Moving to Lake Tahoe/Carson City? (Gardnerville, Minden: middle schools, DMV, living in)

[Livingwithart]

Looking to move to the area up there this summer from Naples Florida. Need some info?! Very important...good high schools? My son will be starting 9th grade and would be in ap and honor classes here as well as music. Any good school bands or jazz music programs? Also how are the farmers markets in area or natural food grocers? Any and all suggestions welcome! thanks

[Nature Guy]

I don't have kids, but since moving to Carson City in 2002, virtually everything I've heard about the Nevada school system has been pretty dismal. In fact, I believe they (Nevada schools) rank at or near the bottom for the entire nation!! Yikes.

Not sure if it's the caliber of the teachers here, the administration system, drop-out rate, or all of the above. In some few ways Nevada has got it right (the quickest, best organized DMV I've ever seen), but by and large, it's a fairly corrupt state with even the present Governor under scrutiny for possible illegal activities!

The local school bands and orchestras, however, seem to get regular exposure via the local TV station. As for natural food stores, Carson City has Trader Joe's. People living around Lake Tahoe come down here to shop there, as well. Otherwise, we have a seasonal local farmers market that appears to have decent fruit and vegetables.

Unless you're familiar with and/or aware of living in snow country (Lake Tahoe), I'd seriously re-think that option....especially if you've been living in Florida. The cold winters, and snow may create serious consternation for your family. Aside from that, Tahoe is extraordinarily beautiful! We lived there for a few years prior to this move to Carson City.

I believe the schools are better up there, too. Carson City has a few small "shabby" areas which may entail drug usage by it's residents, but hard to say for sure. Take appropriate time to research the various areas of this town, some are much better than others. Almost anywhere on the west side of Highway 395 (the main drag through town) is nicer than most other parts of town. We live here ourselves.

Hope this helps in some way or another. Good luck!

[UltimateRespond]

20 minutes south of Carson City, you will find Minden and Gardnerville. Both lovely small towns, but still close enough to everything you need. Douglas High School got overcrowded, so 9th grade is at the middle schools here, but both have excellent music programs with the option to do extra-cirricular with the high school.

I have nothing but GREAT things to say about the Douglas High School music dept (www.douglasmusic.net). I was in the choirs and band. Never smart enough for AP classes, but they do have them available at DHS.

Douglas High School - 775-782-5136 if you have questions about what is available.

[Chichappens]

Avoid Carson City That's all I am going to say.