Old Northwest Reno: Charm & UNR - My Happy Place
I’ve lived in the Reno/Sparks area all my life. For the last 9 years, I have made Old NW Reno my home.
Because the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is about one mile from my house, it is a very sought-after area. My home is near the school but not close enough to see a fraternity house. I can hear the cannon go off after a field goal in Mackay Stadium and often hear the fireworks from the Aces baseball game.
My neighborhood is populated with older mid-century homes with utilities running through the backyards. There are no utility poles out front. Most of the houses are 3 bed, 2 bath, but some are larger. There are a lot of big old trees and it makes the area charming. It is close to the freeway and McCarran Blvd but without any road noise.
My favorite thing about my neighborhood is the access to parks. There is the tiny Irving Park that I visit almost daily.
Lake Park is a little farther but still an easy walk.
If I want a longer hike, I drive to Rancho San Rafael Park. There I can let Maggie, my Craiglist terrier, run around to her heart's content. We love to walk around the lake and look at the turkeys.
If we walk straight North through the park, we get into the wild area of Rancho. I call this area the swamp, although it’s beautiful. It’s far more rugged and the view changes drastically with each season.
If you continue past the swamp, you’ll be in Evans Creek Canyon. There is a wonderful Basque Memorial and statue. This path will take you up and up to the top of the canyon. They are large enough to walk in when there isn’t water coursing through.
We are a pretty close-knit community. We all gather in the front yards and toss footballs or work on cars. Once a year my neighbor and I host the Keystone Kup. It’s an annual mini-golf event that takes place in October. We choose a theme and then encourage everyone to create a one-hole golf game in their front yard. This year the theme is Stephen King books. I have a Pet Sematary springing up in my front garden as we speak.
According to Areavibes' website, Old NW Reno gets an A+ on crime. The schools received a grade of B. Overall, NW Reno is safer than 93% of all cities in Nevada. I feel very safe living here. If it sounds like a place you want to live, reach out. There is always a house or two or more ready for you to view.
If you're seeking a charming, close-knit community with easy access to the University of Nevada, Reno, beautiful parks, and a safe environment, then Old Northwest Reno might be your perfect fit! This vibrant neighborhood offers something for everyone, from families with children to nature enthusiasts.