Reno offers a slower pace and lower cost of living near city amenities
Paris’s quiet neighbor, Reno is a community that offers a slower pace of life, while still offering easy access to jobs, green spaces, and plenty of shopping and dining. Reno locals enjoy a lower cost of living and access to the preferred North Lamar Independent School District. The Campbell Soup Company and Amazon are within 10 miles.
Newer homes with modern layouts and manicured lawns
Home construction has ramped up here since the late 20th century, adding many New Traditional homes, often with manicured lawns, brick facades and three or four-bedroom layouts. "They're more modern and contemporary than the typical ranch style that we're used to in Red River County," says Ashley Kelsoe, a Realtor with Glass Land and Home who specializes in Lamar, Red River and Bowie counties. Older brick ranch-style houses are also in the mix. The median single-family home price is about $290,000, lower than Paris's $330,000.
North Lamar schools earn B-range ratings across all grade levels
Through North Lamar Independent School District, W.L. Higgins Elementary School covers preschool through first grade and earns a B-plus from Niche. North Lamar Intermediate School serves second through fifth grade and earns a B-minus. Older students can attend the B-rated Frank Stone Middle School and the B-minus-rated North Lamar High School. Students have access to Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, and the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program, offering hands-on training in healthcare careers.
Parks, playgrounds and trail access in Reno and Paris
The Northeast Texas Trail stretches 133 miles through rural landscapes and small towns. Cyclists and hikers can us it to make a 5.3-mile journey to Paris. In 2025, Reno unveiled a new playground at Reno Kiwanis Park, with accommodations for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. Paris maintains a growing number of park facilities, including an aquatic center, sports complex and a new BMX pump track, which accommodates various skill levels.
From western wear to southern cooking, local staples line U.S. 82
A few local staples line U.S. Route 82 — the town's main artery. Crazy House is a big deal for western wear. Residents can find fresh food and plants at Kelley's Produce, and other basics at Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Rooster's Country Cooking serves breakfast all day, signature burgers and southern classics such as chicken-fried steak. Downtown Paris is a short drive west, with antique stores, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Walmart, Aldi, Petco and chain restaurants sit near the intersection of U.S. 82 and Loop 286, about 3 miles west.
Annual traditions include air acrobatics and bike races
Locals look forward to the Wings Over Paris Airshow in May, featuring aerial acrobatics over the Cox Field Airport. "It's a good crowd — we used to take our kids when they were smaller," Kelsoe says. "It's pretty awesome for this rural area without having an Air Force base or anything like that nearby to see them fly in." Seasonal events also draw crowds at Reno Kiwanis Park. The Summer Celebration gets a head start on Independence Day with vendors, a beer garden, live music and fireworks in late June. Monster Mash in October features bounce houses, trunk-or-treating and a costume competition. Winter brings a Christmas light contest and the Winter Wonderland Festival, featuring ice sliding, music and food. Around 1,700 cyclists compete in the annual Tour de Paris, a local tradition since 1984. The race features multiple routes to accommodate riders of different skill levels.
Reno is fairly car dependent with short commutes
Reno sits about 5 miles east of downtown Paris, with U.S. Route 82 and Loop 286 leading in and around the city. Major employers such as Paris Regional Health, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, as well as Campbell and Amazon are within 10 miles. Residents may rely on cars as Paris Metro routes don't reach Reno. Pedestrians can take the Northeast Texas Trail between the cities. Paris Regional Health serves healthcare needs, including emergency care, about 6 miles away. Locals can head into the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for flights. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about 120 miles southwest.
Tornado shelters offer protection from severe weather
In addition to high summer temperatures, the area sees an elevated risk for wildfires tornadoes. Many residents have tornado shelters in case of severe weather.