Reno, Nevada, boasts a huge variety of benefits for residents, making it an enjoyable and adventurous city to reside in. With a smaller area and economy than its famous neighbor Las Vegas, Reno provides an exciting, colorful place to live that’s less expensive and crowded, making it ideal for investing in real estate and settling down with your family. Those who appreciate the outdoors, as well as the arts and culture, can indulge in Reno’s numerous attractions, including museums, theaters, parks, and restaurants. 

If you’re interested in living in Reno, explore the city’s top 10 neighborhoods and all they have to offer. We’ve used criteria like proximity to city attractions, quality of school districts, and affordability to compile this list for you to explore.

1. Midtown

The Midtown district is one of Reno’s most elaborate and unique areas. It can be the perfect place to live for residents who want a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining and recreational options. Aside from retail and dining choices, the neighborhood is also home to many health and wellness services, such as crystal shops, beauty studios, and medical practices that keep residents feeling and looking great. For residents looking for a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, the business of Midtown may be a drawback.

For ideas about how to enjoy your time in Midtown, Reno, consider these neighborhood attractions:

• The Savage Mystic Gallery: This art gallery acts as a sanctuary for fine arts, showcasing beautiful pieces from a huge array of artists. The Savage Mystic Gallery also hosts monthly events, so you can visit the gallery for a special night out with planned activities.
• Local Beer Works: With a massive variety of craft beers and ales, Local Beer Works can be a great location for any beer lover. The bar offers unique options on tap and hosts special events, such as Paint and Sip nights, that provide entertainment along with cool drinks.
• Brasserie Saint James: This rustic venue boasts a delicious menu that uses natural ingredients and spring water to ensure each dish is phenomenal. It also offers beer and cocktails for adult diners, many of which are brewed in-house.

2. Old Southwest 

Aside from its lovely homes and common areas, the Old Southwest neighborhood is home to numerous dogs, as many residents are dog owners. The neighborhood provides a walkable community with several benefits, including easy access to restaurants and entertainment venues. Its breathtaking architecture dates back centuries and adds to its charm. Residents can also participate in street festivals and other events to stay engaged and entertained. As Old Southwest has quick access to many Reno attractions, a drawback to living here could be the possibility of high foot traffic from tourists.

Here are a few top attractions in Old Southwest: 

• Nevada Museum of Art: The art museum has an extensive collection of exhibits that offer visitors the chance to appreciate unique art and explore different cultural movements. There are also scheduled special events, making it perfect for an exciting night out.
• Idlewild Park: Idlewild Park is another of Reno’s beautiful outdoor spaces, located just outside of the Old Southwest neighborhood. With barbecues, basketball and horseshoe courts, and playgrounds, there’s something for everyone at this community gathering space.
• Truckee Meadow Valley: A striking view of the mountains awaits at this park. With hiking trails, relaxation areas, and a nature study area, single residents and families can enjoy some fresh air and engaging activities.

3. Downtown Reno

Downtown Reno sits at the heart of the city and offers a bustling center of activity that hosts countless attractions. With such close proximity to Las Vegas, visitors and residents can appreciate the many casinos and opportunities for gaming that involve lower foot traffic, offering optimal fun. With an average rent of $1,120 per month  and options as low as $600 per month, there’s a home in Downtown Reno to fit every budget. The average size of an affordable apartment in this neighborhood is 474 square feet. 

One drawback to this neighborhood for residents who are not interested in gambling is its potential drawback for casino traffic, as they’re right nearby.

Here are some of Downtown Reno’s most exciting attractions:

• Reno Arch: The Reno Arch is a dazzling architectural fixture with hundreds of bright, colorful light bulbs that welcome you to the downtown area. It extends a warm welcome with the prominent words, “RENO The Biggest Little City in the World.”
• Reno Riverwalk: The Reno Riverwalk provides numerous opportunities to take a break for some enjoyment or grab a bite to eat. The district has restaurants, parks, art installations, and shops that can be exciting for people of all ages.
• Truckee River Whitewater Park: If you enjoy outdoor activities and swimming, you may be excited about the Truckee River Whitewater Park, a half-mile stretch of drop pools that allow swimming, tubing, rafting, and kayaking. With rules about floatation devices and helmets, the park also keeps visitors safe to ensure a great day on the water.

4. Northwest Reno

Nestled between the downtown area of Reno and the border of California, Northwest Reno can be a paradise for nature and nightlife lovers. There are countless dining and retail options, as well as exciting recreation opportunities, so you’ll never be bored living here. Many residents also appreciate the highly walkable infrastructure and the quietness of the neighborhood, and dog owners delight in the animal-friendly atmosphere. For residents with families, there are multiple schools nearby where children can learn and make friends. A possible drawback to this neighborhood is the potential for crime, as it’s a highly populated area.

Here are a few highly popular attractions in Northwest Reno: 

• Boomtown Casino and Hotel: This resort offers hundreds of rooms and many options for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. There’s also a Fun Center for children, allowing the whole family to enjoy their time at Boomtown.
• Flowing Tide Pub: With an impressive wraparound window view of Reno, this pub is a great location for a night of dining and games. Visitors can enjoy happy hours and daily specials to suit their preferences, and there’s also a players club for those who want to engage in gaming activities.
• Chop 40: Chop 40 is a local family restaurant founded by a father and son. Its menu offers a variety of options for both adventurous diners and those who prefer classic favorites, catering to a wide range of tastes.

5. South Reno

South Reno is a bustling neighborhood that sits near other popular communities, providing access to many community amenities that make living in the area great. There are countless shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation areas nearby, while the neighborhood itself is calm and rural, making it an ideal living place for families and single residents. One potential drawback to this setting, however, is the fact that you may be more susceptible to high snow during the winter. The neighborhood provides numerous entertainment options, allowing you to have a thrilling night out without having to travel too far from your home.

Here are some entertainment options you can explore in South Reno: 

• Wolf Run Golf Club: This expansive golf course organizes events and competitions that can engage golfers of all levels. It also has dining options, serving breakfast and lunch at The Grill.
• National Bowling Stadium: This facility is a massive bowling paradise, with 78 lanes and a special Kingpin Club with a full bar and HD televisions.
• Wild Island Family Adventure Park: If you have children, they’ll love the Wild Island Family Adventure Park, which contains a water park, bowling lanes, go-karts, laser tag, and more.

6. Caughlin Ranch

Caughlin Ranch is a 2,300-acre community that’s close to both the downtown area of Reno and the Sierra Mountains, making it an intersection of nature and culture. The neighborhood is home to numerous parks, ponds, and stunning landscaping, which combine to create a beautiful living environment. With the current lowest rent price at $3,100 per month, Caughlin Ranch can be ideal for residents looking for a luxury living option in Reno. However, the high rent can also be considered a drawback to the area.

Here are a few events and locations in Caughlin Ranch that residents can enjoy: 

• Concerts on the Green: In July, the Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association hosts outdoor concerts accompanied by food trucks and other vendors for the perfect night out.
• Caughlin Ranch Trail: The Caughlin Ranch Trail offers multiple hiking routes suitable for people with different skill levels. The trail features beautiful flowers, impressive trees, and breathtaking views of the surrounding wildlife.
• Caughlin Crest Park: Residents of Reno can enjoy a beautiful outdoor area in this park. It features tables and benches where you can relax, as well as a playground for children.

7. ArrowCreek

ArrowCreek is a private community that offers many amenities to its residents. This includes swimming pools, fitness equipment, bocce courts, and outdoor areas for barbecues and picnics. With a Residents’ Center and scheduled events, you’ll find something to do in the neighborhood, no matter your interests. The average rent for an apartment in ArrowCreek is $4,500 per month right now, which may be a drawback to living in the neighborhood. You can also use a rent affordability calculator to determine whether the apartments in ArrowCreek fit your budget.

Here are some of the most exciting features of this neighborhood: 

• Hiking Trails: ArrowCreek has multiple hiking trails that weave through the neighborhood and showcase its natural beauty and popular common areas.
• The Club: This is a country club that contains lavish swimming pools, covered cabanas, golf, and spaces that residents can rent for private events.
• Bocce and Pickleball: Within The Club, you’ll find various courts where you can enjoy a game of bocce ball, pickleball, or tennis with family and friends.

8. Somersett

Somersett is a beautiful neighborhood that provides two options for living: Brae Retreat, a gated community of private homes, and The Cliffs, a group of homes with downtown and mountain views. Apartments in Somersett currently range from $2,600 per month to $3,695 per month. This can be considered a drawback for residents on a tighter budget. However, residents can still enjoy the economic benefits of living in Reno, including lower prices than the national average for transportation, goods, and services.

The neighborhood offers various attractions and amenities, such as: 

• The Club at Town Center: At The Club at Town Center, residents can enjoy restaurants, media rooms, and studios for activities such as video gaming, aerobics, and arts and crafts.
• Somersett Golf & Country Club: The neighborhood’s country club offers multiple golf courses, as well as a place to eat called The Grille.
• Somersett Trails: With over 20 hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty, Somersett’s hiking trails can provide an engaging day out for nature lovers of all ages.

9. Damonte Ranch

Damonte Ranch is a breathtaking community situated on lush ranch land with a striking view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Aside from its countless amenities and activities for residents, this neighborhood has a strong sense of community and prioritizes charitable events to support organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. One aspect to consider, however, is the rarity of public transportation, as this neighborhood sits further outside of the center of the city.

Here are a few of the most exciting amenities in Damonte Ranch: 

• Magic Carpet Mini Golf: Residents with children can delight in visiting this mini golf course, located just outside the neighborhood. As the largest mini golf course in Reno, this attraction has unique sculptures and creative holes to keep the entire family entertained.
• Tamarack Casino: This casino sits right on the border of Damonte Ranch and has a huge array of gaming and dining options, making it perfect for a special night out on the town right in the neighborhood’s backyard.
• Reno Aces: The Reno Aces are located nearby, so you can easily bring your loved ones to catch a game whenever the team is playing in town.

10. Montreux

Montreux is a lavish neighborhood close to Lake Tahoe and Reno’s lively downtown area. The neighborhood provides gated security and a homeowners association that works to improve and maintain the community’s high standards of living. The average rent for an apartment in Montreux is currently $4,850 per month. As this is highly above the average cost of rent, many consider this a con to living in the area. However, with many units equipped with luxurious amenities such as in-unit laundry and dishwashers, this neighborhood offers great options for a comfortable living space.

If you’re interested in living in Montreux, you can look forward to these attractions in the neighborhood:

• Montreux Golf & Country Club: This expansive club hosts an 18-hole golf course and various other amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a clubhouse.
• Hiking Trails: Montreux is closely connected to the Tahoe National Forest, providing its residents access to stunning hiking trails that they can explore by car or bicycle.
• Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: Although not located directly in the neighborhood, Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is just a quick 15-minute drive from Montreux. This ski resort hosts a variety of events and offers multiple slopes for skiers to explore and enjoy.

Final thoughts

These are some of the top neighborhoods in Reno, each with unique benefits that make living there a great choice. With fun attractions that appeal to all interests, Reno is a wonderful place to call home for almost anyone. Learn more about Reno and its impressive neighborhoods and join the community of the “Biggest Little City in the World.”

The post The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Reno, NV appeared first on The Zumper Blog.