Damonte Ranch Neighborhood Profile

What's It Like:

Damonte Ranch is one of Reno's newest neighborhoods. It was open space just a few years ago and, due to the sudden halt in construction after the 2008 bursting of the housing bubble, part of it still is. Called a master planned community, Damonte Ranch is organized as a series of subdivisions with names like Rio Bravo, Copper Creek, Saddle Ridge, Dorado, and Kentfield Park. Several builders are involved and each part is characterized by homes of similar type, size, and pricing. In addition to single-family homes, there are some nice apartments, condos, and duet homes (what used to be called duplexes, but really somewhere between condos and stand-alone houses). The 2000 acre development also includes some lots where purchasers can have their own homes built.

One of the advantages of being planned from scratch is the ability to include open space, walking trails, and parks, which developers have nicely done. Unlike South Meadows right next door, Damonte Ranch is relatively free of commercial buildings, which also enhances the uncrowded, residential community feeling. The one major exception is the Damonte Ranch Town Center with several restaurants, small businesses, and big boxes like Home Depot and RC Wiley.

Boundaries:

On the west, Damonte Ranch is bordered Veterans Parkway and the parallel lanes of S. Virginia Street and the U.S. 395 freeway. To the east, further development has been effectively thwarted by the steep peaks of the Virginia Range. The Damonte Ranch north boundary is somewhat fuzzy since it kind of blends in with the South Meadows development, but Steamboat Parkway and Damonte Ranch Parkway provide a logical dividing line between the two neighborhoods. Down south, Damonte Ranch ends and the Steamboat/Virginia Foothills area along Geiger Grade Road begins in the vicinity of Western Skies Drive.

Walk Score:

6 out of 100 - Car-Dependent. (Walk Score describes area amenities and estimates the walkability of a neighborhood using the address entered for its search.)

Real Estate Notes:

Damonte Ranch homes are generally big as was the fashion in developments mostly built since about 2000. This fact, plus the inflated prices that prevailed before the 2008 bust, make Damonte Ranch houses a bit more expensive than many older parts of Reno. With the situation still in flux as I write, I'm not going to make any predictions as to where things are going and what the real estate market may be like on down the road. For those seriously exploring the possibility of living in Damonte Ranch, I recommend engaging the services of a real estate professional who has worked the area for a while. I can tell you, however, that there is no shortage of repos and short sales lurking throughout the area.

Nearby Public Schools:

Damonte Ranch High School
10500 Rio Wrangler Pkwy., Reno, NV 89511. (775) 851-5656.

Kendyl Depoali Middle School
9300 Wilbur May Pkwy., Reno, NV 89521. (775) 852-6700.

Double Diamond Elementary School
1200 South Meadows Pkwy., Reno, NV 89511. (775) 850-6212.

Brown Elementary School
13815 Spelling Court, Reno, NV 89511. (775) 851-5600.

Post Office:

Steamboat Branch: 75 McCabe Drive, Reno, NV 89511. (775) 853-2615. On the west side of S. Virginia Street, near Bishop Manogue Catholic High School.

Calling the Cops:

To ask questions and request information, the non-emergency number for Reno PD is (775) 334-2121. For real, life-threatening police emergencies, always dial 911. That also goes for medical and fire emergencies. A City of Reno Damonte Ranch Public Service and Safety Center is in the works but has not yet been built.

Getting Reno City Government Assistance:

The gatekeeper for city information and services requests is called Reno DIRECT. Phone (775) 334-2099 and you'll get a live human (though you might have to wait your turn).

Nearby Shopping:

There is only one shopping center within the boundaries of the Damonte Ranch neighborhood. However, there are plenty of others nearby in the South Meadows area. Taken together, they feature the full range of shopping opportunities, including RC Wiley, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kohl's, and the dozens of shops and specialty stores at The Summit. When you get hungry, there are plenty of eateries from which to choose. You'll probably be able to find what you are looking for at one of these...

• Damonte Ranch Town Center - Steamboat Pkwy. and Marketplace Ln.
• Village at Double Diamond - South Meadows Pkwy. and Double R Blvd.
• Double Diamond Town Center - Gateway Dr. and South Meadows Pkwy.
• South Towne Crossing - S. Virginia St. and Arrowcreek Pkwy.
• The Summit - S. Virginia St. and Mt. Rose Highway

Going to the Movies:

Century Theatres has the multiplex theaters market sewed up in Reno and Sparks. The closest screens to Damonte Ranch are at The Summit shopping center and appropriately named the Century Summit Sierra. Tickets for flicks in this movie house are a little more expensive than in the other multiplexes, but you get a more upscale setting than theaters in other parts of town.

Neighborhood Parks:

Damonte Ranch Park is centrally located with large grassy areas picnic shelter, big playground, restrooms, and good parking. It borders a wetlands area and has a walking trail passing through the south side. The community plan includes 200 acres of open space, 174 acres of wetlands, and several miles of walking trails. With no tall buildings to get in the way, there are good mountain views from most everywhere in Damonte Ranch.

Medical Facilities:

Renown South Meadows Medical Center is a full-service hospital, complete with ER and an assisted living facility. It is located at 10101 Double R Blvd., near the intersection with South Meadows Parkway. For non-emergency information, call (775) 982-7000. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.

Other Nearby Attractions:

From Damonte Ranch, it's a short drive west on the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) to Incline Village and the Lake Tahoe Basin. In winter, the same route will take you to the ski area closest to Reno, Mt. Rose / Ski Tahoe. To visit historic Virginia City, go east on this same road. Carson City is about 30 miles south on U.S. 395 (S. Virginia St.).