Article: Reno reborn: The biggest little city goes farm-to-fork in style (Sparks: apartment, rental)

[DianeV]

Nice article about Reno from the San Jose Mercury News:
Reno reborn: The biggest little city goes farm-to-fork in style - San Jose Mercury News

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by DianeV

Nice article about Reno from the San Jose Mercury News:
Reno reborn: The biggest little city goes farm-to-fork in style - San Jose Mercury News

It sure is! Too bad we can't get the state to give some money to local farmers and ranchers so that those industries can be encouraged, I would prefer that over giving millions to the likes of Apple

[bigdave01]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

It sure is! Too bad we can't get the state to give some money to local farmers and ranchers so that those industries can be encouraged, I would prefer that over giving millions to the likes of Apple

Ehhh there are plenty of farm subsidies already.

[nyctc7]

As a newcomer (from NYC) to downtown Reno, it is a nice place to live, but still has a ways to go. The shopping downtown is poor, there isn't even a supermarket, the closest being around a 3/4 mile walk (Keystone Square). Other than a few convenience stores, there's no place to shop for food or hardware or clothes. So it is still a place where having a car is important, a short drive to the strip malls (which as an urban dweller I'm supposed to disdain, but I like strip malls) or one of the indoor malls and you can get whatever you like. The bus system is extensive, but they don't run very often, except for the Rapid on Virginia Ave.

I still see that several businesses struggle downtown, the foot traffic is generally pretty light. Even several of the tourist shops in the heart of the casino district are shuttered. By the McDonalds on Virginia, it is seedy, with a crappy weekly/monthly hotel, and shuttered motels with no indication they will be redeveloped anytime soon. Of course if you are from a city like San Francisco or NY it hardly seems really bad or dangerous, but by small city standards it is not so great.

Riverwalk is great, but is a tiny area. It's where the high-rise condos are, and is clean and well maintained. But again, while there are some good restaurants and bars and nightlife, decent shopping requires a car or a bus ride.

And I wish there were more rental apartment buildings. It's like you have a choice between renting (or buying) a condo or living in a downscale apartment, there isn't a lot in between, like in a bigger city. Of course with a car, you have many more choices. But I want to live in an urban setting, not a suburban one.

[Hotfeet]

Originally Posted by nyctc7

As a newcomer (from NYC) to downtown Reno, it is a nice place to live, but still has a ways to go. ....... But I want to live in an urban setting, not a suburban one.

I can see how coming from NYC with a metro population of 19.9 million, to Reno-Sparks with a metro population of 425,000 may cause you to miss a few things. But if you live long enough, we may eventually have a population of 500,000

[owelles]

Originally Posted by Hotfeet

I can see how coming from NYC with a metro population of 19.9 million, to Reno-Sparks with a metro population of 425,000 may cause you to miss a few things.

And to some of us, 425,000 is far preferable to 19.9 million.

[nyctc7]

Originally Posted by owelles

And to some of us, 425,000 is far preferable to 19.9 million.

Once you live in a more laid-back setting, it's hard to go back to the hurly-burly of NYC, especially as one grows older! I pretty much came here to retire, and so far, so good. I think it was a good choice. It did take a while to get the casinos out of my system, and for about a year that destroyed the cheaper cost of living factor. But I'm quite over that now.

What is it about urban living that I like?

Well, as I said, I am very used to life without a car, I never have to think about parking, insurance, repairs, the price of a gallon of gas, or getting a DUI.

I am very used to walking a short (or very short) distance if I suddenly need a soda, a pack of cigarettes, or something to eat. Having a few at the bar and not worrying about a DUI.

But NYC in my opinion is no longer worth the price of admission, unless you are young and just have to give it a try, or you are wealthy, or you have a paid-off home or co-op/condo apartment (or some super cheap rent stabilized apartment you have been living in for decades). I am none of those things.

I currently live in the Riverwalk District and like it very much, except for the lack of shopping, but with so much you can buy on the internet, it's not a huge problem, though I still wish there was a major supermarket within short walking distance. The Great Basin Food co-op is fine for fresh veggies and fruit, but it is not nearly the same as having a full-fledged supermarket.

I like the high desert climate--I HATE humidity, NYC in the summer is AWFUL.

Best Hot Dog: Lucky Dawg Hot Dogs | "Get Lucky by the Truckee"

Best Pizza: Campo's margherita pizza http://camporeno.com/

[Bruce Jackpot]

Any new developments away from the gambling/casino/alcohol culture in Reno is great news.

The Reno area has always seemed ripe for a local arts scene. It seems to fit the blueprint. The bright lights of the casino's, mountains surrounding the modest sized city, Tahoe nearby, and plenty of local old west history in the area. The area has character.

I'm not an arts expert of aficionado but Reno/Carson City and the surrounding areas just feel like a ripe underrated setting for an arts community. I find immense beauty in the area and some aspiring artists I'm sure feel immense potential.