The City of Reno is snuggled in a bowl of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Reno  real estate is very desirable because of the area and the communities.  The City of Reno is so complex and has so many characteristics, that is has become known my many different and endearing names.  Reno has been dubbed as "The Biggest Little City In The World" and as "America's Adventure Place". It has also been called one of Nevada´s Tree City USA towns since the year 1982.  Reno is the county seat of Washoe County and the second largest city in the state.

Reno's Silver History
The settlement of the Reno area began in the Truckee Meadows area around the 1850s, with pioneers doing business along the California Trail and taking advantage of the fertile valley for farming. Real change came not with the discovery of gold (in Virginia City) but when silver was discovered in the area in 1859.  This discovery led to the greatest mining bonanza of all time, known as the Comstock Lode and, for a time, "Silver was King" and made many in the region rich beyond their wildest dreams.

In order to facilitate the necessary connection between Virgina City and the California Trail, Charles Fuller built a toll bridge across the Truckee River. A small community began to grow. After a few years, Mr. Myron Lake bought the bridge and contributed to the continued growth of the expanding community by building a grist mill, kiln and adding a livery stable to the hotel and restaurant. The community became known as Lake's Crossing.

The Central Pacific Railroad brought the next big change to the region.  The first transcontinental railroad was to be built.  Mr Lake realized the railroad would change the area and bring a different type of economic boom.  In exchange for a promise to build a depot at Lake's Crossing, Mr. Lake deeded land to the railroad.  When the depot was completed, the City of Reno was officially born on May 13, 1868.  Reno was named in honor of a Union officer killed in the Civil War, Major General Jesse L. Reno.

Reno real estate continued to grow and prosper in both commerce and agriculture, while silver and the mining companies remained kings of the economy and held the political power.  As an aside, it was at this time that Jacob Davis patented his canvas pants with copper rivets with Levi Strauss, his canvas supplier, and the Levi company was born.

As the mining industry waned in the early 1900s, a new industry was soon to become king when the state of Nevada legalized gambling and relaxed its divorce laws in 1931.

Reno real estate has undergone many changes since its early days and is still evolving with a stronger and diverse economy and quality of life never experienced before.  Reno has been recognized by the San Francisco Examiner for its urban growth and revitalization by naming Reno "Among the Top Ten Best Places To Live by Cities Ranked and Rated". 

Reno - The Tree City
Reno has had the honor of being named a one of select few Tree City USA areas in the state of Nevada.  This designation is reserved for an area that has implemented and sustained an urban forestry program.  Reno happens to have enjoyed this moniker for many years.  Reno was introduced into this program about two decades ago!  The City has 159 different kinds of tress in the parks and 65 trees that are landmarks throughout.  These trees were chosen because of their special status due to historic association, shape, age, kinds of tree, visual quality and location. The City´s official arboretum is in Idlewild Park. Come visit the arboretum and breath in some fresh air as you relax in the shade!

Reno Economy
Reno is well known for its  gambling, tourism industry and recreational opportunities.  It has also emerged as an important center for  manufacturing and commerce.  The low unemployment rate is indicative of Reno's very strong economy.  The City has been recognized by companies of many different sizes for its economic-based benefits.  Reno has been ranked by INC. Magazine as the nation's "#1 Place for Doing Business in 2005", as "The Best Small City for Small Business" by Dun and Bradstreet and Entrepreneur Magazine, among the "Top Three Booming Towns" by Fortune Magazine and one of the "Top Cities for Quality of Life" by Time Magazine.

The downtown region is the center of Reno business.  The downtown area is home to  major casinos, businesses, the National Bowling Stadium,  the Truckee River Walk the Pioneer Theater and a variety of  art shows, museums and entertainment establishments.  The downtown area of Reno has a redevelopment project that is ongoing and always looking to the future.  Many  improvements and renovations have been made to Reno real estate in recent years.  What were at one time casinos are now  lofts, condominiums and vacant lots.  In 2005, the ReTrech Project was finally completed.  It lowered the railroad tracks below street level, eased traffic and made the downtown area more pedestrian friendly area.  As of now, a master plan for Reno real estate is being laid out with the joint efforts of the community, business and civic leaders.

Schools in Reno
There are many educational opportunities available in Reno schools.  Reno's public education is provided by the Washoe County School District, which administers nine high schools, ten middle schools and 37 elementary schools within the Reno-Sparks area.  Private education opportunities abound in the community, with the most notable being Sage Ridge School and Bishop Manoque High School.  Both of these are college preparatory schools. 

The University of Nevada-Reno, the oldest university in the state of Nevada, and Truckee Meadows Community College, a fully accredited two year college, call Reno real estate home.

Reno Recreation
Reno is a top notch tourist destination and one of the greatest places to live.  There is always something to do with something for everyone.

There is gaming and casinos, outstanding nightlife, musical entertainment of all kinds, an underground magic show and exquisite cuisine choices with so much more.  Reno real estate is home to hugely famous events, such as the Reno River Festival, Hot August Nights and the National Championship Air Races as well as many more less famous events. One of the most visible and awe-inspiring activities available in Reno is the ability to fly in hot air balloons! The Great Reno Balloon Race is a famous hot air balloon race that has more than one hundred hot air balloons compete against one another.  If you ever get a chance, please observe the world from above in one of the most exciting and graceful methods of air travel!

Professional sports teams are growing here in Reno.  A recent addition to the excitement of Reno is the introduction of the Reno Aces! The Reno Aces are a Triple-A professional baseball team.  The development of the brand new stadium, the Aces Ballpark, and the ability to see home gown talent play gives Reno Nevada yet another reason to be proud.  The Reno Bighorns games have been a longstanding draw for Reno residents.  The Bighorns are a minor league team for the NBA. The team´s exciting play and the enthusiasm of the crowd makes professional basketball quite enjoyable here in Reno.

You won't find a shortage of quality shopping in Reno.  There are over 30 malls to chose from, including shopping River Walk and California Avenue. These are both very unique downtown neighborhoods of art galleries, specialty shops, coffee houses, theatre, salons, parks and more.  There is premiere shopping at the newest upscale shopping center, The Summit Sierra Lifestyle Center, which will be the ultimate in the shopping experience.

Arts and culture are doing extremely well in Reno as well, with everything from museums, cultural events, the symphony, ballet and an Art District.  The art scene each year is celebrated with a month long event known as Artown.  The City itself has been recognized for its  art collection.

No one should miss Reno's wonderful parks.  The  recreation department provides excellent parks and programs.  There are hundreds of acres of beautiful parks in Reno, including dog parks, aquatic centers, sports parks and an ice skating rink.  The City is famous for its beautiful River Walk.

Reno real estate offers  great golf courses.  The Rosewood Lakes Golf Course is home to the Reno/Sparks City Championship.  It is 60 acres of natural beauty, native wildlife, panoramic views, wonder and a challenging course that is a pleasure to play.  There are ten golf courses in the Reno area.

One last thing about Reno real estate is its wide open spaces, hiking, fishing boating. You can find all of this and more in The Biggest Little City In The World.

Reno Demographics:
Population - 210,255
Median Household Income - $42,214
Median Home Value - $319,400








Reno Climate:
Avg High - 71.6^o F (July)
Avg Low - 32.7^o F (Dec)
Avg Annual Rainfall - 7.5"
Avg Annual Snowfall - 24.3"

Reno Taxes:
Washoe County = 7.375%
Property Taxes = $3.64/$100 value
Corporate Income = 0%
Personal Income = 0%
Estate/Gift Taxes = 0%
Franchise Taxes = 0%