Reno, NVBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Reno is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural amenities captivate residents. Outdoor recreation, renowned festivals, affordable housing and proximity to Lake Tahoe create a dynamic and adventurous atmosphere.
Reno, NV, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
With great public art, a craft beer scene, a bustling riverwalk and touring concerts taking the stage at casinos, Reno, NV, has just about everything you need in a city. And the city really lives up to its nickname as the “Biggest Little City in the World!” And for escapes into nature, residents are less than an hour away from Tahoe’s turquoise lakes and snowy slopes. You really can have it all in Reno, so it’s no surprise that the city is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Remote workers, entrepreneurs, young families and retirees are all recognizing the appeal of this Nevada region. With concentrated efforts to become less reliant on the gaming industry, the Reno area has robust robotics education and extracurriculars for its K-12 students. Additionally, Reno is home to Tesla’s Gigafactory, which provides high-paying jobs to residents.
The city is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, including the Arch District, Riverwalk and Midtown areas. The cost of living in Reno is manageable for people in all stages of life, and the city has become a hot spot for talented remote workers. Reno is an artsy town, too, with institutions like the Nevada Museum of Art plus a public art scene made up of retired Burning Man pieces and large-scale murals. Residents can take advantage of all the free festivals and events Reno offers, too, like watching freestyle and competitive whitewater kayaking at the Reno River Festival or checking out tons of shows, exhibits and other performances at the annual Artown festival held each July.
Reno, NV Quality of Life LivScore
Reno, NV Top Categories
Environment
Transportation
Economy
Reno ranks highest for environment, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Reno, NV
Temps in the summer climb into the 90s, and the winter is cold, with occasional snow storms that can extend into spring. Spring and fall are mild. The average highs and lows are 89°F and 52°F (summer) and 48°F and 24°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Reno is just 20 inches. Snowfall typically occurs from November to April, with the heaviest averages in January and February.
The average annual rainfall in Reno is relatively low at just 7 inches per year, thanks to the city’s location in the high desert region of western Nevada.
Reno averages 252 sunny days a year.
You can surf a wave on the Truckee River in downtown Reno near Wingfield Park. Or slip away to Tahoe and rent a clear kayak. Then take a 2.5-mile hike to Monkey Rock, which lives up to its name, thanks to the rock’s uncanny primate resemblance.
Reno Weather
252 days
Average Annual Sun
7 inches
Average Annual Rain
20 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Reno, NV
Hang out in Rancho San Rafael Park, which has trails and a disc golf course. It’s also a popular place to be in September when hot air balloons fill the skies during the Great Balloon Race.
See the Batmobile and other cool cars at the National Automobile Museum, which has a collection of more than 200 vehicles, including some that belonged to celebrities.
The Fleischmann Planetarium on the University of Nevada’s Reno campus has out-of-this-world star shows, and on some first Fridays, local musicians perform in the Full-Dome Theater.
The Office Bar and Lounge not only has a daily happy hour but also hosts comedy nights and wine tastings.
The Local and State Economy in Reno, NV
Gaming and hospitality, manufacturing and logistics and distribution are major industries in Reno. In addition to a stellar startup culture, some of Reno’s big employers include Washoe County School District, International Gaming Technology and Sierra Nevada Corporation.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Reno is 8.27%.
No, Nevada does not have a state income tax.
Reno is home to various health care providers, including Renown Health and Community Health Alliance. In addition, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center-Reno, Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center are among the highest-ranked hospitals in the area.
There are several colleges and universities in Reno, NV, including the University of Nevada-Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College.
Quick Facts About Reno, NV
- Median Household Income
- $69,031
- Median Home Value
- $461,759
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,736
- Total Population
- 270,416
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,232
- Average Commute
- 18.8 minutes
Reno is one of the best places to live in the U.S., performing especially well in the environment and economy categories. Read even more about what makes Reno a great place to live and consider why Reno is perfect for families. Also, read about the cost of living in Reno.
