Although it often plays second fiddle to Las Vegas, Reno, Nevada, may be the more attractive option for those considering a move to the Southwest for a number of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, there’s much less sin associated with this city: Despite the fact that Reno was built on the gaming industry, it’s very easy for residents to completely avoid the casinos. Reno residents have a wealth of cultural events and outdoor activities at their fingertips.
America’s Biggest Little City is without a doubt a tourist town, and locals benefit from the area’s status as a vacation destination. Reno and the towns surrounding it are home to a number of highly rated restaurants, and the event calendar is always full. Meanwhile, there’s plenty to satisfy outdoorsy residents. The Truckee River, which snakes through downtown, is a popular open space where people can kayak, tube, swim and more. Outside Reno proper, the Sierra Nevada range provides hiking and biking, while Lake Tahoe, with several ski resorts dotting its perimeter, is about an hour’s drive away.
Tourism has also opened up a wide variety of jobs in the restaurant, hospitality and, of course, gambling industries. But people who live here will find opportunities across a variety of sectors, from education to technology. As a result, Reno caters to people of all ages and stages of life. The region is home to several highly rated K-12 schools, which is a perk for families, and the University of Nevada-Reno draws a new group of young residents every year.
