News Summary
A unique property in Searchlight, Nevada, offers a 0.86-acre lot with uninhabitable structures, including a historic hospital built in 1927, for $60,000. The town, known for its small population and community charm, has seen recent interest from buyers seeking renovation projects. With utilities available, this property presents a unique opportunity in the ever-evolving Nevada real estate market.
Searchlight, a small town in Nevada with a population of fewer than 500 residents, has a property for sale for $60,000 that features uninhabitable structures, including a boarded-up building that once served as a hospital. The historic structure, which dates back to 1927, is part of a 0.86-acre property comprising three separate parcels divided by public rights-of-way. The listing price was recently slashed by $25,000.
Only five homes are currently available for sale in Searchlight, according to data from Zillow. The main building on the property is covered with plywood and has a broken sign indicating its real estate agent. Additional structures on the lot are described as shacks, with one containing a mattress inside. The property has remained unoccupied for decades and was used as a residence by a family until the 1980s.
Despite the dilapidated condition of the structures, the property comes with available water meters and sewer connections, though all utilities are currently turned off. The local community, known for its significant senior resident population, has attracted interest from property buyers, particularly those seeking the charm of small-town living close to recreational areas.
Searchlight has historically attracted property owners from California due to its proximity to Lake Mohave. More recently, buyers from Las Vegas have also begun to show interest in purchasing homes in the area, frequently retirees or semi-retirees looking for a quiet retreat. The town was once a bustling mining boomtown, reaching its peak population of approximately 1,500 in 1907. However, by 1927, that figure had drastically fallen to just about 50 residents.
In 2013, a group from Michigan expressed plans for future mining operations in Searchlight, while Searchlight Minerals Corp previously operated a placer gold project in the vicinity. The Nevada Division of Minerals highlighted that 378 abandoned mines statewide were surveyed in 2017, including 19 hazards located near Searchlight.
Alongside the listed property, Searchlight boasts various community facilities such as an elementary school, a post office, and a community center. The center of town is located less than 15 miles west of Cottonwood Cove, which features a marina on the Colorado River at Lake Mohave reservoir. The unincorporated town recorded a population of 445 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, indicating a small yet tight-knit community.
The uniqueness of the current listing—combined with the historical significance of the structures on the property—presents an intriguing opportunity for interested parties, particularly those willing to invest in renovation and restoration. Buyers seeking a piece of Searchlight’s rich history may find this offering to be a worthwhile venture amid the backdrop of Nevada’s ever-changing real estate landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Boarded-Up Buildings in Searchlight
- Wikipedia: Searchlight, Nevada
- Zillow: Searchlight NV Real Estate
- Google Search: Searchlight Nevada Housing Market
- Nevada Division of Minerals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nevada
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
