Lakeridge is an upscale residential neighborhood located in southwest Reno, Nevada, near the scenic Lake Stanley and adjacent to the Lakeridge Golf Course. Known for its luxurious homes and proximity to natural beauty, Lakeridge attracts affluent residents seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation. However, its unique geography and exclusivity also present specific security and infrastructure considerations.

Demographics & Housing

Lakeridge is characterized by a small, wealthy population and high-value real estate.

Population and Income

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates for ZIP code 89519, Lakeridge has an estimated population of about 2,500 residents. The median age is approximately 48 years, suggesting a mature demographic. The racial composition is predominantly White (88%), with small percentages of Hispanic (6%) and Asian (4%) residents. The median household income is around $120,000, well above Reno’s median of $67,000, reflecting the area’s exclusivity.¹

Housing Characteristics

The housing stock in Lakeridge consists almost entirely of single-family homes, with a median home value of approximately $800,000. The homeownership rate is exceptionally high at 90%, with only 10% of properties being rentals, often used as second homes or vacation properties. This low rental rate contributes to a stable community but can lead to unoccupied homes, increasing the risk of property crimes during off-seasons.¹

Crime Environment

Lakeridge maintains a low crime profile, though its affluence and layout introduce certain risks.

Crime Statistics

According to the Reno Police Department’s 2022 crime reports, Lakeridge reported 3 violent crimes and 35 property crimes. With a population of 2,500, this equates to a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 14 per 1,000 residents. These figures are notably lower than Reno’s citywide averages of 5.9 per 1,000 for violent crimes and 53.9 per 1,000 for property crimes, per the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.²

Security Vulnerabilities

The neighborhood’s large lots, wooded areas, and proximity to the golf course and lake can provide concealment for potential intruders, making property crimes like burglary a primary concern. The low population density and prevalence of high-value homes also make it an attractive target for theft, particularly when residents are away. Security systems and neighborhood watch programs are common mitigation strategies here.²

Infrastructure Challenges

Lakeridge’s infrastructure is well-developed but faces challenges due to its hilly terrain and reliance on external utilities.

Transportation Issues

The area is accessible via winding roads like Lakeridge Drive, which connect to McCarran Boulevard. Traffic is minimal, but the steep inclines and narrow streets can slow emergency response times, especially in winter when snow or ice is present. Public transit is limited, with the nearest Regional Transportation Commission bus stops located outside the neighborhood, potentially complicating evacuation scenarios.³⁴

Utility Reliability

NV Energy provides electricity, with an average of 6 outages in 2022 lasting about 1.2 hours each, often due to wind or snow, per NV Energy reports. Water is supplied by the City of Reno, but some homes rely on wells, which can be affected by drought conditions. This dual reliance could impact fire suppression capabilities during emergencies, particularly given the area’s wildfire risk.⁵

Employment & Lifestyle

Lakeridge residents enjoy a high quality of life, supported by proximity to Reno’s employment hubs and abundant recreational opportunities.

Economic Base

Most residents work in professional fields such as management, law, or medicine, commuting to downtown Reno or nearby commercial areas. Washoe County’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in 2022, per the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation. Major employers like Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno, are within a 15-20 minute drive.⁶

Lifestyle Factors

The neighborhood’s lifestyle revolves around outdoor activities, with the Lakeridge Golf Course, Lake Stanley, and nearby trails offering ample recreation. However, the quiet streets and low evening activity can reduce natural surveillance, potentially increasing vulnerability to property crimes when homes are unoccupied. Community events and golf club activities foster a tight-knit social environment.⁶

Community Amenities & Vulnerabilities

Lakeridge offers premium amenities but must contend with natural risks and service limitations.

Amenities

Key amenities include the Lakeridge Golf Course, a championship 18-hole course, and access to Lake Stanley for fishing and boating. The area is served by top-rated schools like Swope Middle School and Reno High School, per Washoe County School District reports, making it appealing to families despite its smaller population.⁷

Natural and Service-Related Risks

Situated in a wildfire-prone area with dense vegetation, Lakeridge faces significant fire risk, as noted in Washoe County Emergency Management’s 2023 assessments. Mitigation includes defensible space requirements, but vigilance is critical during dry seasons. The small population and remote layout also strain law enforcement and emergency services, which may struggle to respond quickly during peak incidents.⁸

Sources

1. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2022
2. Reno Police Department, Crime Statistics Report, 2022
3. City of Reno, Transportation Improvement Plan, 2023
4. Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Public Transit Services Report, 2022
5. NV Energy, Power Outage Reports, 2022
6. Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, Labor Market Information, 2022
7. Washoe County School District, School Performance Reports, 2023
8. Washoe County Emergency Management, Wildfire Risk Assessment, 2023