Sierra Meadows - Reno, NV Area Guide

The Sierra Meadows community resides in Reno, Nevada, a city with a history that dates back to 1860, when a man named Charles Fuller constructed a toll bridge crossing over Nevada's Truckee River. Travelers in search of gold paid a small fee when crossing the bridge, and they often stayed in the area overnight. They paid additional fees for lodging and meals. In 1861, a man named Myron Lake bought the bridge and expanded the land surrounding it before naming the area "Lake's Crossing." In 1868, Lake sold his land to the Central Pacific Railroad Company, which established a depot at the crossing. Reno was officially incorporated on May 9th of the same year.

The Nevada Museum of Art resides in Reno and features multiple exhibits by renowned artists. The museum hosts educational courses and an annual arts and environment conference.

When it comes to dining and nightlife, Sierra Meadows residents have it made, as an abundance of popular eateries and nightspots reside between North Virginia Street and South Virginia Street, allowing for convenient access to tasty food and fabulous entertainment. When locals have a craving for fresh seafood, they head over to Sterling's Seafood Steakhouse located in the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino on North Virginia Street. With a lovely dining room reminiscent of a 1950s supper club, spectacular service and delicious dishes such as shrimp and lobster risotto and petite filet Mignon with lobster tail, dinner at Sterling's makes for a truly memorable evening. Regular patrons recommend Sterling's signature homemade jumbo lobster and shrimp ravioli, a melt-in-your-mouth combination of ravioli pasta stuffed with shrimp, lobster and cheese topped with a tomato-basil sauce. For a down-home meal of ribs, brisket or cooked-to-order steak, check out Men Wielding Fire on South Virginia Street. Locals can't say enough about the amazing service provided by this popular family establishment. With signature menu items such as baby back chipotle ribs and brisket that's slow roasted for 18 hours, Men Wielding Fire guarantees a satisfied appetite. Be sure to save room for dessert, as you can't miss out on items such as deep-fried peanut butter and jelly, deep-fried corn bread and Men Wielding Fire's famous carrot cake. If you have soup and salad on your mind, pay a visit to Sup Restaurant on South Virginia Street. With a bright and cheery dining area, friendly servers and signature soups such as chicken pot pie, tortilla and crawfish gumbo, Sup gets it right every time. Sup serves tasty sandwiches such as pesto chicken, egg salad and a classic grilled cheese that complements the tomato bisque perfectly. For a fun evening of live jazz music and cocktails, check out the Z Bar on South Virginia Street. Locals rave over the friendly atmosphere and outdoor patio as well as the talented local musicians who grace the stage. Be sure to try one of Z Bar's signature cocktails such as the Summertime, a refreshing blend of vodka, champagne grapes and lime juice. If you're in the mood for some tasty brews and a few laughs in a casual neighborhood joint, stop by Shenanigan's Old English Pub on West Plumb Lane. With a full bar featuring an ample selection of imported beers, friendly bartenders and appetizers such as chicken fingers and potato skins, Shenanigans has all the right ingredients for the perfect evening.

While many residents of the Sierra Meadows community travel by car, the streets and sidewalks within the neighborhoods are pedestrian and bike-friendly. Cyclists have access to over 19 miles of bike paths throughout the city of Reno and the neighboring city of Sparks. Residents can park on many neighborhood streets for up to 72 hours at a time, but they must adhere to the specific hours posted on parking enforcement signs, since street parking may be limited to certain times of the day and night. In busier areas such as downtown Reno, drivers can utilize paid parking meters with rates starting at $0.10 for 25 minutes.

Residents don't hail taxis within the neighborhoods and digital application-based ride services such as Uber do not run in Reno; however, anyone in need of a ride can book transportation through the Reno Sparks Cab Company. Individuals who commute via bus have convenient access to multiple Regional Transportation Commission Washoe (RTC) bus stop locations within the immediate vicinity. These stops include Vassar Street, Telegraph Street and Mill Street. Commuters can also access the Interstate 580 Highway via Plumb Lane and Villanova Drive, allowing for convenient travel into downtown Reno and the surrounding Nevada cities.

Residents of the Sierra Meadows community don't have to travel far to enjoy quality outdoor time, as the City of Reno houses over 80 free-to-enter parks with a wide variety of amenities.

For a fun day with the family, locals highly recommend Virginia Lake Park on Lakeside Drive. This spacious, scenic park features a duck pond with authorized feeding areas, walking trails, picnic tables and playground equipment. Virginia LakePark also allows dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.

If you're looking for the perfect spot to exercise or play some ball, check out Plumas Park and Gym on Plumas Street. With outdoor fields, basketball courts and an indoor gym, Plumas Park guarantees a great workout.

Sierra Meadows residents enjoy attending a variety of annual events throughout the year, many of which are hosted by the City of Reno and the Reno Parks and Recreation Department. The annual Reno Rodeo, a 10-day event held every year at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, features rodeo competitions, multiple vendors and carnival games, making it a perfect event for the entire family.

The annual Reno River Festival at Truckee River Whitewater Park has become a beloved annual event that takes place every May. Attendees have a great time watching some of the world's best kayakers brave the Truckee River while enjoying live music and delicious food and drink provided by multiple vendors.

The area of Sparks costs approximately 1 percent less to live in than Reno, which is 2 percent more expensive to live in than Nevada on average. Residents pay approximately $570 per month in rental costs for one-bedroom residences in Sierra Meadows. Standard bus fare into the city costs $2, with $1 discounted fares for senior citizens, youths and disabled individuals. Locals pay between $3.50 and $6 for domestic and imported beers at local bars and nightspots; however, certain establishments promote happy hour specials, so prices may fluctuate. Gas prices in Sierra Meadows/Reno exceed the national average by approximately 8 percent.

Sierra Meadows residents enjoy living within minutes of multiple grocers and retailers, with many preferred establishments residing on and around West Plumb Lane and Mae Anne Avenue. When shopping for groceries and standard household goods, local shoppers often visit Safeway on Mae Anne Avenue and the Wal-Mart Supercenter on West 7th Street. For farm-fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, stop by the Midtown Farmers Market on South Virginia Street, which runs every Thursday between June and August.

While there aren't any luxury or high-end shops in the immediate area, well-known retailers such as T.J. Maxx on East Lincoln Way and Kohl's on Mae Anne Avenue feature affordable apparel, home decor items, bedding, baby items, and other necessities. Discount groceries, home furnishings, and basic household items can also be found at Big Lots on East Prater Way.

If you're searching for beading supplies for handmade jewelry or an arts and crafts project, the Reno Bead Shop on Plumas Street has got you covered. This unique specialty bead boutique features a wide selection of beads in all shapes, sizes and colors, as well as hand tools, wiring, and starter kits. The Reno Bead Shop also provides on-site beading courses for beginners and those who are looking to brush up on their jewelry design skills.

Once Upon a Child sells gently used clothing and other items for children. The shop also has a selection of clothes, shoes, and toys, and the large selection of kid's costumes is ideal for Halloween and costume parties.