Sparks vs Fernley? (Reno, Spanish Springs, Fallon: sale, crime, houses)

[Designconceptslo]

I am relocating to the area and seem to be going back and forth between Sparks/Spanish Springs and Fernley. I must say that the size of lots and price per sq ft in Fernley is quite tempting. I have lived in more rural areas for the majority of my life. I am in my late fifties with grown children. I will be moving alone, except for my four legged "roomies". I do not need employment, but will probably seek something part time. I am looking for affordable, friendly and (due to age) good medical availability. I am also concerned about levy/flooding issues. Any advice or input will be greatly appreciated.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by Designconceptslo

I am relocating to the area and seem to be going back and forth between Sparks/Spanish Springs and Fernley. I must say that the size of lots and price per sq ft in Fernley is quite tempting. I have lived in more rural areas for the majority of my life. I am in my late fifties with grown children. I will be moving alone, except for my four legged "roomies". I do not need employment, but will probably seek something part time. I am looking for affordable, friendly and (due to age) good medical availability. I am also concerned about levy/flooding issues. Any advice or input will be greatly appreciated.

Prices are cheaper in Fernley because it's about 32 miles east of Reno/Sparks. It's a nice little town without much to do. The town has plenty of shopping including a Walmart and a Lowes. Flooding shouldn't be an issue if you don't live near the irrigation canals. Not much in the way of medical facilities in Fernley but it's only 32 miles to Reno and traffic is usually lite on I-80 until you get near Sparks. The 3 main small casinos in Fernley are: the Silverado, Pioneer Crossing and the Nugget - good places to eat even if you don't gamble!

[humboldtrat]

Near Fernley, there are a couple of places to visit. The Reno-Fernley Raceway Reno-Fernley Raceway Home Page and Lake Lahontan if you like fishing or boating Nevada Division of State Parks - Lahontan State Recreation Area

[bigdave01]

They are both a lot different just depending on what you're looking for. Fernley is definitely more small-town feeling, whereas Sparks and Spanish Springs are more suburban. Just depends on what you want. Fernley is definitely cheaper.

[Designconceptslo]

I do like smaller towns. However, it has been awhile since I have driven in the snow. I do have 4x4 but, is there alot of shopping available in Fernley, or do you need to drive into Sparks? Thus my concern about the snow. My question on flooding was prompted by some of the houses stating that they have been repaired....some not and anything other than "regular" sale has no disclosure. Am I correct in assuming that the incidence of "crime" is less in Fernley?

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by Designconceptslo

I do like smaller towns. However, it has been awhile since I have driven in the snow. I do have 4x4 but, is there alot of shopping available in Fernley, or do you need to drive into Sparks? Thus my concern about the snow. My question on flooding was prompted by some of the houses stating that they have been repaired....some not and anything other than "regular" sale has no disclosure. Am I correct in assuming that the incidence of "crime" is less in Fernley?

I don't live in Fernley, but I would imagine crime is minimal. As I said, Fernley has a Walmart, Lowes, a Scolari supermarket (a Nevada chain) and many other small stores. If you want to visit a mall, you would have to go into Reno/Sparks. Some houses were flooded a few years ago when an irrigation canal gave way. The whole town wasn't flooded, just homes near the canal. Be sure to get a full disclosure before buying anything. Try to find something away from the canal and maybe on higher ground. I think you would like Fernley. There's plenty of room for your dog to roam. I-80 going into Reno is cleared of snow during the winter.

[liv2mtb]

Fernley will have all you need in the area (Fallon,Lohontan) for someone in your position and the "kids". I would definitely do your homework on the medical facilities though first. Just because its an easy drive to the hospitals in the Reno area, doesnt mean it will be easy in Feb and March during snow/icy roads season.

[Designconceptslo]

Thanks to all who responded. Any more input is always greatly appreciated

[Johanna Patterson]

Fernley has a clinic near the Scolari supermarket , Fallon has a hospital. There is also a helicopter service to take emergencies to a hospital in Reno. Fernley is sort of a donut hole weather wise. We get very little snow, even when Fallon, Sparks and Reno have snow. Typically melts by mid morning when we do have it. Never have to go scrape our solar system as it melts off so fast. Never have to put down salt on the walk ways or anything, even when Fallon does.

Have driven into Reno totally unaware that snow was there, because we didn't see snow till on the freeway, which is usually cleared by rush hour. My ex-roommate worked in Reno, and only once had to deal with snow on the freeway. Maybe all those trucks using the freeway has something to do with it.

[JGC97]

Lots of great information on this thread. Also interesting to know that Fernley doesn't get the same amount of snow that Sparks, Reno, or areas north and south of them receives each year. Reminds me of a small town in Washington state that only receives 9 inches of rain a year while surrounding areas are over 50. Mother Nature is a mystical lady.