Sparks
Vibrant city and a year-round special events destination.
Vibrant city and a year-round special events destination.
Sparks is a vibrant and fast-growing city located 15 miles from the California-Nevada border on Reno’s east side. The city is a special events destination with a variety of signature celebrations throughout the year. Many stop at Sparks on their way to Burning Man, but the city has plenty to offer all year round. Sparks has excellent shopping and dining alongside a wide variety of family activities. The city also offers top employment opportunities, including those at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center’s Tesla Gigafactory.
Sparks has an eclectic real estate mix with condominium complexes close to all the action downtown and luxurious master-planned developments along the city’s western and northern peripheries. These developments feature beautiful contemporary homes with sweeping views over the bright lights of the city and the majestic surrounding mountains. There are also waterfront homes fronting the beautiful Sparks Marina Lake Park.
Sparks is directly East of Reno, and the two cities share a similarly vibrant atmosphere. Sparks enjoys a mild year-round climate with lots of sunshine and an abundance of activities for all seasons. The town is within easy reach of Lake Tahoe and the many ski resorts surrounding it.
Flanked by the towers of the famous Nugget Casino Resort, Victorian Square is the centerpiece of downtown Sparks. This lively area offers various great places to dine and drink and many outdoor events throughout the year. Great Basin Brewery serves tasty pub grub alongside a multi-award-winning lineup of craft brews. Along with offering 24-hour gaming, the Nugget is also a top dining destination. The Nugget’s iconic Oyster Bar has been delighting visitors and locals alike with its delicious seafood stews and other ocean-fresh dishes since the 1950s.
Overlooking the water at Sparks Marina Park, The Outlets at Legends is a leading retail destination with more than 45 businesses. Retailers here include steeply discounted outlet and factory stores from brands such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Express, Guess, Loft, and Nike. The Outlets at Legend is anchored by Scheels, the world’s largest all-sports superstore. Along with a huge selection of sports and outdoor apparel, shoes, and gear, Scheels features attractions including a 65-foot Ferris wheel, two 16,000-gallon aquariums, and arcade games. The Outlets at Legends also boasts an IMAX movie theater, 13 restaurants, and fun activities such as ax throwing at Axe & Throw, craft making at All Fired Up, Key & Code Escape Rooms, and extreme indoor sports at Defy.
Sparks is a world-class events destination with much to experience throughout the year. The area’s most famous annual celebration is Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert to Sparks’ north. This iconic event sees tens of thousands gather in the desert to create the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City in a bohemian celebration that culminates in burning a giant wooden effigy.
The Nugget Casino’s Best in the West Rib Cook Off has been held on Victorian Square each year since 1989. The Cook Off has grown enormously in popularity over the years and now regularly attracts more than 500,000 attendees across six days in early September. Attendees enjoy around 100 tons of St. Louis-style ribs as cooks compete for prizes totaling more than $20,000. There’s also live entertainment and a beer garden.
Star Spangled Sparks is another major celebration on Victorian Square that marks the Fourth of July with live music, food vendors, craft booths, and a spectacular fireworks display. December’s Hometown Christmas Celebration begins with a tree lighting ceremony on Victorian Square followed by a massive parade with floats, marching bands, animal groups, and a visit from Santa.
Sparks is served by the Washoe County School District.
Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact Kathy today to discuss all your real estate needs!
