10 Reasons You Should Be Moving to Reno, NV

Reno, Nevada —the “Biggest Little City in the World”— lies just at the foothills of Sierra Nevada along the Nevada-California border.

A quick glance at the migration pattern data for Reno will reveal a net positive resident count flow. What this means is that more people are moving to Reno than they are leaving. 

An even more precise evaluation of available stat shows that many of the new residents in Reno move from big cities like California.

Despite having lots of modern amenities and a relatively bigger job market, why are people moving from the big cities to Reno, Nevada? Are there good reasons why Reno is the third-most populous city in Nevada? 

Let’s find out in this article.

An Affordable Housing Market: Your Dream Home Awaits in Reno

Looking for an answer to ‘Why do people move to Reno?’ Here it is: Compared to the skyrocketing prices in nearby California, Reno’s housing market is more affordable. 

With the city’s recent growth and uptick in work-from-home culture, new developments are popping up everywhere, and any moving company here is busier than ever.

An interesting fact: Reno’s housing market is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. 

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to upgrade or seeking a cozy rental, Reno’s got you covered. The city offers a mix of charming older homes, modern condos, and suburban houses.

• Average House Rent: $1,632
• Median Home Value: $622,800

Learning in the Biggest Little City: Education and the University of Nevada

Reno is a fantastic place for education, offering excellent options from elementary schools to higher education. 

The Washoe County School District, which provides quality education in Reno, performs better than 75% of all Nevada school districts.

Also, the city is home to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) — it’s considered the crown jewel of higher education in Reno. 

With top-notch programs and a lively student community, UNR is a great place to pursue a degree. The university is known for its strong engineering, business, and journalism programs. 

Moreover, its strong ties to the local economy mean students have excellent internship and job opportunities, especially in tech and engineering fields. This is mostly thanks to partnerships with companies like Tesla and Google.

It Gets Sporty

Maybe research and academia are not quite your forte — Reno is still going to win you over with its sports department. There’s no shortage of action; from professional teams to college athletics and outdoor sports.

Reno’s location near Lake Tahoe also means easy access to world-class skiing and snowboarding. Plus, the city also offers fantastic golf courses, hiking trails, and water sports, making it a perfect place for active lifestyles.

Did you know Reno hosts the annual “Great Reno Balloon Race”? 

The race is a large, free, hot-air ballooning event that fills the sky with colorful balloons and draws thousands of spectators.

A Booming Tech Hub: Join the Train

Reno is not just about slot machines and scenic hikes — it’s also becoming a tech hotspot. 

Many prospective residents are right to ask, ‘Why is Reno Nevada growing so fast?’ 

Yes, Reno’s obvious growth spurt can almost always get linked to the booming tech industry, with companies like Tesla, Google, and Apple bringing jobs and innovations.

More importantly, the city is leading in the future of clean energy. 

There are 13 geothermal companies in Reno, and a number of advanced manufacturers, like Nevada Lithium Batteries. Along with the UNR, are working towards building a self-sustaining lithium life cycle for electric vehicles.

Growing Job Market

The city’s mix of affordable living, a booming tech industry, and a generally prosperous economy attract people looking for a balanced lifestyle. 

This means job opportunities are growing, making it an exciting time for professionals in the field, as moving to the city might be their next big move.

• Median Household Income: $73,073
• Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
• Poverty Rate: 12.7%

Read more: Fastest growing towns in America

Outdoor Adventures Galore

Since Reno rests in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s a stone’s throw away from Lake Tahoe. 

Moving to Reno means you have a great location where you can get a lot of outdoor experience to your satisfaction. Plus, worthy of mention, the Truckee River on the eastern part, is perfect for kayaking or a leisurely float on a sunny day. 

Basically: if you love the great outdoors, Reno has your name written all over it!

Then, there’s the casinos and nightlifes — you can’t talk about Reno without mentioning them. While it might not be as flashy as Las Vegas, Reno offers a more laid-back, accessible casino experience. 

But if gambling isn’t your thing, the city also has plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to keep your nights lively and entertaining.

Quirky Art Scene

Reno’s art scene is delightfully quirky and growing by the day. 

The city’s unique ability to combine modern living with all the small-town quirks in a muted and sublime way elevates its status as a place for the muse. 

Ever heard of Burning Man? It is a week-long desert event held at Black Rock City. The wild, creative festival has its roots right here in Reno and greatly influences the spillover into the local art scene. 

In the Midtown district, you’ll find murals, galleries, and unique sculptures. Of course, there’s the Reno Playa Art Park, where you can see some of the art from the Burning Man event up close.

A Foodie’s Delight

Reno might surprise you with its diverse and delicious food scene! From gourmet dining to hole-in-the-wall gems, there’s something to satisfy every craving. 

You can try the Basque restaurants for a taste of traditional cuisine or hit up the many food trucks for a quick, tasty bite. Also, the growing craft beer scene is bubbling over with local brews that pair perfectly with any meal. 

Some of the spots you should absolutely visit include:

• Toucan Charlie’s Buffet and Grille
• Atlantis Steakhouse
• Oyster and Sushi Bar on the Sky Terrace
• Red Bloom for your Asian delicacies.

No State Income Tax

Sure, you may have heard and have been itching to know. It’s not a rumor! 

The city of Reno truly has no state income tax. Now, if taxation math is a chore for you, this means there are fewer taxes for you to do. Plus, if you fall on the penny-pinching spectrum, you get more money left to explore the city.

Is Reno a good place to live because of this? Well, this depends on your preference and perspective. 

While the overall cost of living in Reno is slightly higher than the national average by 5%, things like utilities cost 12% less than in most other places in the U.S. It means you will save more on phone and energy bills. 

For remote workers, this is the dream.

The Perfect Climate

If you love four distinct seasons, Reno’s got you covered. 

You can enjoy hot summers with temperature highs of 33°C in August, blooming spring, colorful falls, and lows of -2°C on snowy winters. 

Although the climate is semiarid with 7.48 inches of rainfall, it’s the perfect balance for those who want to experience a little bit of everything. 

Plus, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Read more: Local movers in Las Vegas

Summing Up — Moving to Reno

Moving to Reno offers more than just a high-quality lifestyle. 

With its mix of outdoor adventures, thriving arts scene, and relative affordability, the 200,000+ people living in Reno are on to something.

So, if you’re looking for a place that combines the excitement of city life with the quiet appeal of a smaller community, Reno might just be your perfect match. 

Plan your move and make it happen!

Written by Billy Guteng. August 22, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.