$517,426Average Value$319Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes For Sale
Where college town meets commercial hub
When people think of Reno, Nevada, they may first imagine casino gambling and skiing near Lake Tahoe. What often goes under the radar is the city’s vibrant college-town atmosphere, best exemplified by the vast West University neighborhood. Realtor Joe Hanich with eXp Realty, who lives in the neighborhood, says, “It’s a great neighborhood just west of the University of Nevada (UNR). This neighborhood has the largest off-leash dog park in Reno, some of the best mountain biking is just weeks away and you’re not going to want to miss the Bighorn Tavern.” Within this large neighborhood, the state’s flagship public university forms a miniature city of its own, while the neighborhood is also home to several science centers, parks, shopping centers and homes with a welcoming variety of aesthetics and prices. From the Great Reno Balloon Race to performances by legendary comedians and musicians at the nearby Reno Events Center, there’s always something going on in this bustling college quarter.
Residential areas built into the mountains of West University provide top tier views.
An iconic row of homes overlooks Reno from Hacienda Way in the West University neighborhood.
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Housing and hillside views
West University is much more than the home of a sprawling college campus; it’s also home to nearly 4,000 homes, with 1973 being the median year of construction. Housing stock varies from condos near the UNR campus to ranch-style and custom-build houses nearing a million dollars in value. The interior of West University consists of a maze of winding residential streets branching off into smaller “drives,” “ways,” and “lanes.” These streets tend to be lined with single-story residences, small front lawns, two-car driveways and the greenery of trees and shrubs. Hanich says, “Real estate wise, it has a little bit of everything. Just because this area has developed over the course of 70 years, you’re seeing tons of different home styles, and there’s so much potential to make it your own.” Housing prices hover between $155,000 to around $1 million, with condos offering competitive prices for new homebuyers and larger single-family homes filling out the middle and upper tiers of that range. Hillside communities with views of the entire Reno Basin can be found throughout West University, enabling residents to take in Reno’s abundant natural scenery.
Stone accents are abundant in West University.
Brick homes are a classic home style in West University.
Single family ranch style homes are everywhere in West University.
Three car garages are common in West University.
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Strong education in West University
Students can attend Mamie Towles Elementary School, given a B-plus by Niche, as well as the B-plus-rated Archie Clayton Middle School and the A-rated Reno High School. More pertinent to locals and students alike is the University of Nevada, Reno, which has been Nevada’s primary public university since its founding in 1874. This college’s Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism at the university boasts six Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni, while its school also features strong football and basketball programs. The campus is home to a planetarium, an art museum, the Mackay Stadium and several other landmarks open for visits from the public, especially for Wolf Pack Division I football games.
The University of Nevada, Reno is a cultural epicenter in West University and Reno at large.
At the epicenter of West University is Mackay Stadium, home to UNR Football.
John Mackay is a name you'll see just about everywhere in West University.
The Student Union at UNR in West University is full of eateries and local events for students.
Grace Warner Elementary School is tucked conveniently in the neighborhood of West University.
Mamie Towles Elementary School in West University is located in a highly desirable part of Reno.
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Balloons and botanical gardens at West University's parks
Perhaps the year’s most exciting event is the annual Great Reno Balloon Race — the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event. This three-day event, held every September since 1982, fills the Reno sky with hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons. Around 150,000 spectators attend this annual event at West University’s 580-acre Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. This park is also home to the Wilbur D. May Museum – a repository of natural history – and its arboretum and botanical gardens, as well several trails that loop around the park’s vast fields. Hanich says, “North of the McCarran Loop, you’ve got softball fields, kickball fields, frisbee golf, a ton of hiking and mountain biking, and those trails giving you cool views of the city’s downtown. There are over 50 different trails for hiking and mountain biking, and it’s also great for dogs.” West University is also home to the 13-acre University Ridge Park, a popular workout destination known for having one of Reno’s best panoramic city views, and the Oxbow Nature Study Area, a 22-acre conservation area with plenty of trails for nature-immersive hiking.
Whitaker Park is a great break from the Urban areas in West University.
Melody Lane Park in West University offers stunning views of Reno and the mountains.
University Ridge Park in West University is known for having the best views you can get of Reno.
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is by far the biggest outdoor space in Reno.
The dog park in West University is the largest off-leash zone in Reno.
West University has numerous constructed wetlands perfect for tranquil strolls near home.
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Cuisine on and off-campus
West University is located between the UNR campus and the shopping centers along McCarran Boulevard, situating residents near a varied shopping scene. The Laughing Planet is a popular destination for students and locals due to its health food menu, while Archie's offers UNR sports fans a venue to root for their team during football season. Buzzed Coffee is a mainstay for those who need some extra morning energy, while Insomnia Cookies delivers students and locals late-night sweet treats for their guilty pleasure. With Raley’s, Safeway and Walmart Supercenter all nearby, residents are never too far from picking up their daily needs.
Frequented by University students, Laughing Planet resides directly adjacent to UNR in West University.
Laughing Planet is known for their healthy cuisine options in West University.
Rick's Pizza & Beer is a popular sports bar in the heart of West University.
Insomnia Cookies in West University is unrivaled in tasty baked goods.
Archie's is a classic West University sports bar that is always full during University games.
Enjoy a morning coffee on the patio from Buzzed Coffee located in West University.
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Limited parking near the University makes public transportation key in West University.
Roaming throughout Reno
West University is located just 2 miles from downtown Reno and its entertainment scene, accessible within an approximately 5-minute drive or a bus ride of less than 20 minutes. Likewise, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a mere 12-minute drive to the southeast.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in West University, Reno sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West University, Reno over the last 12 months is $496,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 4 bedroom home near Rancho San Rafael Park and UNR!Discover this spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with over 2,100 SF of living space, perfectly situated just around the corner from Rancho San Rafael Park and minutes from the University of Nevada, Reno. The main level features a spacious living/dining room with a cozy gas fireplace and opens to a functional kitchen with gas cook top
Conveniently located near UNR in the desirable Sierra Gardens community, this newly remodeled home with all it's designer touches, is your own private sanctuary. Step inside and enjoy fresh finishes throughout, brand-new vinyl windows, and a brand-new roof—making it truly move-in ready. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a smart investment, this home offers both. Don't miss the
This beautifully updated home is move-in ready! Step inside to vaulted ceilings and an open layout that highlights the brand-new kitchen, complete with all new appliances, a center island, and fresh flooring throughout the home.The primary suite offers a private retreat with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. A spacious second bedroom includes a new ceiling fan, and the second full
Charming starter home or investment opportunity! Conveniently located near major roads, shopping centers, and public transportation—with a bus stop right at your doorstep. This property offers excellent accessibility and potential for rental income or first-time homeownership.
Welcome to the highly south after The Edge at Reno. Private 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms. Each bedroom has it's own private bathroom with a shower/tub combo and walk in closet. Laminate flooring throughout. Spacious great room/living room with high ceilings. HOA maintains the landscaping, exterior maintenance, security gate and parking lot. HOA Dues include trash and water utilities.
Beautifully Maintained Home Just Minutes from UNR!This immaculate single-level home offers an open-concept floor plan filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in both the great room and kitchen. The thoughtfully designed layout makes the most of every square foot, prioritizing the spaces that matter most.The spacious primary bedroom features a generous
MOVE-IN SPECIAL 1,000 Off 1ST FULL MONTH! Don't miss this light and bright 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom condo offering everything you could want in a spacious home near UNR and the bus line. Neutral paint with beautiful, durable flooring throughout, this home welcomes you with an airy, open-concept layout featuring vaulted ceilings in the living room and a private balcony that offers breathtaking
Enjoy living at the Edge at Reno. Just minutes from UNR and Downtown Reno. Spacious 2 Bedrooms with it's own private bathroom and walk in closet. Shower/tub combo in each bathroom. Kitchen has new stainless steel appliances. Upgraded Bamboo flooring throughout with tile in the bathrooms. New fans in bedrooms as well. Swimming Pool and Gym in this gated community as well. This is a NO Pet
This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is located in an established neighborhood near the university, Rancho San Rafael Park, and just a short drive to downtown, the Riverwalk District, and Idlewild Park. Enjoy mature landscaping, fruit trees, and a charming pergola in the backyard—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The home includes a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and two portable A/C units
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
