The two towns of Minden and Gardnerville have grown together since the early 1900s and make up the commercial and retail center of rural Carson Valley as well as being home to many of the valley’s residents. “In-Town” Minden/Gardnerville is distinct from Gardnerville Ranchos, which is located about 3-4 miles south of town and is described in this site as a separate neighborhood.
Minden/Gardnerville are located along Hwy 395 in the flat, central agricultural part of the valley at about 4750′ elevation. Both towns have their own post offices with zips 89423/89410 and there are 2 elementary schools, one middle and one high school which serves the Carson Valley part of Douglas County. With approximately 3000 homes, the combined population is about 7000. The towns are accessed from Carson City to the north, by Hwy 395, which continues south to Topaz Lake and the CA state line. Hwy 88 runs south from Minden into the Sierra for various CA and San Francisco Bay destinations and Hwy 207 goes west from Minden to Lake Tahoe.
Many homes “In-Town” date back to the early 1900s and in the case of Minden, are centered on an old Main Street (Esmeralda St) with a small business district and a town park with a band stand and lots of old trees This part of town has a variety of home styles and ages, with “Arts and Crafts” being very popular. Gardnerville has its own selection of streets with older homes, located between Hwy 395 and the farm land to the south.
Since the mid 1980s, a number of new subdivisions have added to the housing stock in town, with a variety of home sizes, mostly on smaller, town-sized lots. In addition, patio homes (very small lots) offer an easy care alternative for anyone who likes to travel, or as a second home. A few homes are on lots of 1 acre or more, mostly being on the agricultural land or bordering the Carson River.Here is a summary of some of the Minden/Gardnerville developments, beginning at the north end of Minden and going south along Hwy 395.
Westwood: If you take the first street going west as you arrive in Minden from the north on Hwy 395, you find Westwood occupying the area between the highway and the Carson River. There is a variety of home styles, mostly single story but with a few larger 2 story ones. Most were built in the 1990s and are in the general size range of 1600sf to 2200sf, with many exceptions. Prices for these homes range from about $300,000 to $475,000. A number of custom-built large homes on 1 acre lots are along the Carson River and these are of much higher value.
Two collections of “Patio Homes” are here also. These offer low maintenance and lower cost living in 2 or 3 bedroom options. Prices of these homes currently range from $225,000 to $300,000.
Winhaven: North of downtown Minden, this area offers about 300+ homes on regular town-sized lots and about 110 patio homes. Built between 1989 and 2000 all are located in mature landscaping with walkways and ponds and many homes enjoy great views of the Sierra or Valley. Prices for patio homes are currently about $250,000 to $300,000 and the larger homes $300,000 to $400,000. Winhaven is quiet and peaceful and is one of Carson Valley’s most popular living environments.
Adjacent to Winhaven are two new developments; La Costa offering one and two story Mediterranean style homes from about $480,000 up and Monterra, with larger floor plans in the French Country-style from $500,000 up.
Mackland: South of the old part of downtown Minden, this area borders active farmland and again, many homes have great valley and mountain views. Most were custom built homes, so there is a wide range of size, style and age with prices currently $300,000 to $600,000+
Chichester Estates: This is the largest development in Gardnerville with approximately 700+ homes. Three different builders created a range of floor plans and home sizes from about 1200sf up to 2200+ sf, mostly single story homes, but with a few 2 story included. These are on 1/6-1/4 acre lots. “The Estates” has larger homes on 1/4+ acre lots. Estates homes are currently in the $380,000 – $480,000 range, while the smaller homes are from $220,000 – $380,000+
Adjacent to Chichester is Stodick Estates which is offering homes from $300,000 to $450,000+ with a variety of floor plans from 1600sf t0 2500+sf.
Another Gardnerville option is Arbor Gardens with smaller homes on lots that provide garage access from a rear lane. A few larger 2 story homes are also available. Prices range from $220,000 to $320,000+ for homes of 1350-2000+sf.
Minden/Gardnerville has many other fine residential areas offering a wide range of home styles and prices. Please contact your RE/MAX Realtor for specific answers to your questions about Minden and Gardnerville.
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