Reno offers a range of neighborhoods with both urban and suburban vibes.
Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno, NV, is often thought of as a tourist town. And, it is. But it’s also a great place for renters to call home.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Reno No. 18 on its list of best places to live for quality of life. Along with casinos and plenty of other entertainment and cultural activities, this western Nevada city features tons of activities for outdoorsy types. The nearby Sierra Nevada mountains offer hiking and biking, and just about an hour away, Lake Tahoe is home to several ski resorts.
Reno continues to attract new residents thanks to its affordability, healthy economy and the job market. Over the past decade, Reno’s population rose more than 15 percent. Residents tend to find jobs in the hospitality industry, along with tech and education. Big-name employers include Apple, International Gaming Technology, Microsoft and Tesla Motors’ Gigafactory. Plus, Nevada residents don’t pay state income tax.
Thinking of moving to Reno? To help you find a new home to rent, we’ve rounded up the 15 best neighborhoods in Reno.
- Walk Score: 52/100
Arrowcreek is home to luxury million-dollar homes, but there are lots of options for renters, too. Upscale apartment complexes and smaller buildings feature amenities like pools and clubhouses. The neighborhood is ideal for families, as it’s home to parks and top-rated schools.
Residents can easily access downtown Reno and other neighborhoods, but there’s a lot to do in Arrowcreek. The community features recreational areas and championship golf courses, including the Wolf Run Golf Club and the private Club at Arrowcreek.
- Walk Score: 15/100
In southwestern Reno, Caughlin Ranch is a quiet neighborhood with a suburban vibe. It’s also a dream for nature lovers — the neighborhood is home to parks, ponds, lakes and hiking trails. The Truckee River, Hunter Lake Trail and Crissie Caughlin Park are all nearby.
Residents can access downtown and other parts of the city within about 20 minutes. The Caughlin Ranch neighborhood offers daily essentials like grocery stores and cafés. More dining options and shops are a short drive away.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,025
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,274
- Walk Score: 43/100
Located in the southeastern part of Reno, the Donner Springs neighborhood lies beneath Rattlesnake Mountain, which offers hiking trails and beautiful views. Downtown’s nightlife and entertainment options are just a few minutes away, as well as shopping and restaurants. Lake Tahoe is also a convenient drive, where residents can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
This area of Reno is home to a diverse group of residents, including families, young professionals and retirees. Donner Springs is affordable and apartment options are plentiful, including one- and two-bedroom units in apartment communities.
- Walk Score: 30/100
Double Diamond is a suburban community with all the daily necessities nearby, including restaurants and shopping centers. Like most other neighborhoods in Reno, residents can easily access casinos, downtown attractions, parks and nature activities within a short drive.
Renters looking to call Double Diamond home will find furnished studio apartments, units with one-, two- or three-bedrooms and more. Many apartment communities feature amenities, such as pools, fitness centers and clubhouses.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,437
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,762
- Walk Score: 95/100
Downtown Reno features a glittering, brightly lit skyline against the Sierra Nevada range. Living here is the perfect spot for anyone who likes to be in the center of it all. From casinos to restaurants to nightclubs to cultural activities, there’s always something going on for residents to enjoy. The Riverwalk District features bars, restaurants, shops and more.
Living downtown means everything is within walking distance. Renters have tons of housing options downtown, too, including studio apartments, townhouses, high rises and lots more. And, rent prices are more affordable compared to other metros.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,600
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,975
- Walk Score: 55/100
The Idlewild Park neighborhood in southwestern Reno is home to the Truckee River and its namesake Idlewild Park, making it a great place for families and outdoors lovers. The 49-acre park located along the river features a rose garden, playgrounds, skate park, pool, picnic areas and many more amenities. It also hosts events throughout the year, like the Earth Day celebration and food truck festivities.
Renters can find beautiful apartment complexes and high rises, though prices are a little higher than in other parts of the city. The high quality of life makes it worthwhile, however. Idlewild Park is also close to downtown and other neighborhoods, so your commute to work, restaurants and other entertainment options is short.
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,195
- Walk Score: 56/100
Kings Row is a densely populated neighborhood located in the northern part of the city. It’s a convenient place to live for families and young professionals since commuting downtown just takes about 20 minutes. There are many affordable apartment communities that would be a great place to call home, too.
One of the biggest attractions for residents of Kings Row is Northwest Park. The park features basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds and walking and running paths. Other local entertainment options include the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino and other casinos, which offer plenty of dining and nightlife options.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,840
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,629
- Walk Score: 13/100
Though its pricier than other Reno neighborhoods, Lakeridge offers a quiet, serene vibe. The area attracts mostly young professionals and singles and apartment options are abundant. The neighborhood offers easy access to all the essentials, like grocery stores, but commuting to casinos and other attractions is a short drive.
Located in the city’s southwest area, Lakeridge also houses the Bartley Ranch Regional Park. The 56-acre park features trails, horse arenas, picnic areas, an amphitheater and other attractions. Hiking, golfing, fishing and other outdoorsy activities are also easy to find.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,611
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,972
- Walk Score: 52/100
Meadowood offers a suburban vibe in southeastern Reno. It’s a quiet, affordable setting that’s perfect for families and individuals alike. The Meadowood Mall with big-box retailers, chain stores and eateries is here, so there are plenty of places to eat and shop.
The neighborhood offers easy access to highways, so getting to downtown and other parts of the city is quick and easy. Meadowood is also renter-friendly with many apartments available, including manicured apartment communities with lots of amenities.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,050
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,350
- Walk Score: 74/100
Peckham Gardens is one of the most affordable and walkable neighborhoods in Reno. It’s an ideal spot for renters — the area has many apartments available with exciting amenities.
Near Reno’s midtown, living in Peckham Gardens means getting anywhere in the city is just a short drive away. Plus, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is close by so going on a quick getaway couldn’t be more convenient.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,100
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,399
- Walk Score: 58/100
Smithridge is another of Reno’s most affordable places. Renters can nab a one-bedroom apartment for just over $1,000 a month. But, there are plenty of two- and three-bedroom rentals available for families at a reasonable price.
The neighborhood is a residential setting with a quiet atmosphere. Retailers, restaurants and parks are easily accessed. Smithridge is close to the interstate, so getting downtown or out of town is convenient.
Source: Rent.com/Riverside Park Apartments
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,467
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,772
- Walk Score: 52/100
Located in midtown Reno, this stretch of Wells Avenue and the surrounding area is home to many affordable, top-notch housing options. Renters can snap up lofts, high-rise units and studio apartments.
The neighborhood has a lot going on, with several restaurants and shops nearby. Cultural activities, including the National Automobile Museum and the Nevada Museum of Art, are here. The Renown Regional Medical Center also calls the Wells Avenue neighborhood home.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,349
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,595
- Walk Score: 16/100
The Stead neighborhood is a great spot for residents who want to live among sprawling green spaces with a suburban vibe and don’t mind commuting. You definitely need a car when you live in this part of town, but Downtown Reno and other areas are just 15 to 20 minutes away.
Renters will find both large apartment complexes and small buildings with just a few units. The Reno-Stead Airport is nearby, along with the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Parks and restaurants are also easily accessible from the Stead. This is the place for renters who want plenty of quiet time.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,467
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,772
- Walk Score: 52/100
The University of Nevada, Reno opened in 1874 and enrolls tens of thousands of students every year into its undergraduate, doctoral and research programs. But, students aren’t the only ones who call this neighborhood home. Young professionals and families live here, too.
The neighborhood surrounding the university offers easy access to downtown, casinos, dining, shopping and outdoor activities. Skiing at Lake Tahoe is a convenient amenity when you move to the university area.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,142
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,350
- Walk Score: 74/100
Located in southeastern Reno, Virginia Lake is an ideal spot for renters. Here, more than 80 percent of people rent their homes. Virginia Lake is also a great part of town for the outdoorsy. It features Virginia Lake Park with playgrounds, fields, jogging and biking paths and a manmade lake full of fish.
This quiet neighborhood is just a few minutes away from downtown. Close by, residents will find the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and a handful of dining and shopping options. And it’s a convenient place for travelers, as the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is nearby.
Find the best Reno neighborhood for you
Living in Reno offers something for everyone. The city is full of unique and diverse neighborhoods with different amenities and, of course, casinos. Ready to start your apartment search? Use our list to find the best neighborhood for you and then check out the apartments for rent in Reno at Rent.com.
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of November 2021 and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Source: rent.com