Best Places to Live in Sparks

Are you searching for some of the best neighborhoods in Sparks? Here are the seven best places to live in Sparks, Nevada, and local favorites!

Best known as the home of the Nugget Casino Resort, the Sparks Marina, and The Outlets at Legends, Sparks, Nevada, is an excellent place to live for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Located only three miles from the neighboring city of Reno, Sparks and Reno are often linked together to form the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Area.

With a rich history that involves the railroad, what was once farmland and swampland has since turned into a colorful and thriving place to live that is home to many friendly and welcoming people. Now recognized as a tremendous suburban area with plenty of family-friendly activities, Sparks is home to a growing population of over 112,000.

Considered to be one of the best places to live in Nevada, Sparks is an excellent option for individuals who want a more quiet and relaxed way of life just outside of a major city. Renowned for having a higher safety rating than Reno as well as plenty of top-rated schools, award-winning restaurants, sought-after outdoor recreation activities, and world-class entertainment; it is no wonder why so many people are deciding to call Sparks home.

So if you are moving to Sparks and wondering where you should live, look no further than this Sparks, Nevada, neighborhood guide. While deciding to move might seem overwhelming, figuring out what neighborhood and community you want to move to can be stressful and confusing. In this guide, our team has put together a list of the seven best neighborhoods in Sparks to help you make an informed moving decision.

Not only do we talk about each neighborhood in detail, but we have included local favorites for each neighborhood that you should add to your Sparks, Nevada, bucket list. That said, read on to learn more about the best places to live in Sparks!

Check out these best places to live in Sparks, NV!

Downtown Sparks

Since Sparks is located close to Reno, the two cities are often linked. Even though the lines between the two cities are often blurred, Downtown Reno and Downtown Sparks are, in fact, two separate cities.

At the heart of Downtown Sparks lies Victorian Square, the center of city entertainment, art, and dining. As the location of the Nugget Casino Resort, Downtown Sparks is the place to live if you want to be near the lively action and excitement Sparks offers.

The perfect place to live for young professionals and couples, Downtown Sparks always has some new event or festival that will keep all ages entertained. From Reno Craft Beer Week to The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, living in Downtown Sparks is an experience unlike any other.

Local Favorites:

• Sparks Marina Park: Featuring walking paths and sandy beaches, this 77-acre lake is frequently used for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving.
• Wild Island Family Adventure Park - Waterpark: As the only waterpark in the state of Nevada, this waterpark is open all summer long and offers multiple water slides, a giant wave pool, and water rides.
• Wilbur D. May Center: Open all year round, this small museum features permanent and traveling exhibits full of exotic artifacts. An arboretum and botanical garden are also found on site that visitors can enjoy.

Lemmon Valley

Lemmon Valley is a census-designated place in Washoe County that is part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area. Considered to be a very safe neighborhood, Lemmon Valley has seen significant growth and improvement over the years as more and more people move to the area.

While there may currently be lots of construction and, in turn, lots of traffic, Lemmon Valley attracts many families to the neighborhood for its affordable housing, suburban way of life, and top-rated schools. With a population of over 5,183 people, Lemmon Valley is known to be the 33rd most populated city in Nevada.

Local Favorites:

• Rail City Casino: Providing one of the best gaming experiences in Sparks, this casino is located only 15 minutes from downtown Reno and features 400 slot machines, table games, and two bars.
• Red Hawk Golf and Resort: This beautiful golf course and family-friendly resort provide a fun yet challenging course that is great for all levels of players. A swimming pool and fitness center are located in the resort.
• Sparks Heritage Museum: Visit this 4,000-square-foot exhibit space that highlights the history and heritage of the city in the heart of downtown Sparks.

Golden Valley

The attractive suburb of Golden Valley is a census-designated place in Washoe County, Nevada. As a northern suburb of the city of Reno, Golden Valley is part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located a reasonable distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown Reno and downtown Sparks, Golden Valley is notoriously a quiet community that is safe, which makes it great for raising a family.

With a population of under 2,000 people, Golden Valley is a relatively small community that is home to amiable and welcoming people. Providing easy access to major highways, residents can easily commute to and from work and travel to popular shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment. Offering affordable housing with large lots and beautiful mountain views, homes in Golden Valley tend to sell anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 less than a house would sell for in Reno.

Local Favorites:

• Black Bear Diner Sparks: Serving comfort food all-day and delicious desserts in a laid-back, woodsy atmosphere.
• Great Full Gardens - Sparks at Legends: Located at The Outlets at Legends, this health food restaurant is known for its exceptional food, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and Mexican dishes that are all made with high-quality ingredients.
• Original Thai: Serving curries and noodle dishes, this restaurant offers some of the best Thai food in the Reno area.

North Valleys

The neighborhood of North Valleys in Sparks is described as a quiet and friendly community that is great for families, young professionals, and retirees. Consisting of up to seven significant communities located on Interstate 395 North before crossing the Reno Pass towards Susanville, California, North Valleys provides various communities to choose from.

Known as the home of three lakes including White Lake, Silver Lake, and Swan Lake, North Valleys in the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area is the place to call home for nature lovers and adventurers since there are so many outdoor activities and parks available to take advantage of.

As the location of the Sierra Sage Golf Course, the Reno Air Races, and the Reno-Stead Airport, there are plenty of things to do nearby without having to travel far from home. For those moving with school-aged children, some of the top-rated public schools in the area that are part of the Washoe County School District include Smithridge Elementary School, Cold Springs Middle School, and North Valleys High School.

Local Favorites:

• M&M's Southern Cafe: This family-run restaurant serves homestyle southern dishes such as fish baskets, fried chicken, and sides in an old-fashioned setting.
• Anthony's Chophouse: Found in the Nugget Casino Resort, this beloved steakhouse offers a refined steakhouse experience in a modern lodge setting. Also, 200 different wine selections will go perfectly with your meal.
• Grimaldi's Pizzeria: Order traditional coal-fired brick-oven pizza and calzones in this Brooklyn-based pizzeria chain that only uses fresh ingredients.

Midtown

Midtown is one of the most lively and unique neighborhoods in Northern Nevada. As one of the fastest-growing districts in the Reno-Sparks area, Midtown is located in the heart of Reno and is surrounded by premier shopping, dining, art, and entertainment.

Considered to be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the area, Midtown is more than just a great place to live; it is an experience. Providing multiple events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals and holiday celebrations, Midtown does a great job bringing the whole community together.

Located between South Virginia Street and Holcomb Avenue in Reno, Midtown is surrounded by plenty of walking paths, public parks, interactive museums, and exciting business districts that must be explored. The Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, The Discovery - Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, and the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park are nearby.

Local Favorites:

• Miguel's Mexican Food at Midtown: Since its opening in 1959, this is a must-visit for family-friendly Mexican dishes and margaritas.
• Bricks: This highly-rated New American restaurant offers a menu of classic American dishes in a contemporary yet classical setting with a wine bar.
• Laughing Planet: Order healthy bowls and burritos globally influenced and made with fresh ingredients at this quick-service restaurant. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

Spanish Springs

Spanish Springs is a census-designated place in Washoe County, Nevada, that is part of the northeastern section of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located just North of Sparks along the Pyramid Highway, Spanish Springs is a fantastic neighborhood to consider moving to if you are looking for large lot sizes and plenty of activities and outdoor recreation.

With a lifestyle that is considered to be more laid-back and relaxed since Spanish Springs is just outside of the city, many families and retirees are moving here. With affordable home prices, Spanish Springs offers plenty of new construction single-family homes to choose from.

As part of the Washoe County Public School District, some of the top-rated schools that Spanish Springs is located near include Spanish Springs Elementary School, Shaw Middle School, and Spanish Springs High School.

Local Favorites:

• Nikos: Located in the Sparks Galleria Shopping Center, this Greek restaurant is a must-visit for great food and good service.
• Lighthouse Coffee: This is a great place to catch up on work or meet up with friends while enjoying special drinks and tasty bites.
• Glory Cloud Coffee Roasters: Selling only the best hand-crafted coffee and loose-leaf teas using only the finest ingredients available and served only by the friendliest staff.

Calle De La Plata

The Calle De La Plata neighborhood runs through the Spanish Springs Valley Ranches. It is one of the more prominent neighborhoods that has expanded projects into the mountain range that separates Spanish Springs from Palomino Valley. Calle De La Plata is a great place to live for families and young professionals outside the city, offering single-family homes and lots for sale for custom-made dwellings.

Local Favorites:

• Squeeze In: Enjoy omelets and other breakfast favorites, plus burgers and cocktails at this local chain restaurant that is open every day from 7 AM to 2 PM.
• Fortune Palace: Enjoy casual Chinese cuisine and plenty of vegetarian options. This restaurant is located in the Spanish Springs Center and offers both dine-in and takeout options.
• Los Altos Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Offering food with great flavor, this family-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant is the place to be.

Best Places to Live in Sparks, NV - Final Thoughts

Where do you see yourself living in Sparks? Whether you want to live in a beautiful single-family home near Downtown Sparks and Victorian Square or would prefer to live in the quiet neighborhood of Spanish Springs, there is bound to be a place for you that will fit your lifestyle and budget.

When you are ready to buy your dream home in Sparks, Nevada, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and friendly Real Estate Specialists to assist you through your home search. Contact us today to get started! We are ready to work with you and answer any questions about the home-buying process.

If you are interested in learning more about the area and want to search for homes for sale in other Nevada cities, then make sure to refer to some of our different popular moving to and neighborhood guides, including moving to Las Vegas, the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas, moving to Reno, the best neighborhoods in Reno, moving to Boulder City, best neighborhoods in Boulder City, moving to Henderson, and the best neighborhoods in Henderson.