Where Should You Live in Reno? Let Me Help You Figure It Out

Whether you're considering a big move from the Bay Area or you’ve lived here in Northern Nevada for years and are just ready for a new chapter, the question I hear all the time is pretty simple, where in Reno should I live? And look, I get it. This city isn't some one-size-fits-all type of place. It's a patchwork of neighborhoods that have their own vibe, price points, and lifestyle. It's one of the reasons I love Reno so much, no matter who you are or what kind of pace you want to live at, there's a good chance we can find you a place that just feels right.

I’m Brian Lessinger with the Lessinger Team at RE/MAX, and I’ve been living and working in Reno, Nevada for more than three decades. I’ve helped hundreds of families relocate, upsize, downsize, and figure out what slice of this city suits the life they want to build. So let’s dig in. Whether you're brand new to town or you've been here a while, this guide is going to give you the real-deal breakdown of Reno neighborhoods, who lives there, what homes cost, and what kind of lifestyle you can expect.

The Big Picture of Reno

Reno covers a surprising amount of ground. We're talking everything from the North Valleys and Northwest Reno to the South Meadows and Hidden Valley. And although Sparks isn’t technically Reno, the two cities blend together seamlessly. But for today, let’s park ourselves inside Reno proper. The neighborhoods we’re going to cover are the ones that fall within that general 75 percent of the metro area that is officially "Reno." We’ll save Sparks for a separate deep dive next week.

Median Price Points: What You Can Expect

If this is your first dive into Reno real estate, let’s talk numbers because price point usually drives the conversation. As of now, the median home price in Reno sits at about $620, 000. Here’s how that breaks down:

• Starter homes: Typically in the low to mid $500, 000s
• Upper-median homes: Around $620, 000 to $800, 000
• Luxury homes: Starting around $900, 000 and crossing well over $1 million+

It's getting uncommon to score anything under $400, 000 unless you're willing to put in some work, those homes are either older, need updates, or are farther from the core areas of Reno. So with that framework in mind, let’s talk neighborhoods, starting with what locals call "The Core."

Midtown and Old Southwest Reno: All the Charm, All the Character

The Midtown area bleeding into the Old Southwest is where charm lives in Reno. It’s quirky, walkable, and one of the few areas in town where you can park your car and take the dog down to a coffee shop without hopping on the freeway. If you want to feel like you're in a small town within a city, this is it.

Homes here: Smaller, older, brick-sided homes with personality. Lot sizes are tighter, but the neighborhoods are cozy and mature. You’re looking at prices between $650, 000 and $850, 000 depending on the street and updates.

Who lives here: Young professionals, artists, retirees, and folks who love the idea of walking to their favorite local bodega or mid-century bar. Plus, if you’re someone who values charm over square footage, this is your spot.

Local Note

One of my good friends lives near South Virginia in a 1930s bungalow. Every time I visit, I remind myself why so many people love these pocket neighborhoods. Mature trees, peaceful evenings, coffee shops like Hub Coffee Roasters within walking distance. It’s Reno with heart.

Northwest Reno & Somersett: Variety from Value to Luxury

Jumping over Highway 80 brings us to Northwest Reno, including original neighborhoods from the 1980s and booming master-planned communities like Somersett.

What to expect:

• Older Northwest: More affordable, great for first-time buyers or investors. Homes vary from 1, 200 to 1, 800 sq ft and offer solid rental potential.
• Somersett: A newer, high-elevation community with a golf course, family feel, and a private sense of community. Homes quickly scale up to $1.6 million+.

Lifestyle: If you're after mountain views, newer construction, and that "out of the way" suburban peace, this zone could work well. Plus, if you need to get back to California quickly, you’re just minutes from I-80 West.

Collin Ranch & Lakeridge: Mature and Distinguished

Heading slightly south and west, we land in Collin Ranch and Lakeridge. These areas feel more established, and depending on which street you’re on, the vibe can shift from semi-custom stately homes to golf-course townhomes in an instant.

Collin Ranch: Spacious two-story homes, often on smaller lots but built with quality and care. Think quiet cul-de-sacs and friendly neighbors.

Lakeridge: Golf-adjacent and a little more townhome-heavy. Great for downsizers or people looking for less maintenance without sacrificing location.

Price range: Mid $700s to over $1 million depending on lot, upgrades, and proximity to golf or views.

Southwest Reno: Mount Rose Highway to the High Life

If high-end living is what you're after and you like the idea of space, quiet, and being close to the amenities around The Summit Mall and South Virginia, you'd do well to look around Field Creek, Saddlehorn, Montreux, and ArrowCreek.

Who lives here: People who can spend over $1 million and want large lots with custom or semi-custom homes. These neighborhoods often have gated entries, lots of privacy, and majestic views. In places like Montreux, you’ve also got a renowned golf course and fine dining in your own “bubble.”

Watch out: Smaller homes are harder to find here. So if you're downsizing or looking for a low-maintenance 2, 000 sq ft place, you may need to pivot to South Meadows instead.

South Meadows & Damonte Ranch: Family Living Done Right

This part of Reno has expanded like crazy since I moved here. South Meadows, including areas like Double Diamond and Damonte Ranch, packs a ton of lifestyle into good sense suburban living. You’ll find some of the best planned communities for growing families or part-timers who want that "lock-and-leave" setup.

What you'll find: Stucco-sided homes with tile roofs, mid-size lots, lower maintenance yards, and a lot of community vibe. Prices here range from the high $500s to well over $1 million depending on square footage and age. 55+ communities are also popping up in this zone.

Fun fact: My own house and office are here. I live the South Meadows life myself, so when I say I know it well, I mean it literally.

Donner Springs & Hidden Valley: Affordable, Spacious Living

East of the airport, Donner Springs and Hidden Valley are often overlooked, but these neighborhoods are popular among folks looking for bigger yards without luxury pricing.

Donner Springs: Slightly older homes, walkable residential streets, and some of the best "bang for your buck" if you're hoping to land something between $400, 000 and $700, 000.

Hidden Valley: Hidden gem isn’t just a catchy phrase here. You’ll find larger lots, bigger homes, and access to Hidden Valley Golf Course. It’s tucked away just enough to give you space from the hustle, but not too far from the city center and highway access.

Final Thoughts: Reno's Got a Neighborhood for Everyone

Whether you're eyeing character-filled Midtown cottages, master-planned mountain living in Somersett, or quiet family neighborhoods in Damonte Ranch, Reno, Nevada has something for everyone. The key is to understand your budget and lifestyle priorities first, then work from there. From charming bungalows to semi-custom new builds, what sets Reno apart is its variety, and that’s exactly why people from all over the country are starting to take notice.

Stick with us over the next few weeks as we take you through Sparks, Carson City, and other Northern Nevada gems. In the meantime, if you're curious about a specific neighborhood or want to run some scenarios with a local expert, reach out to us. We’re based here, we raise our families here, and we help people like you find home here.

If you want to explore the various Reno neighborhoods we service, take a look here. And to catch more of our city tours and hyper-local details, don’t forget to check out the channel.

And if you're looking for more in-depth reads on Reno lifestyle and real estate, explore other posts right here on the blog.