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My husband and I are seriously looking at moving to the Reno area from north GA. I have a few questions I would love to have answered. We have a four year old daughter and I am a teacher. We are soooo sick of the Bible Belt and ready for a much more open minded environment, but want to live somewhere safe. Any suggestions on a good area for us? Also, close by elementary schools to work at? We know nothing of the area!!!!
It really depends on what you are looking for. The newer more suburban family-friendly areas are in the S and NW. If you want an older area with more character than I would choose old SW Reno.
Well, some suggestions for you in the Reno area would be the south part of the city. I'm thinking of the newer areas either side of the Mt. Rose Hwy and US 395 (Virginia Street) intersection.
Another option would be the north west part of Reno, which consists of the Somerset area. It's pretty new, although it has more than its fair share of investment property challanges. That may translate into good deals . . . maybe.
Then, there's Sparks. It's immediately to the east of Reno. When I say immediately, that means it's contiguous. In some ways you can't tell where one begins and the other ends.
There are some nice neighborhoods in the Sparks area. However, I have also seen some dumpy/questionable neighborhoods, so I recommend getting a Realtor to help you with the right neighborhoods, no matter what are you select.
Finally, I have a question for you. Is your desire for Reno based on the fact that you want to be in a bigger city/town, or are you just familiar with the name and are using it in a general way?
If you're just saying Reno because it's the only name you know, I would recommend that you take a look at a map and run your finger south on US 395 through Washoe Valley, Carson City, and end up in Minden/Gardnerville. People that have seen my posts on similar questions to yours were probably waiting for this recommendation, but it might make sense for you.
Douglas County (Minden/Gardnerville) in no way will compare with Reno for size and amount of things to do. However, it far exceeds Washoe County (Reno) and Carson City/County for safety. Just take a look at the stats pages on this site and you will see what I mean.
The housing will also be more expensive down here for something comparable up in Reno. There's a reason for that. It has to do with the cleanliness of the town and the safety of the environment. That equates to increased desirability for a lot of people and the increased prices.
Yet, we're still about 40 mintues to the big mall in the south end of Reno. For many, they've traded the rare increased drive-time to the mall for other things.
Those "other things" may be living in a rural-esque county where alfalfa fields surround your home, herds of cattle graze down the road, and bald eagles feed in the Spring. It's a pretty environment.
Each town (Minden/Gardnerville) has a population of about 2500-3000, each. The county totals somewhere around 50,000. So, we have pretty much everything you need for daily life, such as 3 supermarkets, 1 upper-end grocery store (you know, BMW's in the parking lot kind of place), poofie coffee house w/ internet access, Super Walmart, Best Buy, Trader Joes, and other such things. They're all located in Douglas County (Minden/Gardnerville).
There's a Chevrolet dealer in town for GM service. However, other car makes like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Ford, Dodge, Scion, and others will require a drive into Carson City. It'll be 10-15 mintues, depending on your location. To me, the apporpriate statement is, "big deal." 10-15 minutes is nothing.
I only mentioned these towns as an option for you. It might make even more sense if you consider the driving times in other big cities. It's not uncommon if you're coming from something like Atlanta, GA, or something similar, to still have a 40 minute drive to your destination in town. Traffic congestion and lights can often turn a short mile drive into a long time event. That brings a place like Minden/Gardnerville into perspective.
BTW, just about any place in Douglas County is about 20 minutes to the amenities in Lake Tahoe. We're just below that resort town. You have the big casinos and shows up there, water sports on the lake, and beaches for the kids to play on.
The only reason it takes 20 minutes to get to the lake is due to the speed limits around here. They're not 65-70. Try more like 25 in town and 45 outside of town.
Again, you may wish to be in a big city, but I wanted to open up the area to you. You may find it a viable option.
Oh, one last thing. Right now, the drive to the south end of Reno is primarily a US Highway and not a freeway. 395 turns into a highway once your reach Reno, and there's a little bit the scoots around Carson City. However, the remainder is being built. I don't have any confidence that it will be finished anytime in the next year or two, but it's in progess and should be open within the next 3-4 years.
The freeway will end in Carson City, but that's close enough for me for lots of reasons. It will take off a lot of time from a drive into Reno, if you have a need to go up there.
Otherwise, I'm sure you will get other great suggestions. I wish you luck in your search! Feel free to respond or DM me if you have any specific questions about Douglas County.
I agree that it depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. I think Spanish Springs is too far away from things that are important to me (activities for my kids, shopping, etc.) We live in southwest Reno (not old SW), and it has been so convenient. The schools we are zoned for have great reputations (Caughlin Ranch Elementary, Swope Middle, Reno High.) Everything is 10 minutes away. I have always felt safe and there has been no crime in our area to my knowledge. Let us know more about your situation so we can help you narrow it down.
We are soooo sick of the Bible Belt and ready for a much more open minded environment, but want to live somewhere safe.
I got to thinking after my last post about your other issue. Let me give you some background.
My wife and I traveled this county for almost two straight years looking at different places to settle, become a part of the community, and call it home. It included many places in the South, such as southern Missouri (midwest actually, I guess), Arkansas, Eastern Tennessee, and North Carolina. There were other midwestern states too.
Anyway, you will find a cultural difference, in terms of religious emphasis, between the South and much of the West. That's what we found.
Please don't misunderstand me. In no way do I find fault in the Southern religious emphasis. It's a cultural thing down there and it works well for them, but I didn't find it comfortable. I just couldn't get comfortable with the first or second question being, "What church do you go to," each and every time I met someone new, and then being judged on the answer. It even happened more than once with a real estate agent.
I have yet to find such a thing happeneing out here. That doesn't mean there are no church people in Douglas County. That would be an incorrect assumption. For example, in Douglas County there are the following chruches: Catholic, Lutheran-Mo. Synod, Presbyterian, Methodist, LDS, Baptist, and a variety of the non-denominational churches like you see in the South. It just seems like people go to chruch, or don't go to church, and then interact with each other the rest of the time without any emphasis on their religious leanings.
What I haven't seen are any new-age type activites in Douglas County. Then again, perhaps it's not something that's readily evident. However, if it were evident, I haven't heard of anyone chanting in circles, swinging crystals, or doing whatever is done in such groups.
I did see one old hippie-type person, a few years ago, sitting in the historic Virginia City (Lyon County) graveyard in front of some candles and chanting something. It was interesting, but such a historic and tourist-oriented place would likely attract all kinds of people, including that fellow.
I also don't know of a synagogue in Minden/Gardnerville. You'd probably need to go to Reno for a synagogue, but don't hold me to that. I might not know of something at the lake, or even in town for that matter.
Dougals County also tends to be a conservative county. It's a low tax county, lower than Washoe and Carson, which has a lot of old Ranching families still in possession of large ranching tracts.
That doesn't mean that people aren't open to others. What it means is that people tend to be more protective of the rural nature of the county and the tracts of land that have been in their families for generations. They're into conserving the nature that surrounds the town and not paying for a bloated County government.
Many people are also into outdoor activites around here. It will present itself in biking, fishing, hiking, soaring, and balooning. Some people are also into hunting and shooting sports, so if you head out into BLM land, don't be frightened by seeing people setting up for target practice. Remember, this is the rural West and some elements of the cowboy culture are still evident.
The car culture is also big throughout Douglas, Carson, and Washoe counties. There are car clubs that hold shows and there's a big event in August (Hot August Nights) that just fills up the entire region. It's especially big in Reno.
As for a good elementary school, there's a nice new one just off of Buckeye in Minden. Here's a link to the Douglas County School District. Click on the link, but here's another one that goes directly to the page for current job openings (http://www.dcsd.k12.nv.us/index.php?click1=careers&click2=joboppts - broken link) in the school district.
I hope that's helped a little. Again, good luck!
P.S. I looked for some pics I might have of the local schools, but I didn't find one. However, I'll leave you with a few pics of the town. The first two will be of one of the parks in town, the first is from this summer, the second is after a big snow in January. Remember, we are adjacent to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, so we so get snow. However, it's rare to get as much as you see in this pic. It's been a wet winter so far.
I got to thinking after my last post about your other issue. Let me give you some background.
My wife and I traveled this county for almost two straight years looking at different places to settle, become a part of the community, and call it home. It included many places in the South, such as southern Missouri (midwest actually, I guess), Arkansas, Eastern Tennessee, and North Carolina. There were other midwestern states too.
Anyway, you will find a cultural difference, in terms of religious emphasis, between the South and much of the West. That's what we found.
Please don't misunderstand me. In no way do I find fault in the Southern religious emphasis. It's a cultural thing down there and it works well for them, but I didn't find it comfortable. I just couldn't get comfortable with the first or second question being, "What church do you go to," each and every time I met someone new, and then being judged on the answer. It even happened more than once with a real estate agent.
I have yet to find such a thing happeneing out here. That doesn't mean there are no church people in Douglas County. That would be an incorrect assumption. For example, in Douglas County there are the following chruches: Catholic, Lutheran-Mo. Synod, Presbyterian, Methodist, LDS, Baptist, and a variety of the non-denominational churches like you see in the South. It just seems like people go to chruch, or don't go to church, and then interact with each other the rest of the time without any emphasis on their religious leanings.
What I haven't seen are any new-age type activites in Douglas County. Then again, perhaps it's not something that's readily evident. However, if it were evident, I haven't heard of anyone chanting in circles, swinging crystals, or doing whatever is done in such groups.
I did see one old hippie-type person, a few years ago, sitting in the historic Virginia City (Lyon County) graveyard in front of some candles and chanting something. It was interesting, but such a historic and tourist-oriented place would likely attract all kinds of people, including that fellow.
I also don't know of a synagogue in Minden/Gardnerville. You'd probably need to go to Reno for a synagogue, but don't hold me to that. I might not know of something at the lake, or even in town for that matter.
Dougals County also tends to be a conservative county. It's a low tax county, lower than Washoe and Carson, which has a lot of old Ranching families still in possession of large ranching tracts.
That doesn't mean that people aren't open to others. What it means is that people tend to be more protective of the rural nature of the county and the tracts of land that have been in their families for generations. They're into conserving the nature that surrounds the town and not paying for a bloated County government.
Many people are also into outdoor activites around here. It will present itself in biking, fishing, hiking, soaring, and balooning. Some people are also into hunting and shooting sports, so if you head out into BLM land, don't be frightened by seeing people setting up for target practice. Remember, this is the rural West and some elements of the cowboy culture are still evident.
The car culture is also big throughout Douglas, Carson, and Washoe counties. There are car clubs that hold shows and there's a big event in August (Hot August Nights) that just fills up the entire region. It's especially big in Reno.
As for a good elementary school, there's a nice new one just off of Buckeye in Minden. Here's a link to the Douglas County School District. Click on the link, but here's another one that goes directly to the page for current job openings (http://www.dcsd.k12.nv.us/index.php?click1=careers&click2=joboppts - broken link) in the school district.
I hope that's helped a little. Again, good luck!
P.S. I looked for some pics I might have of the local schools, but I didn't find one. However, I'll leave you with a few pics of the town. The first two will be of one of the parks in town, the first is from this summer, the second is after a big snow in January. Remember, we are adjacent to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, so we so get snow. However, it's rare to get as much as you see in this pic. It's been a wet winter so far.
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful info! It sounds like you are of a similar mindset as myself. We are hoping to visit this summer and if we like what we see move next summer. Thank you for the pics too you are a great photographer! I am very excited about seeing some different areas of the US. I will definitley take your advice into consideration.
AS an FYI.....the places people here have mentioned, Somersett in NW Reno as well as the SW are pretty expensive housing-wise...even with "the slump." Most likely you would be looking at paying upwards to $320K minimum for 1600 sq ft or less for a 15 yr old or older home unless you would consider attached homes. Good luck to you in your search!
Garth - awesome pictures! Like southern no more, I also live in the south - the coast of South Carolina. I am planning to move west in the very near future. Well, as soon as I can sell my house! I've decided I definitely want to be in the Reno/Carson City area for several reasons.
1. it is only about 3 hours from my brother in Vallejo, CA (and soon my mom will be there as well)
2. four different seasons - unlike here (my kids have always wanted to move to where it snows but I can't stand TOO much snow)
3. I've heard great things about the area and feel it is at the very least a good starting point - if I'm not completely happy there at least I'm on the west coast and can check out other possibilities a lot easier than I can from all the way over here!
4. close to Lake Tahoe and lots of outdoor activities available - without all the humidity and bugs of the south!
Since you seem so knowledgable - what is your take on job opportunities? I'm basically a computer geek - I work for a local real estate company right now doing marketing, writing, photography and anything they need done on the computer.
I don't know that I want to stay in the real estate field - I've worked as office manager in construction and also office manager for a kitchen franchise headquarters - I'm pretty flexible and have a knack for computers - if I don't know how to do it, I can figure it out!
what is your take on job opportunities? I'm basically a computer geek - I work for a local real estate company right now doing marketing, writing, photography and anything they need done on the computer.
I don't know that I want to stay in the real estate field - I've worked as office manager in construction and also office manager for a kitchen franchise headquarters - I'm pretty flexible and have a knack for computers - if I don't know how to do it, I can figure it out!
Thanks for the compliment. Hummmmm, here's my take but don't take it as gospel, okay? I haven't been looking for a job for a long time.
You're generally going to have more and better paying non-government job opportunities up in Reno. Overall, that's where you would find larger companies with more chances for employment than down in Carson or Douglas County.
However, Carson will give you access to State jobs, some will be in the technology arena. You will have easy access to Carson employment from anywhere in Dougals or Lyon Counties, and of course Carson City (County). However, I'd rather not commute from Reno into Carson during some winter days. The interveening valley can have a few very challenging moments during a winter storm.
Here's a link for jobs available with the State of Nevada. When you go to the page, you can screen the available jobs by location. Carson is inlcuded with the towns in Douglas County, but you'd need to search Reno seperately. Click Here
For example, here's an IT Professional position they are currently advertising. I just ran a quick search for "Carson, Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa" and this was one job on the list. It's in the Department of Taxation.
Here's another link for you. It's to a GIS position with Douglas County. It's might be up your alley, Click here. By clicking here, this link will take you to the HR Depatment's home page where you can look at other jobs.
For the building trades, things have pretty much ground to a halt in the residential arena. There's some stuff going on, but overall it's not a bustling environment. I would expect that to include support jobs.
The real estate biz has also slowed down throughout the entire area. Yes, things are selling, but it's slowed down, so it seems that more people are leaving the industry, and their support positions, than are starting in it. It might be a rather difficult thing to enter right now, but you'd probably want to check it out with someone who's closer to the action than me.
BTW, Dougals County will also have some jobs, but there's very few big employers down here. We've got a hospital, the school district, County employment, Bently Agrodynamics (bio-fuel), and GE Bently, but that's about it for the non-casino bigger businesses.
You will also have the casinos up at Tahoe (Stateline), which are in Douglas County. They may have somethig for you in the computer field, but I'm not too familiar with their opportunities.
Again, your widest non-government selection will be found in Reno. However, don't expect employment in Reno to pay as well as something in SoCal or Silicon Valley. Then again, you're not going to find housing costs nearly as high as SoCal, so the net-net should be better on this side of the hill. This is especially true when you add in the benefit of no state taxes.
Thanks garth! That's a BIG help. I'll keep my eye on those links - can't really send out resumes until my house is under contract...lol. I was checking out monster.com last night - I keep seeing the name AppleOne - an employment agency. Have you heard anything about them? Thought they might be worth checking out for temp jobs until I find my "dream" job - yeah right!?! I'm hoping to make enough on the sale of my house to pay all my bills, cover moving/living expenses and have a good downpayment to buy eventually. We shall see.
Anyway, thanks again for all your input. Your pictures have made me antsy - I want to get out of here NOW!!! Not that it is horrible here - I just miss my family and want to be closer to them. Soooo.....if anyone knows of anyone wanting to relocate to South Carolina, send them my way...lol.
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Hummmmm, here's my take but don't take it as gospel, okay? I haven't been looking for a job for a long time.
