The model homes range in price from $263,250 for The Washoe (1,225 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,  a great room and 2 car garage) to $485,650 for The Sierra (2,448 square feet, two bedrooms, 2 baths, a den, a formal dining room and 2.5 car garage). Once a model is chosen, an initial deposit of $5,000 is due.  At the start of construction, a down payment is due; this ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the model chosen.   A special assessment of $5,400 is also charged to reimburse the city of Reno for an $18 million dollar bond for the Somersett community's utilities and infrastructure; this can be paid over a 20 year period or at closing.

Sierra Canyon has an active homeowners' association that provides a full calendar of activities and events for those interested in getting more involved in the community.   Each month the Association holds a meeting for new residents so they can become acquainted with what's available at Sierra Canyon, and activities such as aerobics and Tai Chi classes, poker games, yoga classes, rod and reel classes, tennis, billiards and more are offered throughout the week.   Residents will also find a lending library, travel groups, dances, social potlucks and professional theater groups coming to perform.  There is a lot going on in this so-called "retirement community!"  Call 800-580-0835 for information.

Homeowner dues are $174 per month and apply to all Del Web amenities, including use of the tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor heated pool, an indoor walking track and Somersett's 27 miles of paved and natural trails, as well as maintenance of common areas.  The Canyon Nine is the local, 9 hole golf course; several membership levels are available (dress codes are in effect).

Somersett has a new, spiffy Town Center with shops, a bank, post office, market and more, so many everyday errands can be accomplished without leaving the community.  Reno (population 204,000) is a booming city (but with a crime rate below the national average) and offers plenty of other shopping and cultural opportunities.  One of the country's most spectacular areas, Lake Tahoe, is just up the road across the California border and is a paradise for outdoor recreation lovers.

Nevada is the driest state in the nation and receives about 7 inches of rainfall a year.  Reno sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet, and Sierra Canyon is at 5,000 feet, so the area does see some snow but usually no more than 2 or 3 feet over the season.  Summer rains come in the form of brief thunderstorms.    The average February high temperature is 51 degrees, and the average July high temperature is 92 degrees.  The sun shines roughly 80% of the time.