Spanish Springs, NV, was built on the site of the first-ever Reno Air Races in 1964 and 1965. Formerly called Sky Ranch Airport, at the time of the first edition of the air races the site was a 2,000-foot-long dirt airstrip located northeast of the Highway 445 and Spanish Springs Road intersection.
Spanish Springs enjoys hot, dry summers and cold, but sunny, winters. With its laid-back country feel, its sunny weather, beautiful countryside and its proximity to Reno, it's a popular location for those with a love of outdoor pursuits. Snow skiing, water skiing, boating, camping, hiking -- it's all part of the lifestyle at Spanish Springs. Its proximity to Reno means residents have access to the grander scale events put on in Reno, such as the Hot Air Balloon Races and the Reno Air Races, without having to endure the downsides such events inevitably bring for residents -- noise and traffic jams.
Tips for Renting in Spanish Springs
Have a car
Spanish Springs is a smallish country town in the middle of a desert state; a car is an absolute must-have to provide access to amenities in nearby Reno and Sparks.
Consider your budget, but be willing to go a little over
Remember, many rental apartments are priced at a rate that includes specific utilities -- electricity, water, cable, and / or Internet are some of the charges commonly covered in "inclusive" rental prices. It pays to get yourself set up in an apartment, house, or rental condo that has its rent structured in this manner; it is very budget friendly (no surprises come payday if your utilities are included in your rent), and it allows you to either afford something just a little bit nicer or it lets you keep a little extra money in your pocket each month.
Drive around
Don't just rely on online research; get in your car and physically check out the areas you're considering moving to. There's nothing like finding your dream apartment and being able to write a check for the deposit and rent on the spot.
Consider your commute
How far are you willing to travel? If you're working in Spanish Springs, great, but for many, work will be in Reno or Sparks, up to 20 minutes away. That's going to require a considerable gas budget, so be sure to crunch your numbers before you commit. You may have to travel into Sparks a lot for extra leisure options, so be prepared to budget a fair chunk for gas.
Spanish Springs Neighborhoods
There are a number of Spanish Springs neighborhoods worth checking out if you're contemplating a move to the town. Bridle Path, Eagle Canyon, and North Springs are three popular areas and represent a good cross section of what's available in town.
Bridle Path: As the name suggests, one must be willing to live and breathe (literally and figuratively) horses to live here. Bridle Path is a community of up-market, single-story, ranch-style homes zoned for horse keeping, with lots of open space carved into bridle trails. Homes have direct access to the bridle trails, each of which leads to the large equestrian center.
Eagle Canyon: Eagle Canyon, a 155-acre residential subdivision just north of the Eagle Canyon Way / Neighborhood Way intersection, is home to a community of 465 individual rental apartments and homes. It includes the Canyon Vista, Bristol Bay, and Waterstone at Kiley Ranch apartment blocks. This could be an affordable place to rent an apartment in Spanish Springs.
North Springs: North Springs Estates is the largest subdivision in Spanish Springs. With an average age that is younger than most areas in Spanish Springs, North Springs is an exciting and lively place. It's also among the most affordable areas to live. Take that money you save on rent and have dinner at Hong Kong Express.
Life in Spanish Springs
Without the bi- city price tag on rental homes and amenities, Spanish Springs has a lower-than-average cost of living as an added bonus. Low crime rates, high income per capita and a stable housing market all contribute to making Spanish Springs a great place to live. Life in Spanish Springs might mean taking a short trip to Simply Thai to enjoy the ginger duck for a special occasion or savoring the carnitas at Fiesta Mexicana. You can also play a quick 18 holes at one of two fabulous golf clubs in nearby Sparks or try your luck at the Rail City or Bourbon Square Casinos. Go snow skiing one weekend and hit the Sparks Wild Island Family Adventure park the next. Spanish Springs has plenty of sand, sun and scenery, and enough urban lifestyle to make life comfortable.
Spanish Springs is just close enough to Reno for some of Reno's big-city fun to rub off on it, without residents being tied to a big-city lifestyle. It's no tourist hub, but a country town that has been steadily growing. If you like your summers dry and your hair windblown, Spanish Springs is worth checking out!