If you can picture a smaller, sparkly sibling to Vegas when Reno comes to mind, you can join the queue of thousands who also think the same.
…well, not so fast.
Reno is not just some neon-lit Wild West sideshow. It has its personality, one that locals wear with pride.
But, before you pack those bags for The Biggest Little City in the World, there are a few things you will want to know before living in Reno.
From its sun-soaked weather to its surprisingly diverse recreation scene, let's walk you through what life is like in Reno, NV.
For starters, Reno enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year. Ideally, the city requires you to pack your shades and prepare to purchase sunscreen often.
But don’t let its semi-arid climate fool you. This high desert climate knows how to keep things interesting.
Peak summer temperatures can sometimes be as high as 99°F, while winters bring a delightful chill, with occasional snowflakes dusting the nearby Sierra Nevada.
The cherry on top?
Low humidity keeps frizzy hair at bay. While snow doesn’t often pile up in Reno itself, Tahoe’s ski resorts are just a short drive away. This makes Reno a dreamy location for snow bunnies and sun worshippers.
The average seasonal temperature in Reno is:
Winter — 37°F
Fall — 55°F
Spring — 53°F
Summer — 76°F
Reno’s what you'll call a car-friendly city!
More than 81% of its residents drive themselves, higher than the national average of 80.2%.
However, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) buses cover most parts of the city for those without wheels, and the average commute time is 7 minutes lower than the national average (25 minutes).
Cycling enthusiasts will also love Reno’s growing network of bike lanes. But here’s the kicker: Reno is not the most walkable city.
If living in Reno is your plan, having your own set of wheels will make your life much easier.
On a similar note, getting around Reno is not just about cruising down I-80. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport makes jetting off to your next destination easy.
Cost of living in Reno is not as cheap as it once was, but it’s still more affordable than its Californian neighbor to the west.
At 5% higher than the U.S. average in living costs, housing and transportation are the big-ticket items, with median home prices climbing due to high demand and limited supply.
If you are planning to move, working with experienced moving companies can help streamline the process, especially as you navigate Reno’s competitive housing market and settle into your new space.
Expect to shell out premium dollars for a roof over your head in Reno, but rest assured, the city's perks make it worth the price tag.
On the flip side, Nevada’s lack of state income tax is a huge win for your wallet. Couple that with relatively low utility costs (yes, even in winter), and Reno’s financial scales start to tip in your favor.
Once driven by casinos and tourism, Reno’s economy has diversified big time.
Tech giants like Tesla, Panasonic, and Apple have made themselves at home in the area, fueling growth in the technological and manufacturing sectors.
Meanwhile, healthcare, retail, education, and logistics are also thriving industries that have made a strong mark on the employment chart.
If you are job hunting, you will want to keep an eye on roles in Reno’s emerging tech scene. Or you could try your luck with gaming and hospitality gigs. These are still strongholds of the city’s economy.
Note:
Living in Reno, your median household income will be slightly lower than the national average. But you should earn enough to meet your needs and make some savings.
Here’s one of the pros and cons of living in Reno most newcomers might not realize — Reno’s in the desert.
As a result, water conservation is a big deal, as is the way of life here.
The Truckee River is Reno’s lifeblood. It provides drinking water and recreation opportunities, but droughts are still a reality.
Water-smart landscaping is popular, and you will notice locals being mindful of usage.
Learn the watering schedule for your area and be ready to embrace shorter showers. Your utility bill will thank you for this!
Families will find plenty to love in Reno, from top-rated schools such as Davidson Academy, Caughlin Ranch Elementary, and Doral Academy of Northern Nevada to kid-approved attractions like the Discovery Museum and Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary.
But that's not all!
The city also hosts many community events, including holiday parades and farmers markets, which makes it a great place to raise children.
Reno’s vibe is a mix of laid-back, outdoorsy appeal and a touch of that old-school Nevada grit.
But is Reno a good place to move to?
Is it safe and crime-free?
Like most urban areas, Reno has its pockets of crime incidents in some neighborhoods.
Overall, the crime rate is higher than the U.S. average. But you shouldn’t worry about this. There are many neighborhoods isolated from these crime incidents that you can consider.
Also, enforcement agents are active in defusing dangerous situations.
Reno has a neighborhood for every vibe!
If you love being in the heart of the action, Downtown Reno is where it’s at. It offers easy access to casinos, bars, restaurants, and the Truckee Riverwalk.
Here's a little something extra for the adrenaline rush.
Living in Reno is a good idea if you are into hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or skiing. There’s simply no shortage of ways to enjoy the fresh air.
Lake Tahoe is only 40 minutes away for those who crave crystal-clear waters and world-class slopes.
Meanwhile, local gems like Rancho San Rafael Park and Hunter Creek Trail will keep you active without leaving the city limits.
Living in Reno, NV, means embracing a lifestyle that’s as sunny and spirited as the city itself. From its growing tech economy to its endless outdoor adventures, Reno offers uniqueness in a desert setting.
While you may need a bit of a fortune to own a house or even rent an apartment, the penny-pinches from cost savings from many expenses will go a long way in setting you up in no time.
Prepare to get a car if you don’t own one, though. You simply can’t walk the length and breadth of The Biggest Little City.
It’s one place that surprises you in all the best ways!
