New to Reno & Westcoast (Sparks: apartments, leasing, credit)

[Durgashankar]

Hi all,

I am an international grad student from the University of Florida who graduated recently. I am originally from India. I have been offered a position with Arrow Electronics, Reno, NV.

The only place i have lived in the US is in Florida and have hardly been to the west-coast except for a couple of job interviews. I will be relocating to Reno for this job and need advise on relocation and Reno in general.

1. I am looking for an apartment (1BR/Studio) in the price range of 500-600/month in Reno, NV within reasonable driving distance (<25 miles) of the company located at Maestro Drive, Reno. All the more better if the apt is closer to grocery stores and public transportation routes. Do apt complexes look for credit history ?

2. Please advice on the places to stay away from in Reno. Is the city largely safe ? Any Do's and Don'ts ?

3. I might also purchase a car and would like to know any specific places that offer decent deals on new vehicles. (Deals for students would be great ! I am under 24 ). My current options are Toyota/Nissan/Honda, intermediates/compacts.

4. Insight into the nightlife, weekend hang-outs and other interests would be very useful.

5. Please suggest any specific clothing, gear and precautions to keep in mind while coming over to Reno. Being used to Florida weather conditions I hardly need to purchase winter clothing, but all that is going to change I guess !

Sorry for the long post ! Looking forward to your comments !!

Durga

[.highnlite]

...

Originally Posted by Durgashankar

Hi all,



1. I am looking for an apartment (1BR/Studio) in the price range of 500-600/month in Reno, NV within reasonable driving distance (<25 miles) of the company located at Maestro Drive, Reno. All the more better if the apt is closer to grocery stores and public transportation routes. Do apt complexes look for credit history ?

The core of town, whether Reno or Sparks is a bit run down, the new areas on the outer rim are much better.

2. Please advice on the places to stay away from in Reno. Is the city largely safe ? Any Do's and Don'ts ?

Locals don't go downtown much, sometimes for special events and shows.. If you are excessively fond of gambling Nevada is not a good place to be. The city is basically safe, as long as you aren't drunk and stupid at 2:00 AM

3. I might also purchase a car and would like to know any specific places that offer decent deals on new vehicles. (Deals for students would be great ! I am under 24 ). My current options are Toyota/Nissan/Honda, intermediates/compacts.

Stay away from Kietzke,, is the general rule, as the dealers there are often more pricy than outlying areas.

4. Insight into the nightlife, weekend hang-outs and other interests would be very useful.

Tahoe, camping in the Sierra and the desert. Pyramid Lake will amaze you.

5. Please suggest any specific clothing, gear and precautions to keep in mind while coming over to Reno. Being used to Florida weather conditions I hardly need to purchase winter clothing, but all that is going to change I guess !

It is always nice to have four wheel drive for those 6 days you need it in the winter. other than that, it is a comfortable town, if you like the out of doors it is one of America's top towns.

Sorry for the long post ! Looking forward to your comments !!

Durga

[Durgashankar]

Thank you so much ! My primary concern is getting a 1BR for 500-600. The company is in the south side. So if you have heard of any apts in that range nearby, do let me know.
I don gamble but love to party. Kind of scary when you say locals stay away from downtown....hmmm....

[.highnlite]

I do not know rental prices at all, so cannot help.

Locals don't stay away from downtown because it is unsafe, but because it is tourist oriented casino hotels, not much to do there but spend money with little hope of recompense.

I am sure there are tons of clubs for the young crowd. I have always been fond of a beer at Great Basin Brewery along with live guitar type music.

[30STM]

Downtown is were most of the HIPSTERS and young people will go out. There is a lot of entertainment both at hotels and local venues. It's not all tourists like another person posted. Being young and hip myself, I go there a great deal an so do MOST young people who are looking for entertainment.

You will have no prob finding a one bed under 600. check out apartments.com apartmentguide.com craigslist.org and forrent.com

Carson which is a 1/2 hour south is your best bet for buying/ leasing a car.

Winters are dry so not that frig cold you get in the east coast. Loads of shopping in Reno so you will have no prob. finding winter wear that is affordable and fashionable.

If you need more info about the social life in Reno you can DM me anytime.

[braindead0]

And make sure to come back and update, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the differences between Florida and Reno culture. I'd think you may have some interesting observations.

[.highnlite]

Downtown is were most of the HIPSTERS

Are there people who self identify as Hipsters?

The term Hipster always seemed to me to be slightly derogatory.

When I think of a hipster, I think of a shirt unbuttoned to the waist, gold chains, coke spoon, maybe a cowboy hat with a big pheasant feather, tight pants. and for Reno, hand tooled cowboy boots.

[Durgashankar]

am glad to hear all that has been said....thank you much ! yes, am sure there will be quite a few cultural differences from Florida that will stand out....i have enjoyed FL thus far and hope NV is just as good...!!