Updated July 26, 2025
By Sam Dykstra, Realtor®
Whether you're relocating for work, lifestyle, or investment, Reno, NV offers a rare blend of outdoor adventure, growing opportunity, and vibrant city life—all wrapped in small-town charm.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Reno, from the cost of living and job market to the best neighborhoods, real estate trends, and lifestyle tips.
📍 Why Move to Reno?
Reno is one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in the U.S., with nearly 277,000 residents and a quality of life that rivals some of the biggest urban hubs.
Top Reasons People Are Moving to Reno:
No state income tax ✅
Median home price still lower than California's hotspots ✅
252+ days of sunshine per year ☀️
Close to Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose, and incredible ski resorts 🎿
Thriving tech, health, and logistics job markets 💼
Downtown art, food, and culture scene that’s booming 🎨🍻
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods to Live in Reno
🔥 Midtown Reno
Trendy, artsy, and walkable—ideal for entrepreneurs and creatives.
🌲 South Reno
Quiet, suburban, and near top-rated schools—perfect for families.
🎲 Downtown Reno
Urban living with riverwalk access, dining, casinos, and nightlife.
🏞️ North Valleys & Panther Valley
Budget-friendly options with access to outdoor recreation.
💰 Cost of Living in Reno (2025)
Median Home Price: $570,000 (up 10.1% YoY)
Average Rent: $1,632 (1 bed)
No state income tax
Lower property tax rate than many U.S. cities
Groceries and utilities are close to the national average
🔎 Fun Fact: A one-bedroom in Reno is about half the cost of one in San Francisco!
🚗 Transportation & Commuting
I-80 and US-395 provide easy access to Tahoe, Sacramento, and Vegas
Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers 20+ direct flights
Public transit options: RTC bus system + FlexRide on-demand service
Most residents commute in under 20 minutes
🌦️ Weather in Reno
Reno boasts four distinct seasons, a dry desert climate, and epic sunsets.
🌞 Summer highs: 90s
❄️ Winter lows: 20s
❄️ Average snowfall: 22 inches
☀️ 252 sunny days per year
🏞️ Outdoor Lifestyle
Kayak or float the Truckee River
Ski at Mt. Rose, Northstar, or Heavenly
Hike Tahoe National Forest or Monkey Rock
Attend 100+ annual festivals like Artown, Balloon Races, and Hot August Nights
🎓 Schools & Education
Served by Washoe County School District (WCSD)
Top public high schools: Coral Academy, Galena, and Academy of Arts
Higher Ed: University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and TMCC
Charter and private school options also available
🏢 Jobs & Economy
Reno has transformed from a casino town to a tech and logistics powerhouse.
Major Employers:
Tesla Gigafactory
Apple, Microsoft, Google
UNR, Washoe County School District
Renown Health & Saint Mary’s Medical Center
Average Weekly Wage (2025): $1,345
💡 Tip: Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax, which keeps more money in your pocket.
🍽️ Food, Art, and Fun
Wild River Grille, Twisted Fork, and Stone House Café are local favorites
Midtown is packed with indie restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries
Must-visit: Nevada Museum of Art, National Auto Museum, and The Discovery
🙋♀️ Q&A – What People Ask Before Moving to Reno
Q: Is Reno a good place to live?
A: Absolutely—Reno offers a great mix of nature, opportunity, and affordability without big-city chaos.
Q: What’s the job market like in Reno?
A: Strong! Especially in healthcare, logistics, education, and tech.
Q: Is Reno family-friendly?
A: Yes! Many family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, parks, and community events.
Q: Can I enjoy Reno without being into casinos or gambling?
A: Definitely. Many residents never step foot in a casino. Reno is an outdoor, arts, and food-loving city at heart.
✅ Key Takeaways: Why People Are Moving to Reno
🌄 Scenic beauty meets economic opportunity
🏠 More affordable housing than California metros
📈 Booming job market in tech, health, and logistics
🎉 Festivals, art, food, and vibrant local culture
🚫 No state income tax = More in your paycheck
✨ Ready to Move to Reno?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, retirement, or simply a fresh start, Reno offers the lifestyle, affordability, and opportunity you’ve been looking for.
🔑 Let Sam Dykstra and his local Reno team help you find the perfect home. From investment properties to family-friendly neighborhoods, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
📞 Book a Free Discovery Call Today
Let’s make your move easy, exciting, and rewarding.