What California Buyers Need to Know About Luxury Living in Northern Nevada

Let’s get real for a second, if you’re moving from California and thinking about buying a million-dollar home in Reno, Nevada, your expectations might need a little adjusting. What passes for luxury in San Francisco or Los Angeles is not quite the same as what we call luxury here in Northern Nevada. And that’s actually a good thing. You’ll get more space, more privacy, and probably spend a whole lot less day-to-day. But before you pull the trigger on that big move, let’s break down the neighborhoods, the lifestyle, and what you can really expect when you shop for upscale real estate in Reno and surrounding areas.

Luxury is Different Here

I always tell my clients the same thing: luxury doesn’t always mean twenty-seven bathrooms and a movie theater in the basement. In Northern Nevada, luxury is often about privacy, views, square footage, neighborhood vibe, and overall lifestyle. A $1.5 million home here can give you expansive mountain views, a three-car garage, and room for everyone, something you’d struggle to find in many parts of California at that price point.

But the real challenge? Understanding the different types of luxury neighborhoods we have here and matching them to the lifestyle you’re craving. Because the last thing you want is to land in a beautiful house… in the wrong part of town for how you actually want to live.

Top Neighborhoods for Luxury Buyers in Northern Nevada

Montreux: Gated Golf Course Elegance

Montreux is one of the most distinct neighborhoods in Reno. Tucked away on the south end of town, this place has a high barrier to entry and a very elite feel. Homes typically start around $1 million but can go up to $5 million or more, and they’re big. These aren’t your typical 2, 500-square-foot California bungalows. Most of them sprawl across larger lots with mature landscaping, and yes, it’s a gated, guard-entry community nestled around a private golf course.

• Gated entrance with 24/7 security
• Montreux Golf & Country Club access
• Large custom homes, often over 4, 000 square feet
• Peaceful, private, and high-end luxury aesthetic

Important to note: The golf course isn’t playable year-round, and club membership fees are high. But if you want the highest tier of prestige, Montreux definitely delivers it.

ArrowCreek: More Options, Still Exclusive

ArrowCreek offers a luxurious yet slightly more approachable option than Montreux. Also gated with 24/7 security, ArrowCreek has two golf courses and a newly renovated clubhouse that now includes updated social memberships, fitness, and more.

• More price range flexibility, from just over $1 million to mid-$2 millions
• Diverse home styles, from large custom homes to smaller, lower-maintenance options
• Incredible mountain and city views depending on the property
• Great place for people who want options within the luxury category

Galena Forest & St. James Village: Tahoe Feel Without the Tahoe Price

If you’re dreaming about living in the forest, but Lake Tahoe is too pricey or too remote, Galena Forest and St. James Village give you that cabin-in-the-trees vibe without the hassle of lake traffic or elevated snow levels. Located just off of Mount Rose Highway, these communities offer serene seclusion close to Reno.

• Breathtaking wooded surroundings
• Custom-built homes on large lots
• About 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, 20 minutes from Reno
• Popular with remote workers and early retirees

One thing Californians should know: some people worry about wildfire risk here due to the forested location. But for buyers coming from NorCal, these enclaves often feel comfortably familiar, and beautiful year-round.

Rancharrah: Urban Luxury with a Social Twist

This one is new. Rancharrah is a master-planned luxury community a little closer to the heart of Reno, and it definitely feels a bit more "urban" than the secluded south-end neighborhoods. Homes here are newer, with a lot of Toll Brothers high-end builds, and the community is built around an impressive clubhouse setup.

• Smaller homes available, perfect for part-timers or downsizers
• Larger estate-style properties also exist
• Modern amenities, clubhouse, restaurants, wellness centers nearby
• Extremely convenient for people who travel frequently or want in-town access

Old Southwest Reno & Caughlin Ranch: Timeless Character

If you like homes with a little more character and don’t mind doing a few updates, Old Southwest Reno and Caughlin Ranch might be a great fit. You’ll find homes with mid-century bones, mature trees, and family-centric vibes in these areas.

One quick story: I was showing homes to a couple relocating from Marin, and we toured some modern high-end places, none of them clicked. Then we landed in an Old Southwest classic, slightly outdated but full of charm and on a half-acre lot. They loved it. They could see its potential, and within a week it was theirs.

• Eclectic home styles from different eras
• Larger lots and mature landscaping
• Close to downtown and Midtown Reno
• You often need to tour a few homes to “get” the value

South Meadows, Damonte Ranch, and Somersett: Family-Friendly and Amenity-Rich

If you’re coming from California with kids in tow, or planning ahead for grandkids, these areas offer a blend of upscale living with walkable schools, parks, and community centers. While not “luxury” in the traditional custom-home sense, you’ll definitely find higher-end properties among more affordable ones.

• Toll Brothers builds and semi-custom options
• HOA amenities like pools, golf, walking trails
• Great for families, young professionals, and people who want newer homes
• Easy access to shopping, highway, and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Lake Tahoe Nevada Side

Look, we mostly stay in the Reno-Sparks area, but if your heart is set on the Lake, we've got friends who can help. Incline Village, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, all stunning, all pricey, and all worth it if you want lakefront access (and have the budget to back it up!).

If you’re interested in these higher-priced properties, reach out to us and we’ll connect you with one of our trusted experts who specializes up there.

So What Are California Buyers Really Looking For?

Usually by the time a California buyer reaches out to us, they’ve already done their research. They know about our tax benefits, our lower cost of living, and how quiet and beautiful this region can be. What they need next is help choosing where to land.

Top features they ask for:

• Space and privacy, corner lots, larger backyards, not jammed in next to neighbors
• Amenities, from pickleball courts to gated security, depending on lifestyle
• Views, whether it’s mountain, city, or forest views will vary
• Modern luxury, many prefer move-in ready with stylish finishes
• Proximity to airport, important for professionals or frequent travelers

Some buyers ask about 55+ communities, especially those nearing retirement. We’ve got entire neighborhoods tailored for that with built-in social calendars and age-specific layouts. Others avoid age-restricted areas altogether because they want the flexibility of a traditional neighborhood environment.

The biggest surprise for most is pricing expectations. Yes, Northern Nevada is significantly less expensive than most parts of California, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. A million-dollar home here isn’t “overpriced, ” it’s usually aligned with our local market comparables. That means you can’t always lowball your way into a deal, but you also won’t be competing with 15 other buyers like you might be back in the Bay Area.

Conclusion: Which Reno Luxury Neighborhood is Right for You?

Whether you’re looking for modern elegance in Rancharrah, the forest haven of St. James Village, or the timeless charm of Old Southwest Reno, there’s a spot in Northern Nevada that fits your lifestyle. The key is knowing yourself, what amenities matter to you, how often you travel, whether you want community events or peace and quiet, and then pairing that lifestyle with the right neighborhood.

If you’re curious where you might fit best, reach out to us. We’d love to help you walk through your options. And definitely check out the neighborhood guide or explore other posts on our blog to dig deeper into these areas.

Also, we’ve done in-depth videos on many of the neighborhoods mentioned, check out the channel for more visuals, stories, and insights straight from the street.