10 Things to Know Before Moving to Reno

Thinking of relocating to Reno-Tahoe? We don’t blame you. Northern Nevada is arguably one of the best places to stake your claim in the great 50 states. As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, Nevada has so much to offer and we compiled a list of our favorite fun facts to know about the Reno-Tahoe region.

1) Research your neighborhoods. Whatever you’re in the market for, Reno-Tahoe has it all when it comes to living options. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life? Or perhaps looking for a quiet refuge in the forest? Each neighborhood in the area holds its unique charms.

2) Traffic doesn’t (mostly) exist. Rush hour in Northern Nevada mostly revolves around ski or beach traffic after an epic powder day or one of many cloudless summer afternoons. Sure, we get the general five o’clock rush, but you will hardly find yourself waiting longer than a few minutes longer than your usual route.

3) Big town taste, small town atmosphere. Around 90% of the restaurants in Reno-Tahoe are owned and operated by locals. You will not be disappointed by the variety of flavor and cuisine options. Because of the city’s population size and the number of options, you can easily find an epic spot to dine even on a busier weekend.

 4) Casinos still exist, but tech rules. Reno was known in its heyday as the smaller version of Las Vegas when it came to gambling and casino nightlife. While the casinos and gambling have remained, the emphasis on tech in the past ten years has completely flipped the economic industry. Tech and manufacturing now rule the business atmosphere with the arrival of Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Panasonic and countless other firms in northern Nevada.

5) Business-friendly and retirement-friendly tax climates. As one of the most tax-friendly states in the entire country, the State of Nevada has many tax advantages for those who relocate their home or business.

•      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
•      No tax on sale or transfer of shares

Nevada is the new hot spot for retirees and taxes are a big reason why. When weighing the pros and cons of retiring in Nevada, you must consider the retirement tax benefits of the Silver State.

•      No tax on retirement income
•      No tax on pensions
•      No tax on social security
•      No tax on estate or inheritance
•      Low property taxes

6) The most incredible hikes and mountains. One of the best things about Reno-Tahoe is adventuring beyond it. The surrounding beauty of the mountains, valleys and nearby Lake Tahoe offers hikes for all abilities and desires. The Sierra Nevada mountains are so vast and so nearby that it is possible to explore a new trail on every visit.

7) Reno-Tahoe is a melting pot. The politics of Northern Nevada are a melting pot. Though transformed, the Wild West spirit of autonomy and self-preservation remains. But coastal trends have made changes in the culture, resulting in a potpourri of lifestyles and ideas. There are rodeos and local farmers' markets next to flag-waving patriotism and poke bowls. 

 8) Local markets and boutique shopping. Residents of Reno-Tahoe enjoy their food farm to table with the surrounding agricultural offerings. Choose from many local butcher shops, co-ops, bakeries, and even specialty stores bringing international delights. While the popular retail shopping leaves something to be desired, there is plenty of boutique shopping from the mid-range to the high-end.

 9) Golf and skiing options do not disappoint. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by 15 different ski resorts, making winter recreation options a breeze. Many offer more than skiing, like tubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling tours. Reno is home to 11 different golf courses, including public and private, while the Tahoe basin holds 15 different courses. As a four season area, it’s not unusual in the springtime to be able to ski in the morning and golf later that afternoon.

10) Everyone knows their neighbor in The Biggest Little City. The nickname that Reno has earned as The Biggest Little City is truly felt by the folks who live here as well as the newbies. Getting to know your neighbor and contributing to the community is just what people do around here. And we absolutely love it!