Economic Development
COUNTIES
Carson City
Churchill County
Clark County
Douglas County
Elko County
Esmeralda County
Eureka County
Humboldt County
Lander County
Lincoln County
Lyon County
Mineral County
Nye County
Pershing County
Storey County
Washoe County
White Pine County

 

Economic Development

Public Safety
Climate
Housing
Traffic
Transportation
Communications
Medical/Health Resources
Education
Cultural Organizations & Recreation
Annual Events
Churches/Religious Organizations
Libraries
Commercial Banks
Cost of Living

Washoe County Quality of Life

Public Safety

Population Washoe
Crime Rate		 Western States
Crime Rate*		 National
Crime Rate
2009 409,085 47.47** N/A N/A
2008 409,085 42.03 N/A N/A
2007 409,085 41.76 38.34 37.57
2006 409,085 44.54 39.98 38.35
2005 396,844 46.37 42.94 39.28

Source: State of Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety. Crime rate based on the occurrence of an index offense per 1,000 residents of the area. *Western States consist of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. **Yearly total as of November 2009.

Return to TopClimate

 

Monthly Temperature (F)
2007 2008 2009 Average
January 31.2 32.1 37.6 33.6
February 40.8 38.9 40.1 39.9
March 49.4 45.0 43.7 46.0
April 53.0 49.9 50.3 51.1
May 63.4 59.3 65.0 62.6
June 72.4 69.7 66.2 69.4
July 80.0 77.5 77.7 78.4
August 76.2 77.0 73.9 75.7
September 63.6 68.1 69.6 67.1
October 52.5 54.6 52.0 53.0
November 44.3 46.3 43.8 44.8
December 34.0 34.3 26.9 31.7
Average 55.1 54.4 53.9 54.5
Monthly Snowfall (inches)
2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 Average
July 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
August 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
September 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.07
October 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.33
November 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
December 2.40 2.80 0.00 1.73
January 1.70 12.40 5.90 6.67
February 4.10 7.00 0.50 3.87
March 0.00 0.60 0.90 0.50
April 0.20 0.00 2.20 0.80
May 0.00 0.00 3.00 1.00
June 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Average 0.70 1.92 1.13 1.25
Monthly Precipitation (inches)
2007 2008 2009 Average
January 0.13 2.80 0.51 1.15
February 1.01 0.78 0.21 0.67
March 0.03 0.07 1.61 0.57
April 0.18 0.00 0.35 0.18
May 0.16 0.56 0.50 0.41
June 0.12 0.00 1.52 0.55
July 0.00 0.34 0.01 0.12
August 0.16 0.00 0.01 0.06
September 0.44 0.01 0.00 0.15
October 0.19 0.11 1.50 0.60
November 0.25 0.92 0.24 0.47
December 1.06 0.50 1.79 1.12
Average 0.31 0.51 0.69 0.50

Source: National Weather Service Forecast Office, Reno Tahoe International Airport

Average Humidity
AM PM
69% 31%

Source: cityrating.com

Return to TopHousing

Housing Availability

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2006, there were 174,315 housing units in Washoe County. 156,034 are occupied and 18,281 are vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate is 3.7% and the rental vacancy rate is 7.6%.

To do a search for available homes in Reno, Nevada go to Reno Homes for Sale. To do a search for available homes in Sparks, Nevada go to Sparks Homes for Sale. To compare what homes have sold for within the area see Comparable Sales.

Existing Home Sales Statistics
Area Total Active
Listings		 Total # of
MLS Sales		 Median # of
Days on the
Market		 Average # of
Days on the
Market		 Median
Sales Price		 Average
Sales Prices
Greater Reno-Sparks* 4,387 279 99 125 $280,000 $347,082
Reno
 2,512 143 109 133 $330,000 $426,289
Sparks
 1,059 82 96 116 $268,750 $286,871
North Valleys
 816 54 89 116 $230,200 $228,763

Source: Northern Nevada Regional MLS, October 2007 information, all housing types combined, *this is the total of Reno, Sparks, N. Valleys

Housing Value
Year Owner-Occupied Units < $99,999 $100,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $499,999
# % # % # %
2007 95,834 7,335 7.7 9,189 9.6 57,901 60.4
2006 95,566 6,120 6.4 8,650 9.1 58,464 61.2
2005 88,953 7,015 7.9 12,302 13.8 49,616 55.8
2004 89,846 10,639 11.8 24,299 27.0 44,088 49.1
2003 76,118 4,344 5.7 34,016 44.7 32,417 42.6
Year Owner-Occupied Units $500,000 - $999,999 $1,000,000 +
# % # %
2007 95,834 16,495 17.2 4,914 5.1
2006 95,566 18,450 19.3 3,882 4.1
2005 88,953 17,151 19.3 2,869 3.2
2004 89,846 9,657 10.7 1,163 1.3
2003 76,118 3,852 5.1 1,489 2.0

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

NAHB-Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI)
Metro Area Shares of Homes
Affordable for
Median Income		 Median
Family Income
(000s)		 Median
Sales Price
(000s)		 National
Affordability
Ranking		 Regional
Affordability
Ranking
Reno-Sparks, NV 64.8 69.5 216 127 19
Albuquerque, NM MSA 68.7 58.0 172 106 14
Boise City-Nampa, ID 57.6 60.9 200 157 31
Denver-Aurora, CO 70.3 71.8 193 94 10
Flagstaff, AZ 37.5 56.7 252 209 61
Great Falls, MT 76.9 51.9 142 53 2
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 71.1 63.9 178 88 7
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA 60.1 86.1 281 150 27
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA 48.9 67.5 245 184 44
Salt Lake City, UT 58.0 65.3 225 155 30
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA 40.6 81.4 335 206 58

Source: National Association of Home Builders, fourth quarter 2008

Housing Comparison
City 2 Bedroom Apartment Rental**
cost per month
 3 Bedroom Home Price*
Reno-Sparks, NV $883 $289,011
Flagstaff, AZ $1,000 $454,085
Oakland, CA $1,561 $597,454
Denver, CO $780 $329,863
Idaho Falls, ID $600 $232,483
Missoula, MT $650 $278,377
Rio Rancho, NM $686 $271,627
Las Vegas, NV $796 $253,282
Portland, OR $1,033 $390,500
Salt Lake City, UT $815 $318,447
Seattle, WA $1,364 $384,145
Cheyenne, WY $750 $332,271

Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, second quarter 2010
*2,400 sq. ft. living area new house, 8,000 sq. ft. lot, urban area with all utilities
**Two bedroom, unfurnished, excluding all utilities except water, 1 1/2 or 2 baths, 950 sq. ft.

Apartment Information
Apartment Type Vacancy Rate (%) Mean Rental Rate*
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) 2.2 NA
Studio 14.2 $543.79
1 Bedroom 5.2 $706.24
2 Bedroom 9.4 $855.54
3 Bedroom 8.7 $1,202.22
4 Bedroom 11.6 NA

*As of June 2008
Source: 2nd Quarter 2008 Annual Apartment Survey provided by the Nevada Housing Division

Return to TopTraffic

Average Commute Time Number of Vehicles
per Household*		 Percentage of Work Done
at Home
Washoe County 18.8 minutes 0.82 4.2

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census, *ehome.com

Return to TopTransportation

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, Nevada serves the citizens of Reno and Sparks along with unincorporated areas of Washoe County. The RTC is the regional public agency responsible for all aspects of surface transportation in the Truckee Meadows.

The RTC was formed in July 1979 as a result of legislation approved by the Nevada Legislature, which consolidated the Regional Street and Highway Commission, the Regional Transit Commission and the Washoe County Area Transportation Study Policy Committee. This consolidation has increased the effectiveness and efficiency in planning and implementation of the surface transportation program in Washoe County. This is accomplished through the RTC's business services: Public Transportation, Streets & Highways, and Planning. For more information visit www.rtcwashoe.com.

Return to TopCommunications
All links open in a new window

Television
Newspapers
Radio

Source: http://www.radio-locator.com

Return to TopMedical/Health Resources

Northern Nevada Medical Center
Northern Nevada and its staff provide a wide array of the most up-to-date general and specialized medical services. Yet they are still small enough to offer all-private rooms with the old-fashioned personal touch so important to patient comfort and healing - in a quiet, secure, suburban setting that eases treatment and recovery.

Renown Health
Renown Health is one of the most comprehensive healthcare networks with leading specialists in every major field of medicine. With our dedicated staff, modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, commitment to quality care, and role in educating future physicians and nurses, Renown Health has earned a reputation as a healthcare leader. Whether providing specialty care to the tiniest newborns, performing complex cardiothoracic surgery, or offering comprehensive primary care, Renown Health delivers excellence in healthcare with compassion and caring.

Saint Mary's Healthfirst
Saint Mary's is an integrated health network based in Reno, Nevada and comprised of regional medical center, wholly-owned HMO, PPO, TPA and MCO philanthropic foundation, joint venture outpatient surgery center. Saint Mary's Health Network has been named for the second year in a row to the list of the top 100 healthcare systems in the nation, published in Modern Healthcare Magazine.

Washoe Tribal Health Clinic*
The Washoe Tribal Health Clinic in Gardnerville is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is a family practice clinic for Native American patients. The two-doctor clinic has visiting specialists, audiologists and a dentist, but offers no urgent care. Appointments are necessary. Its phone number is (775)265-4215.

Nevada Physician Directory
With the help of the Physician Directory, you can make an informed choice of your doctor in the comfort of your own home, without searching through endless information. This site will help you locate, get acquainted with, and choose a new medical service provider in your area. The Physician Directory listings include all types of physicians for all of your medical needs. some listed areas follows, Naturopaths, Osteopath, Oncology, Dermatology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Oncology, Cancer Specialists, Gynecology, Urology, and more.

Emergency Services
Washoe County has a variety of emergency services including Police, Fire, and Sheriff Departments, REMSA Ambulances, Care Flight, and Medic Air.

Return to TopEducation

Washoe County is home to 58 elementary schools, 11 junior high schools, 13 high schools, 2 special needs schools, and approximately 46 private schools. Many schools in Washoe County provide honors and advanced placement, International Baccalaureate Program, and gifted and talented programs. In Washoe County, the average teacher/student ratio is 21:1, the average class size is 25 for English, 26 for Mathematics, 27 for Science, and 28 for Social Studies, the 2007-08 dropout rate was 2.8%, and the 2007-08 graduation rate was 77.9%.**

High School Trends

The percentage of Washoe County School District (WCSD) juniors and seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement courses increased from 15% in 1997-98 to 36% in 2004-05. The percentage of graduates who have taken at least one AP or IB exam has risen at seven high schools since the Data Profile began tracking that information in 2003.

As in previous years, the average ACT and SAT scores for the class of 2005 exceeded average scores for both the state and the nation.

College Trends

Nearly 70% of WCSD graduates went on to higher education in the fall immediately following graduation. This percentage is higher than the 2004 national average of 67% (the most recent year for which national rates are available). Since 1997 the percentage of WCSD graduates going on to UNR or TMCC in the fall following graduation has risen from 37% to 57%.

College Success Trends

Twenty-eight percent of the students who graduated from WCSD in 1997 have earned a college degree. Similarly, 28% of WCSD students who graduated in 1998 have earned a college degree.

The Class of 1998 had more graduates receive college Bachelor's degrees in natural sciences and education than did the Class of 1997. Social sciences, arts/humanities and business/economics majors accounted for the larges number of Bachelor's degrees in both years.

WCSD Graduates of UNR 2001-04

Forty-nine precent of UNR's graduates were WCSD high school graduates.

Fifty-eight percent of WCSD-UNR graduates are employed in Washoe County. Of WCSD graduates of UNR employed in Washoe and other northern Nevada counties, the top employers are education (29%); health occupations (13%); and in business, finance, real estate, or law (10%).

For more detailed information, please view the Washoe K-16 Data Profile

Source: Washoe County School District **Nevada Annual Reports of Accountability

Achievement (SAT's & ACT's)

For the graduating class of 2004, the district average composite score on the ACT test was 22.0 compared to the national average of 20.8. On the SAT test, our students' average math score was 536 compared to the national average of 518. The Washoe County average verbal score was 530 compared to the national average of 508. About half of the graduating seniors take one or both of the tests.

Source: Washoe County School District

Mathematics Criterion Reference Test (CRT) Results 2007-08
Grade 3
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,983
0.2
9.0
32.2
33.6
25.2
Nevada*
33,913
0.2
8.3
31.7
35.6
24.4
National**
4th Grade
Below Basic
19.0
At or Above Basic
43.0
At or Above Proficient
33.0
At Advanced
5.0
Grade 5
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,840
0.1
6.2
33.0
47.9
13.0
Nevada*
32,820
0.1
5.9
32.5
48.4
13.2
National**
4th Grade
Below Basic
19.0
At or Above Basic
43.0
At or Above Proficient
33.0
At Advanced
5.0
Grade 8
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,912
0.7
14.4
29.6
44.0
12.0
Nevada*
33,395
0.5
17.0
30.7
41.9
10.4
National**
Below Basic
30.0
At or Above Basic
39.0
At or Above Proficient
24.0
At Advanced
7.0
Reading Criterion Reference Test (CRT) Results 2007-08
Grade 3
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,983
0.1
6.6
35.6
33.1
24.7
Nevada*
33,913
0.1
6.1
35.3
33.5
25.1
National**
4th Grade
Below Basic
34.0
At or Above Basic
34.0
At or Above Proficient
24.0
At Advanced
7.0
Grade 5
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,840
0.1
10.4
40.7
39.5
9.4
Nevada*
32,820
0.1
11.5
41.8
39.0
7.6
National**
4th Grade
Below Basic
34.0
At or Above Basic
34.0
At or Above Proficient
24.0
At Advanced
7.0
Grade 8
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,912
0.7
6.9
35.2
44.1
13.9
Nevada*
33,395
0.5
8.7
37.1
42.3
11.8
National**
Below Basic
27.0
At or Above Basic
43.0
At or Above Proficient
27.0
At Advanced
2.0
Science Criterion Reference Test (CRT) Results 2007-08
Grade 5
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,840
0.2
10.6
34.5
36.8
18.0
Nevada*
32,820
0.2
11.4
35.8
36.4
16.4
National***
4th Grade
Below Basic
34.0
At or Above Basic
39.0
At or Above Proficient
25.0
At Advanced
2.0
Grade 8
Area Number
Enrolled		 Not Tested (%) Emergent/
Developing (%)		 Approaches Standard (%) Meets Standard (%) Exceeds Standard (%)
Washoe County*
4,912
1.3
7.6
27.8
59.4
5.2
Nevada*
33,395
0.9
11.5
30.0
53.9
4.5
National***
Below Basic
43.0
At or Above Basic
30.0
At or Above Proficient
24.0
At Advanced
3.0

Source: *Nevada Annual Reports of Accountability, **National Center for Education Statistics 2007 , ***National Center for Education Statistics 2005
Achievement (Standard)
Emergent/Developing - Student occasionally/does not apply skills/strategies and requires extensive remediation.
Approaches Standard - Student inconsistently/incompletely applies skills/strategies and requires targeted remediation.
Meets Standard - Student consistently applies skills/strategies without need for remediation.
Exceeds Standard - Student comprehensively/consistently applies and generalizes skills/strategies in a variety of situations.
Charter school data are not included in district total

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
U.S. News & World Report ranked UNR as one of America's best colleges and the Carnegie Foundation ranks UNR in the highest research category with institutions like Stanford, Harvard, Cal-Berkley, and UCLA. UNR provides a variety of programs including 70 bachelor's degrees, 70 master's programs, and 30 doctoral specialties. The colleges include: Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics and School of Medicine. UNR's Business Logistics Program is considered by the countries largest firms to be one of the top 10 in the United States. They also have a fully accredited MBA program. Supported research funding has more than tripled in the past 10 years to $87 million, which translates to a yearly economic impact in Nevada of nearly $200 million. Researchers at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, with a $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, are finding innovative ways to fight cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

Click any of the links below to find out more information on UNR. (All links open in a new window)

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
TMCC serves over 11,000 students with programs leading to associate degrees and certificates in more than 40 academic and occupational areas. Offering academic and university transfer, occupational training, career enhancement workshops and classes just for fun, TMCC is the fastest growing college in northern Nevada.

Career College of Northern Nevada
Career College of Northern Nevada provides high quality education to students with varying levels of academic abilities. The college is committed to providing its students with the skills and technical knowledge needed for initial employment in entry level positions of business and industry. Recognizing that many graduates will want to advance to management and executive positions, the college offers its students not only the specific skills needed for immediate employment but also the opportunity to develop self-confidence, leadership abilities and a sense of responsibility. The students maximize their potential to obtain a good job, stable life, and respect.

Morrison University
Morrison University is an independent educational institution, dedicated to providing higher education opportunities leading to diplomas and associate degrees as well as Bachelor of Science degrees. Diploma and Associate degree programs are designed to meet the needs of students in developing marketable skills which enable them to establish careers in business, professional, and technical fields. The Bachelor of Science degree allows students to continue their education in business and management in order to fulfill their academic and professional aspirations and potential. The University recognizes that education is a lifelong endeavor, which enriches the quality of life as well as individual professional achievement.

University of Phoenix, Nevada Campus
The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit higher education institution whose mission is to provide high quality education to working adult students. The University of Phoenix, Nevada Campus offers degree and certificate programs in Administration, Business, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Management, Nursing/Healthcare, and Technology. Courses are scheduled to meet the needs of working students.

Truckee Meadows Community College High School
This school is a collaborative effort of the Washoe County School District and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) and is located at the TMCC campus. The high school and college atmosphere gives students the opportunity to achieve academically and accept responsibility in a safe and comfortable environment. Students are required to take up to three high school classes and may take up to three college courses.

Glenn Hare Occupational Center
This center provides alternative classes to high school students including electronics, computer aided design, business systems, advanced child development, printing and graphics, precision machining, horticulture and landscaping, building trades, fashion merchandising and culinary arts.

Regional Technical Institute
The Regional Technical Institute (RTI) is the premier high school in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) for advanced Career and Technical Education programs. Eighteen advanced programs are housed at one of the four RTI locations. Students attend part of the day at their regular high school campus and part of the date at RTI. Programs at RTI are open to all WCSD students who are interested in receiving hands-on training and realistic experiences in the careers of tomorrow. RTI will prepare them for their future - whether they plan to further their education or pursue a career.

Lake Tahoe Community College
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., offers the first two years of a four-year degree, 38 different associate's degrees and 20 certificates. LTCC is one of 109 community colleges in the state of California. Students at LTCC enjoy small class sizes averaging 15 students per class and quality one-on-one instruction. The college offers a good neighbor policy for Nevada residents and tuition is only $28 a unit.

Return to TopCultural Organizations and Recreation

Reno Philharmonic
The Reno Philharmonic's mission is to provide entertainment and educational experience of the highest artistic quality possible to as wide and diverse an audience as possible.

Reno Chamber Orchestra
Provides various classical performances throughout the year at the Nightingale Concert Hall, located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

Fleischmann Planetarium
Located at the University of Nevada, Reno, the Planetarium offers public starshows, school starshows by appointment, and public sky-viewing with our 12-inch telescope.

Nevada Opera
Nevada Opera is a non-profit organization which makes it their mission to impact the community with a variety of cultural programs and events. Their performances are designed to thrill you with nothing but the best musical fireworks.

William F. Harrah Foundation National Automobile Museum
It's like driving a century in just two hours. The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) lets you travel through time like few other places can. Just two blocks from the streets of downtown Reno, you'll walk down streets of the past. Its cars, sights, sounds, and places are yours to explore. Beyond the streets, you'll discover a century of automobiles: more than 220 antique, vintage, classic, special interest and one-of-a-kind wonders. You'll be dazzled by the cars of the stars. And the road doesn't end there. Find new discoveries in the Changing Exhibits Gallery and Masterpiece Circle. Chat with mechanics in the Automotive Shop. Shop in the unique Museum Store. Visit today and discover the cars you remember, in a way you'll never forget.

Nevada Museum of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art provides a forum for the presentation of creative ideas. We aspire to serve as a cultural resource for every member of the community. Through innovative programming and scholarship, the Museum provides the opportunity for people of all ages to encounter, engage, and enjoy a diversity of art experiences.

Artouring
Artouring invites you on a lively and fun adventure to cultural opportunities in Northern Nevada, including insider tours of artists studios otherwise unavailable to the public and exclusive docent tours of current world class exhibitions on display at the Nevada Museum of Art. The tour also includes a cooking demonstration and gourmet lunch at the Nothing To It! Culinary Center, La Vecchia, or The Cheeseboard & Wine Cellar.

Sparks Heritage Foundation and Museum
Located in Sparks, this museum houses early Sparks historical memorabilia.

Carson City
Nevada's capital city, located 30 miles south of Reno, is not only the center of state government but also one of the state's most historic communities. Wander the Kit Carson Trail, a self-guided tour of historic 19th century homes and buildings, or explore one of the city's museums. Tour the State Capitol, built in 1870, then dine at one of the city's many fine restaurants.

Donner Lake
Located 34 miles west of Reno/Sparks, this beautiful mountain lake is ideal for picnics, camping, fishing, sailing, and water skiing.

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the world's clearest, deepest mountain lakes and a year-round playground for thrill seekers. In winter, enjoy world-class alpine and cross-country skiing at any of nearly two dozen ski resorts. In the warmer months, hit the lake's legendary waters via ski, personal water craft, kayak, sailboat or motorboat.

Tahoe Rim Trail
As of fall 2001, Lake Tahoe has one more attraction to offer visitors and residents: easy access to beautiful panoramic views, old-growth trees, majestic granite peaks, crystalline lakes, lush meadows and wildflowers that bring a spectrum of color to the region.

National Bowling Stadium
Built in 1995 and located in downtown Reno, this facility has been called the "Taj Mahal of Tenpins," by the Los Angeles Times and "Pin Palace" by USA Today. Features include 80 championship lanes, a video wall, an IMAX large-format theater, and the world's longest screen scoring display.

Pyramid Lake
This starkly beautiful, 27 mile long desert lake is located 34 miles north of Reno/Sparks. Pyramid's jagged rocks and tufa formations envelop chameleon-like waters that change with the seasons. The last remnant of a prehistoric sea, Pyramid Lake is today regarded as one of the best trophy lakes in the world for the great Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Sparks Marina Park
Located in Sparks north of Interstate 80, this is an 80-acre lake with fishing, swimming, boating, and beaches.

Virginia City
Located 30 miles southeast of Reno/Sparks, Virginia City is the famed site of the Comstock Lode, the world's most spectacular gold and silver discovery. Visitors can tour the mansions of 19th century millionaires, go underground into actual gold and silver mines, and enjoy a variety of events including the annual international camel races.

Wild Island
Located in Sparks, this water-fun resort features water slides, a wave pool, and a children's pool. It also includes a 36-hole miniature golf course, go-cart raceway cars, and a game center.

Golf
The Washoe County area is one of the state's most popular golf vacation destinations, boasting more than 50 championship golf courses within 90 minutes of Reno - in Carson City, Genoa, Dayton Valley, Sparks, Reno, and Lake Tahoe.

Hiking/Trails
Washoe County Trail Guide

Return to TopAnnual Events
Ranked by attendance

Source: Northern Nevada Business Weekly's Book of Lists 2010

Visit gonnahappen.com to view more local events.

Return to TopChurches/Religious Organizations

Denomination Total Number of Churches
African Methodist Episcopal 1
Angelican 1
Assemblies of God 11
Baha'i 1
Baptist 38
Bible 1
Buddhist 1
Calvary Chapel 1
Catholic 16
Charismatic 6
Christian 9
Christian Science 2
Church of Christ/God 13
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 19
Community 3
Congregational 1
Ecumenical 1
Episcopal 5
Evangelical Free 2
Foursquare 1
Friends 1
Full Gospel 1
Independent Bible 1
Interdenominational 1
International Community of Christ 1
Jehovah's Witnesses 5
Lutheran 14
Moslem Mosque 1
Nazarene 5
New Age 1
Non-Denominational 32
Orthodox Eastern 2
Pentecostal 5
Presbyterian 7
Religious Science 2
Seventh Day Adventists 3
Sikh 1
Spiritualist 1
Unitarian Universalist 1
United Church of Christ 1
United Methodist 6
Unity 3
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community 1
Universal Life 1
Vineyard Christian Fellowship 1
Word of Faith 1

Source: AreaGuide.net

Return to TopLibraries

Washoe County Library System

Return to TopCommercial Banks
Ranked by deposits in Reno-Sparks market, June 30, 2009

  1. Wells Fargo Bank
  2. Bank of America
  3. Nevada State Bank
  4. Nevada Security Bank
  5. First Independent Bank of Nevada
  6. U.S. Bank
  7. Heritage Bank of Nevada
  8. Colonial Bank
  9. Wachovia Bank
  10. Bank of the West
  11. Mutual of Omaha Bank
  12. Sun West Bank
  13. City National Bank
  14. Irwin Union Bank
  15. El Dorado Savings Bank
  16. Farm Bureau Bank

Source: Northern Nevada Business Weekly's Book of Lists 2010

Return to TopCost of Living

City Composite Grocery
Items		 Housing Utilities Transportation Health
Care		 Misc. Goods
& Services
Reno/Sparks, NV 100.5 105.3 99.9 91.6 105.6 102.0 99.8
Flagstaff, AZ 113.4 105.9 148.0 90.4 105.7 100.6 96.9
Oakland, CA 138.5 115.0 200.5 94.5 108.9 117.2 119.6
Denver, CO 103.4 99.5 108.8 102.0 95.4 103.0 103.7
Idaho Falls, ID 91.6 98.2 77.8 84.2 109.4 92.4 96.9
Missoula, MT 98.9 109.9 91.6 94.0 101.6 107.0 100.5
Rio Rancho, NM 95.2 92.2 90.6 90.9 94.2 100.0 101.7
Las Vegas, NV 100.3 107.0 88.1 98.0 104.8 109.8 106.5
Portland, OR 113.0 107.9 131.3 87.0 106.3 116.6 108.8
Salt Lake City, UT 100.6 101.6 106.4 71.2 106.5 101.9 101.8
Seattle, WA 120.2 115.7 137.3 86.1 118.6 119.5 117.8
Cheyenne, WY 101.2 107.2 108.7 92.1 99.0 98.7 95.9

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Association (ACCRA), second quarter 2010

Information on this website, while from reliable sources, is to be used only as a guide.