NV
Genoa, Nevada real estate: history at the foot of the mountains
Nevada's first settlement, tucked against the foothills below Heavenly.
Photo: Patrick Nouhailler, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Genoa, Nevada real estate: the best of both worlds
Genoa, Nevada real estate is for people who want the mountains and the valley at the same time. The town is tucked right up against the foothills of the Sierra on the west side of the Carson Valley, with open ranch land spread out in front of it.
Living in Genoa means you're out of Tahoe's heavy snow, and the skiing is still close by. Heavenly is about 15 to 20 minutes up Kingsbury Grade, and the lake is only about 30 minutes away. The mountain biking and hiking are right outside your door, too. Down here you can ride and hike for a lot more of the year than in Tahoe, where the snow shortens the season.
Nevada's first permanent settlement
Genoa has a rich history, and you can feel it as you walk through town.
- 1851. Mormon Station was built as a trading post on the Carson Route of the California Trail, a supply stop for emigrants before they crossed the Sierra. Nevada State Parks calls it Nevada's first permanent, non-native settlement.
- 1855. Orson Hyde renamed the town Genoa, after the Italian birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Locals say it "juh-NO-ah."
- 1859. The first territorial legislature met in Genoa.
- 1861 to 1916. Genoa was the county seat of Douglas County until the seat moved to Minden.
The original trading post burned in 1910. Today a rebuilt version stands at Mormon Station State Historic Park as a museum of pioneer artifacts. Every September the town hosts the Genoa Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire.
How I work in Genoa
I'm licensed in Nevada and California, and I live in South Lake Tahoe and part-time in Carson City, so I know both sides of the hill. Read how I help you buy and how I sell a home. What changes in Genoa is what I check, below.
The homes
Genoa has homes in and around its historic town center, homes along the foothills, and larger properties with land out toward the valley floor. Many of the homes around Genoa have incredible architecture, and the deer wander right through. Some properties have room for horses. Every parcel is different, so I check zoning, water and what the land allows before you make an offer. There's more on that in buying a home in the Carson Valley.
Nevada has no state income tax, which is one reason buyers look at the Nevada side. How that applies to you depends on your own situation, so talk with your tax advisor before you decide.
What to check before you buy or sell in Genoa
- Water and sewer: public water and sewer, or a well and septic system.
- For an older home near the town center, whether it sits in the historic district and whether that affects changes to the outside.
- HOA rules, dues and design rules, where there's an HOA.
- Insurance. Confirm that it's available and what it costs, especially for homes near the foothills.
- Defensible space. Homes against the hills should be checked. See the Firewise communities around Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley.
- Vacation rentals. Historically, they haven't been allowed here. Ask the county, as the laws are changing. See who sets the vacation rental rules in each town.
If you're selling, I recommend a home inspection and a pest inspection before listing, so there are no surprises. There's more on selling a home in the Carson Valley.
What's nearby
- Skiing. Heavenly, about 15 to 20 minutes up Kingsbury Grade.
- Lake Tahoe. About 30 minutes.
- Mountain biking and hiking. Right outside your door, for most of the year.
- Minden and Gardnerville. South down the valley.
- Carson City. North up the valley.
Nearby, see Minden, Gardnerville, Carson City and Stateline.
Ask me about Genoa, Nevada real estate
If you're looking at Genoa, Nevada real estate, or thinking about selling here, tell me what you're looking for, or call or text me at 530-208-7081. The Carson Valley Buyer Guide covers what to check on any valley home.
You can also read more about me, or go back to Tahoe Homes by Angela.
This page is general information. It isn't legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm them for the specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Genoa called Nevada's first settlement?
Genoa was a trading post called Mormon Station, built in 1851. Nevada State Parks has called it Nevada's first permanent, non-native settlement.
How far is Genoa from skiing at Lake Tahoe?
Heavenly is about 15 to 20 minutes up Kingsbury Grade, and the lake is about 30 minutes away.
Can I use a Genoa home as a vacation rental?
Historically, vacation rentals haven't been allowed here. Ask Douglas County, as the laws are changing.
Buying in Genoa
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