Johnson Lane
Johnson Lane is the name given to a rural area in the north east corner of Carson Valley about mid-way between Minden and Carson City. It covers about 20 square miles at 4800′ elevation, with about half of that area featuring homes on 1 acre and smaller lots and the remainder being larger farm and ranch type properties. There are about 2000+ homes with a population of approximately 5000. Johnson Lane is serviced by the Minden Post Office and the zip code 89423. Pinion Hills Elementary school is there for the young families and the Johnson Lane Store provides for conveniences and gas.
The area is accessed from Hwy 395 by Johnson Lane on the south, Stephanie Way on the north and East Valley Road from the eastern and south part of Carson Valley. The terrain rises slowly from Hwy 395 going east and is mostly flat with the usual mix of sagebrush and agricultural crops. Some home sites are on the higher elevations and provide excellent views of Carson Valley and the Sierra and Pinenut ranges.
The earlier home sites in Johnson Lane from the 1960s and before, were usually ranchettes on 1 or more acres with a number of larger parcels that have since become subdivided. Many of the older homes are small and start the market price range for Johnson Lane at about $225,000. Through the 70s and 80s many of the existing streets were developed with homes on 1 acre lots which today are priced from around $300,000 and up. In more recent times a number of subdivisions have been created to cater to the influx of more affluent out-of-state retirees and feature home types and designs that are contemporary and innovative, with emphasis on easy maintenance and lifestyle quality. These homes are generally in the $400,000 and up range. Almost all are 1 story and the newer developments have underground utilities and front yard landscaping that keep everything looking tidy and well cared for.
Here is a summary of some of the Johnson Lane developments. Many other parts of the area have individually built and designed homes, so there is something for everyone!
Meadowgrass: This is the first subdivision you meet on Johnson Lane at Wildhorse Lane. The homes are mostly 1500 -2200sf and are on 1/3-1/2 acre lots and are currently priced in the $320,000 to $400,000+ range.
Wildhorse: North of Meadowgrass, and with similarly sized homes, this subdivision contains a variety of home styles on lots that are 1/4-1/2 acre, currently in the $350,000 to $400,000+ range.
North Fork Trail: This is a collection of about 40 homes located just off Stephanie Way. The development is gated and fenced and the homes were built since 2004 with floor plans and sizes to cater to more affluent buyers. Prices are currently above $550,000 with several homes being quite a lot higher.
Saratoga Springs: This is the largest development in Johnson Lane and was begun around 1994. The last remaining lots are now being built on. There are several hundred homes of varying size and style, with the emphasis on the needs of retirees and families. Originally intended to be a golf community the space for the golf course now is home owner association owned and has walking/biking trails, a children’s playground and lots of open space. Many of the homes back to this open space and enjoy privacy and open views. Prices range from $350,000 to $650,000+
Mission Hot Springs: Mostly on 1acre+ lots these homes are located at the base of Hot Springs Mountain in the NE part of Johnson Lane. Many enjoy elevated sites that allow valley and mountain views. The homes have a range of styles and size and are generally in the $400,000 – $650,000+ range.
Bramwell Homestead: A newer development of homes on 1 acre sites, mostly custom built. Some vacant lots are for sale. Unlike most of Johnson Lane, these are not “horse properties” and the mild CCRs are keeping the area looking tidy and prosperous. All lots are fenced in white vinyl for uniformity, but the wide range of home styles gives a non-subdivision look. Homes are currently for sale in the $550,000 to $750,000+ range.
Skyline Ranch: Built on elevated land in the NE corner of Johnson Lane, many Skyline homes back to BLM land and have excellent mountain and valley views. Most are 2000-3000+sf and built by one builder/developer have a consistency of style and quality that makes Skyline the first choice of any new Carson Valley residents. Lots are 1 acre and all homes are well landscaped and the streets tidy with underground utilities and white vinyl fencing. Prices are currently from $550,000 to $750,000+
Many other parts of Johnson Lane appeal to horse owners or to outdoor enthusiasts with access to public land and back-country trails or with larger lots for livestock and hobby farms. Please contact your RE/MAX Realtor for specific answers to your questions about Johnson Lane.
