Sunny view of the Reno, Nevada, skyline with the mountains in the background.

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12 Best Neighborhoods in Reno: Finding Your Home in the Biggest Little City in the World

Reno Nevada

by Matt Lyons Posted on August 28, 2025

Road trip to Vegas? Day trip to Lake Tahoe? Easy access to the Sierra Nevadas? When you look at a Reno, Nevada, map, it might not seem like much, but it hasn’t been nicknamed the “Biggest Little City in the World” for nothing — this little city packs quite the punch. Well known for its eclectic arts scene, abundance of casinos, and plenty of outdoor access, you’re sure to have no problems finding your fit among the best neighborhoods in Reno.

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A lot of young professionals are set on living in Reno in part because of the city’s booming tech industry, but there are plenty of opportunities in other sectors, like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. The abundance of parks and walking trails make it a great place for families — not to mention the schools (The Davidson Academy is located here, and has been ranked the No. 1 best magnet high school in America by Niche). That’s not all that gives the best neighborhoods in Reno their charm, though.

Reno at a Glance

Reno has an estimated population of around 281,700.
Nevada has no state income tax and a sales tax of just 6.85%.
The average home value in Reno is $568,600, compared to $454,400 in the state and $369,100 nationally.
The average rent for a one-bedroom in Reno is $1,725, compared to $1,550 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
Great for: Nightlife, eclectic entertainment scene, getting outdoors, foodies, young professionals, families

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in Reno, NV?
A: Residents of Reno can enjoy living in a city that combines small-town charm and big city amenities, plus a booming job market and plenty of outdoor recreation right at their fingertips. However, the cost of living is over 18 percent higher than the national average index, and the weather can be harsh — especially if you’re moving from a different climate.

Best Neighborhoods in Reno

From vibrant communities near the city to secluded areas surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery, here are the best neighborhoods in Reno — no matter your lifestyle.

As the heart of Reno, Nevada, MidTown is one of the most exciting places to live in the city.
(Source: Reno Tahoe via Facebook)

1. MidTown

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
Average home value: $571,400
Great for: Young professionals, families, recreation, art, housing variety
Commute to Downtown Reno: 5 minutes

As the heart of Reno, Nevada, MidTown is one of the most exciting places to live in the city. With plenty of attractions and art on every corner, you’ll never find yourself bored. Besides the 2,000+ works at the Nevada Museum of Art, you’ll find murals all around MidTown, plus the MidTown Art Walk that showcases local artists alongside live music and food vendors.

One of the most popular recreation areas is the Riverwalk District, located along the Truckee River. Lined with shops, restaurants, and high-rise apartments, it’s a great area if you want to be at the center of all the action. Plus, you can check out local events like the monthly side-by-side event, Rush the River and Reno Wine Walk. Movie buff? Check out the Cordillera International Film Festival.

Q: What is the hippest neighborhood in Reno?
A: With local art events and something happening almost every weekend, MidTown is arguably the hippest neighborhood in Reno.

2. Northwest Reno

Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
Average home value: $623,500
Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, local activities, proximity to quality schools
Commute to Downtown Reno: 12 minutes

Northwest Reno is a great place to call home and is one of the safest neighborhoods in Reno (ranked No. 1 by AreaVibes). Safety, paired with great schools — including the higher education opportunities at the University of Nevada, Reno — makes this neighborhood great for families. Its proximity to Interstate 80 makes it easy to head downtown or reach other parts of the city when you want to get away.

If you’d rather stay close to home, one of the area's most prominent parks is the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden, which is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. A former ranch, the 580-acre property is also home to the annual Great Balloon Race.

Q: What is the nicest area in Reno to live in?
A: Damonte Ranch is often considered the nicest Reno neighborhood due to the area’s beautiful outdoor views.

3. Damonte Ranch

Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
Average home value: $754,700
Great for: Families, retirees, tranquility, beautiful views, outdoor activities
Commute to Downtown Reno: 15 minutes

The Damonte Ranch community is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Reno, situated in a peaceful area that doesn't suffer from traffic, noise pollution, or overcrowding. It’s close to great schools, including Damonte Ranch High School, which makes it an ideal place to settle down for families. Damonte Ranch's views are one of the most appealing features of this community, and the houses are situated in a secluded area, making it great for retirees as well.

Hiking trails are also easy to access around the neighborhood, with three five-mile loops — the Damonte Ranch Wetland Loop, Huffaker Hills Trailhead, and South Meadows Trails — all within a 15-minute drive. Looking for panoramic views? Check out Twin Peaks Trail! You’ll be able to see downtown, Mt. Rose, and Slide Mountain.

Aerial view of The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno’s ArrowCreek neighborhood, featuring two pools, expansive green lawns, and a distant mountain view.
The Club at Arrowcreek features private dual championship golf courses, a modern fitness center, swimming pools, and pickleball and bocce courts.
(Source: The Club at ArrowCreek via Facebook)

4. ArrowCreek

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
Average home value: $2.1M
Great for: Families, retirees, golfing, recreation, outdoor activities, dining
Commute to Downtown Reno: 20 minutes

Situated in Southwest Reno, Arrowcreek is a highly affluent community that offers residents panoramic views of both the mountains and the city. Residents can also make use of the nearby Pyramid Lake and the various trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Need a bite after a day in the sun? Check out local favorites like The Twisted Fork and Clary's Bar and Grill.

You can also take advantage of being a member of The Club at Arrowcreek, which features private dual championship golf courses, a modern fitness center, swimming pools, pickleball courts, and bocce courts.

Q: Where do the rich live in Reno?
A: With an average home value of over $2.2 million, many affluent people live in the neighborhood of ArrowCreek.

5. Downtown

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
Average home value: $351,700
Great for: Young professionals, proximity to local entertainment, condo living
Commute to Downtown Reno: You’re already there!

There are lots of things to do in Reno, Nevada — and downtown is definitely a hotspot. The city is known for its tourism and gaming industries, which can be found predominantly in this neighborhood, attracting millions of visitors each year. With affordable home prices, Downtown Reno is also considered one of the best neighborhoods to buy a home in the city (that doesn’t mean many do, though).

With tourist hotspots like Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Hotel and Resort, Downtown Reno isn’t the quietest place to live. You still have easy access to grocery stores, with a Trader Joe’s and the Great Basin Community Food Co-Op nearby. If you like living near the hustle and bustle, you’ll definitely love living here.

6. Galena Forest

Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
Average home value: $1.2M
Great for: Families, retirees, proximity to top outdoor activities, dining
Commute to Downtown Reno: 25 minutes

Situated off Mt. Rose Highway, Galena Forest is a great neighborhood to live in if you’re looking for the perfect mix of city life and suburbia. It’s only 12 minutes from the Mt. Rose Ski Area, 20 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe.

Galena Creek Regional Park is just across the highway and offers plenty of cultural and natural history. It's also a great place to get involved in the community.

The vibrant and diverse restaurant scene in Galena also has something for everyone. One of the most popular dining spots with karaoke and plenty of live music is the Lodge Bar & Patio. Schussboom Brewing Co. is a great place to try out new brews, and Tahoe Natural Cafe offers fresh juice and smoothie options, with more sandwiches, wraps, and salads than you can count.

A beautiful single-family home in the Caughlin Ranch neighborhood of Reno, Nevada, surrounded by lush woodlands with a view of the mountains in the distance.
Caughlin Ranch features 2,300 acres of beautiful Nevada scenery.
(Source: Pine Bluff at Caughlin Ranch via Facebook)

7. Caughlin Ranch

Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
Average home value: $987,700
Great for: Families, beautiful real estate options, recreation
Commute to Downtown Reno: 10 minutes

One of Reno's finest master planned communities is Caughlin Ranch, which is located near the southern portion of the Truckee River and the Toiyabe Forest. This ranch community features 2,300 acres of beautiful Nevada scenery. It’s still close to downtown, but far enough removed to offer quiet in the evenings. Plus, you’ll have easy access to 25 miles of walking trails and three parks — Village Green, Eastridge, and Caughlin Crest.

The homes in Caughlin Ranch are situated on beautiful ranch land and offer multiple real estate options, including new construction, custom homes, and condominiums.

The Caughlin Club is located in the heart of the community and features facilities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, and the Cross Peak Trail. If you want to head out for brunch, check out Lillo Eatery.

8. South Meadows

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
Average home value: $336,000
Great for: Families, young professionals, apartment/condo living, shopping, outdoor recreation
Commute to Downtown Reno: 20 minutes

South Meadows is situated in the desirable South Reno area. It’s mainly made up of apartments and condominiums, as there are only a few single-family houses in the area. One of the most popular neighborhoods is The Resort at Tanamera, which features spacious homes with attached garages and stucco siding.

South Meadows residents are also close to some of the area's most popular malls. The Meadowood Mall is around four miles away, while Shayden Summit is about four miles south of the community. Need a day in the sun? You’re close to some of the area’s most popular parks, including Huffaker Park, which is great for the whole family and features a tennis court, basketball court, and baseball field. A few local favorite restaurants include Great Full Gardens - South Meadows, South 40, and Flowing Tide Pub.

9. Stead

Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
Average home value: $441,100
Great for: Families, retirees, recreation, dining
Commute to Downtown Reno: 20 minutes

Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains north of Reno, Stead is a beautiful community that offers prime views of Silver Lake and the nearby mountain range.

One of the region's most prized parks is the 160-acre North Valleys Regional Park, which has a splash pad, baseball and soccer courts, an outdoor skatepark, and several miles of bike trails. Golfers can check out one of the area's most popular courses — the Sierra Sage Golf Course. It features 18 holes with a driving range and two putting greens.

Foodies living in Stead can enjoy a number of local offerings. One of the best spots for street tacos can be found at Cielito Lindo Taqueria. The Red Rock Cafe & Sports Bar is another popular spot that provides a fun and social atmosphere.

Wild horses are grazing on brush in Reno’s Virginia Foothills neighborhood with snow-capped mountains visible in the background.
Virginia Foothills is situated between Virginia City and Reno and offers residents a combination of the Old West's charm alongside big city amenities.
(Source: Reno Tahoe via Facebook)

10. Virginia Foothills

Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
Average home value: $742,500
Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, classic old West charm, top-notch schools
Commute to Downtown Reno: 20 minutes

Virginia Foothills is situated between Virginia City and Reno and offers residents a combination of the Old West's charm alongside big city amenities. With highly-regarded schools and the Sierra Nevada Mountains practically in everyone’s backyard, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Reno for families.

The Damonte Ranch Trail leads hikers through the area's brushland and wetlands, while Cyan Park and Double Diamond Park offer sports fields and playgrounds to enjoy. Plus, they all come with great mountain backdrops.

Many students in Virginia Foothills attend schools served by the Washoe County School District — ranked the fifth-best school district in Nevada by Niche. Some of the most highly ranked are Kendyl Depoali Middle School and Roy Gomm Elementary School.

11. Somersett

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
Average home value: $791,500
Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, beautiful views, gorgeous homes, outdoor activities
Commute to Downtown Reno: 13 minutes

Somersett is situated in western Reno, surrounded by rolling hills and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With wide streets, modern homes, and lots of parks, it’s perfect for families or young professionals who don’t mind a commute.

In fact, you might find that the commute is worth it when you see all the hiking opportunities you have. Peavine Peak Trailhead, Hunter Creek Trailhead, Mayberry Park, Somersett West Park (dog-friendly!), and Crystal Peak Park are all within easy driving distance.

Take advantage of the Somersett Golf & Country Club, where you can play a couple of rounds of golf and unwind at the community's swimming pool. Once you’re done for the day, head over to the club’s restaurant, The Grille, for American fare. If you’d rather get out on the town, Gambi’s Italian is known for its hearty plates and a wide-ranging cocktail menu.

12. South Reno

Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
Average home value: $1M
Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, diversity, recreation
Commute to Downtown Reno: 20 minutes

South Reno is great if you’re looking for a diverse place to live. In fact, it’s known for its cultural events happening throughout the year, like the Reno Greek Festival and Oktoberfest at the Nugget.

Neil Road Recreation Center features a full-size gymnasium and a fitness center that caters to the needs of senior citizens. It also has a variety of dance classes (ballet, belly, jazz), and group classes for yoga and Zumba

Moving to Nevada, but not quite settled on a city? Check out our other posts on the Silver State:

Best Small Towns in Nevada
Retiring in Nevada

A smiling PODS driver is leaning out of the driver side window of his truck as he prepares to transport a PODS portable moving container to one of the best neighborhoods in Reno, Nevada.
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Let PODS Move You to One of the Best Neighborhoods in Reno

When you’ve found one of the best neighborhoods in Reno to settle down, let PODS help you get there. Their portable moving and storage containers can be delivered to your driveway, where you can pack and load at your own pace. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new home. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can unload without any strict deadlines or return dates. And if you need assistance with the packing and loading, PODS can refer you to local help.

Visit PODS online for a free moving quote or call 877-350-7637 to speak with a moving pro.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.