Reno: One year view from a CA transplant (Las Vegas, Sparks: sale, foreclose)

[Tropical Trouble]

Great insights. I grew up in Sparks and although I left after high school I visit my parents a couple times a year and I think you painted a pretty accuarate picture of my home town. The only disagreement I'd have is about affordable housing. It's all relative and you coming from San Francisco (where my friends bought a "charming little starter home" for the low low price of $650K) doesn't give you the same view as someone moving from middle America where that 3,100 sq ft. home you mentioned would probably cost a lot less than Reno, even with the "depressed" housing market.

[iamhadley]

Is Sparks really the armpit of the Reno area? we HAVE THE CHANCE TO get a killer deal on a home there, but everyone we talk to says that Sparks is ghetto.

[schizrade]

Originally Posted by iamhadley

Is Sparks really the armpit of the Reno area? we HAVE THE CHANCE TO get a killer deal on a home there, but everyone we talk to says that Sparks is ghetto.

It ain't that bad. Stead on the other hand...

[MJRinCA]

Originally Posted by iamhadley

Is Sparks really the armpit of the Reno area? we HAVE THE CHANCE TO get a killer deal on a home there, but everyone we talk to says that Sparks is ghetto.

I think it is entirely dependent on location within Sparks. The home we're purchasing, (it closes escrow tomorrow), is in the Spanish Springs area, Kiley Ranch to be more specific. It's a great neighborhood, all of the surrounding homes are relatively new, (maybe last 4 to 5 years), there's a huge shopping center with at least a dozen different restaurants just about a mile away, (walking distance for us).

Although we don't live there yet, we liked the area enough to purchase a new home in Sparks.

[southreno]

Bumping this up again.

[Jim Allen Rv er]

I appreciate your post and we have been thinking about relocating to Reno. We are not far from where you grew up, currently living in Lancaster. My brother lives in Reno, and he has been after me to move up, citing some of the same things you did in your post.

Recently, I've joined the ranks of the unemployed, having worked for a local rv manufacturer whose been adversely affected by the economy. Do you or any other readers of this post have suggestions for finding professional employment in the greater Reno area? I'd also entertain off-line communications if any interested recruiters or HR personnel would like to chat

I'd appreciate any comments that you, or any other readers, of this post may have for me. Again, great work and I think you made many Reno residents proud.

JCA

[azranchland]

I like the first post, but there's one thing drastically wrong with this picture (and the state). His name is Harry Reid. One of the most partisan Democrats in Congress supposedly represents a libertarian state. How'd that happen??

[jwaters943]

Originally Posted by iamhadley

Is Sparks really the armpit of the Reno area? we HAVE THE CHANCE TO get a killer deal on a home there, but everyone we talk to says that Sparks is ghetto.

I don't get why Sparks has still has a bad rep. Sure, 20 years ago it was a bit dumpy, but today it's no worse than Reno (some might even argue better). They have turned the Helms Pit into the beautiful Sparks Marina. They're finally getting a world-class shopping destination/lifestyle center in the form of The Legends. They have the regions only non-casino related family entertainment center/water park (Wild Island). They also have a good Parks & Rec system. The new Sports complex/park out by Wingfield Springs is AMAZING!

I would say that overall Sparks is very family friendly (if that's important to you), and MOST areas are well-maintained and nice. I used to live in Kiley Ranch (just North of Spanish Springs) and really liked it out there. The worst part about living in the newer areas of Sparks is the lack of proper road planning (e.g. no freeway).

[JesusisLord]

Originally Posted by azranchland

I like the first post, but there's one thing drastically wrong with this picture (and the state). His name is Harry Reid. One of the most partisan Democrats in Congress supposedly represents a libertarian state. How'd that happen??

He gets a strong showing from the mormon vote, it helps him with his vote count in the rural and Northern areas of the state.

[Gohomecalifornia]

Go home californians!!!!! From a nevada native