Real Estate Blog

Reno, NV, the “Biggest Little City in the World,” is quickly becoming home for many Nevadans and out-of-staters alike. From its legendary food scene to its easy access to all Nevada has to offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise nearly 268,900 people are living in Reno

As more people move to Reno, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $490,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $291. Or if you’re a renter, the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Reno is $1,802.

But maybe you’re looking to live outside of Reno and not in the city center. Well, look no further. We’ve rounded up a list of 7 of the best Reno suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 50-minute drive from the city. Let’s see what cities are on the list.

reno nevada downtown at night_Getty

#1: Sun Valley

Median home price: $408,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $241 
Driving distance from Reno: 12 minutes
Sun Valley, NV homes for sale
Sun Valley, NV apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $408,000, Sun Valley is the first Reno suburb on our list. About a 12-minute drive away from downtown Reno, Sun Valley is home to roughly 21,200 residents. Living in Sun Valley, you can check out the Sun Valley Regional Park where you’ll find Lizard Peak Disc Golf Course.

#2: Cold Springs

Median home price: $414,931 
Average sale price per square foot: $241 
Driving distance from Reno: 20 minutes
Cold Springs, NV homes for sale
Cold Springs, NV apartments for rent

The second spot on our list is Cold Springs. About a 20-minute drive from downtown Reno, you can explore the Riverwalk District along the Truckee River in just a quick drive. When living in this suburb of 10,200 people, you can also spend time exploring the charming downtown.

#3: Dayton

Median home price: $422,475 
Average sale price per square foot: $241 
Driving distance from Reno: 45 minutes
Dayton, NV homes for sale
Dayton, NV apartments for rent

Just 45 minutes away, you’ll find the suburb of Dayton. There’s plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Dayton. If you find yourself moving here, visit Dayton State Park where you’ll find Rock Point Hill and the Sutro Tunnel landmark. 

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#4: Sparks

Median home price: $450,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $274 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,922 
Driving distance from Reno: 8 minutes
Sparks, NV homes for sale
Sparks, NV apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Dayton is none other than Sparks. With roughly 108,400 residents in this Reno suburb, make sure to visit Sparks Marina Park, explore Golden Eagle Regional Park, stop by The Sparks “S,” and enjoy a day at Wild Island Family Adventure Park during the summer.

#5: Carson City

Median home price: $460,360 
Average sale price per square foot: $290 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,713 
Driving distance from Reno: 35 minutes
Carson City, NV homes for sale
Carson City, NV apartments for rent

About a 35-minute drive into the city, consider adding Carson City to your list of Reno suburbs to consider living in. With 58,600 people living in this town, Carson City is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Reno without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Carson City, you can visit Whale Beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe, see the Kings Canyon Waterfalls, and explore one of the museums like Nevada State Museum or Nevada State Railroad Museum.

view of lake tahoe waterfront_Getty

#6: Spanish Springs

Median home price: $620,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $297 
Driving distance from Reno: 22 minutes
Spanish Springs, NV homes for sale
Spanish Springs, NV apartments for rent

A recognizable Reno suburb is Spanish Springs, where the home prices are $620,000. Home to roughly 17,300 people, Spanish Springs is a great suburb to consider renting or buying a home in this year. You’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb unique, like hiking Griffiths Canyon.

#7: Incline Village

Median home price: $1.1 million 
Average sale price per square foot: $601 
Driving distance from Reno: 50 minutes
Incline Village, NV homes for sale
Incline Village, NV apartments for rent

Rounding out our list of Reno suburbs is none other than Incline Village. With a population of roughly 9,500, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to experience in Incline Village. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan time to go skiing, hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail, spend the afternoon at Burnt Cedar Beach, or have a meal with a lakefront view.

Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 50-minute drive from downtown Reno. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.