Living in Nevada

Are you thinking of moving to Nevada? Here is what it is like living in Nevada!

Nicknamed "The Silver State" from the silver rush days of the mid-1800s, the western state of Nevada is an excellent place to live that is known for its upscale living and desert landscapes. Bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east, Nevada is a state of rich history and diverse culture.

Due to its low crime rates, high security, variety of natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, large casinos, and low tax rates, Nevada is an excellent place to raise a family, advance in your career, and retire. Home to over three million people, Nevada is the 32nd most populous and the ninth least populated state in the country.

Definitely, worth the move financially but also for its many things to do; Nevada residents will enjoy festivals, car shows, sporting events, and endless amounts of entertainment no matter what time of year it is. While its most populous cities are Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada has many beautiful areas to call home.

With the rise of remote work and people fleeing from California and other expensive states, Nevada has become an attractive choice for many individuals. Whether you have traveled to the area many times before or have never once visited, you are probably wondering what you need to know about this famous western state before officially deciding to move to Nevada.

So without further ado, keep scrolling to learn more about what to expect when living in Nevada and to check out homes for sale in Nevada!

Make sure you know these ten things about life in Nevada before moving!

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Nevada is relatively low since it is considered less expensive on average than the rest of the United States. While some cities in the state are known to be cheaper than others, goods and services in Nevada cost 2.5% less than they do on average nationwide.

With the 20th highest overall cost of living in the country, Nevada residents need to be making at least $30,000 annually to cover expenses. Even though the cost of living is 4% higher than the national average, Nevada is still a more affordable option than California.

Nevada is Tax Friendly

Did you know that Nevada has no state income tax? Much like Florida, Alaska, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and South Dakota, Nevada is highly tax-friendly, so many retirees are deciding to move here. Ranking as the 7th best state in the Tax Foundation's 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index, Nevada residents get to enjoy multiple tax benefits, including no income tax, no tax on pensions, no tax on social security, no tax on estate or inheritance, low property taxes, no gross receipts tax, no franchise tax, no inventory tax, no tax on issuance of corporate shares, and no tax on sale or transfer of shares.

Growing Economy

With an economy run on tourism, explicitly gambling, the service sector employs more than half of all Nevada workers. Since gambling taxes are a primary source of state revenue, the resort industries in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe are imperative for keeping the Nevada economy up and running. Ranking sixth in the United States for its economic outlook, Nevada has a strong economy that continues to top the charts in terms of economic momentum.

Even though tourism is the primary economic industry in Nevada, it is closely followed by aerospace and defense, manufacturing and logistics, agriculture, information technology, energy, and health care. Seeing a 5.3% growth in average weekly wages, the average salary in Nevada is $59,766, equivalent to about $28.73 an hour. Some of the largest employers in Nevada are MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands.

Nevada is Hot and Dry

Considered the aridest state in the country, Nevada is a mountain region full of sandy deserts and semiarid grasslands. With summers that are hot and muggy and winters that are short, cold, snowy, and windy, Nevada experiences all four seasons throughout the year. Known to be partly cloudy year round, no matter where you are in the state, the average temperature typically varies between 27 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely dips below 10 degrees or rises above 98 degrees.

While Nevada is known to be hot and dry, the winters are surprisingly cold and will require you to bring a warm jacket when venturing outside after dark. Mesquite is considered to have some of the most comfortable weather conditions since April, October, and March are known to be the most desirable based on temperature.

Receiving little to no rain, 30% of Southern Nevada and 99% of Clark County is in an exceptional drought which is the most severe classification as of July 2022. While it depends on what part of Nevada you live in, snow is expected in Northern Nevada from December through February when the conditions are right.

Enjoy Great Nightlife

The party does not stop in Nevada. From nightclubs and casinos to lounges and bars, the nightlife scene in Las Vegas and Reno is a popular tourist attraction and is the number one draw to the state. Known as a premier destination for live performances and entertainment, the party is just starting once the sun goes down.

Check out these popular casinos in Nevada:

• MGM Grand Las Vegas: Located on the south side of the Strip, this emerald-colored casino resort features a signature 45-foot bronze lion and some of the best entertainment in Vegas.
• Bellagio Hotel and Casino: Overlooking a Mediterranean-blue lake with fountains that put on memorable performances, this luxury resort casino offers elegant rooms with multiple dining options.
• Caesars Palace: Recognized for its Roman-themed buildings along the Strip, this infamous hotel and casino feature five towers of elegant rooms, 11 dining options, a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and nightclub.
• Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa: Offering a resort experience unlike any other, this five-star resort and spa is located only two miles from the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area and provides plenty of entertainment options.
• The Venetian Las Vegas: Inspired by the romance and beauty of Venice, this Las Vegas resort is known for its gambling, shopping, restaurants, and unique attractions.

There is More Than Just Gambling

Contrary to popular belief, Nevada has more than just casinos and opportunities for gambling. Known as the home of Area 51, the top-secret highly-classified United States Air Force facility within the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada is no stranger to UFO conspiracy theories and tales of government coverups.

Also notorious as the Hoover Dam location, an arch-gravity dam site that spans the Black Canyon of the Colorado River and forms the southern point of Lake Mead, Nevada, is an exciting place to explore and call home simply for its area attractions and mystery.

Education

As the 49th state in educational attainment, the 42nd in school quality, and the 46th in best school systems, Nevada tends to rank low in education, but it is not the worst. Scoring a D plus in educational opportunities, if you are moving to the state with school-aged children, it is essential to do some research beforehand to ensure that you send your kids to the best school possible.

Located in northwestern Nevada, The Douglas County School District is considered the best school district in the state. Teaching over 6,000 students, this public school district is comprised of seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.

Professional Sports

Home to three major league professional teams and several minor league teams, there is no shortage of sports to support when living in Nevada. Whether you love football, hockey, soccer, basketball, or baseball, attend a game and support your new local team!

These sports teams are located in Nevada:

Explore the Great Outdoors

Beloved for its hiking, biking, and rock climbing opportunities, Nevada offers more than just city living. With one of the most dramatic natural sceneries in the country, adventuring outdoors and breathing in the fresh Nevada air is one of the best things you can do.

Visit these popular recreation areas in Nevada:

• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park: Found in Blue Mountain, Nevada, this public recreation area features hiking trails, picnic areas, an outdoor theater, and a historical re-enactment site.
• Cathedral Gorge State Park: This public recreation area in Panaca, Nevada, is along Route 93 and features a 2,000-acre park with walking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
• Valley of Fire State Park: Covering nearly 46,000 acres south of Overton, Nevada, this public recreation and nature preservation is made up of red sandstone formations which formed 150 million years ago.
• Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park: This large state park on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada, covers approximately 14,301 acres and features hiking trails, beaches, and boat launches.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Found in Boulder City in southeastern Nevada, this 1.5 million-acre park offers water activities, walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: This national reserve in Clark County features beautiful red rock formations in the Mojave Desert that are perfect for hiking and rock climbing.

Nevada Day

First established as a state holiday in 1933 by the Nevada Legislature, this legal holiday commemorates the state's admission to the union on October 31, 1864. While the first observance of this holiday happened during the 1870s, Nevada Day is now celebrated statewide every year.

Even though federal and state law does not require private employers to provide employees with time off for this holiday, many individuals and families still love to celebrate Nevada Day on the last Friday of October every year.

Consisting of a golf tournament fundraiser at the Silver Oak Golf Course and a parade in Carson City, Nevada, that proceeds for about two miles through downtown, this holiday weekend is full of food, fun, and activities for all ages.

Make sure to take part in these other favorite local festivals in Nevada:

• Burning Man - Black Rock Desert: Focused on community, self-expression, and art, this famous festival attracts more than 20,000 attendees to the Black Rock Desert.
• Electric Daisy Carnival - Las Vegas: Party with friends at this electronic dance music festival held in May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• The Great Reno Balloon Race - Reno: This is the world's largest free hot-air ballooning event in early September, open to the public in the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
• Reno River Festival - Reno: This unique local festival is one of the best ways to kick off Summer since it features more than 20 artists that perform various music genres, an adventure park, local food vendors, and award-winning beer.
• Best Dam Barbecue Challenge - Boulder City: This 18th annual family fun event is presented by the Rotary Club and is held during Memorial Day weekend. Admission is free.

Pros and Cons of living in Nevada

Pros:

• Diverse and welcoming culture
• No state income tax
• Warm and sunny weather
• Low humidity
• Abundance of outdoor activities and entertainment options
• Educational opportunities
• Plenty of friendly neighborhoods
• Fun annual events

Cons:

• High cost of living
• Extreme heat in the summer
• High crime in certain areas
• Sparsely populated
• Tourist traffic

Moving to Nevada - The Bottom Line

From its unique recreational activities and beautiful scenery to its world-class shopping, food, and entertainment options, Nevada is a special place to live in the United States that offers its residents an exciting way of life. While moving to Nevada might not be the best option for everyone, there is always something to do and plenty of top neighborhoods to choose from that prioritize safety and affordability.

Whether you are considering moving to Nevada for work, warm weather, or another reason, our team of fantastic Realty Specialists is here to help you along every step of your home buying journey. Contact us today if you are ready to kick-start your home search in Nevada! We are here to answer any questions that you may have and are prepared to assist you.