Just off state route 395, northbound, about half a mile northwest of Swan Lake and less than a 10-minute drive from Stead airport sits a brand new housing development built by KDH homes.
Affordable housing is a hot commodity in these current times, and with interest rates still rising, homes in this modest middle-class neighborhood are flying off the market like hotcakes.
Most residents are first-time home buyers or people from out-of-state yearning for new opportunities for their families.
With most of the developable land in Reno already utilized, one logical choice for developers is to expand outwards into Stead, and northern areas close to the stateline with California. However, with any new changes comes staunch opposition to development by existing residents.
Like everywhere there are pros and cons. If your job is in downtown or south Reno or you are going to school at UNR or TMCC, it’s a bit of a drive and still high gas prices are no laughing matter. Encroachment on public lands with wildlife is another concern.
One pro is certainly more housing options for the growing population. People feel safe and in tune with nature here. On any given morning, residents can enjoy their coffee on their morning walk while viewing the peaks of the Peavine mountain range. In addition, morning runners and walkers have many options for sidewalks and paths to work up a sweat before jumping into their day.
One of the most excellent perks of living in the NV Flats community is the accessibility to BLM land, which sits on the neighborhood's edges.
With Nevada being known for its vast desert landscapes open for activities at any given moment, residents can go from garage to hills on foot, in an ATV, or even in their vehicle. Since this is a relatively new community, little is known about what is to come regarding home values and accessibility for new homeowners. In addition, the potential for renters will always draw concern for long term residents.
To put things in perspective, I have moved nine times in the last nine years, mainly due to my military travels, so when it came time to find a more permanent residence, comfort, and safety were at the forefront of my mind. In addition, I also have a Belgian Malinois, which, if you know anything about the breed, has an energy that can last hours, so finding a prime location in which she can run without the fear of cars or massive crowds of pedestrians has become another selling point.
I occasionally get the middle finger flipped at me from the other side of the street, which houses people who have lived in this area of the North Valleys for decades, so winning them over is not really in the cards.
However, I can jump on my dirt bike and hit the hills after a stressful day which is a privilege that has never been afforded to me, and even better, I can park my car next to the sidewalk without fear of getting a parking ticket or without fear of losing my parking space which again is something I have not enjoyed since moving to Reno.