Gardnerville vs Gardnerville Ranchos..input please (Minden: homes, neighborhood, middle school)

[TOMTGB2]

My family and I are relocating to the Gardnerville area soon. We have three young children, from 8 to 1 month, and are interested in a family friendly area. I have found several homes in both Gardnerville and Gardnerville Ranchos, it seems the cheaper home are in GR but I don't know which one to go with. We have been to the area but would like to find out the scoop before we commit. My kids are highly involved in sports, dance classes, and other extracurriculars. My oldest is in GATE and plays the guitar so we would like a school that offers both of these programs. Any input would be greatly appreciated as we are getting closer to the move. Thanks!!

[carengm]

I worked at one of the elementary schools in the district and I lived in Gardnerville. The Gardnerville Ranchos (aka Ranchos) are, for the most part, older, slightly less well-kept, though there are certainly the exceptions. There are two elementary schools in that area. CC Meneley and Scarselli. I would definitely try to be within the boundary for Meneley. Scarselli isn't bad, Meneley is just better.

However, my first choice would be Gardnerville, Elementary. The Chichester neighborhood is very nice, zoned for Gardnerville Elementary and imho, the middle school is much nicer than the one in the Ranchos. Minden Elementary is equally as nice and about 7 minutes up the road (if you drive the speed limit...and do, they ticket frequently on hwy 395). Minden is also a great place to raise kids.

One thing that's nice about the Chichester neighborhood, there's a small park at the entrance with a gazebo and during summers, they have concerts there. A short walk for a nice evening with the family.