What's It Like:
Most homes in Donner Springs were built in the 1970s and 1980s. This area was the edge of town back then, with not much further south until you got to Carson City. This was a planned sub-division and is all houses; supporting businesses are around the perimeter, but not inside the neighborhood like you find in many other places. Big trees give Donner Springs an established and comfortable feeling. This is where I live and after being here a few years, I think it is one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the Reno / Sparks metro area.
Boundaries:
Donner Springs straddles the southeast curve of McCarran Blvd. Older homes are inside the curve between McCarran Blvd. to the east, Longley Ln. on the west, and S. Rock Blvd. to the north. Homes on the south side of McCarran are a few years newer. They back up to Rattlesnake Mtn. and the Huffaker Hills.
Mira Loma Dr. runs between McCarran Blvd. and Longley Ln. East of McCarran, Mira Loma leads to an area of apartments and newer homes.
Walk Score:
46 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:
Donner Springs homes are modest by McMansion standards. They are tract houses ranging from about 1200 square feet up to around 2500 square feet. Exceptions exist, of course, as people have built additions and made modifications. At this writing it's relatively affordable, with prices ranging from the low $200s up into the $300s. Aside from condition, the biggest factor affecting price seems to be size.
Rentals are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Most are decently maintained, but there are some exceptions here and there. The vast majority, however, are owner-occupied and kept in good condition.
Noise Nuisances:
McCarran Blvd. is busy. It provides quick access to the rest of the metro area, but the downside is it's noisy. Houses close to this road are subject to at least some traffic noise 24/7.
Reno / Tahoe International Airport is just west on the other side of Longley Lane. The runways are oriented north-south, so no jet traffic flys directly overhead, but you can hear them. The good thing is it only takes about 10 minutes to get to the terminal if you're going somewhere or picking up someone.
Nearby Public Schools:
Donner Springs Elementary School
5125 Escuela Way, Reno, NV 89502. (775) 689-2626.
Dodson Elementary School
4355 Houston Dr., Reno, NV 89502. (775) 689-2530.
Pine Middle School
4800 Neil Rd., Reno, NV 89502. (775) 689-2550.
Wooster High School
1331 E. Plumb Ln., Reno, NV 89502. (775) 333-5100.
Regional Technical Institute
380 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502. (775) 861-4418.
Post Office:
Reno Main: 2000 Vassar St., Reno, NV 89510. (775) 788-0785.
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.
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:
The Mira Loma Center is on the corner of Mira Loma Dr. and McCarran Blvd. There you will find Longs Drugs, Scolari's Supermarket, and numerous small businesses such as restaurants, a gas station and convenience store, video rental store, and even a McDonald's.
At the corner of Longley Lane and McCarran Blvd. is a cluster of businesses, including another gas station, a car wash, restaurants, auto repair shops, and a bank.
It's only about 5 minutes west on McCarran to the Meadowood Mall. This is one of the reasons I say Donner Springs is in a convenient location.
Neighborhood Parks:
Mira Loma Park, on the corner of Mira Loma Dr. and McCarran Blvd., has big playing fields and playgrounds for the younger set. Right next door is Rattlesnake Mountain Skate Park, one of the biggest around at 40,000 square feet.
