Reno 81 Exceptional
Reno Livability #2 ranked city in Nevada#1,352 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Reno, NV - The Biggest Little City in the World

Reno, NV, known as 'The Biggest Little City in the World,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in northwestern Nevada, Reno is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Carson City and Lake Tahoe enhance its status as a central point in the region. Reno's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Reno is home to several iconic landmarks, including the National Automobile Museum, the historic Virginia Street Bridge, and the scenic Truckee River Walk. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Rancho San Rafael Regional Park to the bustling Midtown District, known for its shopping and dining. Reno's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from classic American cuisine to international dishes.

Annual events such as the Reno Rodeo and the Great Reno Balloon Race highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Reno's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Reno is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and the Nevada Museum of Art are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Reno provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Reno’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Reno Aces (MiLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Reno include gaming, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as Renown Health and the Washoe County School District driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making commuting convenient for residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Reno

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Reno?

Reno is a highly populated city located in the state of Nevada. The city has a population of 250,903 residents. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Reno residents are White, 7% Asian and 3% Black. Reno is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Reno offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Reno is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Nevada, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Reno and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Reno to Nevada and the national average.

Reno, NV receives 80 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #2 in Nevada and #1,166 in the USA. Based on this score, Reno would be considered a very livable city! Reno is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Reno ranks well for cost of living (B) and housing (A-) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Reno. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F).

If you're living in Reno, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Reno an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: National Automobile Museum, Truckee River Walk, and Casino at Silver Legacy Resort.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Reno apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Reno is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Reno come in at $361,100, which is 88.5% higher than the Nevada average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Reno, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 61.1% higher than the Nevada average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Reno

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Reno?

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Compare Reno, NV Livability

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      Reno transportation information

      Statistic Reno Nevada National
      Average one way commute21min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.0%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.9%10.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.8%3.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%2.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.5%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Reno, NV data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).