Moving to the area soon, need some current info (Reno: rentals, house)

[rmm64]

Hello all,
First, let me say thanks to all who post to these forums. Your responses have been an invaluable resource for REAL information about actual life in the area.
I was offered a job in Truckee, but the cost of living there seems far too high for my budget so I'm looking at living in the Reno area and commuting daily. Plus the job may relocate to Carson City come spring/summer, so Reno seemed like a good compromise economically and geographically. We're coming from western Colorado so the climate seems comparable to what we're used to (hot summers, mild winters.) I'm hoping everyone can give me some up-to-date info (as of 10/07) of the area. So let me get to my questions.

Living in Reno: We're a family of 5 with kids 12, 9 and 1, so we'll need at least a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, preferably a house, and have pets (1 dog, 1 cat, both house trained.) Housing costs (renting) seem semi-reasonable ($1,000-$1,500/mo) thanks to the recent housing slump and most seem pet friendly (o/a). After searching current rentals in the Reno Gazette-Journal , the schools, etc., we're looking at the NW area, north of I-80, west of N. McCarran Blvd. It seems to be a nicer area and would make my commute easier being on the west side. Are there any other sources available online besides the RGJ & the Appeal that locals advertise in?

How is this area for family living? Schools? Crime? How are utilities/services? What's the common cooling system used? Here we have swamp coolers because of the low humidity, but there, a lot of the classifieds list A/C. Is that a mislabeling of swamp coolers or do most places use true plug-in-the-wall, hang-out-the-window air conditioners?
I'll also be needing hi-speed internet because of my work. Currently going through our local cable company with basic expanded tv (no premium channels) and 8 Mb/s cable internet which runs about $90/mo. Charter Communications seems to be the main cable provider in the area, but can't get any rates without having an address. Can someone clue me in on their rates, packages & service? Also, anyone know if they have Usenet/newsgroups access?

The commute: The area above seems to have good access to I-80. How is the interstate during the winter months? I saw something about a Mt. Rose bypass when I-80 closes, which route is that? When closures happen, how long do they typically last? How is DOT about keeping it plowed? De-iced? How heavy is traffic M-F? I have a 4x4 truck and am used to winter driving so just want to know how bad it gets and how often. Also how is the cell coverage between Reno & Truckee? I'm currently on T-Mobile and will most likely stay with them after the move.

Local recreation/entertainment: We're not big gamblers, so don't care much about that, but am excited about the abundance of concerts, shows, activities, etc. It seems there's always someone performing someplace in the Reno/Tahoe area or some big event/celebration going on. How difficult is it to get good seats? Crowds? Prices? Tahoe also seems beautiful and a short drive. How's it during the summer months for water fun?

Prices: How are current grocery prices (i.e. a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, etc.)? And can someone explain the rubber ball gas prices? 2 weeks ago we were in the $2.80/gal range and you were down in the $2.60's, now it's reversed, our lowest local price is $2.65/gal and yours is $2.89/gal???? WTH?

Employment: The wife will be wanting to get a PT job, how is the local employment? Pay? She'll just be wanting a regular, non-skillled job (service, retail, etc.) The casinos seem to have tons of openings but eventually she would like to start school to be a nurse, so something in the medical field would be nice from a "foot in the door" experience angle.

We're also hoping to make trips to Cali and the coast over the summer. I have a son that lives near Santa Rosa and would like to visit him and visit the beach while there. It seems to be about 6-7 hour drive, is that about right?

Sorry this is so long, just want to get as much info as possible to make good decisions and be ready when we move out. I'm looking at coming out sometime early/mid November to find a place, then coming back to CO to pack up the house and move the family out. Any help everyone can give is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!
rmm

[kel_be]

rmm,
My husband and I are in the process of moving from CA to NV in December. I've found this site & craigslist to be a great resource!

I've found some nice rentals for the $900-1000 for a 3 bdrm./1+ ba. with pets OK!

From the trips I've made to Reno from Santa Rosa (when I lived there), it took about 4 hours. Traffic on 37, 101, 80, etc being a factor. And in my opinion, the section from Truckee to NV is kinda hairy at night. Lots of turns, and it's difficult when you don't drive that section very often.

Also, look at craigslist for job ideas. I've checked daily to get an idea on requirements & pays.

I can't give you any food or gas prices. Comparing them to the SF Bay Area, they are dirt cheap!

I've been told that NV is dry heat, hence the A/C units.

Good luck with your move!

[redwhiteblue]

[quote=rmm64;1675282]Hello all,
First, let me say thanks to all who post to these forums. Your responses have been an invaluable resource for REAL information about actual life in the area.


Hi rmm64,
I am new to the Reno area but I can tell you what i have seen and experienced so far. We live in NW Reno and find it to be a very nice commute for going to work in Truckee. I can't say it's my favorite area in Reno/Sparks but there are some very nice neighborhoods. You are close to many grocery stores (sorry don't pay attention to the food prices) as well as easy access to I80. It seems to be windier in the NW but only occasionally is it really annoying, and while it was hot this summer I loved having that constant breeze.
I believe the a/c units are not swamp coolers for the most part. The summer do get hot enough for a/c but it does cool off at night and is very pleasant.
Regarding cell coverage in Truckee and between Truckee and Reno we have found that a lot of people that work in Truckee and live in Reno have Verizon, their reception seems to be the best.
That is one thing we like is the variety of things/shows to go do.

Good luck on your move!

[rmm64]

Thanks for the replies so far. Hope to see a few more people chime in with a few more details.

Also, it seems my potential job was put on a temporary hold while management decides whether to go ahead relocating the position now rather than later, so I may end up going to Carson City sooner than anticipated. To me that opens up other possibilities of locating to Carson or Dayton instead of Reno (seems much cheaper in those areas anyway.) I should (hopefully) find out this week where I'll end up.

Keep on bringin the info. Thanks again!
rmm

[rmm64]

A little update. The job I'm moving for has been moved into our Carson City office, so I'll be moving into that area instead of Reno. After looking through The Appeal, rents seem to be lower out in the Dayton/Gardnerville areas. I'm starting the new job on 11/19 and am hoping to find suitable housing by the end of the month and move in the beginning of December. I know that's over the Thanksgiving holiday but am trying to remain optimistic given how the rental market seems to be now.

Also, cable internet access will be a priority for me. Is that available in Dayton and/or Gardnerville, or are those areas too remote? Charter Communications seems to be the main cable provider, correct?

So with that in mind, can anyone offer their opinions of these 2 areas? How are the schools, neighborhoods, shopping, etc. Can anyone offer any rental agencies or would I be better off looking for a private owner? Let's hear your thoughts, both positive and negative.

Much thanks and be seeing you soon!

[garth]

Let's see if I can help a little.

Originally Posted by rmm64

After looking through The Appeal, rents seem to be lower out in the Dayton/Gardnerville areas. I'm starting the new job on 11/19 and am hoping to find suitable housing by the end of the month and move in the beginning of December.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with the area, so let me give a little overview. First, Dayton and Gardnerville are two diferent areas. If we can assume that Carson City is at the intersection of US50E (an e/w hwy) and US395 (a n/s hwy), Dayton is east of Carson out US50E. Gardnerville is south of Carson City on S395.

When you're headed out US50E to Dayton, you will exit Carson City, pass some small industrial areas along the road, not master-planned in appearance, eventually pass some brothels near Moundhouse, pass the turnoff for Virginia City, and evenually enter Dayton.

Dayton has some nice new housing, some are on golf courses and a few are built on a private airport with airplane garages at each house, but it's not a very developed town. People moved out there because it was cheaper than buying in Tahoe, Carson, Minden and Gardnerville. It's also the kind of area where the jackrabbits carry canteens as a way of describing the surrounding environment.

To get to Gardnerville, you will head south out of Carson City on US395. You will pass the WalMart, Target, Home Depot, Trader Joes shopping area as you enter Douglas County. Continuing south through some open space ranching areas with cattle in the fields (~10 mles), you will eventually enter Minden. The speed limit, which was 65 mph, will drop down to 25 mph in the towns.

Continuing at 25 mph you will drive through Minden and then enter Gardnerville. They are like twin towns. There is no seperation between them along US395.

That gets you to the two places.

Let me add something about Gardnerville. There is an area called the Gardnerville Ranchos at the far south end of Gardnervile. It is a seperate MSA from Gardnerville/Minden. If you're looking at inexpensive rentals, that may be the area you're thinking about. If you PM me with an address, I can look it up and determine if it's in the Ranchos.

The thing about The Ranchos is that it can be spotty. Some of it is older, some of it as smaller housing, some of it has nice housing on the outskirts of it, and much of the housing are held as rentals. It is also adjacent to the Indian reservation, which has some economic and social challenges, although it tends to stayon the reservation.

There are other areas down there that go under the name of "Gardnerville." Some are more rural, some are in town, and some are expensive (Chambers Field area). So, there will be some variations on your environment.

You will also have three grocery stores at the south end of Gardnerville. You'll have easy access to each of them. However, if you want to go to the Super WalMart, you'l have to head back to the north end of Douglas County, through Gardnerville and then MInden, to get to it.

I can't give the same kind of description for the Daton area. I've been out there a few times, but the area didn't meet my needs or expectations. Perhaps there's someone from the Dayton area who can help.

Also, cable internet access will be a priority for me. Is that available in Dayton and/or Gardnerville, or are those areas too remote? Charter Communications seems to be the main cable provider, correct?

Yes, Charter is the cable provider and their local office is in Gardnerville. I have cable internet through them, but I'm in Minden. I wouldn't expect it to be any different in Garderville, or the Gardnerville Ranchos. I can't address Dayton.

So with that in mind, can anyone offer their opinions of these 2 areas? How are the schools, neighborhoods, shopping, etc. Can anyone offer any rental agencies or would I be better off looking for a private owner? Let's hear your thoughts, both positive and negative.

Pesonally, I wouldn't consider Dayton. I don't like it out there. I'm not into the desert and prefer being adjacent to the Sierra Nevada. I also don't care for the wind out there, which can be more severe than in other areas during the season.

I also prefer having a quick drive up the hill to Tahoe and quick drive into Carson City without being in the City. Dayton doesn't offer the easy access. That's why I selected Douglas County (Minden/Gardnerville/Genoa).

I also have no need for quick access to the amenities provided in Moundhouse and didn't like the view driving through the area to reach Dayton. I also found the shopping a little challenging out there as compared to Douglas County locations.

As for the schools, I can't help you with that. We don't have kids at home. Perhaps someone else has some insight for you.

Finally, how about considering Minden? It has a margionally better location than Gardnerville for your drive into Carson City and it's closer to the WalMart shopping area I previously described. You also won't be delayed by the 25 mph speed limit if you try to get down to Gardnerville.

The movie theater in town is also located at the north end of Minden along with some other nice restaurants. It seems like the nicer in-town develoments are occurring in north Minden. It often offers the opportunity to walk or bike to the movie or restaurant instead of driving.

As for housing areas to consider, think about the Winhaven tract (N Minden). You also may want to consider the Chichester tract (Gardnerville). Personally, I would stay out of any small rentals in the Gardnerville Ranchos, unless you're looking at something in a development called Pleasantview.

I happen to like the looks of the Winhaven tract. It has some park areas and I can't think of one home that's not in great condition.

As for rental agencies, Beverly Realty is probably the biggie in town that has most of the SFH rentals. The owners place them with her, for her to manage. I'm sure there's other ones in town, but that one comes to mind, first. If I can find a link to the agency, I will add it to my post.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I pop into the forum from time to time.

. . . and good luck on finding a place. Maybe we'll be in the same neihborhood if you consider Minden.

ON EDIT: Here's the link to Beverly Realty. BTW, I'm not recommending them, or not not recommending them. They're just one place in town that I know about.

[Card Shark 2]

Both are common commutes so you will be dealing with lots of traffic if you work 9-5.
It is easier to get to Dayton than Minden and a little less traffic. If you can afford to stay in Carson City that is best and the North or West is the best areas (I live here). Look on craigslist for rentals. There should be plenty because the housing market is down and people must rent their homes as it is hard to sell right now.
Make sure you rent a home in town on public water, dont go with a well (as NV water is not so good as it is a mining state).

Sharon

[rmm64]

Good info all. Much thanks. I'm sure I'll be able to better determine which area we'd prefer once I get there and can drive around and see the neighborhoods. I'll most likely start looking in Carson City and branch outwards from there in my search for a house.

I'm hoping someone with kids sees this thread and has some info on the schools in each location. You can only look up so much online and first-hand experience is obviously more insightful.

Please keep the comments/opinions coming.

[Jose Montara]

Schools are schools. What you want is a good teacher. And sadly, pretty much all schools and all teachers suck these days, not through any fault of their own, but due to the constraints of NCLB. An administrator visiting classrooms expects to see grade level teachers on the same subject, same page, same time, doesn't leave much room for curiosity or inspiration.
No Art,
No novels,
No PE,

In many schools, no Social Studies no Science unless that grade is tested on them. Not tested, not covered.

Sadly, your kids will suffer from that nefarious law.

[handitak]

Originally Posted by Jose Montara

Schools are schools. What you want is a good teacher. And sadly, pretty much all schools and all teachers suck these days, not through any fault of their own, but due to the constraints of NCLB. An administrator visiting classrooms expects to see grade level teachers on the same subject, same page, same time, doesn't leave much room for curiosity or inspiration.
No Art,
No novels,
No PE,

In many schools, no Social Studies no Science unless that grade is tested on them. Not tested, not covered.

Sadly, your kids will suffer from that nefarious law.

No art made me really sad when my kids started school here, along with the fact my sons elementary school doesn't even have a gym and they do phys ed only occassionally and they have to go in to the main hallway to do it!