The Nevada city of Sparks, part of Washoe County, is located in the Truckee Meadows of northwestern Nevada between the Carson and Virginia Mountain Ranges, only 4 miles east of Reno and about 12 miles from the California border.
Sparks is a major center for west coast tourism, distribution, warehousing, and light manufacturing. More than 100 national companies have business facilities in Sparks including General Motors, Kmart Corporation, Ralston-Purina Co., Federal Express, Sportif USA, United Parcel Service, Boise Cascade Corporation and Sherman Williams to name a few.
Sparks is perfect for outdoor special events like Hot August Nights, the Best in the West Rib cook-off and even a Christmas Parade in December. We share our beautiful valley with our neighbor to the west, Reno. We are Nevada fifth largest city, with a strong downtown business core, established and new developing residential neighborhoods.
Sparks is widely known as the premiere special events venue for much of northern Nevada. "Arts in Bloom", a Mothers Day festival held at the Sparks Marina Park, features artwork, food and entertainment. "Star Spangled Sparks" is a Fourth of July celebration which includes a milk carton boat regatta, a kite flying contest, arts and crafts, entertainment, food, and drink. Labor Day weekend is the setting for the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, an event which draws an estimated 400,000 people annually who come to enjoy the free entertainment, fun events, and who get to taste and compare the fantastic food. Oktoberfest is a fall event celebrating the sights and smells of Bavaria and featuring musical entertainment. On Thanksgiving Day, Sparks hosts its annual Turkey Trot, where participants can work off their Thanksgiving dinner by choosing between a 2-mile walk and a 2-mile or 10K (6.2 mile) run. The Sparks Hometown Farmers Market, held every Thursday evening from June through August, features fresh picked produce from some of the region's finest growers, a variety of international food and beverage, arts & crafts, stage music, and street performers.
The Sparks-Reno area is filled with entertainment and cultural sites. Gaming action is available at many local casinos, and the area includes museums and other attractions as well.
Housing Cost
The average home price is $315,000 while houses range from $200,000 to $1,000,000. Condos range from $130,000-$400,000.
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 83,959. Sparks covers 23.9 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 4.410 feet above sea level.
Climate
Sparks, NV climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 90.20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 21.80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 26 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Sparks is 7.40 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is January with an average rainfall of 1.12 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
