If you are thinking of making the Reno/Sparks area your home, the following is a brief overview of the many communities.
DOWNTOWN RENO:
It is hard not to miss the most famous "Biggest Little City" sign in the heart of downtown Reno. This area serves as the center of the entertainment and gaming businesses with the majority of the largest resort casinos here. Downtown also serves as the place for annual festivals, sporting events and a place to experience Reno's culture.
Top attractions are the University of Nevada, Reno, just north of Interstate 80, the Reno Livestock Events Center; the National Bowling Stadium; and the Reno Events Center. The newly opened Aces Ballpark accommodates more than 9,100 Reno Aces fans. The area around the ballpark is becoming a hot area for restaurants, shopping and night life.
There are several museums and art centers in addition to galleries. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts hosts the annual Broadway Comes to Reno series, and Lawlor Events Center is the place for memorable concerts. For music lovers, we have Reno Pops Orchestra and Reno Philharmonic. The annual July event, "Artown" draw thousands of people to the month long, citywide celebration of the arts.
The Truckee River flows through downtown and provides a serene place to walk, picnic, a quick dip or kayak.
NORTHWEST RENO:
The northwest area of Reno starts from just west of the University of Nevada, Reno and stretches out west along I-80 and the Truckee River to the Nevada-California border. This area includes the neighborhoods of Somersett, Verdi and Mogul. This is primary residential area with two distinct landmarks on Robb Drive, Grace Community Church and the Northwest Reno Library.
Northwest residents have found themselves shaken in recent years by hundreds of earthquakes that find their epicenters in the area.
NORTH VALLEYS:
The North Valleys area is just north of U.S. 395 and includes Cold Springs, Stead, Silver Knolls, Lemmon Valley, Golden Valley and Sun Valley. Some sections are in Reno city limits and others are in unincorporated Washoe County.
The neighborhoods are considered to be more rural than the rest of their Reno counterpart More residential and commercial developments have been planned for the area.
SPARKS:
Sparks if full of character, culture and events and becoming a bigger attraction than Reno. Sparks is mostly residential and central Sparks is bordered by the Truckee River on the south, hills to east, Reno to the west and Spanish Springs Valley to the north.
Classic car lovers converge on the area every year for "Hot August Nights". The Sparks annual "Hometown Farmer's Market runs from mid June until the week before Labor Day. Followed by the "Best of the West Rib cook-Off that draws competitors from around the country.
The Sparks Marina, just east of downtown Sparks is becoming a major attraction. There is a 77 acre lake with a walking/jogging path around it and activities such as swimming, boating and picnicking. The Legends at Sparks Marina is a mega outdoor mall with top retailers and restaurants.
SPANISH SPRINGS:
The Spanish Springs Valley, north of central Sparks, runs along Pyramid Highway. The boundaries are the Pah Rah Range to the east, hills that separate it from Sun Valley to the west, and central Sparks to the south. The area to the north is a typical Nevada desert landscape that has several large horse properties, including the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Center.
There has been a lot of growth in the business and residential sector all along the Pyramid Highway. Several large business parks make work and home commute easier.
SOUTHWEST RENO:
This Southwest area borders the Truckee River on the north, Virgina St. to the west, and includes the Caughlin Ranch development.
The neighborhoods are marked by tree-lined streets and houses dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. There is a mix of mansions, craftsman style and bungalows. California Avenue is popular for its shops, restaurants, coffee houses and the Nevada Museum of Art.
OLD SOUTHWEST RENO
The area consists of South Virgina St. to the west, I-80 to the north, Hidden Valley to the east and the Gateway Drive area to the south. For some this area has it all: businesses, homes and recreational hiking etc. Meadowood Mall and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport are in this part of town. The Huffaker Hills Trail just south of McCarran Boulevard has a invigorating trail to the top for a spectacular view of the surrounding city.
NEW SOUTHEAST RENO:
This area saw the biggest increase in housing and businesses over the past 5 years. The residential housing consists of mostly middle class to upper-middle class homes. It includes Double Diamond which has its own business park and the Damonte Ranch community. Large retailers and restaurants have added to the huge growth.
The borders are South Meadows Parkway to the north, Storey County to the east, Toll Road to the south and South Virginia St. to the west.
SOUTH SUBURBAN RENO:
The Sierra Summit Mall with upscale retailers has transformed this area. The mall includes movie theaters and restaurants and its close proximity to Mount Rose and short drive to Lake Tahoe brings visitors from California.
South suburban Reno lies at the Sierra Nevada foothills and the borders are Huffaker Lane to the north, South Virginia St. to the east and the Galena area to the south.
Upscale golf course communities ArrowCreek and Montreux have gated entries, and high-end homes into the millions. It is also home to The Redfield Campus, which is funded and supported by the University of Nevada, Reno, and Truckee Meadows Community College.
Reno and Sparks offers many lifestyle choices, come and find yours!
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