Living in Reno, NV: What To Know About the Biggest Little City in the World
Nevada Reno
The northwest Nevada city of Reno is quite small in size, but its nickname, “The Biggest Little City in the World,” isn’t too far-fetched. In fact, living in Reno has a lot in common with other Nevada destinations — namely, Las Vegas. In both cities, you’ll find gambling, world-class entertainment, fine dining, and amazing shopping. And living in Reno, NV, residents enjoy the added bonus of lots of family-friendly fare.
Reno at a Glance
- Reno is in northwest Nevada, about seven hours from Las Vegas and about an hour from Lake Tahoe.
- Reno covers approximately 109 square miles.
- Reno has a population of just over 281,700.
| Planning a move to Reno? Start by getting a free quote from PODS. |
Living in Reno, NV — FAQs
Q: Why do people move to Reno, Nevada?
A: Job opportunities, affordable taxes, and a lively nightlife and casino culture are a few of the biggest draws for people who’ve decided living in Reno, NV, is their next move.
Q: What is Reno like?
A: Laid-back, charming, and scenic — that’s how locals describe living in Reno. And they can’t get enough of all the outdoor activities. If winter sports are your jam, you won’t find a better place to live.
Q: Is Reno, Nevada, an expensive place to live?
A: The cost of living is about 18 percent higher than the U.S. average and 8 percent higher than the rest of the state. So, yes, it can be a pretty pricey place to settle down.
Q: Is it cheaper to live in Reno than Las Vegas?
A: The cost of living in Reno is just over 7 percent higher than in Las Vegas.
Q: Which is better to live in: Reno or Las Vegas?
A: This is entirely subjective, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. But in general, living in Reno, NV, means a quieter vibe with a wealth of outdoor activities. There’s more of a family vibe, which isn’t to say Vegas doesn’t have family neighborhoods. Reno’s are more numerous, though, and the city has a slower pace.
Q: What are winters like in Reno, Nevada?
A: With mountains all around and Lake Tahoe just an hour away, winters here are pretty spectacular — if you like snow and cold weather. Reno gets about 22 inches of snow a year. If you’re not accustomed to driving in winter, take precautions: Local officials clear the roads, but icy conditions can persist long after the snow is gone.
12 Things To Know About Living in Reno, NV
1. The Cost of Living in Reno
The city has a lot to offer, and the higher cost of living in Reno reflects that bounty. To put it in perspective, Nevada’s cost of living is almost 10 percent higher than the national average, and in Reno it’s 18.6 percent higher.
The famous Reno arch welcomes visitors to town.
2. Living in Reno, Nevada — Pros and Cons
Every city has both pros and cons. So, what are the pros and cons of Reno, Nevada? Here are a few of the big ones:
Pros of Living in Reno, NV:
- Vibrant Arts and Culture: Sure, gambling is big here. But living in Reno, NV, also means a wealth of arts and entertainment options. The Pioneer Center for Performing Arts hosts theater and musical events, with organizations like the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and A.V.A. Ballet Company regularly dazzling audiences on several stages.
- Lake Tahoe: Just an hour from Reno, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Visitors come from all over to enjoy kayaking, sunbathing, fishing, and lots of other activities — and Reno locals get to enjoy all of it whenever they like.
- Tax-Friendly State: Residents of Nevada do not have to pay state income tax or inheritance tax, and property taxes here are among the lowest in the nation.
Cons of Living in Reno, NV:
- Cold Winters: If you’re moving from a different climate, particularly a warm one, Reno might take some getting used to. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Las Vegas, Reno has a semi-arid climate that goes through all four seasons, with an average of about 22 inches of snow each year — just under the national average of 28. Be prepared for the temperatures to get pretty low in winter!
- City of Temptation: What happens in Las Vegas also happens in Reno — just on a smaller scale. You’ll find about 20 casinos here, conveniently located downtown on The Row (as opposed to The Strip in Vegas). Some may view this as a pro, but gambling can be a problem if you’re not able to walk away — and moving to Reno might not be a great idea.
- Limited Access to Public Transportation in the Suburbs: Unless you live in the Downtown Reno area, public transportation options are fairly limited. If you live in the suburbs, you will most likely need to own a car.
- Tepid Job Market: While employment opportunities in the gambling and entertainment scene are highly coveted in Reno, there has been a bit of a change in recent years with different companies moving into town. Tech firms, in particular, are choosing Reno to set up centers and facilities. Still, the job market isn’t quite as healthy as the national average. Unemployment sits at 5.1 percent, compared to 4.5 percent across the U.S.
3. The Reno Housing Market
The average home value in Reno is $568,600 — up about 2.8 percent from last year. Architecture in Reno is quite rich in history, since building initially started in the late 1800s. You can still find lots of colonial revival-style buildings and old brick homes when you walk the streets of Reno.
If you’re moving to Reno and in the market for a rental, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,725.
Reno stretches from the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the California state line.
4. The Best Places To Live in Reno
Incline Village
Incline Village is located at the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe and is known for its upscale atmosphere. From beaches to ski resorts, there's always something fun to do in the area. Top dining experiences include Big Water Grille, Jiffy's Pizza, and Clay Oven. And if you have little ones moving to Reno with you, good news — the local Washoe County School District is ranked No. 5 in Nevada by Niche.
Kingsbury
The Kingsbury neighborhood is just steps away from the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort — open in summer, too, for zip-lining, tubing, day camp, and more. This area offers a variety of homes and condominiums ideal for outdoor lovers, along with some magnificent lake and mountain views. Kingsbury is ranked the No. 1 place to retire in Nevada — high praise for such a picturesque, activity-rich state!
Mogul
5. Schools and Higher Education in Reno
Living in Reno, NV, means there is an opportunity to send your kids to a variety of highly-ranked schools. A few of the top school districts in Reno include:
As far as higher education, Reno is home to its own campus of the University of Nevada.
RTC buses serve metro areas of the city, but a car is generally needed for living in Reno — particularly the suburbs.
(Source: Regional Transportation Commission via Facebook)
6. Reno Transportation
The Regional Transportation Commission, or RTC, runs bus routes through Reno metro areas like South Meadows, Lakeridge, Lemmon Valley, and Sparks. As far as the Lake Tahoe area is concerned, the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit system is available, but options are a lot more limited outside of the Reno area. A car is generally a must-have.
7. Sports in Reno
As you might expect in such a recreation-rich area, sports are big for people living in Reno. A few of the teams include:
- Reno Aces: The Aces are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are part of the Pacific Coast League West Division, along with the Tacoma Rainiers, Salt Lake Bees, Sacramento River Cats, and the Las Vegas Aviators. Make sure to plan a visit to the lively Greater Nevada Field to catch a game!
- Nevada Wolf Pack: The University of Nevada in Reno has a long history of athletic success. The school is commonly referred to as UNR, and it's known as the Wolf Pack for its football program. They're a Division I school and are part of the Mountain West Conference.
8. Weather in Reno
The city of Reno, Nevada, has a semi-arid climate and gets around 300 days of sun annually. It still experiences seasonal changes, thanks to the combination of high mountain weather and desert temperatures.
Although Reno's summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, living in Reno, NV, also means about 22 inches of snow every year. The temperature can also dip as low as 23 degrees in winter — perfect for all the skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating you’ll do!
9. Reno Crime Rates
Is Reno, Nevada, safe? With about 1,700 violent crimes and more than 7,600 property crimes each year, the city of Reno has a total crime index of 7, which means it’s safer than only 7 percent of neighborhoods in the U.S. Statewide, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 240, compared with 1 in 164 for living in Reno. As is the case in most cities and towns, much of the crime is concentrated in certain areas. Be sure to look at the individual crime statistics of the particular areas in Reno you’re considering.
Reno’s job market has expanded in recent years to include industries like tech and healthcare.
10. The Reno Job Market and Overall Economy
With low taxes and a variety of job opportunities, it’s no wonder Reno’s residents are happy to call the city home. While the economy is largely based around the entertainment and gaming sector, it’s become more diverse in recent years with expansions in industries like technology and healthcare.
If you’re moving to Reno, here are the biggest employers to check out:
11. The Reno Food Scene
If you’re a foodie, you will love living in Reno, NV! Along with its thriving bar scene, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of the most popular restaurants in Reno you should definitely check out include La Strada, Bistro Napa, Bimini Steakhouse, and the Wild River Grille.
12. Best Things To Do in Reno
There’s something fun for everyone in Reno, no matter how old you are. Take a closer look at some of the most exciting things to do.
Fun Things to Do in Reno for Adults
There’s definitely more to Reno than gambling, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the casinos — always a tourist destination but a great night out for locals, too. Check out these casinos in the area:
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino: There’s definitely more to Reno than gambling, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the casinos — always a tourist destination but a great night out for locals, too. Check out these casinos in the area:
- Eldorado Resort Casino: With live entertainment, dining options, polished rooms, and a fitness center, this resort is calling your name. Get ready to kick back and enjoy a fun night out — or a long staycation.
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: Unwind with a fun weekend spa date with your friends. With gorgeous rooms and plenty of dining options, you’ll always have something to do.
Don’t miss the fun and excitement of The Reno River Roll at Reno River Festival.
(Source: Reno River Festival via Facebook)
Things To Do in Reno With Kids
From parks to museums and festivals, there is always something fun to do with the kids while living in Reno. Here are some popular family-friendly destinations in the area:
- Crystal Lake Park: With plenty of walking trails, fields for a variety of sports, and room to just run around, Crystal Lake Park is a great option for quality time with the kids (and perhaps burn a little more of all that energy off).
- Nevada Art Museum: The Nevada Museum of Art showcases a variety of works, including contemporary and landscape photography, from traveling exhibitions to its permanent collection. It’s currently the only American Alliance-accredited art museum in the state of Nevada.
- Reno River Festival: The Reno River Festival is a yearly event that features some fun activities and events for all ages. You’ll enjoy concerts, lots of food and local craft beer, along with the largest cornhole tournament in Northern Nevada. Thrill rides, a scavenger hunt, and the Great Reno River Rally on the mighty Truckee are also part of the fest.
Top Tips for Moving to Reno, NV
Making the move to Reno? Consider these quick tips to streamline your moving adventure.
Declutter Before You Go
Move During the Off-Season
For starters, it’s not as hot during winter months — which makes the whole process much more pleasant. But many costs fall a bit in the off-season, from home prices to hotels and expenses for the relocation, to movers and storage facilities. Look for discounts and deals.
Hire Local Packing and Loading Help
Save time, stress, and your back by finding local packing workers to help with your move. Sure, it’s an additional cost to have someone else do the packing and loading — but with pros on the job, you’ll know your stuff is safely wrapped and ready for moving to Reno.
Make Your Move More Flexible with PODS Portable Moving Containers
With a PODS portable moving container parked in your driveway, you’ve got the flexibility to pack on your own time and terms. And when you’re all set, your loaded container will be picked up and delivered to your new home. Or you can keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to have it delivered.
| Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving. |
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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