Downtown Reno Condos (Sparks: HOA, townhomes, neighborhood)

[Mac58]

I’m thinking about relocating from Ashland OR to Reno. I’m retired, with kids who are 18 and 23 and on the East Coast and probably not moving back, so the idea of Downtown Reno condo lifestyle looks appealing. Plus, the prices look more reasonable than SFH.
I lived in Berkeley for almost 30 years before Ashland, so I’m not allergic to urban riff raff. All the same, who wants to hassle, and at 60 years old, even though I’m over 6 feet and fit and have street smarts, I’m only getting older.
Am I crazy to be considering Downtown near the River? Or am I part of an “up and coming” migration?
I’m big on the outdoors, and Reno’s proximity to Tahoe, the Sierras, Pyramid Lake, Mammoth area, etc, makes it very appealing. I also enjoy living a lifestyle independent of daily car use.
No income tax for a senior on a fixed income (retired teacher) is an added bonus.
Obviously I’m going to check out Downtown with boots on the ground. Is there anything I should know ahead of time?
Thanks

[NevadaRE]

In downtown Reno, condo HOA dues run $350 - $800 a month, unless you get a really large unit which could be more. Many of the downtown condos calculate HOA dues based on the square footage of the unit and cover most utilities. Smaller units have the most affordable dues. Parking may be extra as well (example: $67/month). Some condos include parking. A unit with a view would be better for resale.

Additionally there are condos outside of downtown that are not high rises, if that interests you. You can get a 30+ year old condo for well under $200k. HOA dues average around $250/month and usually include 1-2 carports.

Newer condo/townhomes are priced higher generally ($200k+) and tend to have personal garages.

In Reno/Sparks in the last 60 days about half the condo/townhomes sold went for under $200k, and half went for over $200k.

[Teacher Terry]

I wouldn’t mind living downtown but condos and fees are expensive. We live in a nice neighborhood a mile away in a house and it’s cheaper. We walk downtown all the time. We are rarely hassled by homeless people.

[longviewJoe]

There are many decent areas to live in Reno and where you describe is not one of them. I would definitely spend some time walking the streets to make sure it's what you are looking for.