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5 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Reno

July 16, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

If you’ve been contemplating making a move to America’s Best Small City or know someone who is, there are some things you should familiarize yourself with before packing up your home and making the trek to our beautiful town!

1. We’re all about art, and we take our quirky culture seriously!

If you’re an artist or creative free spirit, you’ll feel right at home here. From our massive sculptures throughout the city, eye-catching murals, and variety of performance artists putting on a show, there’s always something to see. We even have a month-long event dedicated to artists called Artown.

2. Taking a lake day every few months is mandatory.

Ok, maybe “mandatory” is a little harsh, but if you get to a point where you can’t remember the last time you were in Tahoe, you’re doing something wrong. The water is every shade of blue you could imagine, and it’s so refreshing in the summer.

3. Keep an ice brush, raincoat, and a few outfit choices in your car.

The weather in Reno is fickle on a good day, and you’re likely to find that the weather in one part of town is completely different than the other. Having items in your car that keep you prepared for any type of weather is a necessity. Trust us, keeping a raincoat and umbrella in your car will save you on more than one occasion, like when the prefect sunny weather changes to thunderstorms in a matter of minutes.

4. Learn how to pronounce Nevada.

You will see bumper stickers that say things like, “It’s Nev-AD-duh, not Nev-AH-duh.” People around here take the pronunciation of Nevada seriously, so be sure to drop the “ah” sound before moving here.

5. What’s traffic?

If you’ve lived in a major city, you may have gotten used to it taking you anywhere from minutes to hours to get you to your destination due to traffic. We’ll tell you now that the “traffic” that some residents speak of is really just slowing down by five mph on I-80. The arrival time estimate that Siri gives you when you type a destination into Google Maps is more or less spot-on.

Reno is a wonderful place to call home, and if you’re looking for more information on what you should know before moving here, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search when the time comes. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Best Beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks

June 26, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Mild summers, nearly 80% of the year is full of sunshine, and a generous number of outdoor activities make Reno one of the best places to live. As soon as the last bits of the chilly weather moves out, many are looking to break out the sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits for a much-deserved beach day. Below are some of the best beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks to check out this summer!

Kings Beach State Recreation Area – If you’re looking for a great family-friendly beach with some great shops and restaurants to stop in for lunch, Kings Beach is a great option. With a large stretch of white sand beaches and some of the warmest waters in Tahoe, you’ll love splashing around all day.
Sand Harbor State Park – Spend the day soaking up the sun in some of the bluest waters in Tahoe. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for a great beach picnic.
Hidden Beach – If Sand Harbor is a little too crowded for you, you may want to check out Hidden Beach. Several areas of this beach are only accessible if you hike in, but the remote beach has some great boulders for sunbathing and jumping into the beautiful waters.
Chimney Beach – Chimney Beach is known for the stone chimney that’s still there from an old caretaker’s cabin. With deeper waters and a challenging hike, it’s a great beach for those looking to burn a few calories while having a fun day on the beach.
Zephyr Cove Beach – Zephyr Cove is one of the larger and more popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. It’s a great place to gather with larger groups. Play a few games of beach volleyball, rent water equipment, and go boating while you’re at Zephyr Cove.
Nevada Beach – Nevada Beach has some great views, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or go swimming with friends.
The Sparks Marina – The Sparks Marina has it all. There are walking paths, trees, and sandy beaches surrounding a 77-acre lake that are used for windsurfing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and boating.

There are a lot of great beaches to explore and a ton of outdoor activities to keep you and the family busy all summer long. If you’re hoping to move closer to your favorite beaches or are just curious about what the real estate market looks like currently, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Ultimate Renoite Checklist

June 19, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Reno continues to draw in people from all over the world, especially as our city develops, and as we see companies open their doors. The Biggest Little City becomes a beacon to big businesses, small startups, and entrepreneurs at heart, but the move to a new city can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this checklist of things to do, places to visit, and experiences to make you feel like a Renoite in no time.

Kayak the Truckee River Whitewater Park – Or if kayaking isn’t your thing, grab your floaties and go tubing along the Truckee River!
Try out some of the local breweries and distilleries in the area – We recommend checking out 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing, Brasserie Saint James Brewing, and The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery.
Mountain bike the Flume Trail.
Participate in a Wine Walk.
Have a lazy day in North Lake Tahoe – Bonsai Rock, Sand Harbor, and Chimney Beach are great destination spots.
Watch the sunrise over Emerald Bay.
Participate in a bar crawl.
Have a ski/snowboard day, or at least sip some cocoa in a lodge – There are tons of resorts in the area including Donner Ski Ranch, Squaw Valley, and Mt. Rose.
Have a museum day and learn about the history of some amazing artifacts – Check out the National Automobile Museum, The Discovery, Nevada State Museum, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Soak in some of the most beautiful and relaxing hot springs in the world.
Take a selfie under the Reno arch.
Go coffee tasting and find your favorite local spot – There’s a reason Reno has become one of the biggest coffee cultures in the west. Hub Coffee Roasters, Lighthouse Coffee, and Old World Coffee Lab are great places to start.
Catch a movie at West Wind El Rancho.
Visit the world’s largest all-sports store – Be sure to ride the Scheels Ferris wheel while you’re there!
Take a cruise on South Lake Tahoe’s MS Dixie II.
Hike the iconic “N.”
Catch an Aces game.
Step back in time, and explore the Wild West of Virginia City.

Even if you aren’t a Reno native, you’ll be feeling like a Renoite after completing just a few of the items on this list. If you’re curious about what the Biggest Little City has to offer and you’re considering making the move to Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community, give you a snapshot at the real estate market, and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

A Glimpse at Midtown Reno

June 15, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Midtown has been revamped and has transformed over the years. It’s become a hotspot for businesses, residences, and tourists alike. It’s a cultural experience that continues to evolve, grow, and thrive. The eclectic vibe draws many people in, but what is it that makes it such a desirable neighborhood for living, working, and touring?

Character and Charisma Everywhere

The Midtown district has a variety of historic homes that have been around since the ‘20s and ‘30s. These homes are also surrounded by some newer construction homes that again add to the eclectic vibe and draw in buyers of all kinds. With the walkable streets, you’re never far from stumbling upon a quirky coffee shop, funky retailer, or mouth-watering restaurant.

Restaurants, Retailers, and Local Businesses

Reno residents know how important it is to support local businesses, and the city continues to draw in entrepreneurs working to make their dreams of owning their own business and being their own boss a reality. Midtown continues to see a boom in small businesses opening their doors, so if you’re in the neighborhood check out:

Two Chicks – The breakfast menu will blow your mind.
Sierra Belle and Nomad Boutique – If you’re looking for clothes, boots, hats, gifts, they’ll have it in spades.
Junkee Clothing Exchange – There’s never been a more infamous thrift store.
Sundance Bookstore – Bookworms, welcome home.
Old World Coffee Lab – Anytime you need a coffee pick-me-up, Old World is a must.

A Paradise of Art

The murals you’ll find throughout Midtown are just some of the artistic flair you’ll find in the neighborhood. From museums, performing art venues, and galleries, it’s a beacon for those with creativity. If you’re looking to explore a few museums, be sure to visit the Nevada Museum of Art, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, and the National Automobile Museum.

Great Schools

Midtown is a part of the Washoe County School District. Families living in Midtown are zoned for Mount Rose Elementary, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School.

If you’re curious about the Midtown area and think it could be a great place to settle down, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community, give you a snapshot at the real estate market, and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Ultimate Summer To-Do List

June 10, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, summer is the designated season for fun, adventure, and family memories. Reno’s summer season may look a little different than what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a time to remember, especially if you set out to check off the items on our ultimate summer to-do list!

Create your own backyard Olympics – Set up backyard bowling, croquet, mini-golf, and cornhole, and have a gold-en time competing for a medal — pun intended.
Have a backyard movie night – Find a large white space or throw a sheet over your fence in the backyard. Then set up a projector to play your family’s favorite movies. Don’t forget the homemade snacks to much on!
Create your own waterpark – Set up an inflatable pool, slip ‘n slide, and sprinklers to keep everyone cool and having fun during the warmer days.
Build a birdhouse – It’s a staple of many summer camps to teach kids how to build a birdhouse and then decorate it. Spend a couple of dollars on a few birdhouse kits, and make them as a family.
Host an art competition: sidewalk chalk edition – Give everyone in your family a section of sidewalk or driveway to work on, a theme to work with, and a time limit, then see who can create the best piece of art.
Have your own summer concert – Break out the pots and pans, warm up those voices, and have a karaoke night. You may even be crowned the best performance of the night if you decide to be a one-man show who sings, dances, and plays the pans (makeshift drums).
Make your own Hot August Nights – With the recent news to postpone Hot August Nights till next year, it’s up to you to celebrate. Grab crepe paper, balloons, and all your favorite art supplies to decorate your bike, and create your own one-of-a-kind ride for people to admire.
Turn your cardboard boxes into beautiful creations – With a few cuts and colorful markers, you can turn your purchases into houses, cars, and planes.
Have a blind taste test of your family’s favorite foods – Whether your family loves potato chips, gummy bears, or popcorn, there are tons of varieties. Pick up a few different ones, then have the family put on a blindfold as you give them snacks to try and have them rank their favorites.
Camp out in the living room – Spend the day building an epic fort in the living room, then bring out the blankets and pillows for a family camp out complete with stories, snacks, and sweet memories.

We hope you have a wonderful summer, and if you decide to buy or sell your home at any point this season, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We have some great real estate resources for you to use, and we’re always offering helpful information on our blog.

Best Burger Spots in Reno

May 28, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Summer is just around the corner, and as the designated season for cookouts, BBQ, and backyard hangouts, it’s only fair to know where you can find the best burgers around town. Let’s be honest, there will be days where you don’t feel like grilling, or you forget about what you’re grilling and can’t serve the charcoal ribs and hot dogs to your family – you know who you are – so have these burger spots in Reno in the back of your mind this summer.

Juicy’s Giant Hamburgers

If you’re a fan of the classics and like to know where you can get an old-fashioned, delicious burger, Juicy’s Giant Hamburgers never disappoints. They have placed in one or more “Best of” contests almost every year since they opened in 1982. Check out their S. Wells and S. McCarran locations.

Beefy’s

Beefy’s menu is iconic, and they’re known for more than just their amazing burgers. With locally sourced ingredients and inventive creations, Beefy’s is a must-try. Don’t believe us? Just check out The Moo, The Cluck, and The Oink or the Famous Chili Cheese Omelette.

Lucky Beaver

Lucky Beaver has been a fan favorite for great burgers and cocktails since they got their start nearly a decade ago. Their burger patties are made from chuck roast and short rib and cooked on their custom grill, making them famous and unlike anything else you’ve tried before. Everything about the Lucky Beaver’s menu is one-of-a-kind.

The Little Nugget Diner

No burger list would be complete without the diner that made the Awful Awful Burger a Reno staple. You’ll find a lot of imitation Awful Awfuls in the city, but why not check out the restaurant that made it famous?

Spend this summer enjoying great Reno burgers, having backyard BBQs, and enjoying the neighborhood you’re a part of. If you’re thinking about moving to a new community before the summer season starts, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We have some great real estate resources for you to use, and we’re always offering helpful information on our blog.

Online Workouts to Keep You Active at Home

May 21, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

If your gym routine has been interrupted with the business closures and changes to day-to-day life, consider taking your workout to the world wide web. There are a variety of great online workouts available for you to try, so gather your friends, family, and roommates and check out some new ways to get your heart pumping. You may be encouraged to #StayHomeForNevada, but you can still stay active!

Juice Box Yoga

Yoga has been proven to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and cardio health while relieving anxiety and depression. It’s a great form of exercise and brings peace of mind in uncertain times, making it a great way to spend an hour of your day. Juice Box Yoga has some great live classes for you to join.

Crossfit Initiative

Crossfit continues to be a popular way for many to get healthy and stay healthy. We’ve all seen the weight loss photo transformations with props given to Crossfit and the family they’ve created at their gyms. If you’d like to join in on the craze, check out Crossfit Initiative’s Facebook page for workouts you can do at home along with some motivational content to keep you working towards your goals.

Pilates Studio of Reno

If you think that you won’t be able to get in a good pilates workout without the standard equipment, think again. Pilates Studio of Reno is offering a video series on their YouTube page called “Quaranlates” showing you how to get a 20 – 60-minute pilates workout in.

Pure Barre

If you’re just starting to get into exercising again, barre classes are a great option for you. They tend to be low-impact while helping you with your balance, build strength, make you more flexible, burn calories, and improve stability through a stronger core. Pure Barre is offering classes you can live stream, so you’ll be building strength and ready to turn up the intensity of your workouts when you head back to the gyms and fitness centers in Reno.

If you need more great recommendations on how to spend your time indoors, check out our other blogs, and if you’d like to move closer to your favorite hiking/biking trails and parks, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

How to Keep Your “Home Office” Tidy

May 18, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Kitchen counters, dining room tables, and in some dire cases of much-needed quiet, bathrooms, are being used as home offices around the world and in Reno. No matter what room in your house has been designated the hot spot of paperwork, phone calls, and business, follow these simple rules to keep your “home office” tidy.

Color-code your filing system.

It’s likely that your personal mail and paperwork have been mixed with your business paperwork since you’ve been confined to your home. If that’s true, take some time to sort out everything into two piles – work and personal. From there, you’ll want to store the papers in color-coded files that make it easy to find what you’re looking for. Be sure to label the files, and feel free to create as many subcategories as you need.

Create a mail station.

If you have a habit of throwing your mail into a pile and not looking at it again until it’s been turned into a mountain, change that. Create a rule that the mail isn’t allowed to touch any surfaces when you bring it in. Go through the mail immediately and throw out anything you don’t need/want. From there, you’ll sort out the mail into your own system, but be sure to spend time each week taking action as you need to in order to start with a clean mailing station each week.

Make the most of the tablespace you’re working with.

Store all your office supplies in containers, drawers, baskets, and bins that are close by, but aren’t taking up space on your table. It keeps you focused and allows for a decluttered look. If you have a family printer that is being used for your work as well as your children’s schoolwork, you may want to move it to a neutral part of the home, that way you aren’t being interrupted when the kids come in to pick up the practice sheets they’ve printed out. It also clears up some valuable table space for you to use.

Make use of your wall space.

Don’t be afraid to hang your filing system, mail organizer, and office supplies to the wall. It’ll keep you organized, free up some table space, and immediately answer some of those “mom, dad, where can I find ______?” questions.

If you’re finding it difficult to make the most of your space and are considering selling your home or finding a new home with a dedicated home office and a few flex spaces, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292. We’re more than happy to help in any way we can.

Plan Your Nevada Road Trip

May 8, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

While we’re all stuck indoors, many are dreaming about leaving their Reno homes and traveling across the state. Nevada has beautiful state parks, wonderful attractions, and the best destinations for any solo traveler or family adventure. While you have the time, take the opportunity to plan your Nevada road trip.

Liberty Lake

Located in the Ruby Mountains of Elko County, you’ll be amazed at the views. It offers great trails to hike with beautiful wildflowers blooming in the summer.

Great Basin National Park

The Ancient Bristlecone Pines are some of the oldest trees on the planet. They’ve survived over 5,000 years in thin air, rough soil, and extreme temperature changes.

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert is known for being the destination of Burning Man year after year, but it’s also one of the largest, flattest surfaces on Earth, covering approximately 200 square miles. When you stand on the playa, you can take in the 360-degree views that you can’t experience anywhere else.

Fly Geyser

Just two hours north of Reno lies the Fly Geyser on Fly Ranch. Three large mounds just over six feet tall and growing several inches each year spew scalding hot water about four or five feet into the air. It’s a sight that looks photoshopped in every picture ever taken of the formation.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Rhyolite houses the ruins of 1905 gold-mining town, Hollywood movie set, and now a historic site with art installations. There are all kinds of art strewn around the town, and we recommend checking out Tom Kelly’s bottle house – it was built with thousands of medicine, beer, and whiskey bottles.

The International Car Forest

Walk amongst a forest of carefully balanced cars turned into a free, one-of-a-kind gallery of masterful art.

Garnet Hill

This free public recreation area is known for its dark red garnets naturally occurring in the hillsides surrounding Ely. The little gemstones make great souvenirs from your road trip.

The Lost City Museum

The Lost City Museum is a museum with exhibits centered around artifacts recovered from local prehistoric archaeological sites. You can also peer into an authentic pit house or view a reconstructed pueblo cluster.

Whether you’re looking to travel across Nevada for an epic road trip or you need help discovering what Reno neighborhood to move to, the David Morris Group is happy to be your guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292 for any questions.

5 Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work From Home

April 30, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Thousands of workers in Reno and around the world have had to make adjustments and learn how to work from home. For those with kids running around, it can be difficult to keep them entertained long enough to answer your phone and take care of your projects. Here are some activities to keep your kids entertained, so you’re able to focus on your work.

Bean Bag Target Practice

If you don’t have your own cornhole game, you can easily set up a bean bag tossing game of your own using Hoola hoops and laundry baskets. Your kids can spend hours trying to score the most number of points and get all of the bean bags into the targets.

Play MacGyver

Get your family to think outside of the box to make something cool or destroy something. Have your family set up a domino design, then tape a collection of toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls to the wall that you can drop a ball through to get the dominos to topple over. Give your kids a series of materials and ask them to come up with an invention the way MacGyver would.

Set Up an Indoor Golf Course

Grab a fly swatter/stick to putt a sock ball around a series of obstacles to make it into bowls, cups, or baskets. You may not be able to visit the mini-golf course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring it to your home.

Become Rock Artists

Yards and patios could always do with some color, especially if it comes with a little love from your family. Give your kids washable paint, paintbrushes, and rocks and let the artistry begin. Once they’re dry, your kids can also glue on googly eyes, feathers, or pom poms. You can paint messages, words, wishes, etc. Then you can line them around your garden/yard as a sweet accent for your summer hangouts.

Spider Web Obstacle Course

Using tape, string, or crepe paper streamers, create a spider web maze in a hallway. String the materials across each other and let the kids crawl, twist, and climb their way through the maze. Have them try to make their way through the maze in different ways each time and without touching any of the materials. You can have your kids pretend they’re ninjas or secret agents that need to get through the maze to complete their mission.

We know that Reno families have had to make a lot of adjustments in the last few weeks, and our team is here to make this time easier for our community. If you have questions about the Reno real estate market or need anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

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