Moving to Reno, Nevada

The first time you watch the sun disappear behind the Sierra Nevada, you’ll understand why so many people never leave. 

Maybe it’s coffee beside the Truckee River before work. Maybe it’s a Saturday morning at the farmers market. Maybe it’s realizing you can leave the office and be hiking a mountain trail before dinner.

Reno isn’t just a place to live.

For many people, it’s a different way to live.

Located in Washoe County in Northern Nevada, Reno sits along the Truckee River in the Truckee Meadows, with Sparks immediately to the east and the Sierra Nevada rising to the west. Lake Tahoe is close enough to become part of an ordinary weekend, while the city itself offers neighborhoods ranging from historic streets near downtown to newer communities stretching into South Reno.

If you’re considering moving to Reno, this guide will help you understand what everyday life here is really like, from its neighborhoods and housing to recreation, weather, location, and the things worth knowing before you call Reno home.

Reno, Nevada at a Glance

Location: Northern Nevada, in the Truckee Meadows along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada
County: Washoe County
Elevation: Approximately 4,500 feet above sea level
River: Truckee River
Landscape: High desert valley surrounded by foothills and the Sierra Nevada
Major Highways: Interstate 80 and I-580/US-395
Airport: Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Neighboring City: Sparks, directly east of Reno
Nearby Mountain Region: Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe
Climate: Dry, high desert climate with four distinct seasons
Housing: Historic central neighborhoods, urban residential areas, established suburban neighborhoods, master planned communities, foothill properties, golf communities and luxury housing

A City That Doesn’t Fit One Definition

Forget everything you’ve heard about Reno.

To some, it’s a growing center for technology, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and business. To others, it’s an outdoor playground. Some know it for the University of Nevada, Reno. Others know it as the Biggest Little City in the World or as a gateway to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

The truth is, Reno is all of those things.

It’s a city that has grown while holding onto places that tell the story of what came before.

Historic neighborhoods sit beneath mature trees near the city’s center. Midtown brings restaurants, coffee shops, murals, and local businesses into a more walkable environment. Newer master planned communities stretch across South Reno. Golf and foothill communities climb toward the edges of the valley.

Then there is the landscape.

The Truckee River runs directly through the city. Mountains frame the horizon. Drive far enough in almost any direction and the buildings eventually give way to high desert, open land, or the Sierra Nevada.

No matter what brings you here, Reno offers more than one way to experience life.

A Saturday in Reno

If you want to understand Reno, don’t start with statistics.

Start with Saturday.

The day might begin with coffee along the Truckee River before wandering through a farmers market. By afternoon, you could be hiking at Hunter Creek, spending time at Idlewild Park, exploring Midtown, or making the drive toward Lake Tahoe.

Evening might mean an Aces baseball game, dinner somewhere you’ve been wanting to try, an event downtown, or simply heading home as the mountains catch the last light of the day.

And that’s when Reno begins making sense.

The city doesn’t ask you to choose between having things to do and having somewhere to escape.

You can have a little of both.

Life in Reno isn’t built around one attraction. It’s built around everyday moments.

Finding Your Place in Reno

One of Reno’s greatest strengths is that no two parts of the city feel exactly alike.

Some areas contain historic homes shaded by mature trees. Others place restaurants and local businesses within walking distance. Newer parts of Reno include master planned communities, parks, trails, golf communities, foothill neighborhoods and larger residential developments.

Choosing where to live in Reno begins with understanding how the different parts of the city compare.

Housing, architecture, development patterns, access to major roads, proximity to downtown and access toward the Sierra can change considerably depending on location.

Explore Reno’s Neighborhoods

Old Southwest Reno
Historic and established homes, mature trees, architectural variety, and convenient access to Midtown, downtown Reno, Virginia Lake, and the Truckee River give Old Southwest a character that developed over generations.
Location: Southwest of downtown Reno, near Midtown, Virginia Lake and the Truckee River.

➡️ Explore Living in Old Southwest

Midtown Reno
Restaurants, coffee shops, murals, local businesses, nightlife, older homes, apartments, and newer infill development create one of Reno’s more urban and walkable environments.
Location: Immediately south of downtown Reno, centered along the South Virginia Street corridor.

➡️ Explore Living in Midtown Reno

South Reno
South Reno stretches toward the southern Truckee Meadows with newer neighborhoods, shopping, parks, trails, foothill communities, and access toward the Sierra Nevada and Carson Valley.
Location: Extends through the southern Truckee Meadows toward the Sierra Nevada foothills, primarily south of central Reno along the I-580/US-395 corridor. 

➡️ Explore Living in South Reno

Damonte Ranch
Damonte Ranch is a large residential area in South Reno with newer housing, established neighborhoods, parks, trails, wetlands, shopping, and continued development.
Location: In South Reno, in the southern Truckee Meadows near Veterans Parkway, Steamboat Parkway, and the expanding southeast Reno area.

➡️ Explore Living in Damonte Ranch

Somersett
Somersett is a master planned community in Northwest Reno with golf, trails, open space, newer housing, and a setting near Reno’s western foothills.
Location: In Northwest Reno near the western foothills, west of central Reno and north of Interstate 80.

➡️ Explore Living in Somersett

Double Diamond
Double Diamond is an established South Reno residential area with parks, walking paths, nearby shopping, and neighborhoods developed during an earlier stage of Reno’s expansion south.
Location: In South Reno, east of the I-580/US-395 corridor and near Veterans Parkway and Damonte Ranch.

Caughlin Ranch
Caughlin Ranch is an established west Reno community with mature landscaping, trails, open space, and residential areas positioned between central Reno and the western foothills.
Location: In west Reno between the central Reno area and the western foothills, west of Virginia Lake and south of the Truckee River corridor.

➡️ Explore Living in Caughlin Ranch

ArrowCreek
ArrowCreek is a gated South Reno community positioned against the foothills with golf, luxury housing, and expansive views across portions of the Truckee Meadows and surrounding mountains.
Location: In the foothills of South Reno, southwest of the central South Reno corridor and near the Mt. Rose Highway area.

Rancharrah
Rancharrah is an upscale Reno community developed on the historic Harrah family ranch property, combining residences with The Village at Rancharrah and its dining, shopping, wellness, and gathering spaces.
Location: In south-central Reno near Kietzke Lane and South Virginia Street, between central Reno and the larger South Reno area.

Northwest Reno
Northwest Reno includes established and newer residential neighborhoods with access toward Peavine Mountain, open space, trails, the University of Nevada, Reno area, and routes connecting with Interstate 80.
Location: Northwest of downtown Reno, extending toward Peavine Mountain, the western foothills, and communities along the Interstate 80 corridor.

Homes and Real Estate in Reno

Reno’s housing reflects the way the city has grown.

Near the center of town, buyers can find older homes with architectural character, mature landscaping, established streets, condominiums, and urban residential options.

Move farther south or toward the edges of the valley and the housing changes.

Newer subdivisions, master planned communities, townhomes, golf course properties, gated neighborhoods, luxury residences, foothill homes, and larger properties become part of the search.

That variety is why comparing Reno neighborhoods matters.

A home in Old Southwest and a home in Damonte Ranch may both have a Reno address while offering completely different architecture, surroundings, commute patterns, and everyday experiences.

The house matters.

But in Reno, where the house sits can change the entire experience.

What Changes Depending on Where You Live in Reno?

A map can make Reno look simpler than it actually feels.

Location within the city can influence how quickly you reach downtown, Reno Tahoe International Airport, major employment areas, shopping, Interstate 80, I-580/US-395, outdoor recreation, or routes leading toward the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

Elevation can change too.

Neighborhoods closer to the foothills may experience different winter conditions than properties on the valley floor. Areas closer to downtown provide a more central environment, while much of South Reno and the outer portions of the city developed with more suburban residential patterns.

Access toward the mountains also changes depending on where you start.

South Reno provides access toward Mt. Rose Highway and the Sierra Nevada, while Northwest Reno connects conveniently with Interstate 80 and routes heading west toward the Sierra.

That’s why relocation decisions shouldn’t be made by looking at listings alone.

First understand the geography.

Then choose the house.

Living Close to Nature

One of the things that makes Reno different is how quickly the city gives way to the outdoors.

The Truckee River runs through the center of town, creating a natural corridor through an otherwise high desert city.

Beyond Reno, the possibilities expand quickly.

Residents can hike and mountain bike throughout the surrounding foothills, explore the Sierra Nevada, ski and snowboard during winter, paddle or fish the Truckee River, or head toward Lake Tahoe for hiking, beaches, boating, skiing, and mountain recreation.

The landscape also changes with the seasons.

Snow settles across the mountains in winter. Spring brings water down through the Truckee River watershed. Summer evenings stretch beneath a high desert sky. Fall brings cooler days before winter returns to the mountains.

Outdoor recreation isn’t something reserved for vacation here.

For many residents, it’s simply part of where they live.

What to Know Before Moving to Reno

Every city has things you don’t completely understand until you’ve spent meaningful time there.

Reno sits at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet and has a dry, high desert climate. Summers are generally warm and dry with cooler evenings, while winters can bring snow and freezing temperatures.

Elevation may take some adjustment for newcomers.

The dry climate can too.

Wildfire smoke can occasionally affect regional air quality during fire season in Nevada, California, and the surrounding Sierra region.

Winter conditions can also vary considerably across the region. Conditions in Reno may be very different from those on mountain passes and higher elevations toward Lake Tahoe, where significant snowfall, chain controls, road restrictions, or closures can occur.

Reno also continues to grow.

Growth can bring new housing, businesses, roads, employment, and amenities while changing traffic patterns and development around existing neighborhoods.

Spend time here before choosing where to live.

Drive your potential commute.

Visit the areas you’re considering at different times of day.

Go grocery shopping.

Drive toward Tahoe.

Walk the streets around the homes you’re considering.

Because relocating successfully isn’t just about finding a house you like.

It’s about understanding the life surrounding it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Reno

Is Reno a good place to live?

Reno offers a combination of city amenities, distinct residential areas, four-season recreation, and access to the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

Whether Reno makes sense for you depends on your individual priorities, including housing, commute, employment, recreation, climate, budget, and the characteristics you value when choosing where to live.

Exploring Reno’s different neighborhoods and residential areas can help you understand how those factors change across the city.

Where is Reno, Nevada?

Reno is located in Washoe County in Northern Nevada along the Truckee River and within the Truckee Meadows. Sparks borders Reno to the east, while the Sierra Nevada rises west of the city.

Lake Tahoe is southwest of Reno, and Interstate 80 and I-580/US-395 connect Reno with surrounding Northern Nevada communities and regional destinations.

What is Reno known for?

Reno is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

Gaming and entertainment are part of Reno’s history, while the modern Reno region also includes the University of Nevada, Reno, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, logistics, arts and events, the Truckee River, and access to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

What are the main neighborhoods and areas of Reno?

Reno includes historic central neighborhoods, urban districts, established suburban areas, newer master planned communities, foothill neighborhoods, golf communities, and luxury residential developments.

Areas buyers commonly encounter while researching Reno include Old Southwest, Midtown, South Reno, Damonte Ranch, Somersett, Double Diamond, Caughlin Ranch, ArrowCreek, Rancharrah, and Northwest Reno.

Because these areas can differ substantially in housing, geography, development, and amenities, comparing individual areas can be an important part of a Reno home search.

Which Reno neighborhoods have older homes and historic character?

Old Southwest Reno and areas around Reno’s historic core contain many older and architecturally varied homes.

Midtown also includes older residential properties alongside apartments, condominiums, commercial properties, and newer infill development.

Property age, architecture, renovations, and condition vary considerably within any area, so individual homes should be evaluated on their own characteristics.

Where can I find newer homes in Reno?

Newer housing can be found throughout portions of South Reno and in developing or master planned areas such as Damonte Ranch.

Newer construction also exists in other parts of Reno depending on current development and available inventory.

Buyers interested in newer homes should compare location, property characteristics, homeowners associations when applicable, commute routes, amenities, and surrounding development in addition to the age of the home.

Does Reno get snow?

Yes.

Reno experiences winter snowfall, although accumulation varies by year, storm, elevation, and location.

Conditions in the Reno valley can differ significantly from the heavier snowfall experienced at higher elevations around Truckee, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada.

Anyone regularly traveling into the mountains during winter should monitor weather forecasts, road conditions, chain requirements, and closures.

How far is Reno from Lake Tahoe?

The distance depends on where in Reno you’re starting and which part of Lake Tahoe you’re visiting.

Many Lake Tahoe destinations are accessible from Reno for day trips, but travel times vary with the destination, traffic, construction, weather, and seasonal road conditions.

Reno’s proximity to the Tahoe region gives residents access to mountain recreation without requiring them to live at Tahoe’s higher elevations.

What’s the difference between Reno and Sparks?

Reno and Sparks share a border and are part of the same broader Truckee Meadows region, but they are separate cities.

Reno includes downtown, Midtown, the University of Nevada, Reno, historic central neighborhoods, and extensive residential development extending south, west, and northwest.

Sparks has its own downtown area around Victorian Square, Sparks Marina, established residential neighborhoods, and substantial development extending north toward Spanish Springs.

Because the cities are directly adjacent, traveling between Reno and Sparks is part of everyday life for many residents.

What’s the difference between Reno and South Reno?

Reno refers to the city as a whole.

South Reno is a commonly used geographic description for the portion of Reno extending into the southern Truckee Meadows and toward the Sierra foothills.

Much of South Reno contains more recent suburban development, master planned communities, shopping, parks, trails, and residential areas including Damonte Ranch, Double Diamond, and ArrowCreek.

Someone considering South Reno should compare its housing, development patterns, commute routes, amenities, and access to recreation with other parts of Reno.

What industries are in Reno?

The broader Reno region includes employment in healthcare, education, government, technology, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, construction, tourism, gaming, hospitality, and professional services.

Employment centers also extend outside Reno into Sparks, Storey County, Carson City, and other parts of Northern Nevada, making workplace location and commute routes useful considerations when deciding where to live.

What airport serves Reno?

Reno is served by Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO), located southeast of downtown Reno.

Its location provides relatively direct airport access from many parts of the Reno and Sparks area.

Is Reno expensive?

Housing and everyday costs vary according to neighborhood, property type, household, transportation needs, insurance, utilities, and lifestyle.

Someone relocating from another city or state shouldn’t assume Reno will be inexpensive or expensive based solely on the market they are leaving.

Compare current housing costs and the expenses relevant to your household before making a relocation decision.

What should I know before relocating to Reno?

Don’t choose Reno from a map.

Choose it from the ground.

Spend time in Old Southwest. Walk through Midtown. Drive through South Reno. Explore Damonte Ranch. Head west toward the foothills. Drive your potential commute when you would actually be making it.

Then spend a Saturday doing the things you would normally do if you lived here.

That’s when you begin understanding the differences between the parts of Reno you’ve been researching.

Because finding a place to live isn’t simply about choosing a city.

It’s about understanding where your ordinary days will happen.

Continue Exploring Northern Nevada

Reno is only one way to experience Northern Nevada.

Explore our complete Northern Nevada relocation guide to compare Reno with Sparks, Carson City, Dayton, Fernley, Gardnerville, Minden, Verdi, Stateline, Incline Village, and other communities throughout the region.

➡️ Explore our Northern Nevada Relocation Guide