Rancho Haven? (Reno, Sparks: house, neighborhoods, purchase)

[FoxWest]

We are looking for a small amount of land to purchase now with the intent of building after I retire in the next 2-3 years. So far, Rancho Haven/Rio Rancho are the most appealing areas. Can anyone provide their opinion regarding the weather, "personality" of those communities, access to services, pros/cons to living 30 minutes from Reno etc. ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated as I can't find much info on the internet!
Thank you in advance!

[utsci]

Although maybe 30 minutes from Reno (in good weather) there isn't much out in Rancho Haven, except homes. We have some friends who live out there. From the few times we've been out to their house it seems to me that homes are on pretty large lots (10+ acres), far apart, and there's a lot of dirt road out there. On the other hand, they talk about how they get together with the nearest neighbors to pitch in to have their road graded in the Spring, one guy down the road has a plow to get everyone out on snowy days, and I do know that our friends are always prepared to be snowed in for a few days during the winter. Not sure what the elevation is out there, but there are a few days each winter that the wife can not make it into work in Lemmon Valley, in a normal snow winter. The last couple of years have been really dry though.

It's quite a ways to the nearest amenities. I can't remember passing anything on the way out there once you get away from Hwy 395. I'm sure there are gas stations with mini-marts. And maybe a feed/hardware store. But it would be a place that you would want to be self sufficient in some ways. Medical care is not close either. Although we do have Care Flight here that will fly you into Reno in an emergency.

[FoxWest]

Thanks for that info! It is advertised as "horse property" for the most part. I have found lots from 2 1/2 to 10 acres in my search. We have no problem being a little removed from civilization, but you did answer the question of emergency medical care. When we drove around out there that was one of my pressing concerns- its distance from Reno would make for a long ambulance ride!
I was also curious as to well and septic installation in that rocky desert environment, never having had to deal with either. I have read that there are areas of N Nevada that have questionable water quality due to mining and industrial waste.

I was incorrect in my original post. I understand the area is called Rancho Haven/Sierra Rancho(s). I am in Northern California and able to easily make day trips to the area and am hoping to do a few long weekends to really get a feel for the Reno/Sparks neighborhoods.

I welcome any and all suggestions and information!