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Frequently asked questions

Sparks, NV

Sparks is a city in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. It was founded in 1904, incorporated on March 15, 1905, and is located just east of Reno. The 2020 U.S. Census counted 108,445 residents in the city. It is the fifth most populous city in Nevada. It is named after John Sparks, Nevada Governor (1903–1908), and a member of the Silver Party. Sparks are located within the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area.

Euro-American settlement began in the early 1850s, and the population density remained very low until 1904 when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a switchyard and maintenance sheds there, after moving the division point from Wadsworth. In 1902, the Southern Pacific purchased a large tract of swamp-like land near its newly built railyard and gave everyone a clear deed to a 50 ft × 140 ft (15 m × 43 m) lot for the sum of $1. It also offered to pick up and move every house in Wadsworth and reassemble it in this new town free of charge. As the population increased, a city was established, first called Harriman, after E. H. Harriman, president of the Southern Pacific, and then renamed Sparks, after John Sparks, then governor of Nevada.

Sparks remained a small town until the 1950s, when economic growth in Reno triggered a housing boom north of the railroad in the area of Sparks. During the 1970s, the area south of the railroad started to fill up with warehouses and light industry. In 1984, the tower for the Nugget Casino Resort was finished, giving Sparks its first, and currently only, high-rise casino. In 1996, the redevelopment effort of the B Street business district across from the Nugget that started in the early 1980s took a step forward with the opening of a multi-screen movie complex and the construction of a plaza area. This area, now known as Victorian Square, is a pedestrian-friendly district that hosts many open-air events.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sparks has a total area of 35.9 square miles (93.0 km²), of which 35.8 square miles (92.6 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km²), or 0.47%, is water. 

Sparks places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Renown Regional Medical Center and Northern Nevada Medical Center offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For a holistic approach, Sparks Integrated Health & Wellness offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Yoga practitioners will find a serene environment at The Studio Reno, which offers a variety of yoga classes. For a day of relaxation, The Refuge Spa provides luxurious spa treatments. Nutritional support and healthy meals are available at Great Full Gardens, specializing in organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Top sites in Sparks, NV are The Outlets at Legends, Nugget Casino Resort, and The Waterpark at Wild Island.

Population: 111,520 (2024). ZIP codes: 89431, 89434, 89437. Area Code: 775. Elevation: 4,412 feet (1,344 meters). Area: 36.60 sq mi (94.80 km²).

FAQs

What is Sparks, NV famous for?

The city of Sparks, Nevada—Reno's next-door neighbor—attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for the meat-tacular Best in the West Nugget Cook-Off, the automobile extravaganza that is Hot August Nights, and big-time biker bashes during Street Vibrations. It’s also home to the Reno-Tahoe area’s premier shopping mall (including plenty of brand-name outlets) and the flagship location of the award-winning Great Basin Brewing Company. The city of Sparks, Nevada is an easygoing town right next door to Reno, but this community of about 100,000 residents certainly knows when to turn up the fun.

Is Sparks, NV expensive to live in?

Sparks is ranked 63 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Sparks is 105.1% of the national average. The median household income in Sparks is $73,678, which is 12% more than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $39,105, which is 6% more than that of the state. The average rent in Sparks (located in Reno Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $1,579, which is 7% more than the average rent across the US. The median home price in Sparks is $500,000 with a median price per sqft of $298.

Is Sparks, NV a good place to live?

Located in western Nevada, Sparks is a small city that offers big opportunities. With plenty of parks, trails, and businesses to choose from, the city is always busy. Sparks, Nevada is a good place to live. It’s a great suburban area with friendly neighborhoods and welcoming communities. If you’re moving with your family, Sparks has great top-rated school districts within the area and the housing prices are reasonable.

Sources

City of Sparks

Wikipedia

Flyhomes

Shield Storage

Travel Nevada

The Outlets at Legends

Nugget Casino Resort

The Waterpark at Wild Island

Renown Regional Medical Center

Northern Nevada Medical Center 

Planet Fitness

Sparks Integrated Health & Wellness

The Studio Reno

The Refuge Spa

Great Full Gardens

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.