Moving to Nevada: Everything You Need to Know
When someone mentions the state of Nevada, most people think of Las Vegas casinos, the bright lights of the strip, and the never-ending entertainment. But Nevada has more to offer than just these flashy facades. From its surprisingly beautiful natural settings to its warm climate and quiet living, Nevada provides a stable lifestyle for its residents.
Bordering Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and California, Nevada is the 7th largest state in the U.S. Its area is extensive, but the population is sparse. Nevada’s population is estimated at around 3,080,156 people, most of which are between 18 to 65, and approximately 20% of them are foreign-born.
Most of the population lives in larger cities, such as Carson City, the state capital, and Las Vegas. So if you’re thinking of moving to Nevada, otherwise known as the Silver State, you’re guaranteed to meet a diverse, hard-working population.
Besides offering good job opportunities, residents of Nevada have many outdoor recreation opportunities. The deserts, including the Mojave desert, are breathtaking. You can spend time hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and swimming in deep lakes in the sunny weather.
Additionally, if you believe the reports of extraterrestrial life, Nevada is the place for UFO sightings — most notably at the infamous Area 51. But all these facts might not be enough to make you consider moving to Nevada. So, learn more about everything Nevada has to offer.
Nevada Climate
If you don’t like warm weather, Nevada is not the state for you. It has around 300 sunny days per year, making it perfect for those who love sunbathing and summer activities. During the day, you are likely to experience temperatures above 100°F, and from June to September, these could even hit as high as 120°F.
However, the difference between daytime and night temperatures can be jarring, dropping as much as 40-degrees. The North experiences prolonged and colder winters, while the South has milder temperatures. Winter temperatures can be between 38°F and 57°F, but this weather doesn’t last long.
Nevada is one of the driest states in the country, with very little rainfall during the year. It rains an average of seven inches, and most of it leans towards the Sierra Nevada. Humidity levels are also low, rarely exceeding 60%.
Because of such extreme heat and low rainfall, Nevada is prone to a few natural disasters. Thunderstorms and wildfires are common throughout the year, but especially in the summer.
All in all, Nevada is a hot arid state, perfect for those who don’t like the rain or humidity.
Nevada Taxes
Moving to Nevada and becoming a resident means you won’t have to pay state income tax. Nevada is one of only nine states in the country that does not have income taxes, making the individual tax burden lower.
Property taxes are also low, sitting at a 0.66% rate, so you can freely purchase property and not worry about owing excessive taxes.
Having a business is lucrative in Nevada since the state doesn’t charge corporate income tax. All you have to consider is local taxes such as sales taxes, gasoline taxes, and cigarette taxes.
Cost of Living in Nevada
Although tax benefits are good, the overall cost of living in Nevada is not the best. The cost of living index in Nevada is at 110.5 compared to the national average of 100. The higher this index is, the more expensive it is to live in a particular state.
The higher cost of living results from the influx of population in recent years and the growing job market, contributing to skyrocketing housing costs. The median value of housing is at an astounding $267,900, while the median rent is $1,107.
Except for health care and utilities, all other costs in Nevada are higher than the national average, including groceries and transportation. And with a median household income of $60,365 per year, expect your bills to increase when you become a Nevada resident.
Nevada Healthcare
Healthcare in Nevada could use improvement. The state ranks 30th in healthcare quality, 30th for public health, and 50th for healthcare access. The last statistic is particularly worrying, so Nevada is trying to pass a more comprehensive healthcare policy to offer accessible and affordable healthcare.
Education in Nevada
When it comes to education, Nevada has some advantages over other states and some areas for improvement. If you move to Nevada with college-aged children, you will be in a good place since Nevada ranks 9th for higher education quality. Some of the best universities in Nevada include:
- University of Nevada – Reno (Reno)
- Nevada State College (Henderson)
- Sierra Nevada College (Incline Village)
- The University of Nevada – Las Vegas (Las Vegas)
- College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas)
If you have children who need to attend public education, moving to Nevada might not be the best option. The state ranks 48th for the Pre-K-12 level of education. You can, however, choose to move to cities and towns that have better public school districts, such as:
- Douglas County School District (Minden)
- Storey County School District (Virginia City)
- Washoe County School District (Reno)
- Eureka County School District (Eureka)
- Pershing County School District (Lovelock)
Notable Highlights
Visit State Parks and Lakes
Living in Nevada means you will have access to unique nature and outdoor activities. One of those activities is visiting the state’s fantastic state parks, lakes, and the Nevada desert—a major tourist attraction. Some notable parks and lakes to visit include:
- Great Basin National Park
- Red Rock Canyon State Park
- Lake Tahoe (the largest Alpine Lake in the country)
- Hoover Dam, and more
Entertainment Galore
What you’ve heard about Nevada being the best state for entertainment is true. The state is famous for the Las Vegas strip and the city of Reno. You can find entertainment in Las Vegas, Reno, and beyond. Head to downtown Las Vegas, otherwise known as Sin City, for activities such as:
- National Atomic Testing Museum
- the National Automobile Museum
- Rock Drilling Contests
- Beer Festivals
- Professional sports games, such as the Las Vegas Raiders
- Go to an entertainment show, like Cirque du Soleil
- The gambling capital of the world
Legalized Use of Cannabis and Liberal Alcohol Laws
The entire state, especially Las Vegas, offers some additional advantages in terms of recreation that you will find in very few states. Living in Nevada means that the use of cannabis is legalized, and there are very liberal alcohol laws.
You can drink in public and access liquor stores 24/7 in the entire state. In 2017, the state also legalized the recreational use of marijuana. So, if you are looking to party, then you can’t find a better state than Nevada.
Job Opportunities in Nevada
The recent economic downturns in the entire country caused unemployment to increase in Nevada to record highs. But, in recent months, the state’s job market is improving again. Nevada currently has a 7.7% unemployment rate, and this number is at a decreasing trend.
When you move to Nevada, you can look for employment in some of the state’s key industries, such as:
- Aerospace and Defense
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing and Logistics
- Mining and Natural Resource Technologies
- Tourism and Gaming
You can also look to find a job in the state’s largest employers, like:
- MGM Resorts International
- Caesars Entertainment
- Las Vegas Sands
- Johnson Electric
- Encompass Services
- Hamilton
- Wynn Resorts
- Wynn Las Vegas
- Amerco
- Boyd Gaming
Best Places to Live in Nevada
Carson City
One of the major cities in the state is Carson City in Western Nevada. It’s very close to South Lake Tahoe, meaning it offers a lot of opportunities for family-oriented activities, and you can also find some fantastic ski resorts nearby.
Carson City is known as the best place to raise a family as it is a quieter city with a strong sense of community. The city is geared towards those who like a quieter lifestyle, so if you’re a young adult looking to have a more lively time, you should move to other cities in Nevada.
Incline Village
Incline Village is a beautiful and charming town, so if you are moving to Nevada and want to live in the suburbs, this is the place for you. The town is a prominent tourist location with quality school districts.
You will find many fun things to do in Incline Village, such as visiting the lake, hiking, going to different resorts, and much more. Reno is nearby, so you can always spice things up by having a lively night out.
Reno
If you want all the benefits of Las Vegas without actually living there, Reno is for you. The city has world-class amenities and a homey feel. It’s also home to the University of Nevada. There are great restaurants, outdoor activities, and plenty of housing options.
Battle Mountain
Located in Eastern Nevada, Battle Mountain is one of the best places to buy a home in Nevada. This town is close to Nevada’s backcountry, where you can have peace and quiet with excellent access to the outdoors.
The small town has a tight-knit, supportive community and some fabulous school districts, such as the Battle Mountain Elementary School and Eleanor Lemaire Junior High School. So if you’re looking for a place to put down roots, get a real estate agent and start your new life in Battle Mountain.
Elko
With a reasonable cost of living and high-quality public schools, Elko offers the ultimate suburban life in Nevada. It has a few casinos and fun things to do, but is still a tiny town with a higher median household income and lower violent crime rates than the rest of the state. Elko has a blend of modern living with a quiet, small-town feeling.
Conclusion
Moving to Nevada can be a positive step in your life. The state has some amazing outdoor activities, top-notch education, and a growing employment rate.
You can move to any part of Nevada, but if you’re looking for more of a cooler place than the scorching desert weather, then your best bet is moving to Northern Nevada.
There are many Nevada pros, from its expansive land area that makes for lower property prices, the lack of income tax, and low living expenses, to the fun opportunities both outdoors and in the entertainment of Las Vegas.
But to move to the state, you will need a quality moving company that allows you to move your belongings and ship your car to Nevada. We also can ship your car from state to state. So if you want excellent service and the opportunity to save money, visit Guardian Auto Transport and get your free quote today.
