Established in 1861, Washoe County was 
one of the original nine counties in Nevada. The original county seat was Washoe City when the territory was established, but it quickly switched to Reno in 1871 and has sat there since. The county is named after the Washoe people who initially inhabited the area before settlers moved west. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, which is the oldest university in the state and enrolls over 20,000 students currently. Whether one is looking to plant roots or get away, Washoe is full of beautiful landscapes, city living, and an abundance of cultures to experience.
Much of Washoe sits well above sea level. In Reno, elevations sit at 4,500 ft, and reach as high as 10,000 ft at Mount Rose, which is the highest mountain in Washoe County. Near the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, elevations range between 4,000 ft to 7,000 ft. Washoe County spans over 6,500 sq mi, with 240 sq mi being covered by water.
There are hundreds of family-friendly events taking place each year to accommodate all age ranges. The Reno and Sparks metro area is home to the Reno Aces, the triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Aces play their home games at Greater Nevada Field, which is a venue that holds over 9,000 patrons and is perfect for families looking to catch a ballgame. Other events great for the family are the National Championship Air Races in Stead and the Great Reno Balloon Race, both of which are held in September.
For a more in-depth look at what makes Washoe County a community, read the full Washoe County Cultural Overview.
