Relocating to Reno (Sparks, Spanish Springs: sales, car registration, affordable houses)

[MandyinJoyville]

Greeting, I'm new to this forum so I'll introduce myself. I am a widow, recently retired and currently living in Florida. I have to move to an area of low humidity so I have considered Arizona, New Mexico and California each of which are great places but AZ and CA are too expensive, high cost of living. NM is just a bit too much desert. A friend suggested Reno because I love trees, grass, water and mountains and I am bored with 12 yrs of endless summer. I'd love to have 4 seasons again.

The research I've done online indicates that Reno may be the right choice. The housing is affordable, the area seems perfect for outdoor activities. I love to host cook-outs, hike with my dogs (2 small ones), bicycle, swim, garden, try skiing again although it has been a long time, even playing in the snow will be a hoot after all these years.

I'd like to hear from people who are natives and from newcomers as well. I would like a balanced view of the area, good and bad so I can make an informed decision.

Thanks in advance,
MandyinJoyville

[MandyinJoyville]

Okay Reno, I see that people have read my blog but not one person has responded. Either no one has anything to offer or people in Reno aren't very friendly. I also posted on a Tennessee blog and had more hits than I could respond to. So should I chose TN which has a less than perfect climate, but awesomely friendly and nice people, OR Reno which has a what I believe to be a perfect climate but less than friendly people. hummmm

[RickGuy]

Originally Posted by MandyinJoyville

Okay Reno, I see that people have read my blog but not one person has responded. Either no one has anything to offer or people in Reno aren't very friendly. I also posted on a Tennessee blog and had more hits than I could respond to. So should I chose TN which has a less than perfect climate, but awesomely friendly and nice people, OR Reno which has a what I believe to be a perfect climate but less than friendly people. hummmm

I'm a bit biased, but I think that the Reno/Sparks area is FANTASTIC. I'm not sure it has all 4 seasons, but it's close enough. Winters can be cold and you will get snow, though some winters are more harsh than others. Get used to the idea of wind as it can get quite gusty in the area. Summers get hot, but it really is bearable because of the low humidity.

Being so close to Lake Tahoe is great as you can ski in the winter and swim in the summer (but the water is quite cold). The Truckee river goes through downtown Reno, and the city has worked hard to revitalize the downtown area around the river with kayaking, restaurants and other attractions.

As far as living goes, Northwest or South Reno are great, as is the Spanish Springs area of Sparks. There are only a few bad neighborhoods in the area, and from what I've heard of other cities rough neighborhoods, Reno's aren't too bad in comparison.

Hope this helps.

[MtnBikeNV]

Originally Posted by MandyinJoyville

Okay Reno, I see that people have read my blog but not one person has responded. Either no one has anything to offer or people in Reno aren't very friendly. I also posted on a Tennessee blog and had more hits than I could respond to. So should I chose TN which has a less than perfect climate, but awesomely friendly and nice people, OR Reno which has a what I believe to be a perfect climate but less than friendly people. hummmm

Maybe we're too busy out and about, enjoying a nice city and fantastic outdoors, to be inside like those Tennessee folks that are sitting at their computers, replying to forum posts.

We moved here a year ago. I love it. I've made some great friendships, it appeals to my love of the outdoors, and the weather isn't bad at all.

[MandyinJoyville]

To RickGuy & MtnBikeNV
thank you both for responding. I think Reno is the place for me as I love being outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, etc. That is one of the reasons I have to get out of Florida! I know there are probably thousands of people who wish they could live in FL, but I feel trapped. Summers are miserable with the heat & humidity and the summers last 8-9 months! If laying on the beach is ones idea of heaven this is the place.

Tennessee is beautiful but I'm afraid it may be too provincial for me as I am not a "rocking chair, baking cookies" kind of grandma.

More questions: What is the cost of living really like? Groceries? Electricity, gas, water, etc. I've read that gas & electricity is high and the water isn't drinkable which surprises me. I was thinking that with all the mountains it would be crystal clear... What will it cost to register my car? Of course some of this is subjective depending on previous experience. Water is expensive in FL but electricity is relatively moderately priced. Newcomers to FL have to pay a sales tax to register their car the first time, after that non-vanity tags run about $35 a year.

I've found some really nice affordable houses in Reno so I just need more info to finalize my decision.

Thanks again,
Mandy

[las vegas drunk]

I lived in Reno for only a month, so I can not comment on it too much. However, for retirement it is ideal. I only left because I could not find any work there. I liked it otherwise. As far as car registration, they just passed a massive increase that is set to go into effect on September 1st. Here is my thread for info....

car registration fees to more than double on September 1st