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Reno, an enticing nugget nestled against the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, exhibits a unique fusion of breathtaking natural vistas, diverse culture, and vibrant innovation. Positioned right on the edge of the high desert and close to Lake Tahoe, this city which spreads across 110.11 square miles, is the hidden diamond in the Silver State.
Defining its cityscape are the iconic features that set Reno apart—the glittering strip of casinos, the Truckee River that courses through the heart of the city, and the picturesque Mount Rose that presides over the cityscape. Reno provides the experience of big-city Las Vegas living while retaining its small-town charm.
If you plan to move to Reno, you may have many queries about life in the region. But don't fret—we've got your back. Whether it's choosing the perfect Reno moving company, getting to grips with the local lifestyle, or looking to understand the job market, we are here to help.
Our comprehensive guide will give you an in-depth understanding of living in Reno. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast eager to ski down the slopes of Mount Rose, or an art admirer drawn to the city's bustling arts scene, our guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to make this Biggest Little City in the World your new home!
✅ Reno is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the northwest of Nevada, near the California border.
✅ Reno is named after Union Major General Jesse L. Reno, who was killed at the Battle of South Mountain during the Civil War.
✅ Known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno's nickname comes from a winning entry in a 1929 contest to create a new slogan for the city.
✅ Reno hosts various cultural events annually, including the Great Reno Balloon Race and Artown, a month-long summer arts festival.
✅ Nevada has no personal income tax, which can be a significant draw for new residents.
✅ There are over 159 tree species in the city of Reno’s parks.
✅ There are over 20 casinos in Reno, and slot machines are available at the airport, as well as in convenience and grocery stores.
According to the US Census Bureau, Reno had a population of about 273,448 in 2022. The city has seen a steady growth of 3.5% over the past few years, thanks to its burgeoning tech scene and quality of life.
The median age of Reno residents is around 35 years old, which shows a younger, vibrant demographic. It's a culturally diverse city with around 69 % White, 3.4% African American, 0.9% Native American, 6.9% Asian, 0.9% Pacific Islander, and 8.5% residents from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 23.3% of the population.
Reno's climate is considered high desert, with four distinct seasons. We’ve outlined them below:
In Reno, this season is not as cold compared to other cities in America. The average temperatures range from around 25°F to 50°F during the peak winter season.
Therefore, you can carry warm jackets but you don’t need the types that are too heavy. Also, during these months, you’ll get an average of four days of rain, so keep an umbrella in your car on standby.
Reno is blessed with warm summer temperatures of between 52°F to 85°F on average.
They never go above 100°F, which makes outdoor activities quite enticing. You can also pop by Lake Tahoe, which is a 63-mile drive from Reno, to beat the summer heat.
Reno sees a few days of rain during spring, so check weather forecasts before you head out. The average daytime temperature is a comfortable 75°F, so you can enjoy much of the outdoors with a slight chill of the spring breeze.
The sight of leaves changing color into hues of yellow and red is quite delightful. Here, temperatures lie between 38°F to 73°F, which makes park walks relaxing.
Reno in northern Nevada offers an array of advantages for those considering moving there.
Its diverse benefits range from exhilarating outdoor activities to exciting job opportunities, tax advantages, and a lively arts scene. Let's delve deeper into these benefits to understand why Reno could be an excellent choice for your next home:
✔️ Outdoor recreation: Reno is a paradise if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Nestled near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and close to Lake Tahoe, it offers an array of outdoor activities. You can go hiking on the picturesque trails, ski on the snowy slopes of Mount Rose, or enjoy water sports at Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake. For those who love to explore, the surrounding high desert landscape provides countless opportunities for adventure.
✔️ Growing job market: Reno's economy has diversified and grown over the years. The city is becoming a significant hub for the technology sector, with companies like Tesla, Panasonic, and Apple operating in the region. This diversification has led to job creation and provides abundant opportunities for professionals, especially in the tech industry.
✔️ No state income tax: Nevada is among the few states that do not impose a state income tax, making it financially beneficial for many people. This can be a significant saving, particularly for high-income earners, and can offset the slightly higher cost of living in some areas.
✔️ Art and culture: Reno has a rich and vibrant arts scene. The area hosts the famous Burning Man event annually, which attracts artists and culture enthusiasts from around the world. Reno is also home to a variety of museums, art galleries, music venues, and cultural festivals that cater to a wide range of tastes.
While Reno has many attractive aspects, like any city, it also has its share of challenges. Understanding these potential drawbacks is essential to make a well-rounded decision about moving to this dynamic city.
These challenges range from an increasing cost of living and the intense summer heat to limitations in public transportation and issues stemming from rapid growth. Here's a closer look:
❌ Cost of living: As Reno becomes more popular, the cost of living has steadily increased. Housing prices, in particular, have seen a significant rise. While it's still more affordable than in many major cities, this trend could pose a challenge for some people.
❌ Summer heat: Reno experiences a high desert climate, which means that summers can be hot and often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. While many residents enjoy the ample sunshine, the heat might not suit everyone, especially those accustomed to cooler climates.
❌ Limited public transportation: While Reno does have a public transportation system, it might not be as comprehensive as in larger cities. While the bus service covers much of the city, having a car can be more convenient for getting around, especially for those living further from the city center.
❌ Growth-related issues: Reno's rapid growth can lead to new challenges. More people mean more traffic, which can lead to congestion, particularly during peak hours. The influx of new residents also puts pressure on infrastructure and services, and increases housing prices.
❌ Crime rate: Reno’s crime rate is somewhat higher compared to other metropolitan areas of a similar size. The city's crime rate stands at 39.31 for every 1,000 inhabitants. This means the likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime is one in 177, and the probability of experiencing property crime is one in 45.
Are you contemplating a move to Reno? It's essential to understand the living costs in the city. Here's some general information on the average cost of living that you'll need to consider:
Source
Below, we’ll expand on the real estate market, utilities, and food costs.
🏠 Real Estate in Reno, NV
According to Zillow, the average home value in Reno in 2023 is $522,780 – 6.4% down from last year. Homes in Reno are, on average, about 16.4% more expensive than the US median home price of $436,800
Even though the average cost of homes is higher, Washoe County—which Reno resorts under—has a property tax rate of 0.62%, which is lower than the national average of 1.1%. These low property taxes will help when entering the Reno housing market.
The bottom line is that the average monthly rent in Reno is higher than the Nevada and USA averages. We have listed the average rent prices by the number of bedrooms below.
The average cost of utilities (which includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection) is $209, which adds up to $2,508 a year. The cost of utilities is about 8% higher than the national average ($2,319).
When living in Reno, the monthly food expense for a single person can be expected to average around $570. The food costs for a family of four rise to approximately $1,482 monthly. This considers home-cooked meals with groceries purchased from local supermarkets and the occasional family outing to a restaurant.
Want to eat out? Here’s what you can expect to pay:
🔶 Lunch: $15
🔶 Dinner for 2: $56
🔶 Fast food meal: $10
🔶 16fl oz beer: $6
🔶 Coffee: $5
🔶 Pepsi / Coke $2
Below, we have listed the most popular neighborhoods in the area:
You’ll find Arrow Creek situated beside Arrowcreek Parkway, located in the south-central domain of Reno.
This neighborhood’s proximity to I-58 makes it easier for people to commute to other major parts of the city, while its location offers a strategic advantage with its good schools and well-maintained parks.
Many championship golf courses adorn the outskirts of this affluent neighborhood, so if you are searching for a place to perfect your swing, Arrow Creek has got you covered!
Median Home Value: $1,716,000
Monthly Median Rent: $1,707
If you’re looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Caughlin Ranch should be on your list.
This peaceful suburban neighborhood, situated in the northwestern region of Reno, calls many newcomers to its clean parks, pristine lakes, and small ponds. With such serenity and immense beauty, Caughlin’s landscapes are surely a breath of fresh air.
Median Home Value: $913,132
Monthly Median Rent: $1,695
Along the base of Rattlesnake Mountain lies a peaceful neighborhood named Donner Springs. Its flat terrain makes walking and biking much more of a breeze than a chore.
This neighborhood is just 20 minutes away from downtown Reno, and that’s why many young professionals and retirees have moved here.
This place is also close to many adventure activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling during winter, and boating on Lake Tahoe during summer.
Median Home Value: $447,220
Monthly Median Rent: $1,549
Midtown Reno has been one of the best neighborhoods to retire in for various reasons. For starters, it’s home to around 250 local businesses, which makes it one of Reno’s livelier areas.
Reaching these local shops is quite effortless since Midtown Reno is easily walkable. That’s a real plus point if you like exploring on foot. Surrounding this neighborhood, you find quirky pubs, beautiful galleries, and vintage shops adorning its sidewalks.
Along with that, the Nevada Museum Of Art is situated in this bustling neighborhood as well.
Median Home Value: $516,028
Monthly Median Rent: $1,140
If you’re considering settling down to have a family, you can add Kings Row to your list of potential places to move to.
Its proximity to city life and education is why many young professionals have been calling this place home.
West University, one of Reno’s well-known educational institutions, is situated over here, and downtown Reno is just around 3 miles away. This neighborhood is filled with opportunity and therefore has the potential to become your next home.
Median Home Value: $446,329
Monthly Median Rent: $1,375
The following prices are what you might expect to pay a professional moving company when moving to Reno NV:
You can also get a more detailed quote for best moving companies in Nevada.
If you are moving to Nevada, costs can range from $2,000 to $15,000. This range is wide because there are many factors to consider when moving long distances.
The two most important factors that influence the cost of your move are your home size and the travel distance. Here’s a table that shows average cross-country moving cost by home size, assuming a move of 2,000 miles:
A breakdown of the costs might look like this:
Alternatively, you can get a more detailed quote from the top out-of-state movers in the US.
➡️ The size of your home: The more things you move, the more the move will cost. You’ll want to ensure you’re only bringing those things you truly want to have in Nevada.
➡️ Distance: The distance you need to travel is also essential to factor in. Traveling further increases the expenses your moving company will need to cover, increasing your move's total cost.
➡️ Service requirements: The cost of moving depends on the level of assistance you’d require on your cross-country move. Additional services will increase the total cost of your move and include the following: Storage, specialty-item moving, packing assistance, moving containers,
as well as packing and moving supplies.
➡️ Moving dates are important: The moving industry experiences a busy season during spring and summer, which results in higher rates due to increased demand. On the other hand, the off-season during fall and winter sees a decrease in demand and lower rates. The cheapest way is to consider moving during the week in winter.
CALCULATE MY MOVE
US Route 395 and Interstate 580 cover the north-south part of Nevada, which also passes through Reno. From the east, you have I-80, the route most people take while traveling to Reno.
You can drive around Reno to get to destinations quickly, but be careful of rush hour traffic, which can cost you a lot of time, since the highways can get clogged pretty easily. During peak tourist season, make plans to leave a bit early so that you can avoid rush hour traffic.
To get around with public transportation, the RTC Rapid bus service is your best viable option. It covers all of downtown Reno, which makes it easier to shop, gamble, or visit someone.
💡Tip: Reno is very bike-friendly, with numerous trails. It’s a decent city for biking and has a bike score of 59, which is above average for folks who like to get around on a bike.Here are some of the best bike trails to explore:➡️ Reno Truckee River Trail➡️ Caughlin Ranch Trails➡️ Veterans Parkway Bike Path➡️ South Meadows Trail
For air travel in Reno, there’s the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Many domestic airlines have flights to and from this airport, which means you can easily travel to any part of the country. It’s also one of Nevada’s busiest airports, so expect to see a crowd when you arrive.
There is a railway service that stops at least once a day in Reno. The California Zephyr, Amtrak’s train that runs between Emeryville and Chicago, is the one we were referring to.
Reno Station is in the heart of downtown Reno, and it’s pretty walkable to all the nearby attractions.
The average annual salary in Reno is $50,973. Most annual salaries in Reno range between $35,771 and $64,507.
The job market in Reno is thriving and runs its wheels mainly in the trade and service sector. These sectors have provided a plethora of job opportunities to many locals.
Around 65% of the workforce is employed in those two sectors. Not limited to the gaming industry, Reno’s economy offers diversified and broadened options in other sectors, too.
Reno's economy has been moving away from its traditional reliance on gaming and tourism to more technology and manufacturing businesses. Companies like Tesla, Panasonic, and Amazon have significant operations in Reno. Here are some of the other big employers in the area:
➡️ Amerco
➡️ Trane
➡️ Hamilton
➡️ Monarch Casino & Resort
➡️ JBC Entertainment
➡️ Ormat Technologies
➡️ Argonaut Gold
The city is becoming a significant tech hub, which led to a surge in job opportunities in this sector. Health care, education, and construction industries also have a strong presence in Reno.
The unemployment rate in Reno (4.10%) is above the 2023 national average (3.6%).
See also: The Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Job Seekers
As part of the Washoe County School District, Reno has a robust educational environment with many opportunities at every level:
Reno has 111 public schools with almost 65,000 students in the system.
Here are the top-rated schools in the area:
Reno is home to many institutions of higher learning, including:
➡️ The University of Nevada
➡️ Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
➡️ The Nevada School of Law at Old College
⭐ Outdoor adventures: Enjoy water activities at Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, or go hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains.
⭐ Casinos: Try your luck at one of the many casinos for which Reno is famous.
⭐ Events and festivals: Take part in city events like the Reno River Festival and the Great Reno Balloon Race.
⭐ Nevada Museum of Art: Visit the Nevada Museum of Art to explore its diverse collection.
⭐ Riverwalk District: Take a stroll through the Riverwalk District, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and picturesque views of the Truckee River.
⭐ Burning Man: If you're adventurous, attend the annual Burning Man event held in the desert outside the city. Remember, it's not just an event, it's a unique and transformative experience.
Reno, NV, offers a dynamic blend of outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and a growing economy. It's a city that's big enough to have everything you need, yet small enough to have a friendly community feel.
With careful planning and an open mind, you can navigate the city's unique challenges and fully embrace what it means to become a Reno resident.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter, why not let 9Kilo help you move there to start your new life in Reno? Welcome to your future home!
According to Living Wage, you would require a salary of around $30,000 per year to live comfortably in Reno, assuming that you’re single and have no family to look after. You would require about $60,000 per year for a single family to afford rent, childcare, utilities, and other expenses.
The cost of living in Reno is around 7% higher than the US average, so bear this point in mind while planning. While utilities are lower than the national average, other costs such as food, real estate, and transportation are all above the national average.
Reno is one of Nevada’s most famous tourist hubs due to its strong foothold in the gambling industry. Sure, this city has ample casinos to try your luck, but the bustling pubs, historic museums, and rafting opportunities make this city more than just a gambling hub.
See also: Best Moving Companies for Your Reno Relocation
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