Thinking of Moving to Reno/Sparks area (Spanish Springs, Cold Springs: real estate, affordable apartments)

[aaronparx]

I had recently visited the Reno/Sparks area and liked it a lot. I thought it was a nice area. My questions are which part of Reno/Sparks area within a close distance to the downtown areas are the safest places to get apartments? I realize that the convenience of living in a big city comes with a price, I would like to know where myself and property would be safest within about 2 miles of the city center/ essential amenities. Second question is what are nice apartments in these areas? Nice apartments meaning ones that are moderate-rent, have decent-sized living spaces, extra bdrm would be nice, well-maintained, nice appliances, newer, well-landscaped, semi-spacious patio/decks/or backyard 1 of 3 or 2.
My third question is in rural Reno, what is real estate like? What are the prices like, and where are some nice, beautiful places outside of Reno within about 10 or 15 minutes' drive. Fourth question is about climate, how are the winters? According to climate tables I have seen it can get chilly on winter nights. How often does the temperature dip below 10 in the metro area, and what is the snowfall distribution in the area?

[tanmctee]

Originally Posted by aaronparx

I had recently visited the Reno/Sparks area and liked it a lot. I thought it was a nice area.
It is a GREAT area!

My questions are which part of Reno/Sparks area within a close distance to the downtown areas are the safest places to get apartments? I realize that the convenience of living in a big city comes with a price, I would like to know where myself and property would be safest within about 2 miles of the city center/ essential amenities.

Everyone has a different tolerance level; but, for the MOST part, you will not have a difficult time finding a good safe place to live within two miles of either downtown Reno or Sparks. This is definitely a college community and there are tons of places within walking distance of the downtown area (or a short bus hop). The best thing to do is listen to the advice and direction of those on this board --- you will find there are many willing to share their experiences and help you. Then, in a perfect world, you could stay in a hotel for a week and have someone show you around the area --- this is definitely the best way to figure out what works for you. I know this is not always possible --- google maps street view is a close second : )

Second question is what are nice apartments in these areas? Nice apartments meaning ones that are moderate-rent, have decent-sized living spaces, extra bdrm would be nice, well-maintained, nice appliances, newer, well-landscaped, semi-spacious patio/decks/or backyard 1 of 3 or 2.
Not sure what is moderate-rent to you ---- you can get a nice two bedroom for under $800...

My third question is in rural Reno, what is real estate like? What are the prices like, and where are some nice, beautiful places outside of Reno within about 10 or 15 minutes' drive.
Reno is a 15 minute town; while we have about 450,000 people in Washoe County, it has a small town feel and there are many rural feeling areas within a 15-20 minute commute. Spanish Springs, Cold Springs. You can get a very nice affordable and newer home in Cold Springs but the commute is going to be a little longer 15-20 minutes.


Fourth question is about climate, how are the winters? According to climate tables I have seen it can get chilly on winter nights. How often does the temperature dip below 10 in the metro area, and what is the snowfall distribution in the area?
Winters are chilly --- but, not TYPICALLY the 10 below temps. we do get below freezing in the evenings during winter months but not the bitter cold one might expect. Snowfall averages depend on where you are living...the valley floor snow usually melts off of the concrete by days the higher elevations around town hold the snow a little longer...check out my blog...there is a pretty detailed weather piece.

My comments in green above ---- good luck with your decision!! We are here to answer the questions when you have them : )

[aaronparx]

Thank you for your input on the area. I am getting more serious about moving to that place all the time! I am eager to get out of this little valley and start a life in an exciting new place with a different feel. It sounds to me like you are very fond of the area, I see real estate is not too shabby price wise. More weighing out of things to do. I wanted to get the opinion of someone who has lived in the area for a bit, who knows it well.
I would like to see if I can find work, my experience is kind of limited to retail work. I would like to do something new, start off with the best highest-paying job I can get. Preferably a job which serves the public, and is essential. Though being employer of the gaming industry might be fun. I do not know, I am not a huge gambler personally. Though putting in a couple dollars and at least winning em back or getting more is fun! Not a big drinker either, haha. Probably does not sound like the place for me. Or is it still? Are there other things to do in that city besides drinking and gambling. I realize that that is the essence of the place, from what I hear. I am into outdoor rec. which there seems to be a bit of in the city and close by. Kayaking, that is a draw for me. The Truckee River seems like a mighty fine one to run. Fishing, also gets my attention, There has got to be that! I know there is.
I do not know if I want to live in the city limits of Reno. I was thinking Sparks, because of lower real estate. There is a higher crime rate in Sparks according to some demographics sites, or whatever you would call em. Kind of ironic as it is a smaller city.That does not bother me a whole lot. I am pretty street smart, and know what precautions to take to protect myself and my property. If I can help it I would like to stay out of areas where I am more-likely to be a victim. Spanish Springs and the suburbs sounds like it is pretty safe. Do not have to be as nervous. Maybe find a rural piece?
Maybe Reno? Haha. I am a little confused on where to plant myself. Maybe you could tell me more?
The desert, that is one of my draws to the area. I am attracted to deserts because of the views they offer, the vegetation, and fauna. I am a hiker, so the Sierras and the Virginias are also what I am there for! Tahoe too! That area is very attractive to me, VERY. Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking. I was looking at Lockwood, it is a small town. Close to the city, in a canyon. It is also a river town, that I like. I do not think it is incorporated, that is probably why they do not have statistics for it. Anything you might be able to tell me about that place? Do you know anything.
Again, I do not want to get caught up in the gambling scene. Ironic that I would like to live in Reno. I am pretty detail oriented and suspect that the city has more to offer than that. Also I am confident that the surrounding area does for sure! Do NOT want to be a Californian, sorry. Also climate is perfect, location too. For me that is the sweet spot in that respect. Tell me more please thank you.

[tanmctee]

Originally Posted by aaronparx

Thank you for your input on the area. I am getting more serious about moving to that place all the time! I am eager to get out of this little valley and start a life in an exciting new place with a different feel. It sounds to me like you are very fond of the area, I see real estate is not too shabby price wise. More weighing out of things to do. I wanted to get the opinion of someone who has lived in the area for a bit, who knows it well.
I would like to see if I can find work, my experience is kind of limited to retail work. I would like to do something new, start off with the best highest-paying job I can get. Preferably a job which serves the public, and is essential. Though being employer of the gaming industry might be fun. I do not know, I am not a huge gambler personally. Though putting in a couple dollars and at least winning em back or getting more is fun! Not a big drinker either, haha. Probably does not sound like the place for me. Or is it still? Are there other things to do in that city besides drinking and gambling. I realize that that is the essence of the place, from what I hear. I am into outdoor rec. which there seems to be a bit of in the city and close by. Kayaking, that is a draw for me. The Truckee River seems like a mighty fine one to run. Fishing, also gets my attention, There has got to be that! I know there is.
I do not know if I want to live in the city limits of Reno. I was thinking Sparks, because of lower real estate. There is a higher crime rate in Sparks according to some demographics sites, or whatever you would call em. Kind of ironic as it is a smaller city.That does not bother me a whole lot. I am pretty street smart, and know what precautions to take to protect myself and my property. If I can help it I would like to stay out of areas where I am more-likely to be a victim. Spanish Springs and the suburbs sounds like it is pretty safe. Do not have to be as nervous. Maybe find a rural piece?
Maybe Reno? Haha. I am a little confused on where to plant myself. Maybe you could tell me more?
The desert, that is one of my draws to the area. I am attracted to deserts because of the views they offer, the vegetation, and fauna. I am a hiker, so the Sierras and the Virginias are also what I am there for! Tahoe too! That area is very attractive to me, VERY. Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking. I was looking at Lockwood, it is a small town. Close to the city, in a canyon. It is also a river town, that I like. I do not think it is incorporated, that is probably why they do not have statistics for it. Anything you might be able to tell me about that place? Do you know anything.
Again, I do not want to get caught up in the gambling scene. Ironic that I would like to live in Reno. I am pretty detail oriented and suspect that the city has more to offer than that. Also I am confident that the surrounding area does for sure! Do NOT want to be a Californian, sorry. Also climate is perfect, location too. For me that is the sweet spot in that respect. Tell me more please thank you.

Based on everything you want --- you are going to love it here; there is now doubt you will find, fishing, hiking, river rafting, tubing, boating, camping and much more.

We are a town with casinos but it is not the only thing to do here; in fact, most people who live here do not frequent the casinos so do not let that bother you.

You are definitely all over the board on areas you would be interested in living, it would be good to come for a visit and really tour the area, Lockwood is a small community to the east of Sparks and it is definitely a community tucked in and away all by itself.

I am confident you will find a great place to live, regardless of the community you choose to live/

I love the weather here, four seasons and none really to severe.

Taxes are a bit higher on property tax, but no state tax and it is a reasonable place to live.

As for jobs --- those are more difficult to come by; if you are interested in staying in retail you might do okay, there are casino jobs but really anything paying on a higher scale has huge competition.

I do hope you will love our area when you finally make the move --- I sure do!!

Not sure I answered all of your questions, but I think you get the idea : )

[30STM]

i agree with everything tanmctee said EXCEPT for the four season. been here 5 yr. all I have seen is Winter and Summer.

[aaronparx]

It is interesting to here opinions from others who have lived in the area. Thank you.

[jcourting]

I live in old southwest Reno, there are great affordable apartments in the area that are all within a 10 minute walk to downtown. I'd recommend any apartment complexes near Reno High School/ Idlewild Park... these tend to also be next to the river. Also, Smaller complexes that are close to downtown can be found on Plumas St, Arlington, California Ave, and Mt. Rose St. I would avoid places directly east and directly west of downtown due to potential crime rate. Anything north of downtown is next to the university which tends to be a hint more "unkept" compared to south of downtown.

[Biggest Little Drunk]

I'm not covering everything, just what I feel like. First, cheaper, newer apartments that are also safer (not yet ghetto-ized) are all over the Northwest. Second, so long as you don't live in our mini-ghetto's (Neil, Grove, Pat Baker, Robinhood) you'll be fine. Downtown is safe so long as you don't hang out at the Freight House and punch a football player or gang member. I understand your fear coming from a small town, but in a "big" town (Reno is actually the biggest little city or the mediumest medium city) just carry yourself more confidently and people won't mess with you. Heads up, make brief eye contact, say 'hi', walk away. There's lots to do here besides gamble and smoke meth. CommRow just opened and has a climbing wall. There are political causes like OccupyReno. Loads of social clubs. Bowling leagues. Art, theatre. The bigger a city becomes, the more diverse the clubs and interests. Writing clubs. Book clubs. Renaissance Club. S&M you name it. Reno also has loads of Californians, and they bring with them all their weird interests. Loads of outdoors activity too. Sparks may have more crime per capita, but that's probably because it has a greater poor percentage than Reno which has higher income folks who drive shiny BMW's around the south of town. I'm from a big city, and Reno is like Disneyland to me as far as safety, but I guess it's all relative.