sits on the river at the edge of town, with the ruins of the 1861 Rock Point Mill.
IN TOWN
Dayton Valley Golf Club
18 holesGolf · DiningGreen fees
A public 18-hole course along the Carson River at the heart of the Dayton Valley neighborhood.
IN TOWN
Carson River
Runs through DaytonFishing · WalkingFree
The Carson River runs along the length of Dayton; access points vary, so check the land status before you fish or walk the bank.
4–5 MIN
Dayton State Park
160 acresHistory · Camping · Walking$5 day use (NV vehicles)
Nevada State Parks site on the Carson River with the 1861 Rock Point Mill ruins; the state parks agency notes the first gold find in the area, by Abner Blackburn, in 1849.
27–33 MIN
Lake Tahoe (Spooner Summit)
191 sq mi lakeBoating · Hiking · SkiingVaries
US-50 climbs over Spooner Summit to the lake’s east shore, about 23 miles from Santa Maria Ranch; Stateline and South Lake Tahoe are about 36 miles.
35–41 MIN E
Lahontan State Recreation Area
69 mi of shorelineBoating · Swimming · Camping$5 day use (NV vehicles)
Lahontan Reservoir on US-50 near Silver Springs, run by Nevada State Parks; the time is to Silver Springs Beach.
13–15 MIN N
Virginia City
Historic districtHistory · WalkingFree to walk
The Comstock-era mining town is about 10 miles from Santa Maria Ranch by road.
The Santa Maria Ranch Lifestyle
What Does a Weekend in Santa Maria Ranch Look Like?
A walk along the Carson River, an afternoon at Dayton State Park a few miles east, and dinner in Carson City 14 to 20 minutes west.
954Acres in the master plan
11.54 acLargest lot size (developer)
14–20 minTo Carson City
$500KMedian List Price (ZIP 89403)
THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOUSES
Can You Tour Dayton Homes This Weekend?
Resale open houses in Dayton are usually held on weekends, and builder models keep their own hours — check them with the builder. Set up instant alerts to hear about new listings and open houses in your price range as soon as they post.
Planning a move
What Should I Verify Before Moving to Santa Maria Ranch?
Budget around the specific home, not a community average. Before you compare the cost of a move to Santa Maria Ranch, get these in writing:
- The parcel's annual assessment, prior-year tax bill and abatement eligibility. A sale alone does not reset Nevada’s tax cap. Nevada tax-abatement rules
- Lender, insurance and utility quotes for the exact address, plus the association's resale documents and any special assessments.
- The school assignment for the enrollment year, confirmed with the district.
- Your tax situation, reviewed by an adviser — California-source income can remain taxable after a move (Franchise Tax Board).
- Qualifying new residents generally must obtain a Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days. Check the Nevada DMV’s requirements and exceptions for your circumstances.
The full step-by-step relocation checklist, from timeline to first-week setup, is in one place.
Open the relocation guideECONOMY & JOBS
What Drives Dayton’s Economy?
Dayton residents work locally in Lyon County and commute to state-government and healthcare jobs in Carson City, 15 to 22 minutes west of central Dayton. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, unemployment in August 2026 was 3.9% in Lyon County, 3.4% in the Carson City metro and 3.5% in the Reno-Sparks metro. The Tesla Gigafactory at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center is 45 to 54 minutes from central Dayton via US-50 and USA Parkway (SR-439), by our free-flow road model.
$102,819Median household incomeU.S. Census ACS 2020–2024, Dayton CDP
3.9%Lyon County unemploymentDETR, August 2026
15–22 minTo Carson City employersFrom central Dayton · State government · Healthcare · Retail
30.8 minMean commuteU.S. Census ACS 2020–2024, Dayton CDP
Major Employers Within Commuting Range
- State of Nevada (Carson City)State agencies and offices 15 to 22 minutes west of central Dayton on US-50
- Lyon County School DistrictFive campuses in Dayton alone
- Tahoe-Reno Industrial CenterIndustrial park reached via US-50 and USA Parkway (SR-439)
- Lyon County governmentCounty offices and services
Sources: Nevada DETR, August 2026 sub-state release, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
CITY COMPARISON
How Does Dayton Compare to Carson City, Fernley and Reno?
If you’re choosing between Dayton and its nearest alternatives — the state capital 15 to 22 minutes west of central Dayton, Lyon County’s largest city, or the Reno metro — this table uses July 2026 settled-month sales for single-family homes from NREG’s market reports, population from the Census Bureau and income from the 2020–2024 American Community Survey.
| Metric | Dayton | Carson City | Fernley | Reno |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (Jul 2026) | $490,470 | $602,500 | $415,000 | $669,063 |
| Median Days on Market (Jul 2026) | 49 | 48 | 55 | 53 |
| Homes Sold (Jul 2026) | 28 | 56 | 37 | 246 |
| Population | 15,781 (ACS) | 58,571 (2025 est.) | 26,214 (2025 est.) | 283,621 (2025 est.) |
| Median Household Income | $102,819 | $72,355 | — | $80,760 |
| State Income Tax | None | None | None | None |
| County | Lyon (unincorporated) | Carson City | Lyon | Washoe |
Sources: NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data (July 2026 settled month); Census Bureau 2025 population estimates; U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
Cost of Ownership
What Will a Dayton Home Cost You Each Month?
Build a property-specific budget using a lender quote, the parcel tax estimate, insurance quotes and association documents. The starting amounts below are editable illustrations, not current local rates or verified fees. Compare the result with your Loan Estimate, and budget separately for maintenance, utilities and closing costs.
Illustrative Payment Estimator
Estimate Your Dayton Payment
$3,781
Illustrative Monthly Payment
- Principal & Interest$2,994
- Property Tax$250
- Insurance$150
- HOA$200
- PMI$187
Inputs are assumptions, not a loan offer, insurance quote or parcel tax calculation. This simplified fixed-rate example applies the selected PMI rate below 20% down; actual mortgage-insurance eligibility, cost and cancellation depend on the loan. Maintenance, utilities, closing costs and special assessments are additional. Review the CFPB housing budget guide and confirm amounts with the relevant providers.
BUYING AND RENTING
How should you compare buying with renting?
Compare actual homes that meet the same needs over your expected time in the area. A purchase price and an advertised rent alone do not establish which option costs less. Use current quotes and separate monthly cash flow, upfront cash, and the amount you might recover when moving.
Purchase worksheet
Start with the down payment, lender and closing charges, and any immediate repairs. Add principal and interest, property taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance where applicable, association dues, utilities and ongoing maintenance. Identify expenses paid outside escrow so they are included in your household budget.
For a later sale, model the remaining loan balance and selling expenses. Appreciation is uncertain; compare unchanged-price and lower-price cases as well as any growth assumption. Principal repayment builds an ownership interest, but that does not guarantee a profit or make every cash payment recoverable.
Rental worksheet
Use an actual lease offer and confirm the term, deposit, renewal provisions, parking, pet charges, utilities and renter's insurance. Record which maintenance services are included and any costs or restrictions associated with an early move. An advertised starting rent may not include every required charge.
Keep the comparison consistent: use the same time period, household needs and moving assumptions. Include the cash that remains available when a down payment is not used, without assuming a guaranteed investment return. Your need for flexibility and responsibility for repairs also matter alongside the financial figures.
Use scenarios rather than a promised break-even date
There is no verified community-wide holding period or five-year equity gain shown here. Ask your lender to explain financing assumptions and have a tax professional assess any claimed tax benefit for your circumstances. Keep a copy of the quotes and dates so you can update the comparison before making an offer.
PROPERTY-SPECIFIC ASSOCIATION COSTS
Which HOA charges apply to this address?
A community name does not establish a property's current dues or all the associations that govern it. Obtain the applicable resale package, budget and governing documents for the exact address. Confirm the effective date and payment frequency of each fee with the association or its manager.
Recurring charges
Identify master and sub-association dues separately. Check whether utilities, exterior maintenance, insurance, amenities or club access are included, optional or billed separately. A listing's monthly figure may omit a quarterly or annual charge, and an advertised amenity does not establish membership rights.
Closing and special charges
Ask about transfer, document, capital-contribution and other transaction fees, as well as approved or proposed assessments. Confirm who pays each item under the contract. Review available reserve and budget information; historical dues are not a guarantee of future charges.
Rules and access
Verify the actual rules for leasing, pets, parking, property changes and amenity access. Age restrictions and gate staffing require their own current documentation. Do not assume neighboring subdivisions or similarly named communities have identical rules, services or fees.
COMMUTE & TRANSPORTATION
How Easy Is Getting Around from Dayton?
US-50 connects central Dayton to Carson City in 15 to 22 minutes. Dayton is car-dependent — the mean commute is 30.8 minutes per the U.S. Census Bureau 2020–2024 American Community Survey for the Dayton CDP. Drive times below are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, from central Dayton, without traffic (posted limits, then a slower run with signal delays).
Drive Times from Dayton
- 15–22 minCarson City (Capitol)US-50 west · about 12 miles
- 42–55 minReno (downtown)US-50 west to I-580 north · about 41 miles
- 38–47 minReno-Tahoe Intl AirportUS-50 west to I-580 north · about 38 miles
- 40–48 minFernleyVia US-50 east · about 38 miles
- 45–54 minTahoe-Reno Industrial CenterUS-50 east to USA Parkway (SR-439) · about 40 miles to the Tesla Gigafactory
- 28–35 minLake Tahoe (Spooner Summit)US-50 west · about 24 miles
- 14–17 minVirginia CitySR-341 · about 11 miles
- 55–64 minYerington (county seat)US-50 east, US-95A south · about 52 miles
Transportation Options
Drive times are typical off-peak estimates for the route named; check live traffic before you rely on one.
Quick Answer
How long does it take to close on a home in Dayton?
Most resale purchases close in about a month to six weeks; cash can close faster. New-construction timing depends on the builder’s schedule for the specific home. Nevada closes through escrow companies, not attorneys.
Quick Answer
What credit score do you need to buy a home in Dayton?
Conventional loans generally want 620+, FHA allows 580+ with 3.5% down, and VA has no official minimum though most lenders look for 620. USDA rural loans typically want 640+. A loan above $832,750 (the 2026 conforming limit) is a jumbo loan with stricter requirements. Ask your lender how your score changes the rate you are quoted.
Santa Maria Ranch FAQ — 17 Answers
What Do Santa Maria Ranch Buyers Most Frequently Ask?
Most AskedWhat do homes cost in Santa Maria Ranch?
On Sept. 26, 2026 Santa Maria Ranch had 7 active NNRMLS listings: six homes listed at $615,000 to $1,325,000 and one lot at $147,000, per NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data. Across all of ZIP 89403 the median list price is about $498,000.
What is Santa Maria Ranch?
A 954-acre master-planned community in Dayton on the Carson River. Its developer describes a plan of 13 phases and 2,214 home sites, with lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres, and a separate estate community, The Bluffs at Santa Maria Ranch, on the river’s south bank.
How does Santa Maria Ranch differ from Dayton Valley?
Santa Maria Ranch, on Dayton’s west side, is a master plan with custom and semi-custom lots on the Carson River; its active homes were listed at $615,000 to $1,325,000 on Sept. 26, 2026. Dayton Valley, just east of central Dayton, is built around the public Dayton Valley Golf Club, with homes among its newest listings at $445,000 to $699,000.
How long do homes take to sell in Santa Maria Ranch?
NREG does not publish a Santa Maria Ranch–only days-on-market figure because the sample is small. Across ZIP 89403 the median is about 64 days, and homes that closed in July 2026 took a median 49 days, per NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data.
What are property taxes like in Santa Maria Ranch?
Dayton-area parcels sit in the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District, where combined FY 2025-26 rates run about $3.40 to $3.49 per $100 of assessed value, per the Nevada Department of Taxation. Assessed value is 35% of taxable value, and taxable value is usually well below market value. Nevada’s cap limits a primary residence to a 3% yearly increase once the owner claims it; other property can rise up to 8% (NRS 361.4722 and 361.4723). Ask the Lyon County Assessor for the parcel’s current bill before you write an offer.
Does Santa Maria Ranch have an HOA?
The developer publishes CC&Rs and HOA information on its website. NREG has not verified current dues, so get the resale package, budget and CC&Rs for the exact lot or home before you write an offer.
Can I buy a lot and build in Santa Maria Ranch?
Yes. The developer sells custom and semi-custom home sites, with lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres, and one lot was on the MLS on Sept. 26, 2026 at $147,000. Confirm utilities, CC&R design rules and build costs before you buy a lot.
What schools serve Santa Maria Ranch?
Dayton’s public schools are run by the Lyon County School District, which lists five campuses in Dayton: Dayton Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Sutro Elementary, Dayton Intermediate School and Dayton High School. The assigned school depends on the address, so confirm it with the district before you buy.
Is Santa Maria Ranch on the Carson River?
Yes. The developer places Phase 1 on the river’s north bank, The Bluffs at Santa Maria Ranch on the south bank, and says it donated 23 acres of riverfront to Lyon County for a river park.
What is planned for the rest of Santa Maria Ranch?
The developer says the master plan is approved for a 55+ active adult community, an apartment complex, a shopping center, a condominium complex and 600+ more single-family homes. Plans can change; check with Lyon County planning for current approvals.
How do Santa Maria Ranch prices compare with Carson City and Reno?
Dayton-wide, the July 2026 median sold price for single-family homes was $490,470, against $602,500 in Carson City and $669,063 in Reno, per NREG’s market reports. Santa Maria Ranch’s active homes on Sept. 26, 2026 started at $615,000.
What is there to do near Santa Maria Ranch?
The developer describes a three-acre regional park and trails in Phase 1, and the Carson River runs along the community. Dayton State Park, Dayton Valley Golf Club and Carson City are all a short drive away.
How is the commute from Santa Maria Ranch?
Almost everyone drives: the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 survey puts the mean commute for Dayton residents at 30.8 minutes. Carson City is about 11 miles and 14 to 20 minutes west on US-50. Downtown Reno is about 40 miles, 41 to 53 minutes via US-50 and I-580, by our free-flow road model without traffic. Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit is about 23 miles west, and Fernley about 40 miles by road.
What should I know before buying in Santa Maria Ranch?
Confirm the school assignment, any HOA dues and CC&Rs, and the parcel’s tax bill for the exact address. Larger retail, hospitals and specialist care are in Carson City. Businesses in unincorporated Lyon County need a county business license. Nevada closes through escrow companies, typically in about a month to six weeks.
What's the minimum down payment to buy in Santa Maria Ranch?
Conventional loans start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, FHA at 3.5% with a 580 credit score, and VA at 0% for eligible veterans and service members. On the $498,000 median list price across ZIP 89403 in October 2026, 3% is about $14,900 and 20% is about $99,600. USDA rural-development loans may apply to some Dayton parcels; your lender can check a specific address.
Is Santa Maria Ranch a good choice for building a custom home?
It is one of the few places in Dayton where a developer is selling custom and semi-custom lots, from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres. Budget for design review under the CC&Rs, utility connections and a builder’s schedule, and compare the total with a finished home.
How long does it take to close on a home in Santa Maria Ranch?
Most resale purchases close in about a month to six weeks; cash can close faster. New-construction timing depends on the builder’s schedule for the specific home. Nevada closes through escrow companies, not attorneys.
Updated October 2026
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PEOPLE ALSO ASK
What Else Do People Ask About Santa Maria Ranch?
Short answers to common questions, with population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 and market figures from NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data.
Where is Santa Maria Ranch?
On the west side of Dayton, Nevada, on the Carson River, 14 to 20 minutes east of Carson City on US-50.
How big is Santa Maria Ranch?
954 acres, planned by the developer for 13 phases and 2,214 home sites.
What ZIP code is Santa Maria Ranch in?
89403, the ZIP code for all of Dayton.
What lot sizes are in Santa Maria Ranch?
From about 1/4 acre up to 11.54 acres, per the developer.
What school district serves Santa Maria Ranch?
The Lyon County School District; confirm the assigned school for the address with the district.
How far is Santa Maria Ranch from Reno?
41 to 53 minutes to downtown Reno (about 40 miles) via US-50 and I-580 without traffic, by our free-flow road model.
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NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Which Communities Are Within an Hour of Dayton?
Compare Dayton with neighboring Northern Nevada markets. Each card shows the median list price from that page’s own live MLS figure on September 25–26, 2026, and a drive-time range from central Dayton by our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic.
More Dayton communities
Shopping the whole city? Browse all Dayton homes for sale — live MLS listings updated daily.
A–Z INDEX
Which Dayton Neighborhoods Can You Explore A–Z?
Dayton has many subdivisions in ZIP 89403. The three below have their own guides; the others appear in the live listings search.
KEEP LEARNING
What Else Should You Read About Santa Maria Ranch and Northern Nevada?
These guides cover what Santa Maria Ranch buyers research next — the Dayton hub, the other Dayton neighborhood guides, and nearby markets.
HUB
Dayton Real Estate Guide
Homes for sale, market data and schools for all of Dayton.
Read →NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Dayton Valley
The subdivision around the public Dayton Valley Golf Club.
Read →NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Riverpark & Sutro
The Riverpark subdivision and the Sutro-area neighborhoods of Dayton.
Read →SEARCH
Dayton Homes with Land
Dayton listings with larger lots.
Read →GUIDE
Carson City Real Estate Guide
The state capital 15 to 22 minutes west of central Dayton — more services and inventory, and how Carson City prices compare with Dayton.
Read →GUIDE
Fernley Real Estate Guide
Lyon County’s largest city, on I-80 — prices, commute and lifestyle compared with Dayton.
Read →MARKET REPORT
Dayton Market Report
Monthly settled-month sold prices, days on market and closings for Dayton.
Read →Sources & Methodology
Where Does This Santa Maria Ranch Data Come From?
Each figure on this page names its source and date. Market figures are NREG’s own analysis of MLS data; population and household figures are Census Bureau estimates; builder prices come from the builders’ own websites on the date shown.
- NREG analysis of NNRMLS data (via Repliers) — Median list price, active listings, and settled-month sold prices, days on market and closings for Dayton (ZIP 89403). NREG Dayton market report
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 — Population, income, home value, age, households, education and commute for the Dayton CDP and Lyon County. Census Reporter — Dayton CDP
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates — City and county population estimates, 2020–2025 (Lyon County, Fernley, Carson City, Reno). sub-est2025.csv
- Nevada Department of Taxation — FY 2025-26 property tax rates by taxing district, including the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District. FY 2025-26 tax rates (PDF)
- Nevada Revised Statutes 361.4723 — The partial abatement (tax cap) on a primary residence and other property. NRS chapter 361
- Lyon County School District — Schools located in Dayton. lyoncsd.org — our schools
- Lennar — Dayton new-home communities and price ranges, checked Sept. 26, 2026. lennar.com — Dayton
- Santa Maria Ranch (developer) — Master-plan size, phases, home-site count and lot sizes. thesantamariaranch.com
- Nevada State Parks — Dayton State Park and Lahontan State Recreation Area facts and fees. parks.nv.gov — Dayton
- Nevada DETR — County and metro unemployment rates, August 2026. DETR sub-state release (PDF)
- Lyon County — Business licenses in unincorporated Lyon County. lyon-county.org — business licenses
- Freddie Mac PMMS — Weekly mortgage rate survey used as the calculator’s rate reference. freddiemac.com/pmms
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extracts — Road data for NREG’s free-flow drive-time model from Santa Maria Ranch and central Dayton (Geofabrik Nevada and Northern California extracts of October 22, 2026), run October 26, 2026. openstreetmap.org/copyright
Methodology: Listing counts, prices and days on market are NREG's analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data received through the Repliers feed; this page refreshes them about once a day, and each market figure carries its date or window. Census and BLS figures are the published vintage named beside them and change only when the agency releases new estimates. Confirm details for a specific home with its listing and the responsible agency.
Updated: October 2026 · Next update: November 15