Located in the northwest of the Truckee Meadows, Reno’s University neighborhoods aren’t just for students or faculty. This vibrant area is also home to some of Reno’s oldest buildings and its most beautiful parks and views.
Our neighborhood experts loosely define boundaries of the University area as east of Keystone Avenue, west of Wells Avenue, south of Parr Boulevard and north of Fifth Street. Within it, there are a variety of areas with their own features and distinctions. Those include:
West University
This area of the University Neighborhood features many classic older homes that have been upgraded in recent years. This positive, stable neighborhood is walking or biking distance to the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as many local restaurants and amenities. Nearby, there are many public parks, including Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, where the Great Reno Balloon Race is held.
East University
In this part of the University neighborhood, you can find the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, and Dick Taylor Memorial Park. Homes here can be smaller than those in West University and can be an excellent value for investors or parents.
University Ridge
Located north of McCarran Boulevard and east of Virginia Street is University Ridge, a beautiful and well-established community located in Northeast Reno. This community consists of 460 single-family houses and is home to the University Ridge Park with nature trails. Homes in University Ridge often have scenic views of the city and the Sierra Nevada range and are part of the neighborhood’s Home Owners Association.
Sky Country Estates
To the west of McCarran Boulevard and north of Virginia Street, you can find Sky Country Estates. These homes were built between 1995 to 2000, and be anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet on up to 1.5-acre lots.
All of these areas are close to the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874. UNR ranks in the top tier of best national universities by U.S. News and World Report and is steadily growing in enrollment, excellence and reputation. The University serves nearly 22,000 students. Part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the University is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Wolf Pack Athletics.
To learn more about the University Neighborhoods and it’s many attributes, I chatted with three of our Dickson Realty neighborhood experts.
Donna Luchetti, Lisa Munson and Brady Price have a combined more than 50 years of experience living and selling real estate in the area. Here’s what they had to say:
How would you describe the University Neighborhoods in Reno?
Lisa: In the West University area, you’ll see established neighborhoods and mature landscaping. These are usually really nice, really well taken care of properties where people take pride in ownership. These homes are also very stable and retain their value because of their charm, character and architecture. You’ll see brick, mid-century type homes that are highly desirable. I know a lot of young people who want to be in those homes. They like these older homes with character.
Donna: In University Ridge, you’ll find almost 600 homes up there. It’s a newer area than the West University area, and you’ll find larger homes on bigger footprints. The area also has a homeowners association, so it’s a very well-maintained neighborhood. The landscaping is just immaculate.
Brady: If you’re to the east of the university, those homes are older and smaller, but they can be less expensive as a result.
Who is buying homes in the University Neighborhoods in Reno?
Donna: It’s a variety of buyers depending on the part of the neighborhood. Up in University Ridge, there are many retirees and empty nesters who want to enjoy the fantastic views.
Lisa: I have had a lot of parents who buy homes for their children while they attend university.
Brady: I’m also seeing many private owners who will rent out to students. I’ve worked with some graduate students who purchased in that area. After they graduate, they rent out the property and go on to buy another home.
What are the benefits of living in the University Neighborhoods area?
Brady: There’s a lot to do within walking distance of the university. One of the significant benefits of living in the university area is all of the parks—especially Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. It has the dog park, the auditorium, and the Wilbur D. May Museum. Nearby, there’s there Reno Sports Complex, which has softball fields, a disc golf course, and many hiking trails.
Donna: In University Ridge, a lot of those homes have the best view in all of Reno. It is absolutely amazing. It’s the best view in the Truckee Meadows because you have the city, you have the valley, and you have the mountains.
Lisa: The central location is huge. You’re just a couple of minutes to downtown, and then to the east, you’re on the freeway, so it’s easy to get anywhere. Shopping is 10 minutes away. You’re a hop, skip and a jump to Sparks or in the same distance you’re at the Summit Mall.
What is it like to buy a home in the University Neighborhoods?
Donna: It’s a highly desired area, so if you’re priced right, you’re going to be in escrow within a couple of weeks.
Lisa: Have those ducks in a row! Especially in the West University area with those quaint, charming, older houses. They have a lot of character and people want those, and not necessarily just for investment—that they want to live there.
Brady: I’ve seen people really taking advantage of the multifamily zoning available in some of those areas. It’s nice to know that they’re building those complexes out.
