Moving to Fernley, NV – Is It A Good Place To Live?

Fernley, Nevada, is a city located in Lyon County near I-80 in the northern end of the state. It’s about an hour from Carson City and Reno, making it an excellent place for commuters who work primarily outside of town.

Living cost here is considerably lower than in both west coast cities, and Fernley offers plenty of affordable housing options.

Are you thinking about moving to Fernley, Nevada? This post will provide you with information on the city and its culture. It offers helpful advice regarding what to expect and what factors may help facilitate or hinder a new life there.

What Is Fernley Nevada Known For?

Fernley, a small town located in Lyon County, was once a railroad hub and is now home to the Fernley Speedway.

It is also only a short drive from Lake Tahoe. While its population hovers around 20,068 people, its real estate market has been growing quicker than most.

The city is known for being at an elevation of almost 9,000 feet, and it has an annual average temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

Many trails in Fernley lead to mountain peaks that are popular among hikers and campers during the warmer months. There are also several parks in the city and hiking and biking trails.

Fernley is known for being a dry town. It is one of the very few cities in Nevada without drinking water. Fernley has a large religious community with active churches that host services on Sundays, including St Joseph Catholic Church and Fernley Community Church.

School

Schools are a priority in Fernley. There are six public elementary schools, five public middle schools, and a private elementary school.

Children in grades K-8 attend Fernley Union Middle School (FUMS), the only middle school in Lyon County and is located near the district offices on Broadway.

High school students may attend Skyline High School and Lyon High School, both located in nearby Carson City and are part of the Carson City School District.

There also is Reno Technical Education Center, a tiny high school that enrolls several sports teams from Fernley and nearby towns.

Fernley also has several colleges in the area, including:

  • College of Southern Nevada – Fernley Campus
  • College of Southern Nevada – Henderson Campus
  • University of Phoenix – Las Vegas Campus Reno and Sparks Campuses
  • Reno-Sparks J.C.C. – Fernley Campus
  • Reno-Sparks J.C.C. – 50th Street Campus

Religion

Fernley has many religious facilities, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fernley United Methodist Church, and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. There are also some non-denominational Christian churches and temples in the area.

Aside from the array of churches, there are a lot of other places to worship in Fernley. There are a few Hindu temples, and several Buddhist centers advertise their services online.

Several non-religious organizations serve the community, including the Fernley Chamber of Commerce, the Woman’s Club, a local Kiwanis Chapter, and a Lions Club.

Places to Go in Fernley Nevada

Fernley offers plenty of fun activities for young and old alike. Boomers like bowling at the Bowl-A-Vard Lanes or golfing at the Green Valley Golf Course or Seven Fine Golf Course.

The Fernley Senior Center provides a place for seniors to socialize, while the Nevada State Museum and Cultural Society have a museum that displays artifacts from Nevada’s history.

Demography

Fernley is an independent city that’s administratively a part of Lyon County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,068. The median household income is $36,739, compared to $45,449 for all of Nevada and $56,702 for the United States.

In terms of race and ethnicity, there were 2,611 Caucasians (74.5%), 531 Hispanic or Latino people (15.9%), 70 African-Americans (2.4%), 420 Asian people (13.4%), 22 Native American people (0.7%), 9 Pacific Islander people (0.3%), and 832 other races or ethnicities (25%).

Communities in Fernley include Ackerson, Elgin, Fairview, Green Valley, Green Valley Hills, Midtown, and Summit View.

Many residents of Fernley have lived there for long periods and put down roots. Several families have lived in the city for decades. The city is also home to many people who moved from other states to Nevada.

Many residents are young families with school-aged children. Many college students choose Fernley as a place to live for their first residence out of school.

This is because the lifestyle and cost are inexpensive compared to other cities in Nevada; thus, it makes it a more affordable choice for some students.

Environment

Fernley is located near a major river, the Humboldt River, which forms an essential part of the city’s identity. The city is also home to two recreational areas: the Fernley Sports Park and Fernley Ranch Park.

The city of Fernley is located in the northern end of Nevada and encompasses about six square miles. The fastest way to get from one side of the city to the other is by vehicle.

It’s an hour’s drive from either Carson City or Reno, so that time can be spent doing errands, getting a haircut, or running some errands.

Politics and Government

Fernley is a relatively small city with a population of about 29,000. It’s governed by an elected five-member city council and a mayor.

There are also several city departments and services, including community services, planning and zoning; civil service; and public works. The police department provides traffic enforcement and a 24/7 emergency response system.

Economy

Since Fernley is relatively small, most residents in the area are employed in Reno, Carson City, or Las Vegas. The city’s economy is also geared toward agriculture and tourism.

Some residents also operate their businesses, such as farms, orchards, and wineries. Many of these businesses are located on the outskirts of the city.

Housing

Housing in Fernley is more affordable than in other areas in the state, such as Red Rock. The median listing price for homes is about $87,000, as reported by Zillow. It’s possible to rent a two-bedroom apartment for about $1,000 a month or less.

Most rentals include utilities, which means one less bill to worry about when settling into a new place.

Crime

There’s a very low crime rate in Fernley. Just 1.3 burglaries occurred per 1,000 residents from 2018-to 2020. The violent crime rate is also very low – only 0.6 per 1,000 residents from 2018-to 2020.

There are only about 120 reports of property crime a year, which is not much compared to other cities with large populations.

Transportation

Fernley offers a variety of transportation options, including carpooling, public buses, and personal vehicles like motorcycles or bicycles.

The city is home to the Fernley Regional Transit Center, which provides an access point for residents who ride in and out of the area.

Public transportation in Fernley is limited and irregular due to the high demand for car-based transportation, such as Uber and Lyft. The city does not own or operate a bus system and has no bike lanes.

Bike commuting is also discouraged due to meandering routes which are not well thought out. Nonetheless, there are some walking trails and hiking trails near the city. There are also several horse ranches in the area.

Housing And Real Estate

Fernley has a variety of housing options, and several builders have created new housing in downtown Fernley which offers homes that have been designed to fit into the community.

The city provides many rental units and some owner-occupied housing options. Neighborhoods in Fernley include downtown, Canary Hill; Fernleigh Hills; Patridge Park; the Riverwalk Urban Park.

Culture and Entertainment

Fernley is home to many businesses and shops, including the Fernley Square Shopping Center. It’s also one of the largest cities in Lyon County, so there are plenty of places to find food.

Many restaurants to choose from include Mexican foods, pizza, Chinese food, and Thai restaurant options. Popular spots include El Patron Mexican Restaurant, Asian Wok, and Johnnie’s Pizzeria.

Weather

One of the biggest benefits of living in Fernley is milder weather than in Las Vegas and Reno. The summer temperatures tend to be around 90 degrees, considerably lower than the 110-degree average during July in southern Nevada’s urban areas.

The winters are also relatively mild, with an average low of about 30 degrees during January compared to 15 degrees in urban areas.

Fernley receives a little more rain than living in Las Vegas or Carson City, but it’s nowhere near as wet as Reno, known for its rainy weather pattern.

Healthcare

Fernley is served by two hospitals: a hospital with a 32-bed Emergency Department, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, and Desert Hills Regional Medical Center.

There are also several medical facilities, including urgent care centers and walk-in clinics. In 2015, Fernley was ranked #45 in the 100 Best Communities for Young People list by America’s Promise Alliance.

Parks and Recreation

Fernley is home to three parks: Fernley Ranch Park, which is located along the Humboldt River; Fernley Sports Park, which includes baseball and soccer fields for recreation; and the Veterans Memorial Park, which is where veterans receive a commemorative flag.

There are also several bike trails in Fernley that provide recreation opportunities. They include the Virginia Way Trail, a 10-mile trail that spans from Fernley to the Tonopah Highway, and the Meridian Trail, which runs along Washington Avenue in downtown Fernley.

Shopping

Fernley has many shopping options, including the Rancho Paseana Village, home to a movie theater, stores, and restaurants. The city is also home to The Foothills Marketplace, a popular spot for residents. It hosts a variety of stores, businesses, and restaurants.

Conclusion

Fernley, NV, is a small townhome for new and long-time residents. The amenities include a local hospital, parks, and three major chain grocery stores. The crime rate has been low for the last decade, and the economy has been stable.

If you’re looking for a place to call home that is affordable, friendly, and close to other cities in northern Nevada, Fernley might be what you are looking for.

Author: Jay Baxter


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