nevada49 (Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs: homes, construction, gated community)

[nevada49]

I am looking for a nice 55+ community in the Reno/Sparks area; does anyone live in one of these master-plan communities and could let me know how it is. Also, how is the weather in the winter?
eileen in connecticut

[laurazhivago]

Those in the southwest part of the city are good.
The winters are about 30-40 degrees with 15-20 at night. The problem is they do nothing for the roads in the winter so they're icy, dangerous, and full of stupid CA SUV drivers who go 60 mph and slide all over the place. Avoid McCArran blvd in the winter, it's a nightmare.

[nevada49]

Thanks for the posting. I am looking to move from a crowded area, with traffic congestion, unending road reconstruction and various other problems. Will be retiring in a couple of years and want a complete change. Mostly, want a place with pleasant weather (not necessarily hot all year, like Southern Nevada, Arizona, Florida), manageable traffic, convenient to shopping and so on. Looking mostly at master plan communities with recreational facilities. Your info was helpful - I may look to go a little more outside of Reno area, maybe Fernley. Eileen in CT.

[jwaters943]

You should check out Double Diamond which is a master-planned community comprised of several "villages" in South Reno. They have a gated 55+ community called Miner's Village that's about 3-5 years old. It's a really nice area with lots of landscaped walking trails and a plethora of shopping opportunities 5-15 minutes away. In fact, it's pretty much half way between the regions two main shopping malls/areas (Meadowood Mall & Summit Sierra).

Another development worth checking out is in D'Andrea Ranch in Sparks, NV. I believe the name of the 55+ community is Toscana. The homes are very nice and it is also a gated community with a HUGE clubhouse. The D'Andrea master-planned community also has a golf course and additional clubhouse with a restaurant on top of the hill (with views of all of Reno & Sparks) and a nice shopping center with Safeway, Starbucks, Blockbuster, a few restaurants, etc. A short 10 minute drive away they are building lots more stores and restaurants (Costco, Johnny Carino's, Chili's, Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, etc.)

Wingfield Springs in Sparks (technically Spanish Springs) is another area worth looking into. I don't think they have a 55+ community, but the area is VERY beautiful and tranquil, but be aware it is a good 6-7 miles from the nearest freeway access/hospital.

Either way, I would steer clear of Fernley/Fallon unless you really are after a rural feel and a slightly cheaper price. These areas are going quickly, but the planning has been very poor and there is really only one way in and out of these towns. If there is an accident, snow storm, etc. it can turn into a nightmare just to get home. On top of that, you will need to drive into Reno/Sparks if you have to shop for anything other than the basics.