Boosting Curb Appeal in Reno: Simple Front Yard Upgrades That Add Real Value

In a housing market as active and competitive as Reno’s, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether you’re thinking about selling soon or just want to invest in your property’s long-term value, your front yard is a smart place to start. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to make a big impact.

Here are some practical front yard improvements tailored to Reno’s climate and style that can increase your home's value—and turn a few heads while you're at it.

1. Go Native with Your Landscaping

Ditch the thirsty grass and opt for drought-tolerant landscaping with native plants. Not only is this eco-friendly and water-smart (a must in Northern Nevada), but it also lowers maintenance for you or future buyers.

Top picks for Reno yards:

• Sagebrush (Nevada's state flower!)

• Rabbitbrush

• Penstemon

• Yarrow

• Blue flax

Adding a few well-placed boulders, river rock, or a dry creek bed can give your yard a natural, high-desert elegance.

2. Upgrade the Walkway

A cracked or narrow walkway can date your property fast. Replacing it with pavers, stamped concrete, or even decomposed granite bordered by stone instantly gives a custom look. Add solar path lighting to guide the way at night—and highlight your landscaping at the same time.

This kind of “soft scaping” gives a polished feel and improves accessibility, which many buyers appreciate.

3. Add a Pop of Color with Planters or Window Boxes

Seasonal color makes a home feel warm and well cared for. You don’t need a full flowerbed—try large ceramic planters on the porch or beneath windows.

Ideal choices for Reno’s seasons:

• Spring: pansies, snapdragons

• Summer: zinnias, marigolds, petunias

• Fall: ornamental kale, mums

Stick to a color scheme that complements your home’s exterior, and refresh plantings every few months to keep it fresh.

4. Invest in a New Front Door (or Just Paint It)

Your front door is the focal point of your home's face. If it's worn, outdated, or boring, a simple change here goes a long way.
Consider a bold color like deep blue, sage green, or even classic black for contrast.

Even better—upgrading to a modern energy-efficient door can improve insulation and resale value.

5. Add a Sitting Space or Porch Feature

Reno’s weather is beautiful for much of the year—especially in the mornings and evenings. Adding a small bench, porch swing, or even a pair of Adirondack chairs creates a welcoming vibe that suggests comfort and connection.

Buyers love seeing homes that look lived in and loved. A well-placed sitting area sends exactly that message.

Final Thought: Start Small, Think Local

Not every improvement needs to be massive to be meaningful. Even tidying up gravel, trimming trees, or updating your house numbers can lift your curb appeal noticeably.

Living in Reno gives you access to great local nurseries, landscape designers, and home improvement stores—use them! And don’t forget to check with the City of Reno if your neighborhood has landscaping restrictions or incentives.