Need Advice on potential move to Reno (crime, home)

[moai]

I have lived here my entire life (except for some college years) and I don't get ANY of the negatives that have been posted here.

Are the cops corrupt? I have no idea, I don';t interact with them? Is there an "old-boy network" running things? I guess, I never noticed.

Failing schools? I went to school here, and I scored fine on my SATs. I don't have any kids, but I have several friends who are teachers, and they are bright, dedicated people. Beyond that I couldn't say.

Does the government make decisions to favor casinos? Definitely. It sucks, but I would imagine that any city with a "major" industry has the same problem. The casinos are dying a slow, painful death as it is, so big deal. Nobody who lives here seems to care.

Is it as green as Tahoe? Not by a long shot. But "green" isn't the only thing that is beautiful. The browns, purple, and yes, even "greens" that you get out by Pyramid Lake are incredible. It's too bad that some didn't appreciate its beauty when they had the chance. Camping in the desert is wonderful. Can you go fifteen miles and camp and know that you will not see another living soul until you pack up and go back to the main road?

Tahoe is not all its cracked up to be. Its pretentious, expensive, and the people are not only rude but they are all transplants as well. They come in and try to make things like the place they left, not getting the fact that the place they left sucked BECAUSE of people like THEM. They are all about being Earth-friendly unless it impacts on THEIR lifestyle and you take THEIR SUV away. Complaining about how cold the lake is? What is that about? It is cold, but I swim in it. SO does everybody else. Talk about looking for lame things to complain about...And what does "not qualify as a mountain" mean, Tom? 8,000 feet isn't a mountain? And what does that even mean? It isn't like someone built them and somehow screwed it up--they are a natural feature. And they are beautiful, year 'round.

Are there big trucks in Reno? You bet. There are lots of people who take advantage of the great 4x4 trails in the area. We have a great many small communities around Reno, and some of them have some trouble with the freeways when they come to town...oh, well. I have not heard of ONE city that doesn't have bad drivers. That being the case, are you sure YOU are a good driver? I never have a problem driving. Every once in a while there is a knucklehead, but I haven't had an accident in 25 years. And I drive constantly for my job. So how bad is it?

It is also true that we don't have the culture that SF, NYC, or Chicago has. Big deal. Most places in the US don't. I rarely go to a show here because the bands I like don't come. So? As I said, SF is really close, I can go there, enjoy what I like, and then come back here where I don't have to deal with all the Bay Area CRAP.

It can be windy, yes. It is worst in the Northwest of Reno. Last night, I was sitting in the hot tub, looking at a cloudless sky, no wind, enjoying an unbelievable sunset, sipping on a beer with my wife. Doesn't get much better!

My wife spent some of her youth in Florida, and HATES it. I have several friends who got out of there as fast as they could. If others dig it, great, but there are people who prefer Reno to Florida, so take any opinion for what its worth.

I am not a big fan of the hot-rod fest in August or "Street Vibrations" either, but they bring in cash and that gives people a job, so I deal with it. It only affects downtown for the most part, so everyone I know ignores it. I am not aware of ANY town-hosted fest that pleases everyone. Perhaps a wine and cheese walk? Or a "vacuums through history" retrospective? Puhleeze. We have a great, fun rib cook-off every year, as well as a chili cook-off...oh, and did I mention BURNING MAN? Yes, a world-famous arts festival in the desert that happens 110 miles north of here?

Reno is not for everyone. I even know people who live here now and aren't that into it. But the great majority of people love it here, me included. If you stopped by and didn't dig it, I hope that you have found a place you do like. It seems to me that you would be very hard to please in any event.

[norm]

We came back from a tour of 4 southwest cities, including Reno, in our search for a place to retire to. We found the people in Reno to be quite friendly. Homes were comparable to any that we saw in the other cities, although in Reno they cost just a little bit more. We did not like the city of Reno, and found that for us it had no charm. We drove down the main street and until we hit the area where the Government buildings are we saw a lot of pawn shops, adult book stores and sleazy looking characters. We ended up deciding on moving to Albuquerque.

I hope nobody gets upset by my impressions, it's just one man's opinion.

[schizrade]

Originally Posted by norm

We came back from a tour of 4 southwest cities, including Reno, in our search for a place to retire to. We found the people in Reno to be quite friendly. Homes were comparable to any that we saw in the other cities, although in Reno they cost just a little bit more. We did not like the city of Reno, and found that for us it had no charm. We drove down the main street and until we hit the area where the Government buildings are we saw a lot of pawn shops, adult book stores and sleazy looking characters. We ended up deciding on moving to Albuquerque.

I hope nobody gets upset by my impressions, it's just one man's opinion.

Your impressions are valid. At least they are from personal, recent observation and not from 30 years ago through your babies, mommas, cousins, first boyfriends, roommate. Reno has a problem with some shady characters, much like any city. The problem here is that certain groups seem to enjoy having them around to use as scapegoats, reasons to increase welfare spending, political tools, and various other reasons that have nothing to do with helping the aforementioned "shady" characters. Self-fulfilling, feel good politics so to speak. It comes with many transplants.

Have fun in AQ. It is a great place.

[SamMarie]

I'm looking to move from Southern California to the Reno-Sparks area as well. I'm 18, looking for an apartment and a job, and hoping to be there by mid-October. I hear good things from my boyfriend's family who seems to enjoy it there. Anything I should know about jobs/rent?

[estevanker]

Originally Posted by schizrade

You don't even live here anymore? Ten years ago? The place has changed MARKEDLY in the past 10-15 years. It is not even the same city.

Go bash some other place.

Well I do live here (until I can relocate) and TEN hit the nail on the head. My company has to pay out "Reno bonuses" to live here because they can't find people willing to come and they won't hire local. After being here for two years, now I know why.

[schizrade]

Originally Posted by estevanker

Well I do live here (until I can relocate) and TEN hit the nail on the head. My company has to pay out "Reno bonuses" to live here because they can't find people willing to come and they won't hire local. After being here for two years, now I know why.

So go.

[amerideaf]

Norm wrote: "What are some of Tahoe's small towns that you recommend?"

Could you kindly answer to this question? The reason is that I might have a job interview at UNR.

Thanking you

[schizrade]

Originally Posted by amerideaf

Norm wrote: "What are some of Tahoe's small towns that you recommend?"

Could you kindly answer to this question? The reason is that I might have a job interview at UNR.

Thanking you

California or Nevada?

[barryhussein]

As a former Bay resident, I must throw in my two pesos. I always liked visiting Reno more than LV. People seemed friendlier, and there were a lot better deals. I would be concerned about low wages, though.

[Ten]

Originally Posted by schizrade

You don't even live here anymore? Ten years ago?

I didn't say that. My experience is completely current.