Blog | David Morris Group

Slice, Slice, Baby: Where to Enjoy Good Pizza in Reno

March 18, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Alright, stop, collaborate and listen; we’re here to tell you about the local pizza spots that’ll be your new addiction! Now that we’ve brought you back to the 90s and made you a little nostalgic, let’s take a look at where to enjoy good pizza in Reno.

Noble Pie Parlor

With three locations, one in Downtown, another in Midtown, and the last at the Summit, it’s likely that you’ve passed Noble Pie several times. If you haven’t found the time to stop in, put it on your list! They use local ingredients and make it all in-house, including their ranch dressing.

Pizzava

Have you ever found yourself reaching for the phone to order pizza at 10 AM? The breakfast pizza at Pizzava proves that pizza can be breakfast food, and a delicious one! The menu is massive, and after your first order, you’ll be back to try everything on the menu.

JJ.’s Pie Company

As a staple of the community since 1983, it wouldn’t be a list of great pizza spots without mentioning J.J.’s. The pizza is outstanding and so are their subs. The J.J.’s Special and The Baja are favorites on the menu.

Smiling with Hope Pizza

If you’re looking for New York-style pizza with a good cause, check out Smiling with Hope. They hire workers with disabilities to help them earn money and gather life skills. They were the #1 rated pizzeria in the USA on Yelp, and they will officially be reopening on April 13, so be sure to check them out.

The Pizza Collective

Do you call yourself THE pizza lover in the family? If yes, you’ll find yourself amongst like-minded people at the Pizza Collective. Their handmade sourdough crust takes their recipes to the next level, and their unique flavor combinations are something that you can only get here.

Other Noteworthy Pizza Places to Try:

If you’re in need of more tips, like dip your pizza crust in honey (thank us later), or you’re in need of some insight into the current fast-moving real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: Nevada Tax Advantages

March 12, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Living in Nevada, specifically in the Reno area, comes with a variety of benefits. From its close proximity to the blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the ski resorts to the never-ending list of events and activities going on around town, there’s a lot that already draws in new residents. But, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is all of the Nevada tax advantages.

No State Income Tax

To enjoy no state income tax, Nevada has to be your central place of residence, but you can do business and have residences in other states. Nevada just needs to be the state you have the closest ties or spend the most time out of the year. Becoming a Nevada resident will help you avoid state income taxes except for income that arises from sources within another state.

No Personal Income Tax

Many states force residents to pay taxes on income they’ve earned, and for high earners, this can result in high taxes. Nevada doesn’t tax an individual’s income earnings, allowing individuals to keep more of their hard-earned income in their pockets.

No Corporate Income Tax

A corporate tax is a tax on the profits of a corporation. The taxes are paid on a company’s taxable income, which includes revenue minus the cost of goods sold, general and administrative expenses, selling and marketing, etc.

No Franchise Tax

Many states impose a separate tax on at least some businesses, called a franchise tax. Simply put, this is a tax the state imposes for the privilege of doing business in the state. Franchise taxes are generally either a flat fee or an amount based on a business’s net worth.

While these are four of the largest tax advantages to calling Nevada home, there are more benefits to consider, including:

No inventory tax
No tax on issuance of corporate shares
No requirements of shareholders and directors to live in Nevada
No tax on sale or transfer of shares
No initial or minimum capital requirements
Anonymity of owners
Low property taxes
Business-friendly environment

There’s a lot to love about being a Reno resident, including the Nevada tax advantages you get to benefit from. If you’re hoping to move somewhere that will allow you to keep more money in your pocket and provide you with a great work-live-play atmosphere, Northern Nevada may be the right fit for you. Contact the David Morris Group to learn more about relocating to Reno. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market with you!

Can You Name the Celebrities with Ties to Reno and Northern Nevada?

March 8, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

The spring season often marks when celebrities are nominated for awards and when some of the most viewed award shows are broadcasted around the world. Before you tune in to root for your favorite artists, actors, and performances, we’re wondering, can you name the celebrities with ties to Reno and Northern Nevada?

Adam Cates – Cates is a director, choreographer, playwright, and best-selling author who has worked on Tony-winning shows on Broadway.
Ben Erway – Erway was a popular actor in the 40s and 50s with roles on The Twilight Zone and The Bishop’s Wife.
Bryce Johnson – The acting reel of Johnson features many guest appearances in a variety of popular T.V. series, but he is most known for his role in Popular.
Chase Ellison – This actor got his start in acting at a young age by appearing on Malcolm in the Middle and 7th Heaven. He also went on to star in Mysterious Skin, Tooth Fairy, and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.
Curtis Hanson – After getting some small films under his belt, Hanson then went on to direct well-known films like The River Wild, L.A. Confidential, and 8 Mile.
Dawn Wells – Wells is known for playing the beloved character of Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island.
Gabriel Damon – From being the voice of Littlefoot in The Land Before Time to rolls on Star Trek: The Next Generation and ER, Damon has a great history in the industry.
Jaylen Barron – Barron began her acting career with guest spots on popular Disney shows like Shake It Up and Good Luck Charlie. She also appeared in a few episodes of Shameless before landing her big role in Free Reign.
Jena Malone – Born in Sparks, Malone has had a successful acting career. Some of her most well-known works include Stepmom and The Hunger Games series.
Kristoffer Polaha – This actor and producer was born in Reno and is known for Jurassic World: Dominion, Wonder Woman 1984, and Where Hope Grows.
Mädchen Amick – Amick is known for her roles in Twin Peaks and Riverdale.
Ron Thomas – Thomas is known for his acting in Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid.

Actors, artists, athletes — there’s no shortage of talented people with ties to Reno and Northern Nevada. This list barely scratches the surface of the celebrities who have a connection with the Biggest Little City. If you have more fun facts about Reno, or you want to chat about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

How to Spend Your Time At Home in Reno and Sparks

March 4, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

As a full year passes since our day-to-day lives were completely flipped upside down, it’s important to find new ways to spend the extra time at home. Whether you’re bored or looking for resources to keep you and your loved ones occupied, check out how to spend your time at home in Reno and Sparks.

Hands ON! at Home – The Nevada Museum of Art is inviting everyone to get crafty using basic art supplies and materials found around the house. It’s a great way to look at the world and objects around you in a new light.
Virtual Guided Hikes – Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation offers a virtual hiking experience through some of the most popular parks and trails in the area. They also have park guides to give you some great information on each of the hiking areas.
Digital Library Services – The Washoe County Library offers library cardholders with ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, research, language learning, software tutorials, reading suggestions, and more. You’re sure to find something that you love from the digital library.
Virtual Rec Center – The City of Reno has put together a list of helpful resources on all of the ways you can stay productive at home. The virtual rec center includes everything from Tai Chi and fitness classes to songwriting classes and quilting tips for beginners. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something that will pique your interest.
Learn with Smithsonian – The Smithsonian is offering a variety of activities and games, as well as opportunities to meet the residents of the zoo, explore Smithsonian Augmented Reality on Instagram, join the Smithsonian Learning Lab, and explore some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.
Walt Disney Imagineering – Take a virtual tour of Walt Disney Imagineering, and then be sure to check out Imagineering in a Box – a one-of-a-kind online learning experience from Disney Imagineers!

Your spring can include checking out what’s blooming around town and enjoying some outdoor dining, but there are also some great ways to spend your time indoors. This list is just the jumping-off point for how to spend your time at home in Reno and Sparks. If you have other ideas on how to make the most of your time indoors or you want to chat about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: Things to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Reno

February 25, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and less than 4 hours from San Francisco, Reno offers the perfect location. With a bustling downtown area, great school districts, a variety of events, activities, and amenities available, the Biggest Little City is constantly drawing attention. The changing seasons, growing career opportunities, and love for the unique offer something for everyone to enjoy. If you are considering relocating, there are some things to ask yourself before moving to Reno.

Do you want a home in Reno, Sparks, or an outer city like Spanish Springs and Carson City?
Are you prepared for colder winters, some snow, and no humidity? Are you prepared for rapidly changing weather? (There’s a reason we say that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.)
Will you be buying a home or renting a home?
What style of home are you looking for?
Are there schools, programs, or offices that you would like to be close to?
Is it important to be near parks, trails, green spaces, etc.?
Do you have reliable transportation, or will you be biking/walking/bussing where you go?
Are you planning to job search when you’re in Reno, or will you be coming with a job opportunity already mapped out? Are there other career opportunities in your field in the area?
Does your budget work with the average cost of living in Reno?
Do you want to be a part of a community that has an HOA?
Are you hoping to be a part of a community that is close-knit or keeps to themselves?
Do you have family and friends in the area, or will you need to build a network of friends in the area?
Are you planning to join in on the multitude of festivities happening throughout the year (May – October, especially)? Can you handle the number of tourists coming in for the well-known events?
Does Reno have the things you need? Think about your favorite foods, shops, grocery stores, etc.

These things to ask yourself before moving to Reno are a great jumping-off point. These questions will allow you to outline what you’re looking for and set you up for some great conversations with a real estate expert that knows the Reno area well. If you have any questions about relocating to Reno and what the area has to offer, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market with you!

Settle Down in Somersett

February 22, 2021/in Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

One of the most well-known neighborhoods in Northwest Reno is the master-planned golf community of Somersett. With the gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada foothills outside your door and minutes from the state line, there are a variety of reasons to settle down in Somersett.

Homes

The single-family homes in Somersett range in style, size, and cost. You can find cozy homes in small neighborhood clusters, sprawling gated homes, and custom builds. If you’ve been considering building your own dream home with designs, features, and layouts that work for you, there are still lots available in the Somersett community.

Amenities

For all of your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs, Somersett is a 15-minute drive to Downtown and Midtown Reno. If you’re looking for options closer to home, the Somersett’s Town Square Center and Somersett Country Club have everything you need!

Somersett residents are also close to the Canyon Nine Golf Course, Club at Somersett recreation center, Somersett Golf Country Club, and nearly 30 miles of paved and natural recreation trails. Whether you enjoy golfing, hiking, or biking, Somersett offers everything you need to get you outside and soaking up the fresh Sierra Nevada air. Within a 45-minute drive of Somersett, you’ll have your choice of ski resorts and recreational activities that are common in Tahoe.

Schools

Schools serving the students in Somersett include George Westergard Elementary School, B.D. Billinghurst Middle School, and Robert McQueen High School — all a part of the Washoe County School District.

When it comes to close-knit communities, Somersett is the place to be. They pride themselves on creating strong bonds with neighbors and even have an active Facebook page to keep residents up to date on the latest news, events, and opportunities in the community.

If you’re looking for more information on what it’s like to settle down in Somersett, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: How Does Reno Stack Up Against San Francisco?

February 18, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The Bay area draws in creatives, tech geniuses, and entrepreneurs of all kinds. San Francisco continues to be a beacon for those working in various fields, but with large spikes in industries working remotely, it has caused many to look to other cities that may be cheaper and offer a variety of amenities that aren’t offered in San Francisco. So, how does Reno stack up against San Francisco?

Cost Comparison:

The median price of homes sold in January of 2021 was $446,702 in Reno, while the median price of homes sold was $1,745,000 in San Francisco. The median price in Reno is 75% less than that of San Francisco.
It costs 61% less to rent in Reno than in San Francisco.
Costs to register your vehicle are 53% cheaper in Reno.
Transportation costs are 43% more in San Francisco.
Child care costs nearly 20% more in San Francisco.
Auto insurance is 15% cheaper in Reno.
Sales tax is roughly 3% less in Reno than in San Francisco.
Utilities cost 2% more in San Francisco.
Reno has no state income tax.

Commutes:

Commute times for Reno residents averages 20 minutes.
Commute times for San Francisco residents averages 45 minutes.
Average gas price for Reno is $2.77 and $3.23 for San Francisco, making commutes cheaper and faster in Reno.

Reno’s National Rankings in 2020:

#1 Best Small Cities of 2020 – BestCities.org
#4 Best-Performing Cities of 2020 – Milken Institute
#11 Best Places For Business And Careers – Forbes
#17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America – Niche
#38 Best Places to Live – U.S. News and World Report
Top 100 Best Places to Live – Livability

Reno and San Francisco share a lot in common when it comes to climate. With nearly identical sunny days, Reno only differs from San Francisco in snowfall and colder winter temperatures. On average, Reno has a lower cost of living, shorter commute times, and continuously ranks well in national reports.

The Biggest Little City in the World is expanding and becoming a beacon for city dwellers that don’t want to give up outdoor amenities and close-knit communities for events, attractions, and businesses — Reno has it all in spades!

If you or someone you know is considering relocating to Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share our insights on the city and make it a smooth transition from visitor to resident!

Home Organizing Tips

February 12, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Soon your social media will be filled with spring cleaning reminders, and it’ll be back to the tidying craze that swept the world after Marie Kondo’s Netflix show was released. We’ve gathered some of our favorite home organizing tips to help you clean away any clutter or mess that you’ve been avoiding.

Drawer Organizers – Messy drawers can have a negative impact on your productivity and can easily accumulate junk you no longer need. Spend some time going through your drawers and invest in some organizers or dividers that will help you keep things separated, and always put things back in the drawer they belong.
Practice the One In, One Out Rule – In order to keep your home from accumulating things you don’t need, use, or wear, make a rule that if you purchase something, it has to replace something else you own. If your kids want to buy a new toy, they have to donate a toy that they no longer play with.
Use Every Inch of Your Cabinets – Your cabinet doors have storage potential. Add small bins to bathroom cabinet doors, and they can be used to store makeup, hair accessories, styling tools, etc. It helps keep everything organized and off of your bathroom counter. You can even do the same thing in your kitchen and use the doors to store spices.
Maximize Fridge and Freezer Space – Boxes can be clunky and take up precious space in your fridge and freezer. Invest in some bins that allow you to store food, stay organized, and help you keep inventory of what your family has and what they need from the grocery store.
Add Floating Shelves to Your Bathroom – The bathroom has limited space, tons of necessities to store, and can cause frustration for many. If you have room, add skinny floating shelves to one side of your bathroom wall that doesn’t take up too much space, but allows you to store things like towels, toilet paper, etc. If you don’t have room for a wall of skinny shelves, install small floating shelves near the bathroom mirror. Those shelves can store your makeup brushes, face washes, lotions, etc. The more you can keep off your bathroom counter, the more organized you’ll feel!
Hang a Towel Bar Near Your Sink or Stove – Towel bars can be the perfect storage solution for the kitchen. With hanging organizers that can be hooked onto the bar and store your most-used spices, as well as S hooks that can be used to hang cooking utensils, measuring cups, or mugs, it’ll keep everything you need at your fingertips.

There are tons of ways to organize your home and utilize every inch of your space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the clutter in your home, try tackling one area at a time and ask yourself if your current storage techniques are functional or if they could be improved upon.

If you find yourself in need of a home with more square footage or a layout that better fits your home and lifestyle, contact the David Morris Group. We’re here to make sure you have a house you’re happy to come home to. Whether you’re in need of buying or selling advice, we’re always available at (775) 828-3292.

13 of the Best Local Businesses in Reno

February 9, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

In honor of the Reno Loves Local movement and the call to write love letters about your favorite small businesses, we’re sharing some of the best local businesses in Reno that share a special place in our hearts.

TID Systems – They handle IT and security systems and were wonderful to work with. We recently had a client that needed help isolating and solving a problem, and their professionalism and attention to detail surpassed our expectations. A huge thank you to TID Systems.
Lá Mint – With classic Vietnamese dishes, Lá Mint is bringing flavorful food to Reno. The menu has everything from pho to seafood to vegetarian options.
India Kabab & Curry – Try the traditional and contemporary vegan and non-vegan dishes from both North and South India.
Nom Eats – All of the foods you love and grew up eating have been veganized at Nom Eats. Vegan street food may be your new weekly craving.
Office Boss – They are the local go-to resource for packing, shipping, printing, and business service needs. Their customer service is amazing, and they have the absolute best gifts.
Salty-Savory-Sweet: The Spice & Tea Shoppe – If you’re looking for the finest, highest quality ingredients available from all corners of the globe, look no further!
Big Horn Olive Oil Company – These specialty oils and vinegars will have you itching to cook up something delicious at home. They will take your favorite recipes up a notch or five.
Dorinda’s Chocolates – Indulge in award-winning chocolates that are all-natural and hand-made. They even have rolled ice cream for you to enjoy!
Micano Home and Garden – If you’re in need of some unique home decor that is locally sourced, made in-house, or a regional furniture piece, Micano is where you need to go. They even do custom orders, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, be sure to ask if they can make it for you.
Perenn Bakery – If you haven’t had the cinnamon rolls at Perenn Bakery, you haven’t lived. They even offer bake-at-home croissants and croissant cinnamon rolls!
The Niche – This boutique offers exclusive clothing, one-of-a-kind home accessories, and cutting edge gifts. Be sure to keep checking out their new inventory.
The Nest – It may be a small vintage store, but my oh my, the heart of the owner and the vision for the business is mighty! You’re sure to find some great forgotten treasures here.
The Basement – The Basement showcases what Reno is all about — a collaboration between entrepreneurs, bringing creative retail and food options to residents. The vendors include Beautiful Bearded Man, Escape, Global Coffee, Micah Blank Jewelry, NØRDIK, and Seven Troughs Distilling Company.

Remember to do what you can to support small businesses, whether that’s buying from them, recommending them to friends and family, or sharing a review. If you have any local businesses you’re fond of, be sure to tell us about them, and if you ever have questions about buying or selling a home, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

How to Spend Your Valentine’s Day in Reno

February 5, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your family, friends, or significant other, there are tons of ways to make it a special occasion. We’ve consulted Cupid to come up with a list of how to spend your Valentine’s Day in Reno.

Valentine’s Day with Family

Valentine’s Day Creativity Kits – Arts for All released creativity kits that feature three projects for kids to do. They can be used as Valentine’s Day gifts or something that they simply keep for themselves. All art supplies are included in the kit, and they will even have access to videos that help walk your child through the activity.

Valentine’s Day with Significant Other

Valentine’s Day Dining at The Atlantis – Atlantis’ Valentine’s Steak and Seafood Spectacular includes prime rib, bone-in ham with brandy apricot glaze, a salad station, and a Mongolian BBQ grill and pho noodles where guests choose their own ingredients.

Wild River Grille Valentine’s Day Dinner – Wild River Grille is offering a dine-in 5-course prix fixe menu and a takeout 3-course prix fixe menu Valentine’s Day Dinner. Each dinner comes with a complimentary red rose and a glass of champagne.

Valentine’s Day Dining at The Row – The Roxy and La Strada are both offering special dine-in Valentine’s Day dinner menus. The Roxy is offering a choice between sea bass and beef wellington for the entree, as well as a few starters and desserts. La Strada’s Valentine’s Day menu features a baby spinach salad, artichoke ravioli, veal tenderloin “Oscar,” and black truffle chocolate gelato.

Valentine’s Day with Friends

Galentine’s Day Jewelry Making Party – In this virtual workshop, you’ll design your own jewelry using a variety of beads and charms. Each participant can make two necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

Take a Virtual Mixology Class – Make the most of your Valentine’s Day with friends by taking a virtual mixology class to learn how to create your very own delicious cocktails.

Take a Yoga Class – Take a little time for yourself and spend the day relaxing with friends. There are a variety of yoga classes available on Valentine’s Day. The Studio, Yoga Pod, and The Temple are all great places to check out.

There are some great ways to make Valentine’s Day in Reno special. Have a great holiday, and make sure you let your loved ones know how important they are to you. Be sure to share how you spent your Valentine’s Day weekend with us on social media by tagging @davidmorrisgroup, and if you have questions about the real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.