Do you live in Reno? Info please!
 

I have been to Reno before, but it's been a while. I am curious about it. I like the high desert and it looks like the town is booming and growing at a fast rate.

Please answer only if you do live there, have recently lived there or have a real connection. No Reno 911 comments. ;)

How is the job market?
How are the schools?
Do you like living there?
Do you think real estate will come down?
Is it safe? (Would you park your 911 outside?)
What are the best parts of town for family life?

Thanks!

George

My Uncle lives there. I'll forward your comments in an e-mail and post the reply or PM you if you prefer.

Check out Las Cruces. It's nicer than Reno down here (warmer, too).

Otherwise, I have no comment...


http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/2...all_cxc114.jpg

A good friend of mine is a realtor in Reno and is the Chairman of the County "Planning Commission" . I've been down twice to stay with him this summer. The housing market there is currently in a "slump" and now is a good time to buy. He owns three houses just off the "Mt. Rose" Highway. This is where most of the new building is going on and it's a nice area. It set a little higher than town and is a little cooler.

The is also a lot recent building north of town just off the 395. From riding by, it looks like those houses are smaller, as are the lots. They have their little "rush-hour" issues, but nothing like Calif.

I can't comment on the schools, but be happy to put you in touch with my friend if you want to pm me.........

Las Cruces is a nice area. The Az and NM areas are full of nice small places where the climate is excellent and a good place to live.

I got the response from my Uncle. Unfortunately he's been away in Yosemite for a couple of weeks hence the delay...

Now to your poster's questions...

1) A accurate answer to the job market question would probably depend upon
what kind of job the individual was looking for. There are a lot of jobs to
be had in the hospitality industry, Reno being a casino town. However, Reno
also has a university, several large hospitals, some specialized research
establishments and is becoming a center for the warehousing/logistics
business, so other more specialized jobs are also available. The town is
also growing rapidly so there are jobs in construction, and as you are
talking about a Porsche discussion group I may add that my personal
impression is that good mechanics are thin on the ground here. My best
suggestion is that your contact try www.renotahoejobs.com

2) I can't tell you too much about the schools other than they don't appear
to measure up too well when the various surveys come out; rankings of drop
out rates across the country, for example. There are some parochial schools
that have something of a better reputation I believe, but not having kids I
haven't paid too much attention.

3) The place is ideal for outdoor types, with the Lake Tahoe region and the
Sierra close by and also, as your friend mentioned, the high desert. Nevada
has more public lands than any other state (something like 85%, I believe)
plus not far from town is the Pyramid Lake Indian reservation, which the
tribe is happy to allow access to for a nominal fee.

The town also has more cultural opportunities to offer than one would
expect, with a brand new art museum, an up and coming artist community, an
historical society / museum and a wealth of groups and clubs interested in
flowers, birds, archeology, hiking, etc.

Of interest to some is also the fact that there is no State Income Tax.

4) Reno is not immune to to the ups and downs of the housing market. It hit
a huge bubble not long ago and prices are now erroding somewhat. How far
they will go down, I don't know, but at the rate that people are moving
into the area I would suggest that a home is a good long term investment
here.

5) Like any large city, Reno (and the ajoining city, Sparks) we have our
gang dominated areas of town. These, however, are well known and easily
avoided. Most areas are very safe and comfortable. Ask around, avoid
bargain accommodation, and park the 911 on the street.

6) Reno/Sparks is growing outwards rapidly, very rapidly. There is not much
to choose between the various areas. I've opted for the south west
principally because it's a little greener and the air quality is a little
better, however making a choice based on schools, job location, view, the
"right" house, etc. would also be valid. Just avoid the known bad areas.


I hope that this helps.

Reno Nevada; So close to hell you can see Sparks.

Reno-Fernley racetrack is awesome.


KT

Great info there! Please send your uncle my thank you! I like everything he says, except the comments about the schools. It's not a surprise of course - I'll have to see if that is a deal breaker or not, before I pack up. ;)

Cheers, George

George, I have retired friends who live in Sparks, but they winter in Arid-Zona.

They love it there, Sparks...but since they can afford to "follow the sun", they do.

One caution they always give is that if you like to gamble, do NOT live in a casino town. Maybe this rule doesn't apply so much these days...with casinos & lottery games in every state.

Las Cruces, New Mexico???? Kidding the guy.... right?