If you live in Reno or have been lucky enough to visit, you know it’s a no-brainer. It’s a great getaway, let alone a fantastic place to reside. There’s never a dull moment in the Biggest Little City, from year-round entertainment, recreational options galore and all at an affordable cost. Men’s Journal Magazine recognizes Reno’s AAA Aces ballpark, the Riverwalk District, Artown and the city’s proximity to abundant outdoor recreations as several reasons why Reno had to be among the top 25 cities for “Best Places to Live 2010”, according to the April issue of Men’s Journal magazine.

The top 25 cities were included in various categories and determined by three variables including median home price, cost of living compared to the rest of the United States and number of sunny days per year.  Reno is featured as tops for “Ski and Climb Without the Crowds” listing Reno’s median home price as $274,670, its cost of living as 13 percent higher than the rest of the nation, and boasting 252 sunny days per year.

“Having Reno named one of the best places to live is a huge honor for our city and residents,” said Reno Mayor Bob Cashell.  “We all know why we love this place, but the national recognition helps build credibility for our city as a top place to live, work and raise a family.  It also gets the word out about what makes our city so special including our downtown baseball park, Artown and burgeoning downtown.”

“Reno making a top places to live list helps increase awareness nationwide that Reno Tahoe is a happening place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy all this area offers, from downtown fun to high altitude adventure.” said Ellen Oppenheim, Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) President and CEO.  “The recent investment in area hotel-casino properties, spas and restaurants are additional outstanding amenities locals and visitors can take advantage of.”

The April issue of Men’s Journal featuring the “Best Places to Live 2010” is on newsstands now or visit www.mensjournal.com.

Men’s Journal has previously ranked Reno’s historic Old Southwest as one of ‘The Best Neighborhoods in America’ in their June 2009 issue.

We’ve been tooting our own horn for a while. It’s nice to get some validation, though, dontcha think?

Answer: The same as great golfers, wildlife, great scenery, cardivascular exercise, a kids party zone, awesome food and drinks and of course the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open.

Take a look at these photos and see what you are missing if you don’t get out to the Montreux Golf Course and see this great event for yourself.

Legends Reno-Tahoe Open
Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course, Montrêux Golf & Country Club
August 3 – 9, 2009
http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/reno-tahoe/what-to-do/events/08-03-2009/legends-reno-tahoe-open

Disc Golf has been part of Reno’s master plan for years but never became a reality – until now, with the partial opening of “The Ranch” at Rancho San Rafael Park.

The Ranch, Reno’s disc golf course, is under construction at the north end of Rancho San Rafael Park behind the Reno Sports Complex. Nine holes are currently open and the other nine will be installed following additional community fundraising. The effort is being spearheaded by the Reno Disc Golf Association.

Disc Golf is on a steep growth curve, with more than 100 new courses installed each year. The game doesn’t require deep instruction or investment, so it is approachable. All you need is a disc or two, and a good attitude.

There are now more than 1,300 disc golf courses in the U.S., with hundreds more around the world. The Ranch is Reno’s first disc golf course, although there are several others in the Reno-Tahoe area

- Photo and post courtesy of Michael Jacobus, president of the Reno Disc Golf Association

Reno is again earning accolades as a four-season adventure epicenter, this time in the pages of National Geographic Adventure magazine.

In the magazine’s September issue cover story, “The 50 Next Great Adventure Towns,” Reno is ranked tops among some great destinations. Those of us who already live here know why: 300 days of sunshine a year, a quick drive to Lake Tahoe and 18 ski/board/cross-country resorts, golf, mountain biking, the Truckee River, etc.

The magazine cited criteria including lifestyle and career opportunities in its list.

“So this year we selected 50 innovative towns that aren’t just prime relocation spots right now, but smart choices for the future,” the magazine wrote. “Not only do they have the action. They’ve got a plan. Now we’re giving you a plan too. Inside, you’ll find hometown picks that range from adventure 24/7 hubs loaded with outdoor options to urban players that offer a variety of jobs and cultural activities without sacrificing green space.”

Here in Reno-Tahoe we have some fantastic golf courses to choose from. The following video is from the Advertising Association of Northern Nevada’s annual golf tournament, which was held at the beautiful Lakeridge golf course in Reno, Nevada.

This is a guest entry from an avid golfer.

Golf, Golf, Golf. That is what I love about the summer. One of the reasons I enjoy living in Reno-Tahoe is all the beautiful golf courses tucked into the georgous vegetation of our region.

During the Fourth of July, we played golf at the Red Hawk’s Lakes Course. This challenging course is wrapped around a set of hills that have been untouched by developers. You feel as if you are far awary from the downtown glitz that Reno is known for.