South Meadows - Reno, NV

Founded by miners in the mid-1800s, Reno grew as a mining town and then a city known for its quick divorces. Increased attendance at the University of Nevada and Reno’s status as an affordable mid-sized city in the West continues to attract travelers. South Meadows developed in line with increasing demand for housing, and new families continue to move to the area.

Locals like to check out historical and modern art museums at the Nevada Museum of Art in downtown Reno, where most of the city’s museums lie. Art lovers can go to Stremmel Gallery and other art galleries downtown, and those who want to learn dancing can attend the Fascinating Rhythm School of Performing Arts. Continue an arts journey in Reno by attending Artown events, a festival spanning the month of July.

Renoites in South Meadows have a few options as far as dining and drinking go. Some local restaurants have set up shop in the area, especially off Double R Boulevard and other main drags. Locals enjoy everything from pizza to Asian fusion. A few watering holes keep those of drinking age occupied. However, Reno locals find urban indulgences like local music spots and clubs closer to downtown.

South Meadows has its own handcrafted pizza place in SouthCreek Pizza Company. Made in a wood-fired oven, the pizza delights most customers who come to try a slice or three. The handcrafted mozzarella adds savory flavor to all the pizzas. Try some of the beers and wines available to complement the meal.

Renoites can find many Asian places around town, but Asian Paradise sets itself apart in South Reno as one of the great restaurants. Try Chinese staples like house chow mein and fried rice along with orange chicken and Mongolian beef, and then go for curry soup for more of a Thai feel. Open for lunch, Asian Paradise serves hot ‘n’ sour soup during the day to keep locals warm in winter.

Many travelers to Reno gravitate to Peg's Glorified Ham 'N' Eggs for breakfast, and for good reason. Peg's has a few locations in Reno, and all of them deliver great service and great comfort food in the morning. Get the Chef George's Benedict for Eggs Benedict with chorizo, or the Belgian waffles with strawberries for something sweet. Take home some of the breakfast to keep eating through the week

Bars continue to open in South Meadows as more residents move to the area, and Sierra Gold manages to pull in some sports fans. Watch national games while munching on pub food at Sierra Gold, or head to Vino 100 to do some wine tasting or sip a martini. For music, travel north to the Peppermill and check out The Terrace Lounge. Then, go dancing at Edge before you return to South Meadows to snooze.

South Meadow’s extensive layout and wide streets make it conducive to driving, and that’s what most locals do to get around. Though cyclists can hop on their bikes and get to a few shopping plazas in close vicinities, pedestrians generally only walk around their neighborhood for exercise. Most drivers don’t have any trouble parking in South Meadows — the shopping developments usually build large lots.

Washoe County’s RTC Ride provides a bus line on Double R Boulevard through South Meadows, but otherwise, South Meadow locals need to take their own cars to get anywhere significant. Fortunately, most homes in South Meadows lie close to Interstate 580/Highway 395, which takes drivers through the more condensed parts of Reno.

Reno Sparks Cab Company and a few other taxi services can give residents a ride, but they might have a hard time finding ridesharing options. Uber does not operate in Reno, so most people who want to engage in ridesharing post ads on Craigslist to find fellow carpooling fans.

The recreational opportunities in South Meadows encourage bicyclists to get out and ride in nice weather. The flat roads and wide bike lanes make bicycling safe for Renoites.

South Meadows’ status as a family-friendly neighborhood naturally entails the development of several parks and recreation areas. Huffaker Park, a free park close to South Meadows, allows locals to hike and walk their dogs in an open space overlooking the city. Those who want a nice view of the middle of Reno and the Sierra Nevada range appreciate this park. The 1.7-mile trail provides a bit of exercise. Children may like wandering around, but they won't find entertainment in the form of playgrounds at the park.

Kids prefer Hidden Valley Regional Park, located north of South Meadows, for its playground. They can also play sports on the athletic field, tennis courts and volleyball courts. Equestrians can ride horses on a trail, and dog lovers can bring their pooches to the Link Piazzo Dog Park to run around without a leash.

Although neither of these parks feature large annual festivals, South Meadows locals like to go to downtown Reno and to Idlewild Park for massive events. The Great Balloon Races in September attract many travelers who want to have fun watching hot air balloons ascend into the air. Other cultural festivals, like the Reno Italian Festival, feature performances, vendors and food.

Life in Reno has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, but proves to be more affordable than much of California and Las Vegas. Generally, beer in South Meadows can also be cheaper than those areas — a glass costs about $3.50.

The typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in South Meadows costs $1,015 per month. Most South Meadows locals spend about 2 percent more on gas in their area compared to the national average.

Residents who need to take RTC Ride pay $2 for a one-way trip. A 31-day bus pass costs $65.

South Meadows locals can get to a few shopping plazas around their neighborhood. The largest mall in the area, the Summit, features Dillard’s, PacSun, and a variety of other shops. White House Black Market provides some high-end shopping for South Meadows locals as well.

The Freckled Frog displays antiques, gifts, home accessories, jewelry, and a variety of charming paper goods. Ryrie’s Art & Home in the Lakeside area also sells unique, handcrafted jewelry by homegrown Reno artists. For a real local experience, stop by these shops for some nice souvenirs or home décor.

Most South Meadows locals do their shopping at large grocery stores, like Walmart, Raley’s, and WinCo off South Virginia Street. Others travel north to Whole Foods near Neil Road to get some organic and vegetarian food. The Summit Farmers Market puts on a biweekly market for organic fans as well, though locals recommend buying the pies more than any other good.