History & Arts Buyers
- Only Comstock-era hamlet in Lyon County
- Victorian-era and miner's cabin properties with genuine provenance
- Arts-colony community of ~170 residents
- Virginia City events and culture 10 minutes north

Nevada Real Estate Group -- Northern Nevada specialists for Silver City real estate. Historic Comstock-era homes and canyon custom builds from $300K to $600K+, 10 minutes from Virginia City. Live NNRMLS listings, expert Lyon County guidance.
MEDIAN LIST PRICE
$55K
LVR / GLVAR via Repliers, as of September 18, 2026
DAYS ON MARKET
28
LVR / GLVAR via Repliers, as of September 18, 2026
TO VIRGINIA CITY
10 min
SR-342 north
TO CARSON CITY
25 min
SR-342 to US-50 west
Property research
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Last updated
June 24, 2026
Individual data periods may differ from the page update date.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Silver City is Lyon County's only Comstock-era residential hamlet -- homes in Gold Canyon on SR-342 between Dayton and Virginia City, median list price $55,000 and 48-day path to contract per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS / NNRMLS (89428). Takeaways cover what these numbers mean for buyers comparing this Lyon County Assessor-rated community against Dayton Valley and Virginia City.
Last updated September 2026 -- Sources: RSAR, U.S. Census, Lyon County Assessor
Silver City typically holds fewer than a dozen active listings in the 89428 ZIP -- restored Comstock-era structures from $300K to distinctive custom canyon homes near $600K -- according to Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data. Every active property appears in the live portal below, updated daily.
PRICE DISTRIBUTION
The Silver City median list price sits near $55K per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS September 2026 NNRMLS data for the 89428 ZIP. Inventory spans a wide range -- from entry-level miner's cabins to fully-restored Comstock-era structures. Each card shows approximate active-listing counts; given the thin inventory, ranges are approximate.
Silver City's active listings break down by property type, historic era, and price range -- each link opens our live NNRMLS search pre-filtered to that slice, with counts updated daily from Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data. Inventory rarely tops 10 homes, so each type slice may show just 2-5 results.
Tap a community to see current listings, price ranges, and what daily life looks like inside.
Updated daily · 1 active listings · MLS data
STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET
Custom alerts by price, beds, historic designation, and features -- no spam, unsubscribe anytime. Silver City carries fewer than 10 active listings at any moment per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS. Buyers who see new 89428 listings within hours gain a decisive edge over those waiting for weekend discovery.
Before choosing a home, request address-specific school assignments for the intended school year from the district. Confirm grade levels, program eligibility, enrollment requirements and any boundary changes. Use the exact property address, including any unit number, and ask the district to confirm the assignment before making a purchase decision.
Find your school district · View Nevada Report Card
Compare each school’s programs and published results for the same reporting year. Proximity to a school does not guarantee admission; contact charter, magnet and private schools about their application and enrollment requirements.
CRIME DATA
Review reports from the law-enforcement agency serving the address. Check the reporting period, area covered, offense definitions and completeness before comparing locations. When requesting local information, provide the property address and ask which agency and geographic boundary each report represents, along with any known reporting gaps.
The FBI publishes crime and law-enforcement statistics through its Crime Data Explorer. Its guidance cautions against using crime totals alone to rank communities: reporting practices and local conditions affect comparisons.
A citywide statistic does not establish conditions at a particular home. Ask the local agency about current reports for the area and gaps in the available data. Missing records do not mean zero crime, and a gated entrance does not establish a safety rating.
FBI crime data resources · FBI guidance on comparing communities
Silver City is a tiny historic hamlet in Lyon County -- Victorian-era and Comstock-era homes in Gold Canyon on SR-342, with canyon terrain, dark skies, and an arts-colony community of roughly 170 residents. The Lyon County setting delivers authentic mining-era character, minimal density, and Nevada's zero income tax advantage at a price impossible in California historic towns.
Silver City is Lyon County's only Comstock-era residential hamlet -- founded in 1859 as a staging point between the Virginia City mines and the Carson River ore-processing mills. Today around 170 residents live among preserved Victorian buildings, restored miner's cabins, and custom canyon homes. The community has reinvented itself as a small arts colony, and residents prize its authenticity and quiet character over the tourist bustle of Virginia City four miles north.
Silver City fits buyers drawn by genuine historic character, extreme quiet, and the Comstock heritage corridor. Remote workers who want a singular home-office address without suburban compromise, California arts and history buyers priced out of comparable towns near major metros, dark-sky enthusiasts, retirees seeking a truly small town, and buyers willing to drive 25 minutes to Carson City for services in exchange for a one-of-a-kind property. It is not for buyers who need urban walkability or tract-home move-in convenience.
Daily life in Silver City centers on the canyon, the arts community, and the Comstock corridor. Morning walks on Gold Canyon trails, studio work or remote-office hours, and short drives north to Virginia City for dining and events or southwest to Carson City for grocery and medical needs define the rhythm. Virginia City's weekend festivals bring visitors to the area but leave Silver City itself quiet. Lake Tahoe is 50 minutes west for summer and winter recreation.
Silver City sits in Gold Canyon along State Route 342 in Lyon County, Nevada -- about four miles north of US-50 and four miles south of Virginia City. Elevation roughly 4,700 ft. The hamlet is centered at approximately 39.270 N, 119.640 W -- 10 min from Virginia City and 25 min from Carson City.
Quick Answer
Yes -- for buyers who prioritize historic character, canyon solitude, and a genuine arts-colony community over urban density. Silver City offers the only Comstock-era residential address in Lyon County, a median near $420,000 that is a fraction of comparable California historic towns, zero Nevada state income tax, and Virginia City 10 minutes north. According to the Nevada State Demographer, the broader Dayton-Lyon County corridor is among Northern Nevada's faster-growing areas as California households seek the tax advantage and the authenticity that modern corridor communities can't replicate.
Source: Nevada State Demographer
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Silver City CDP holds roughly 170 residents -- one of the smallest CDPs in Nevada. The community skews toward owner-occupants who chose Silver City deliberately for historic character and canyon solitude rather than as a transitional address.
Home values in Silver City vary more widely than in any comparable Northern Nevada community -- provenance, condition, and historic documentation drive pricing as much as square footage. Owner-occupancy is near-total; this is not an investor or rental market. Lyon County's growth trend over the past decade has brought new attention to the Comstock corridor, supporting steady appreciation for well-maintained historic properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates & Nevada State Demographer -- Updated
POPULATION & GROWTH
Silver City itself is stable at roughly 170 residents -- the hamlet's canyon terrain and historic character limit intensive growth. Lyon County and the broader Comstock corridor have absorbed in-migration from Reno and California, and Silver City's scarcity profile supports steady appreciation as Northern Nevada demand increases.
Growth in Silver City is intentionally constrained by terrain and the community's own character. New canyon lots are rare and expensive to prepare. The appeal is scarcity: owning in Silver City means owning one of very few Comstock-era residential addresses in Lyon County -- a finite and non-reproducible asset. Lyon County's countywide growth brings more buyers to the Comstock corridor without fundamentally changing Silver City's intimate character.
Sources: Nevada State Demographer and U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Historical figures are CDP-level approximations; projection reflects State Demographer planning. Last updated June 2026.
MARKET TRENDS · LAST 12 MONTHS
Median list price, days on market, and active inventory in the 89428 ZIP from Northern Nevada Regional MLS data, updated monthly. Silver City's thin inventory -- typically fewer than 10 active listings -- means monthly medians shift with each new listing. The trend from 2021 to 2026 shows steady appreciation as Comstock corridor interest grows.
Median List Price
+3.0% YoY (May 2025 -> May 2026)
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
Days on Market
42 -> 48 days YoY
vs September 2025
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
Active Inventory
5-10 active listings; very thin specialty market
vs September 2025
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
RARE INVENTORY
Market Competitiveness
Silver City is a slow-moving specialty market -- fewer than 10 active listings at any moment per Northern Nevada Regional MLS data. The narrow buyer pool means less competition than Dayton or Carson City, but well-documented Comstock-era homes priced correctly attract serious out-of-state buyers quickly. Pricing and patience matter more than speed here.
Silver City is Northern Nevada's only Comstock-era residential hamlet -- an excellent fit for specific buyer profiles, a poor fit for others. The tiny inventory, wide price variation by condition, and Lyon County canyon setting define who wins here. Six buyer profiles and an honest pros-and-cons list follow.
Ready to tour Silver City? Our Northern Nevada team knows every canyon parcel, Lyon County Comstock title nuance, and historic provenance in the 89428 ZIP.
Start Your Silver City Home SearchCommunity Comparison
A side-by-side comparison of Silver City's Comstock character against Dayton Valley's golf-course community and Virginia City's historic-tourism town -- using active-listing data from Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS. Each market serves a different buyer profile despite sharing the Comstock corridor.
| Submarket | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active Listings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver City | $420,000 | Varies widely | 48 | < 10 | Comstock historic -- Arts colony -- Canyon solitude |
| Dayton Valley | $470,000 | ~$240 | 45 | ~45 | Golf-course -- Carson River -- Established |
| Virginia City | $385,000 | ~$200 | 55 | ~18 | Tourist historic -- Victorian district -- Events |
Source: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data, June 2026. Median prices based on active listings; days on market from closed sales.
Community Deep Dive
Submarket 1
The only Comstock-era residential hamlet in Lyon County -- Victorian-era structures, miner's cabins, and canyon custom homes in Gold Canyon on SR-342. About 170 residents; arts-colony character; no tract product.
Browse Silver City homes →Submarket 2
Lyon County's golf-course community along the Carson River -- established SFR resales with course and mountain views, 20 minutes from Carson City. More inventory and faster pace than Silver City.
Browse Dayton Valley homes →Submarket 3
The Comstock National Historic Landmark town -- Victorian storefronts, mining museums, and an active tourism economy. Silver City residents prefer it for visits; residential life there means living in a tourist destination.
Browse Virginia City homes →Submarket 4
Dayton Valley is Lyon County's golf-course community along the Carson River -- established SFR resales from $350K to $600K, 20 minutes from Carson City, with more inventory and a faster market pace than Silver City.
Browse Dayton Valley -- Golf-Course Community 20 Min East homes →Silver City sits in Gold Canyon along State Route 342 in Lyon County -- about four miles north of US-50 and four miles south of Virginia City, at approximately 39.270 N, 119.640 W. The hamlet is entirely within ZIP 89428, 10 minutes south of Virginia City and 25 minutes northeast of Carson City.
STILL DECIDING?
BY ZIP CODE
Silver City falls within ZIP 89428 -- a ZIP that also covers parts of the Gold Hill area immediately south of Virginia City. The table shows the 89428 snapshot alongside neighboring markets on the Comstock corridor and US-50 for direct price comparison.
| ZIP | Primary Area | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89428 | Silver City -- Gold Hill corridor | $420K | Varies | 48 | < 10 | +3.0% |
| 89440 | Virginia City (89440) | $385K | ~$200 | 55 | 18 | +2.2% |
| 89403 | Dayton -- Dayton Valley | $470K | ~$240 | 45 | 45 | +3.3% |
| 89701 | Carson City (central) | $520K | ~$300 | 38 | 285 | +2.5% |
Source: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS. Medians from active listings; YoY from closed sales, 2026 vs 2025 year-to-date. ZIP boundaries per Lyon County GIS.
New Construction
Silver City has virtually no new construction -- canyon terrain and historic preservation leave almost no room for builder-grade product. Buyers seeking new construction in the $400Ks within 20 minutes should look at Santa Maria Ranch in Dayton, where LGI Homes and Ryder Homes build from the $400Ks. Call (775) 277-2120.
Outdoor Recreation
Silver City's outdoor life is anchored by Gold Canyon's canyon trails, the Virginia Range terrain, and the Comstock historic corridor -- with Lake Tahoe 50 minutes west and Dayton State Park 20 minutes east. The Lyon County setting delivers canyon solitude, dark skies, and open BLM land without the crowds or price premium of the Tahoe basin.
IN-COMMUNITY
Gold Canyon's canyon walls and Virginia Range terrain provide informal hiking throughout the year. Mining-era ruins, old mill sites, and the canyon's natural rock formations create a landscape unlike any in the Northern Nevada corridor.
10 MIN N
The full Comstock National Historic Landmark 10 minutes north on SR-342 -- Victorian storefronts, mining museums, seasonal events, and dining that Silver City residents can access in a casual 10-minute drive.
20 MIN E
Dayton State Park preserves Nevada's first gold-discovery site from 1849 -- a historic stamp mill location and Carson River picnic area.
50 MIN W
North America's largest alpine lake over Spooner Summit on US-50 -- beaches, marinas, hiking, and world-class skiing in winter. Accessible from Silver City via Carson City in about 50 minutes.
ADJACENT
Bureau of Land Management open range surrounding Silver City and the Virginia Range provides informal hiking, equestrian access, and the solitude that draws buyers to canyon living.
50 MIN E
Lahontan Reservoir on US-50 east of Fernley offers desert boating, swimming, and camping -- a high-desert lake recreation area rarely crowded even on summer weekends.
The Silver City Lifestyle
A morning hike through Gold Canyon with canyon terrain and Virginia Range views, an afternoon in Virginia City 10 minutes north for galleries and dining, and evenings watching the stars per Lyon County -- or a drive 50 minutes west to Lake Tahoe for a full weekend. Canyon solitude, Comstock culture, mountain-state access.
THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOUSES
Open houses in Silver City are rare given fewer than 10 active listings. Private showings through the Nevada Real Estate Group Northern Nevada team -- call (775) 277-2120 -- are the most reliable way to tour Silver City homes. Set up NNRMLS alerts to see new 89428 listings within hours.
Build a budget around the particular home and your circumstances. Obtain current financing terms, property records and service quotes before comparing the cost of a move. A community average cannot establish your tax bill, insurance premium, association charges or savings.
Ask a tax adviser to review income sources, residency dates and any continuing connections to another state. California-source income can remain taxable after a move; the Franchise Tax Board explains part-year and nonresident rules. A headline tax-rate comparison does not calculate your savings.
Get the exact parcel's current tax bill and assessment record from its county. Confirm the property's abatement status and any effect of new construction, a change in use or your circumstances with the assessor. Do not apply a community-wide percentage to a purchase price or assume a tax cap is automatic.
Use lender estimates, insurance quotes, association documents and utility information for the exact address. Include maintenance, moving expenses and any special assessments in the comparison. Renting and buying involve different costs and obligations; future equity or resale gains are not assured.
Check school assignments for the enrollment year and ask about choice-program applications. Investigate parcel-specific hazards and permitted uses with the responsible agencies. Review travel routes and the features that matter to you instead of relying on a broad safety score or a neighborhood recommendation based on household type.
Discuss the homes, budget and timing you want to evaluate with the team.
Explore relocation planningRELOCATION TIMELINE
Plan the purchase and move around your circumstances and the property's verified requirements. Coordinate the transaction, possession and moving arrangements with the relevant parties. For license and vehicle questions, consult the Nevada DMV new-resident guide. Confirm your own deadlines and any exemptions directly with the agency.
Compare homes using your budget, accessibility needs, desired features and travel routes. Evaluate the particular property and surroundings using your own priorities; a neighborhood label does not establish its suitability.
Ask a lender for terms based on your circumstances and the property. Obtain the parcel tax record, insurance quotes, association charges and other recurring costs; a community-wide estimate cannot establish your payment or approval.
Discuss services, compensation, communication and touring arrangements with the agent. Confirm the details in the applicable agreement before relying on a promised service or access to a property.
Check school assignments with the district for the enrollment year and ask about separate program applications. Review parcel-specific flood, wildfire, utility, zoning and intended-use questions with the relevant agencies and service providers.
Discuss price, deposit, contingencies and the proposed schedule with your agent and lender. The signed contract determines the transaction deadlines; market averages do not promise when an offer will be accepted or a purchase will close.
Arrange appropriate inspections and review disclosures, title information, association documents and financing conditions. Investigate unresolved findings with the relevant specialist before the contractual decision deadlines.
Verify which utilities serve the address, what deposits or appointments are required, and when service can begin. Coordinate access and the moving date with the agreed possession terms and any building or association requirements.
Confirm completion and possession with the closing parties before arranging access. Consult the Nevada DMV's current new-resident guide for license, registration, documentation and exemption requirements that apply to you.
ECONOMY & JOBS
Silver City residents draw from Carson City state-government and healthcare employers 25 minutes southwest and the Reno-Sparks metro 40 minutes north. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Reno-Sparks MSA holds near-historic-low unemployment. Virginia City tourism and arts employment is 10 minutes north, adding a third employment option for residents who work in the Comstock corridor.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada State Demographer. Last updated June 2026.
COMMUNITY COMPARISON
If you're choosing between Silver City and the nearest alternatives -- the tourist Comstock town 10 minutes north, the state capital 25 minutes southwest, or staying in California -- this table covers the metrics buyers ask about most. Sources are RSAR, the U.S. Census, and BLS Reno-Sparks MSA.
| Metric | Silver City | Virginia City | Carson City | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median List Price | $420K | $385K | $525K | $650K |
| Historic Character | Comstock 1859 residential | Comstock tourist town | Capital city services | Victorian-era urban |
| Days on Market | 48 | 55 | 38 | 22 |
| State Income Tax | None | None | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Community Size | ~170 residents | ~700 residents | ~55,000 residents | 500,000+ |
| To Lake Tahoe | 50 min | 45 min | 30 min | 2 hrs |
| Urban Amenities | Drive 25 min | Drive 25 min | In town | In city |
| Best For | History -- Arts -- Remote work | Tourism -- Victorian shopping | Capital jobs -- Services | Urban -- Higher cost |
Sources: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS, U.S. Census ACS. Last updated June 2026.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
SR-342 connects Silver City to Virginia City in 10 minutes and Carson City in 25 minutes via US-50. The hamlet is fully car-dependent -- but mean commutes to the state capital run under 30 minutes per U.S. Census ACS data for the 89428 ZIP -- shorter than Bay Area commuters typically leave behind. No public transit exists.
Drive times based on average non-rush-hour conditions. Sources: Google Maps traffic data, RTC Washoe.
Quick Answer
Most Silver City purchases close in 30-45 days for conventional financing. Cash closes in 7-14 days and are preferred by many Silver City sellers. FHA and VA closes also run 30-45 days but require appraisers familiar with historic properties -- allow extra appraisal time. Lyon County escrow closes smoothly once Comstock-era title review is complete.
Quick Answer
Conventional loans generally want 620+, FHA allows 580+ with 3.5% down, and VA has no official floor but most lenders look for 620. For Silver City specifically, FHA and VA appraisers apply additional scrutiny to older historic structures -- some Comstock-era properties may not qualify for government-backed financing without significant remediation. Conventional and portfolio loans are more reliable for historic Silver City properties. Jumbo financing is rarely needed at Silver City's median $420K, but buyers purchasing above $766,550 will need 700+ and stronger reserves.
Silver City FAQ — 18 Answers
Silver City median list prices run roughly $55,000 per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data for the 89428 ZIP. The core range spans $300K-$600K across restored Victorian structures, miner's cabins, and custom canyon builds, with the most distinctive documented Comstock-era properties exceeding $600K. Price variation with condition and historic provenance is wider here than in any comparable Northern Nevada market.
Silver City offers three property types found nowhere else in Lyon County: restored Victorian-era and Comstock-era structures dating from 1859, converted miner's cabins updated for modern living, and newer custom homes on irregular Gold Canyon lots. There is no tract product. Each parcel is individual -- irregular terrain, canyon walls, and historic overlay create one-of-a-kind configurations. Buyers come for character and scarcity, not square-footage value, and the market prices accordingly.
Silver City is a residential hamlet; Virginia City is a tourist destination. Virginia City is 10 minutes north on SR-342 and draws heavy weekend visitor traffic to its casinos, museums, and Victorian storefronts -- that commerce creates noise and congestion Silver City residents deliberately left behind. Silver City has reinvented itself as a small arts colony where the 170-odd residents prize quiet authenticity over the commercial bustle four miles up the canyon. Buyers choosing Silver City over Virginia City are choosing residents over tourists.
Silver City homes sell in a median of about 28 days from list to accepted offer per Northern Nevada Regional MLS data for the 89428 ZIP. Distinctive Comstock-era structures at premium prices take longer as the qualified buyer pool narrows nationally -- buyers traveling from California and the Bay Area are the primary audience for the most historic parcels. Well-priced cabins and updated canyon homes move in four to six weeks when condition and documentation are in order.
Property taxes in Silver City are low. Lyon County's effective rate runs roughly 0.5-0.7% of a home's taxable value per the Lyon County Assessor, and Nevada's 3% annual cap on primary-residence increases under Nevada Revised Statutes 361.471 keeps long-run carrying costs predictable. On a $55,000 median Silver City home, annual taxes typically run $2,000-$2,900 -- well below California markets where a comparable historic property would carry a far heavier load. Zero Nevada state income tax stacks on top.
Silver City carries very low or no HOA depending on the specific parcel. Most of the hamlet's historic and custom-home lots are governed only by Lyon County land-use and zoning rules -- not a private homeowner association. This is a meaningful difference from Dayton Valley or Santa Maria Ranch. Buyers should confirm with escrow whether any recorded CC&Rs attach to a specific parcel, as some lots along SR-342 were platted with shared easements, especially those with historic access rights.
Day-to-day living costs in Silver City track the rural Nevada average. The median near $55,000 delivers Comstock historic character unavailable anywhere else in Nevada at this price point. Nevada has zero personal income tax -- saving a California household earning $200,000 roughly $15,000-$20,000 per year versus the California Franchise Tax Board's 13.3% top rate -- and Lyon County property taxes carry one of the lowest effective rates in Northern Nevada. Grocery and services require a 20-25 minute drive to Carson City or Dayton.
Silver City is zoned for the Lyon County School District: Dayton Elementary (K-5), Dayton Middle (6-8), and Dayton High School (9-12) in nearby Dayton. According to GreatSchools, Lyon County district campuses rate in the 4-6 range -- developing relative to Washoe County. Families prioritizing higher-rated public schools look 25 minutes southwest to Carson City campuses like Seeliger Elementary (8/10). Private options include Carson Montessori and Pinon Hills Christian Academy in Carson City.
Silver City fits families who value historic character, a genuinely small-town pace, and outdoor canyon access over urban amenities. With roughly 170 residents, the community is exceptionally quiet and safe -- a tight-knit arts-colony atmosphere where neighbors know each other. The trade-off is Lyon County School District ratings and a 20-25 minute drive for most grocery and medical needs. Families drawn by the Comstock heritage, dark skies, and Gold Canyon terrain find the lifestyle compelling and the carrying costs far below California equivalents.
Very little. Silver City is almost entirely a resale and restoration market -- the hamlet's 170 residents and canyon lot constraints leave minimal room for new-build activity. Occasional custom homes appear on remaining buildable canyon lots, priced from the $500Ks with significant site-preparation costs given Gold Canyon terrain. Buyers seeking volume new-construction options in the $400Ks are better served by Santa Maria Ranch in nearby Dayton, a 20-minute drive east on US-50.
Silver City is a slow-moving specialty market -- fewer than a dozen active listings at any given moment per Northern Nevada Regional MLS data. The buyer pool is narrow nationally, concentrated among California arts and history buyers, remote workers seeking radical authenticity, and Comstock heritage enthusiasts. This means well-priced properties take longer than Dayton or Carson City, but a distinctive documented historic home in excellent condition can attract serious out-of-state buyers quickly. Expect 45-75 days for most homes.
Nevada levies zero personal state income tax. A household relocating from California and earning $200,000 per year saves roughly $15,000-$20,000 annually versus the California Franchise Tax Board's 13.3% top marginal rate; a $500,000 earner saves $50,000 or more. For Silver City specifically, the appeal to California buyers is doubly strong: Comstock-era properties at $350K-$600K are impossibly cheap compared with any historic California town near a major metro, and the Nevada tax savings stack on top of a housing price that can be 40-60% below a Bay Area equivalent.
Gold Canyon is the setting and the amenity -- canyon trails, Virginia Range rock formations, and dark skies that draw serious stargazers. The Comstock corridor between Silver City and Virginia City is rich with mining-era hiking paths, abandoned mill sites, and open BLM land. Virginia City is 10 minutes north for dining, events, and the historic district. Lake Tahoe is about 50 minutes west via Carson City and US-50. Dayton State Park, Nevada's first gold-discovery site, is 20 minutes east on US-50.
Most Silver City residents commute by car. Virginia City is 10 minutes north on SR-342. Carson City is roughly 25 minutes southwest via SR-342 to US-50 west -- the closest major employer cluster including state-government and healthcare jobs. Reno is about 40 minutes via the Geiger Grade (SR-341) or via Carson City and I-580. NAS Fallon is roughly 70 minutes east on US-50 for military and contractor personnel. No public transit exists -- a car is essential.
Before buying in Silver City, confirm whether any historic easements, mining rights, or recorded access agreements attach to the parcel -- these are common on Comstock-era lots and should be reviewed by a Nevada real estate attorney. Budget for a thorough inspection including foundation condition on canyon terrain, roof age, and any environmental review on former mining-adjacent land. Lyon County Assessor records the taxable value; verify the assessed value matches the purchase price for your first-year tax projection. Confirm your Lyon County School District campus assignment, and factor the 20-25 minute drive to grocery and medical services into daily-life planning.
Most Silver City buyers put down 3-20%. Conventional loans start at 3% for qualified first-time buyers, FHA at 3.5% with a 580 credit score, and VA at 0% for eligible veterans. On a $55,000 median Silver City home, 3% is $12,600 and 10% is $42,000. Buyers under 20% down should budget for PMI. Note that FHA and VA appraisers apply additional scrutiny to historic properties with deferred maintenance or unusual canyon foundations -- consult the Nevada Real Estate Group Northern Nevada team to confirm loan eligibility for a specific Silver City parcel before writing an offer.
For residential buyers, Silver City usually wins the character comparison. Virginia City has more preserved Victorian streetscapes and the full Comstock historic district, but its tourism economy creates weekend crowds, commercial noise, and higher average prices on comparable square footage. Silver City is quieter, more residential, and less expensive -- the arts-colony reinvention means neighbors are primarily artists, remote workers, and history enthusiasts rather than absentee owners renting to tourists. Buyers who want to live the Comstock lifestyle rather than visit it consistently prefer Silver City.
Yes. Call (775) 277-2120 to reach the Nevada Real Estate Group Northern Nevada team. We specialize in Lyon County purchases -- Silver City historic structures, canyon-lot custom homes, and the full 89428 ZIP. Our agents know Comstock-era title nuances, Lyon County easement review, and the narrow buyer pool that moves these properties. Virtual tours, relocation coordination, and same-day offer support are all available. Over 9,600 closed transactions and $4.85 billion in volume since 2011 back every negotiation.
Updated September 2026
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Want more Nevada real estate answers like this in your Google results?
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
These are the queries Silver City buyers most commonly search -- answered with verifiable specifics: median prices and days on market from Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS, historic records from the Lyon County Assessor, and school ratings from GreatSchools. Eight questions cover the most frequent buyer gaps.
Yes. Silver City is a small unincorporated community (CDP) in Lyon County, Nevada, on State Route 342 in Gold Canyon between Dayton and Virginia City. Founded in 1859 during the Comstock Lode silver rush, it has roughly 170 residents today and uses the 89428 ZIP code.
Silver City is known as the only surviving Comstock-era residential hamlet in Lyon County -- a community that grew up in 1859 as a staging point between the Virginia City silver mines and the Carson River ore mills. Today it is a small arts colony with preserved Victorian-era structures, miner's cabins, and canyon custom homes, prized for its authenticity and quiet character.
Roughly 10 minutes north on State Route 342 from Silver City to Virginia City. The two communities share the Comstock historic corridor -- Silver City is the quieter residential hamlet; Virginia City is the active tourist destination with casinos, museums, and Victorian storefronts.
Yes. Silver City is one of the quietest communities in Lyon County -- roughly 170 residents, near-total owner-occupancy, and a canyon setting with no commercial traffic. According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, rural Nevada communities post crime rates far below Nevada's larger cities. The arts-colony character keeps the hamlet stable and neighborly.
Silver City uses ZIP code 89428, which also covers the Gold Hill area immediately south of Virginia City on SR-342. All Silver City properties are in Lyon County, not Storey County (where Virginia City is located).
Silver City is zoned for the Lyon County School District -- Dayton Elementary, Dayton Middle School, and Dayton High School in nearby Dayton. Families who want higher-rated campuses look 25 minutes southwest to Carson City School District options, including Seeliger Elementary (8/10 GreatSchools) and Carson High (7/10).
Silver City is in Lyon County, Nevada -- not Storey County where Virginia City is located. This is a common source of confusion because the two communities sit on the same SR-342 corridor. Lyon County Assessor records govern Silver City parcels, and Lyon County land-use rules (not Storey County's) apply.
Yes -- Silver City has documented Comstock-era structures dating from 1859, including Victorian-era buildings, restored miner's cabins, and properties with continuous ownership histories from the mining era. These are genuinely historic properties, not reproductions, and they represent the most characterful real estate on the entire Comstock corridor.
WHY NEVADA REAL ESTATE GROUP
Deep knowledge of Lyon County title, Comstock-era easements, and Northern Nevada specialty markets backs every Silver City negotiation. Across 9,600+ closed transactions and $4.85 billion in volume since 2011, Nevada Real Estate Group ranks #1 in Nevada and #44 nationally -- the largest licensed real estate team in the state.
WORK WITH THE BEST
Tell the team about your preferred area, budget, timing and property requirements. Ask about representation and the records needed to evaluate a particular home. Review current listings, comparable sales and the written terms of any services before deciding how to proceed. Contacting the team does not guarantee a purchase, sale price or response deadline.
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Compare Silver City with neighboring Northern Nevada communities along the SR-342 and US-50 corridors -- from Virginia City ($385K) and Dayton ($385K) to Carson City ($525K) and Reno ($575K). Each card pairs the drive time with median price so you can judge whether the extra distance delivers more home or different character.
More Dayton communities
Shopping the whole city? Browse all Dayton homes for sale — live MLS listings updated daily.
A-Z INDEX
Silver City anchors the historic end of the Comstock corridor -- Comstock-era character at $420K. Dayton Valley ($470K) offers golf-course community living 30 minutes southeast; Santa Maria Ranch ($455K) offers new construction in Dayton; and Carson City ($525K) delivers capital-city services 25 minutes southwest.
KEEP LEARNING
These guides extend the research most Silver City buyers do next -- comparing Silver City against the Dayton hub and Carson City, exploring Lyon County land-use and Comstock title rules, and understanding how the SR-342 corridor connects $300K canyon homes to Virginia City events and Carson City employers 25 minutes away.
GUIDE
The Dayton city hub -- Dayton Valley, Santa Maria Ranch, and the full Comstock corridor context for Silver City buyers.
Read →GUIDE
The state capital 25 minutes southwest -- more services, schools, and how Carson City prices compare to Silver City.
Read →GUIDE
Dayton's golf-course community along the Carson River -- Dayton Valley Golf Club, Carson River access, and the established SFR market.
Read →RELOCATION GUIDE
The Northern Nevada move playbook — taxes, cost of living, and neighborhoods.
Read →LIVING GUIDE
Jobs, cost, weather, and lifestyle across Northern Nevada.
Read →Sources & Methodology
Every statistic on this page is sourced from a primary or government dataset and refreshed monthly. The organizations below -- from the U.S. Census Bureau to the Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS -- supply the underlying data; follow any link to verify a figure or pull deeper detail.
Methodology: Listing data is sourced via Repliers IDX feed (Las Vegas MLS) and refreshed every 15 minutes. Demographic and economic data are pulled monthly via Census/BLS APIs. School data is refreshed quarterly. All comparisons are like-for-like (same metric, same time period).
Updated: September 2026 · Next update: October 15