Reno combines the two greatest inspirations of the American West: mountains and desert. With hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snow boarding, mountain biking, fishing, and everything else offered in the fresh air of the great outdoors, it's more of a wild west town than a gambling town. Of course, it packs a punch of Vegas flair as well... if that's what you're into. Either way, it's prime time for renting in Reno, so let’s cash in those chips and get going.
Don't go towards the light
Reno combines the two greatest inspirations of the American West: mountains and desert. With hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snow boarding, mountain biking, fishing, and everything else offered in the fresh air of the great outdoors, it's more of a wild west town than a gambling town. Of course, it packs a punch of Vegas flair as well... if that's what you're into. Either way, it's prime time for renting in Reno, so let’s cash in those chips and get going.
Don't go towards the light. Yes, those casino lights are bright and twinkly and oh-so pretty. But, wouldn't you rather watch the lights from a distance than from across the street, beaming into your windows at four in the morning? Living in casino-land is completely different than your average downtown drinking, gambling, and general party escapades. For the sake of your sanity and circadian rhythm, we recommend heading out of town, toward the mountains or the desert. Just getting a few miles away from downtown puts you in a whole different world, and a whole different state of mind. There is so much more to Reno than gambling. Go towards the wilderness.
Beware of the mismanagers. There are some good apartments in the worst parts of town, some bad apartments in the best parts of town, and it all depends on the apartment manager, or mismanager, in this case. A good apartment manager shouldn't be conspicuously charming. They shouldn't be vague about important details like utility bills, security, maintenance or parking spaces. And, you shouldn't buy into any promises that aren't written clearly in the lease. Many bad apartment managers will say anything to get you to sign, so make sure to prepare some key questions, address your concerns, and read the fine print. Be on guard.
Living without a car. Luckily, there are plenty of areas around Reno where you can get by without a car to just about anywhere you want to go. The Sierra Spirit bus line provides free rides in the downtown area and the Reno Citifare‘s 65 buses operate throughout the entire metro area. Spotted throughout downtown and the arts district are tons of bicycle shops and cycling clubs for all you two-wheeled riders. There are also plenty of walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhoods, such as West University, Old Southwest, California Avenue, and Wells Avenue. If you need a dose of fresh, coastal air, you can even cross the mountains to San Francisco via the California Zephyr, which just so happens to be the most scenic train ride in the U.S. How about them apples?
Reno is like an enigma inside a conundrum inside a casino inside a desert and pine-forest sandwich (Take that, Inception). Within each ward, there are good and bad neighborhoods, and within each neighborhood, there are good and bad streets. So, as you scan through the neighborhood breakdown, keep in mind that there is great diversity throughout the Biggest Little City in the World.
Old Southwest. This neighborhood is as close to the old west as you can get while maintaining walking distance to the nightlife of downtown and the arts district. Old, towering trees line streets filled with tiny brick cottages, well-preserved houses from the 1900s, as well as a few newer homes, mansions, and apartments. Idlewild Park sits on the Truckee River, providing a very scenic gateway to downtown. However, like any neighborhood near a downtown area, apartment life can be pretty sketchy. In this area, you will be better off in an apartment along the southwestern boundary. If you’re a sucker for natural beauty (and really, who isn’t?), the proximity to the pine-forest foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range will have you sold on the southwestern ‘hood in no time.
South Meadow. Just a few years ago, the raw landscape that previously occupied this area was replaced with houses and buildings from the pre-recession real estate boom. The resulting neighborhood is one of boxy, modern architechture coupled with flat, winding roads, wide bicycle lanes, and a few brand-spankin'-new apartment complexes. It's very walkable and bikeable, with plenty of parks, shopping, restaurants, and employers in the neighborhood. However, if you plan on commuting to the city center, or any of the amazing wildernesses surrounding Reno, you’ll need a set automotive ride to get you there. Rental rates are higher, but it's worth the price for the peace and quiet of a new apartment in a great neighborhood.
Wells Avenue. Popular for its location, walkability, and affordability, Wells Avenue neighbors downtown, the Truckee River Arts District, as well as Wingfield Park, a whitewater rafting park right in view of downtown. The scenery and vibe range drastically. Everything from old and decrepit, to sturdy and historic; from new and beautiful, to terribly ugly and hastily built, variety certainly isn’t lacking in this area. The same goes for whatever you’re into, as this neighborhood comes packing some great little dive bars, bodegas, and tattoo parlors, as well as upscale to hole-in-the-wall-type eats.
Donner Springs. This neighborhood is tucked away in the open and green space just southeast of the airport bordering the Truckee River to the north, Mira Loma Park and the Rosewood Lakes Golf Course to the east, and the hiking trails of Huffaker Hills to the south. Ever get annoyed by the sounds of planes swooping in to land? If so, you might want to reconsider as the noise from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and traffic from McCarran Blvd can often annoy. However, the money you save on rent due to this factor can buy you a nice, big entertainment center, or some sound isolating headphones to drown out any sound from the outside world. Whether you decide to move here or not, be sure to take a nice, long hike to the top of Huffaker Hills for a bird's eye view of the Truckee River Valley. Make sure you send us your subsequent nature poem.
Northeast Reno. Located far north of downtown, and just east of the mountains, this area of Reno is exceptionally rural. Sitting pretty in between the University of Nevada and the Truckee Meadows Community College, this is a great location for students looking to rent a pad a bit nicer than student housing. Outdoors enthusiasts live on the western part of this ‘hood, which has quick access to Rancho San Rafael Park and the expanse of mountain wilderness beyond that. For shopaholics, consider living in the eastern part of town, near the University East Shopping Center and the North-South Freeway. The benefits are many, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy the easy 15-20 minute commute to other shopping hotspots in the city center without the hassle of living there.
West University. If you were to live in Reno without a car, this would be the neighborhood to do it in. Within walking/biking distance, you have the university, downtown, the Truckee River Arts District, and Rancho San Rafael Park. Need we say more?
Northwest Reno. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, this part of town is surrounded by wilderness to the north, west, and south. Apartments are hard to come by, lightly speckled here and there. When you do happen across one, however, the first thing you’ll notice is that price tag, and not for the big savings. They’re very pricey, yes, but well worth it for the amazing views, attractive neighborhoods, and quick access to nature, education, and gritty downtown nightlife.
Downtown. Last, but not least, we have the downtown area of Reno. It is here that you drive under the arch with the slogan "The Biggest Little City in the World".Once you get out of the grit around casino-land, however, you can find cultural treasures such as the West Street Market, Whitewater Park, and a growing arts district just south of the Truckee River. There's art museums, art galleries, and artsy bars, tearooms, and coffee shops, all brought together by monthly wine walks and the annual Artown Festival. And here you were, doubting the place. Tsk-tsk. If you want to be fully marinated in the artsy culture of Reno, look for artist’s lofts and condo conversions of old casinos, which are often rented out by individual owners through the classifieds.
California Avenue. Just south of the Truckee River Arts District, this neighborhood is undergoing its own artsy revival. There are a lot of trendy boutiques, independent stores, and restaurants. Not to mention it's easily walkable to anywhere in the downtown area. You’ll find a ton of price ranges here, so it’s really dependant on how deep your pocket is.
Reno may be "The Biggest Little City in the World", but it's still just a seed... a seed in the desert, growing in between the annual insanity of the city of Burning Man and that year-round artistic conglomeration known as San Francisco. It will grow tough, prickly, and beautiful. Somewhere in there, there’s an apartment with your name on it. So get out there and find it! Just remember to send us that poem if you write one. Happy hunting!
The representation of ethnic minorities in Reno is higher than the national average. The eight main ethnic groups that make up the population of Reno are White (56.4%), Hispanic Or Latino (25.8%), Asian (6.3%), Two Or More (5.4%), Black Or African American (3.9%), Other (0.9%), Native Hawaiian Or Other Pacific Islander (0.9%), and American Indian Or Alaska Native (0.5%).
The representation of ethnic minorities in Reno is higher than the national average. The eight main ethnic groups that make up the population of Reno are White (56.4%), Hispanic Or Latino (25.8%), Asian (6.3%), Two Or More (5.4%), Black Or African American (3.9%), Other (0.9%), Native Hawaiian Or Other Pacific Islander (0.9%), and American Indian Or Alaska Native (0.5%).
Apartment List has released the results for Reno from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters nationwide, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the country’s 111 million renters.
These Reno neighborhoods are insanely popular right now! Renters are hunting down properties in these places.
Nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno is famously known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" due to its mix of urban charm and natural beauty. This appealing blend makes it one of the best places to live in the state.
Reno is home to many vibrant neighborhoods, including the historic downtown and artsy Midtown, where you'll find delicious restaurants and stunning architecture. You can also enjoy an eclectic range of shopping centers and unique local stores in locations like the Meadowood Mall and Shayden Summit.
For prospective residents, the Stead area offers a suburban feel with scenic green spaces like Keystone Canyon and Rancho San Rafael. Spring Valley, located in the Truckee Meadows Basin just 20 minutes from downtown, is a favorite among retirees and empty nesters. And for those wanting to stay close to the city’s energy, South Meadows grants easy access to downtown along with top-rated schools and recreational areas.
If you prefer nature to bustling city life, Reno makes it simple to enjoy exciting outdoor adventures. Lake Tahoe and Mount Rose are just a short drive away for boating, skiing, and hiking, and the Truckee River offers scenic views for walking and picnicking. For indoor activities, Reno's art galleries and the International Film Festival are excellent choices, providing some culture and sophistication.
With diverse units and luxury apartments available, the city has appealing options to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles. The median monthly cost for apartments in or near Reno, NV is around $1,331, and here’s what you can expect to pay based on unit type:
If you're hunting for apartments for rent in Reno, Nevada, Apartment List makes finding your new home simple. Take our AI-powered Renter Quiz to search for precisely what you need, whether a fully furnished apartment or a unit close to the bus line. Just answer a few questions, and we'll curate listings that suit your criteria.
Here's how Apartment List can connect you with ideal units and apartment complexes in Reno, NV:
Rent costs are growing in Reno, but the city’s upscale lifestyle and luxury apartment options make the higher price tag worthwhile for many residents. The cost of apartments for rent in Reno rose by 3.5% over the past year, outpacing both the state and national averages.
A key thing to know before moving to Reno is that Nevada is a tax-friendly state. If you move to Reno, you don't have to pay personal state income or inheritance tax, and property taxes are low. This tax structure makes Nevada appealing to individuals and families looking to maximize their income.
Also look into information like the cost of living and access to transportation to make sure the city is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Reno's cost of living is approximately 5% higher than the average city in Apartment List's database. Most residents spend an estimated $4,737 monthly on expenses like rent, transportation, and groceries.
Welcome to the Apartment List December 2024 Rent Report for Reno, NV. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,317, after falling 1.2% last month. Prices remain up 3.9% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Reno rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the nation as a whole.
The median rent in Reno fell by 1.2% over the course of November, and has now increased by a total of 3.9% over the past 12 months. Reno’s rent growth over the past year has has outpaced both state (0.1%) and national (-0.6%) averages.
Eleven months into the year, rents in Reno have risen 4.4%. This is a faster rate of growth compared to what the city was experiencing at this point last year: from January to November 2023 rents had decreased 2.3%.
Reno rents went down 1.2% in the past month, compared to the national rate of -0.8%. Among the nation's 100 largest cities, this ranks #79. Similar monthly rent growth took place in Phoenix, AZ (-1.2%) and Minneapolis, MN (-1.3%).
Citywide, the median rent currently stands at $1,089 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,363 for a 2-bedroom. Across all bedroom sizes (ie, the entire rental market), the median rent is $1,317. That ranks #65 in the nation, among the country's 100 largest cities.
For comparison, the median rent across the nation as a whole is $1,214 for a 1-bedroom, $1,368 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,382 overall. The median rent in Reno is 4.7% lower than the national, and is similar to the prices you would find in St. Paul, MN ($1,320) and Fresno, CA ($1,317).
Apartment List is committed to the accuracy and transparency of our rent estimates. We begin with reliable median rent statistics from the Census Bureau, then extrapolate them forward to the current month using a growth rate calculated from our listing data. In doing so, we use a same-unit analysis similar to Case-Shiller’s approach, capturing apartment transactions over time to provide an accurate picture of rent growth in cities across the country. Our approach corrects for the sample bias inherent in other private sources, producing results that are much closer to statistics published by the Census Bureau and HUD. For more details, please see the Apartment List Rent Estimate Methodology.
Apartment List publishes monthly rent reports and underlying data for hundreds of cities across the nation, as well as data aggregated for counties, metros, and states. These data are intended to be a source of reliable information that help renters and policymakers make sound decisions. Insights from our data are covered regularly by journalists across the country. To access the data yourself, please visit our Data Downloads Page.
Welcome to the Apartment List December 2024 Rent Report for Reno, NV. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,317, after falling 1.2% last month. Prices remain up 3.9% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Reno rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the nation as a whole.
Apartment List has released Reno’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.
"Reno renters expressed general dissatisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "Some categories received average scores, and many received below average scores."
Key findings in Reno include the following:
Renters say:
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
Reno combines the two greatest inspirations of the American West: mountains and desert. With hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snow boarding, mountain biking, fishing, and everything else offered in the fresh air of the great outdoors, it's more of a wild west town than a gambling town. Of course, it packs a punch of Vegas flair as well... if that's what you're into. Either way, it's prime time for renting in Reno, so let’s cash in those chips and get going.
Don't go towards the light
View Reno City Guide
