Reno attracting second-home buyers
By Larry Olmsted, USA Today
Reno calls itself “The Biggest Little City in the World.” That’s meant to say it’s a small town with big-city amenities. But the reality is that its casinos, shops, restaurants and nightlife play second fiddle to the main attraction surrounding the city: the great outdoors.
“Outdoor recreation is huge here because we have so much sunshine. People love being outside,” says real estate agent Carrie Sieben of LL Realty. “Reno is the gateway to all of the many activities of northern Nevada and bordering California, yet it is very inexpensive.”
One of Reno’s biggest appeals is nearby Lake Tahoe. But luxury houses in Reno sell for the same as or less than small condos near the water’s edge. Single-family houses in golf communities start under $200,000. “Around Reno, you can buy a nice condo in the mid-$100,000s,” Sieben says.
Many second-home buyers find that giving up immediate access to pricey Lake Tahoe for an hour-long drive there is worth Reno’s reasonable prices, its big-city amenities and access to skiing, golf and other outdoor sports. Access is excellent via the Reno airport.
