Sparks

Residents of D’Andrea have access to plenty of parks, mountain vistas and the wider Reno community. “D’Andrea is a master planned community and an established neighborhood which includes a 55+ gated community within it,” says Kristen Gil, a fourth-generation Nevadan and Broker at Dickson Realty with over two decades of real estate experience in the Reno/Sparks area. “It has new constructions, a new 9-hole golf course and good freeway access. You can walk to shopping and to schools.” Elevation increases to the north and east as the neighborhood approaches the mountains. The adobe roofs, manicured lawns and cul-de-sacs give the streets of D’Andrea a consistent look. Yards typically include shrubbery and a couple of leafy trees. Lamp posts are evenly distributed alongside the wide streets. D’Andrea Ranch Community is the homeowner’s association; it includes two sub-associations to represent the variety of homes. In total, there are just over 2,000 dwellings in D’Andrea, with more townhouses to be built in the future. A typical three-bedroom Spanish-style home costs $450,000. Prices for a single-story home in Villa Toscana, a gated 55+ community for active adults, are $460,000 for a two-bedroom and $515,000 for a three-bedroom. The Villas at D’Andrea, the community’s apartment complex, has units between one and three bedrooms ranging from $1,425 to $4,882 per month. Homes in D’Andrea Phase III are stucco with tile roofs; they are in the vicinity of six private parks. Finally, large custom homes with multi-car garages are also available in D’Andrea. Costs approach $800,000 for a four-bedroom contemporary home overlooking the golf course’s greens and lake. Students in D'Andrea may attend Washoe County School District. Marvin Moss Elementary School is conveniently located in the middle of D’Andrea. It includes prekindergarten and earns a B-plus overall Niche grade. Lou Mendive Middle School and Reed High School have both earned a B from Niche. Reed High School offers dual enrollment with the University of Nevada. Excel Christian School is the #5 Best High School for the Arts in Nevada according to Niche, earning a B-plus overall. A bike trail and landscaped parkway loop through D’Andrea. Playgrounds are abundant at Antelope Ridge Park, Pagni Ranch Park and Vista View Park. Several other parks throughout the community offer space to spread out and walk dogs. A few streets away is the area’s largest green space, Shadow Mountain Park. In the center of the neighborhood is D’Andrea Golf & Country Club, which has plans to build a bar and grill. Finally, “for skiing and hiking, it’s just under an hour to Lake Tahoe and 38 minutes to Mount Rose,” says Gil. D’Andrea Marketplace provides easy access to the pharmacy, bank and groceries at CVS, Safeway and US Bank. It also includes Pure Barre and a nail salon. When it comes to dining out, JJ’s Sushi serves up handcrafted sushi rolls. My Favorite Muffin and Bagel Café offers coffee and smoothies in addition to their signature pastries. Opportunities for family outings await at nearby Sparks Marina, which includes Legends Outlet Mall and Wild Island Family Adventure Park. Plus, “downtown Sparks has great concerts, festivals and a Christmas parade,” says Gil. D’Andrea residents can walk or bike to the neighborhood parks or to the centrally located elementary school. There are also bus stops along East Prater Way. The community’s major thoroughfare is Vista Boulevard, which goes past the middle school and D’Andrea Marketplace. It leads into Interstate 80, which stretches into downtown Sparks and Reno. Medical attention is highly convenient: Renown Health Urgent Care and Northern Nevada Medical Center are about a mile from most D’Andrea homes. Reno-Tahoe International Airport and the University of Nevada—Reno are both about 10 miles away.

Situated at the northern edge of Sparks, the neighborhood of Kiley Ranch is among the Reno area’s newest and most exciting residential communities. Realtor Jessica Hodges of Wedgewood Homes Realty says, “Kiley Ranch is, for the most part, new builds. The oldest house there may have been built in 2015.” This former patch of desert has quickly evolved into a thriving suburb full of quiet cul-de-sacs with immediate proximity to newly established small businesses, the Sparks Crossing shopping mall, vast stretches of open hill country and many more popular features. With desert views, tranquil streets and fun outdoor options, Kiley Ranch is a draw for potential Reno-area homebuyers. The recent development of this master-planned community means that all its homes are under ten years old, with the earliest having been built in the mid-2010s. Hodges says, “That whole subdivision is all new, and it has smaller, manageable yards with houses that range in affordability. It’s the next available space to the city, and it’s also really pretty.” Homes in Kiley Ranch start at around $475,000 and can reach up to $700,000, with styles varying from modern aesthetics to Spanish-Revival-inspired houses. Most houses in this neighborhood feature broad driveways, verdant or pebbled front lawns and sidewalk access, allowing for pleasant strolls down quiet and pedestrian-friendly lanes. Kiley Ranch is bounded on all sides by opportunities for outdoor entertainment. Hodges says, “There’s a designated wildlife area in South Meadows, so they’ve got walking paths and wetlands that have been fenced off.” While the Kiley Ranch Wetlands may be inaccessible to swimmers, hikers and fishers, the wide-open desert hills of Wedekind Regional Park is explorable from two trailheads. This 250-acre parcel of land became a city park in 2013, and its loop trails are popular for hiking and walking dogs. The neighborhood itself offers venues for outdoor fun; Hodges says, “It’s slowly evolving, but there’s already a golf course there.” The Kiley Ranch Golf Course and Bar is a 9-hole public course with a clubhouse offering beer and pizza. For more family-friendly fun, Lazy Five Regional Park invites visitors to toss footballs, fling frisbees and kick soccer balls. Just a stone’s throw away, Spanish Springs Skatepark offers ramps, bowls and bars for skaters to bring out their inner Tony Hawk. At the heart of Kiley Ranch, Kestrel Park includes a half basketball court, a grassy field and a playground. Kiley Ranch’s shopping scene is one of its strongest features; Hodges says, “You’ve got your own Costco, a Home Depot, a Lowe’s, a Walmart and probably 50 restaurants. If you didn’t have to go into town for work, you’d never have to leave that little valley.” This neighborhood is just a few blocks north of the Sparks Crossing shopping mall, home to a dozen shops and a dozen more restaurants. The Blind Onion Pizza & Pub is a local favorite, as visitors can play shuffleboard before ordering a flavorful pizza with a variety of toppings. A Walmart and Costco present shoppers with their grocery needs, while Starbucks at Spanish Springs Town Centre helps commuters start their day. Kiley Ranch’s students attend Washoe County School District schools. They start at John C. Bohach Elementary School and Sky Ranch Middle School, both rated A-minus by Niche. They finish up at the B-rated Edward C. Reed High School. Reed High is known for its athletic programs and its robust sports complex, which includes tennis courts, a football field and a baseball field. Kiley Ranch, located in the northern periphery of Sparks, is no longer a frontier community. Hodges says, “For a long time, it was too far for a lot of people, but now that they’ve put in those amenities and fixed access, it can only improve.” Not only are residents now connected to Wi-Fi, but they are also connected to the rest of Sparks by major roads. Pyramid Way puts commuters within a 5-mile and approximately 15-minute drive from central Sparks, while downtown Reno is accessible within a 9-mile and 20-minute drive along Pyramid and Interstate 80. The Northern Nevada Medical Center is a 5-mile drive down Sparks Boulevard and Prater Way.

Situated at the northeastern periphery of Sparks, Nevada, Wingfield Springs is a wellspring of suburban growth. This community has been on an upward trajectory since the early 1990s, with the continuous building of new residential developments making way for new residents. Bright green foliage lines the sidewalks and medians alike, and major roads like Vista Boulevard branch off into quiet, recently developed side streets full of new life and diverse housing styles. For home prices in line with the city average, homebuyers can experience suburban tranquility, easy access to outdoor adventures, proximity to the luxurious Red Hawk Golf and Resort and nearness to both shopping and dining. Divided into multiple micro-communities, Wingfield is full of relatively new homes with diverse stylistic influences. “People live in Wingfield because most of the housing is less than 30 years old,” says Brian Lessinger, Realtor and President of The Lessinger Team under RE/MAX GOLD, and a 36-year resident of Reno. “I actually bought my first house in Stead in the early 1990s, so I’ve been around to see Wingfield become what it is today.” New Traditional houses, pastel-colored condos and recently developed brick residences can sell for between $385,000 and $600,000, while larger Tuscan-influenced homes, bungalows with large lot sizes and palatial, 4-bedroom estates are listed for as high as $1.2 million. Newer developments are filled with homes with the most updated amenities, and homes onsite at Red Hawk Golf and Resort have certain privacy elements that add to the owners' comfort. Wingfield Springs is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation, from the desert mountains of the Carson Range to small green spaces and a large athletic park. Within the neighborhood, the 32-acre Golden Eagle Regional Park draws in over 1 million visitors each year. This baseball, soccer and football hub hosts Triple Crown Sports and men’s and women’s semi-pro football. At Tumbleweed Trails Park, basketball players can take to the court while kids have fun at the playground. The park also has hiking trails and walking paths for those looking to explore and get their steps in. At the heart of the community, Red Hawk Golf and Resort offers something for everyone. The Lakes Course presents golfers with the scenery of cottonwood-lined lakes, while the Hills Course, designed by three-time US Open champion Hale Irwin, has mountain views and natural wildlife all around. “Red Hawk is a huge draw for golf lovers in Wingfield,” says Lessinger. “There’s higher-end housing there because of it. People can actually buy houses right on the golf course.” Beyond the community’s confines, the foothills of Spanish Springs Peak are popular for hiking and mountain biking. Wingfield Springs residents live within a 10-minute drive from the nearest grocery stores, which include the Raley’s at the Pioneer Meadows Marketplace and the WinCo Foods off Pyramid Way. Residents don’t have to drive far for meals out, however. David’s Grill, located onsite at the Red Hawk Golf Course and Resort, serves both fine-dining fare and comfort food, from tomahawk pork chops to pizza. David’s also has a full bar where golfers can talk about their game over a tipple. Just a stone’s throw away, the highly rated Simply Thai offers a menu full of authentic Thai dishes like red, yellow and green curry and chicken satay. Additional shopping and dining options can be found aplenty along Pyramid Way, with the Spanish Springs Town Centre, Sparks Crossing and Sparks Galleria retail hubs all accessible within a 10-minute drive down Vista Boulevard. Wingfield Springs is served by the Washoe County School District, a district highly rated by Niche. Students start out at the A-minus-rated Van Gorder Elementary School and go on to attend the B-plus-rated Yvonne Shaw Middle School and the B-rated Spanish Springs High School. Spanish Springs offers signature programs such as sports medicine, web design and development and C3Media, equipping students with extra skills in science, technology and career readiness. Commuters bound for the heart of Sparks can access the city’s downtown within an 8.5-mile and 20-minute journey down Vista Boulevard and Pyramid Way, while the neon lights of downtown Reno are just 12 miles down Sparks Boulevard and Interstate 80. The nearest hospital, the Northern Nevada Medical Center, is located along Vista Boulevard, about 7 miles south of the neighborhood.

A sun-drenched suburb in the desert outside, Sparks Galleria has views of the surrounding mountains, quiet streets and easy access to the popular Sparks Galleria Shopping center. The neighborhood mixes a section of homes that are relatively new construction and an older area where the neighborhood shows some diversity in housing styles. “It’s a very built-up area,” says Catherine Manipon, a Realtor with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate Reno. “People enjoy living near the shopping center.” For a homebuyer looking to join a sunny community outside the cities of Sparks and Reno, Sparks Galleria is an option worth considering. Homes in Sparks Galleria tend to start at around $430,000 and can reach up to $550,000. This classic suburb has sidewalk-lined streets, cul-de-sacs and the mix of grass and gravel longs that are so common in desert neighborhoods outside Reno. “A lot of the houses here are more established,” Manipon says. “And it's an attractive area because Sparks is growing.” The neighborhood is essentially two distinct areas – one, a planned community where architectural styles are relatively identical, and the other, where potential homebuyers can pick from ranch and modern-style homes, Spanish Revivals and some split levels. Both offer a suburban feel but have different aesthetic elements to offer. Students in the area are part of Washoe County School District, which has a B-plus rating on Niche. Young students in Sparks Galleria can attend Miguel Sepulveda Elementary School and continue at Sky Ranch Middle School, both of which have an A-minus rating. Learners wrap up at Edward C. Reed High School, which has a B rating. The school is known for its athletic programs and has a robust sports complex with tennis courts, a football field and a baseball field. The school also neighbors Shadow Mountain Park, which has four baseball fields. There isn't much public transit surrounding Sparks Galleria, so using a car is the primary method of getting around the area, whether heading into the city, out into nature or to a friend's house. U.S. Route 445 runs along the neighborhood and provides a route into downtown Reno and Sparks. For travel outside of the area, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about 10 miles away. Sparks Galleria Shopping center is the main draw for this neighborhood, and Haveli Indian Cuisine & Bar is a local favorite for a bite to eat. Home to shiny leather booths, brown and grey tile floors and hanging bulb-shaped lamps, it’s a popular spot to grab lunch or dinner. The shopping center has a variety of businesses, from national retailers like The Home Depot, Marshalls and Ulta Beauty to small quirky businesses like Yogurt Beach, a popular frozen yogurt shop. Locals head to Kestrel Park for some time outside. This greenspace is tucked between rows of houses and features a grassy field and playground, along with a half basketball court. The outdoors are a popular part of life in Sparks Galleria and the area at large. It’s easy for residents to hop in the car and travel to natural areas like the Pah Rah Interpretive, Evans Canyon, or Hoge Road trailheads, all within 10 miles of Sparks Galleria.

While Sparks has existed since the 1850s and became a thriving railroad town during the early 1900s, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Reno’s suburbanization boom created modern North Sparks. This rapid expansion produced the tranquil neighborhood of North Rock, which has never lost its status as a bedroom community of both major cities. An abundance of homes built from the 1950s to 1970s continue to line North Rock’s streets and offer vintage aesthetics that contrast with North Sparks’ more recently built neighborhoods. North Rock’s proximity to the Wildcreek Golf Course adds to its green, suburban image, one which is consummated by the presence of highly rated schools and convenient shopping within its boundaries. Despite bordering downtown Sparks, North Rock has a distinctly suburban character expressed through its spacious streetscapes and its relatively large homes. “North Rock is mostly townhouses and single-family homes,” says Lolis Vasquez, a Realtor with Reno Sparks Realty with 14 years of experience. “They’re usually three bedrooms and a little bigger than the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s central to Sparks/Reno and is more affordable than other parts of the city.” The majority of North Rock’s housing inventory dates from the 1950s to the late 1970s, but some newer construction from the 1990s can also be found. Home styles vary from the ubiquitous ranch-style home to Craftsman and Spanish Revival-inspired dwellings. North Rock’s streetscapes are flanked by sidewalks and manicured lawns that tend to feature small shrubs and mature trees. Prices generally range from $300,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse to $435,000 for a four-bedroom ranch-style home, although homes with large acreages can sell for well over $1 million. While McCarran Boulevard bisects North Rock, each half of this community has its own popular outlets for outdoor recreation. South of the boulevard, the 6-acre Burgess Park lets skateboarders and BMX riders test their techniques at the skate park, while lighted tennis courts, a baseball diamond and a playground allow for more easygoing fun. On the north side of the boulevard, the great wilderness awaits. Vasquez says, “The area around North McCarran is very pleasant. It has green spaces and trees and views of the mountains.” The 250-acre Wedekind Regional Park has preserved vast swathes of desert hill country for off-road exploration or for hiking through pristine nature. For locals who prefer a less strenuous outing, the 18-hole Wildcreek Golf Course invites members of the public to test their drive on a course situated among the rolling hills of North Sparks. Located along both Pyramid Way and Oddie Boulevard, North Rock borders two major thoroughfares lined with restaurants and shops. Along Pyramid, shoppers can pick up groceries at Raley’s and stop at the highly rated Sawasdee Thai next door for a curry or soup. At the northern edge of North Rock, Moana Nursery specializes in indoor plants and has a large greenhouse with a potting station, an expanded gift shop and a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop with exclusive products. North Rock’s students can attend Agnes Risley Elementary School, given a C rating by Niche, as well as the C-rated Sparks Middle School and the C-plus-rated Procter R. Hug High School. Risley Elementary offers after-school activities like Snack Time with Books, a story series with games and free books. Sparks Middle School’s robust sports program with nearly a dozen different teams, including co-ed football and cross country. Hug High recently opened a new building, with its old site being transformed into a 295,000-square-foot, three-story building with a performing arts center and 17 specialized laboratories. From biking to bussing, North Rock is easily navigable and accessible. North Rock’s streets tend to have sidewalk access, while roads are broad enough for bicyclists to explore. Rock Boulevard, North McCarran Boulevard, Oddie Boulevard and Pyramid Way serve as transportation lifelines for this community, and buses like the 2 bus can take commuters into downtown Reno within a 30-minute drive. Interstate 80 renders downtown Reno a 5-mile and 15-minute journey, and that same highway takes skiers down to Mount Rose within 35 minutes. Residents’ healthcare needs are covered at the Sparks Health Center just five blocks from the heart of North Rock.

Mountain views close to downtown Located across the McCarran Loop from the rest of Sparks, the suburban neighborhood of O’Callaghan sits in the shadow of the Carson Range’s imposing mountains. This quiet community is marked by warrens of winding, residential streets lined by houses of varying aesthetics and graveled front yards, with sidewalks and trees flanking each road. “It’s a well-established neighborhood with large trees and a mix of renters and owners who live here,” says Kristen Gil, a fourth-generation Nevadan and Broker at Dickson Realty. While O’Callaghan may be a quiet suburb, residents never lack for conveniences; Gil says, “O’Callaghan has good freeway access. It’s close to the bus line and to shopping.” Residential relaxation in quiet O'Callaghan The neighborhood is named for O’Callaghan Drive, from which most of the neighborhood’s streets branch off. O’Callaghan is a densely populated neighborhood, with each of its lanes containing scores of tree-shaded, sidewalk-bounded houses. These homes vary in date of construction and style, with most split-level, ranch-style homes having origins in the 1970s and costing in the mid-$400,000s. However, some two-bedrooms are available for as little as $240,000, while a newly upgraded four-bedroom home can cost up to $500,000. Though they might not always be on the market, condos, townhouses and apartments add to O’Callaghan’s housing variety. Public, charter and private schools in Sparks Students can attend Washoe County School District schools with good ratings from Niche, including the B-rated Katherine Dunn Elementary School, the C-plus-rated George L. Dilworth Middle School and the B-rated Edward C. Reed High School. Reed High offers dual enrollment with the University of Nevada, while Niche ranks the school among the 15 best high schools in the state for athletics due to its football and cross-country teams’ impressive records. The neighborhood’s private Excel Christian School also stands out as the “#5 Best High School for the Arts” in Nevada according to Niche, earning a B-plus overall. Biking locally and hiking Mount Rose O’Callaghan’s calm streetscapes, its wide roads and its paved bike paths make this neighborhood an especially welcoming place for bikers. Bicyclists and pedestrians alike can also make their way to local and nearby parks for outdoor recreation. “Reno and Sparks are connected, so all the area neighborhoods have good access to outdoor activities,” says Gil. “Access to Lake Tahoe and skiing is also a big draw for the area.” Willowcreek Park offers fields fit for sports, a playground and a gazebo for shaded relaxation. On the neighborhood’s northern edge, Shadow Mountain Park is the largest park in the area, featuring fields for softball and football. O’Callaghan is also 26 miles from Mount Rose, the closest hiking and skiing destination. For more recreation, the Reno Academy of Combat teaches self-defense and Bikes Etc. supplies bikers with equipment and expertise. Local dining favorites & events in Downtown Sparks While O’Callaghan is almost entirely residential, its southern boundaries are immediately next to some of the area’s largest shopping centers. Smith’s and Foodmaxx supplies the groceries, while the Iron Horse Shopping Center is also home to hardware, furniture and auto shops for other everyday conveniences. Restaurants catering to all palates are available, from La Fuente Mexican Restaurant’s shrimp tacos to Lelac’s Filipino Bakery’s freshly baked bread. Nearby Sparks Marina includes the Legends Outlet Mall and its IMAX movie theatre, the 32-lane bowling alley at Wild Island Family Adventure Park and opportunities for paddleboarding in the Sparks Marina Park Lake. Road trips into Reno Not only is O’Callaghan a bicycle-friendly neighborhood, but bus stops along East Prater Way take commuters through the heart of the city. McCarran Boulevard is also located immediately next to O’Callaghan. This transportation lifeline gives travelers access to the rest of the Reno-Tahoe metro area and, within a 6-mile and 15-minute drive, Reno’s famous downtown . Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the main venue for long-distance travel, is about 6 miles away, as is the University of Nevada - Reno. The closest hospital is the Northern Nevada Medical Center, 2 miles down East Prater Way.