If you’re thinking about moving out West, there’s no better region in America than Northern Nevada. Nestled between the forests and the mountains, the bustling cities across Northern Nevada have been hidden away for decades, but recent developments in local industries have made this a booming region of the West.
Whether you’re relocating for work or looking for a change of scenery, places like Washoe County or the cities of Sparks, Reno, and Carson City are all great places to work, explore, and raise a family. As a lifelong realtor serving the Northern Nevada area, I’m happy to offer this relocation guide so you can learn more about your future home. Here’s a summary of living in Northern Nevada!
Cities in Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada, or more broadly the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Area, developed primarily because of Reno’s growth. Cities like Sparks and the surrounding areas started as commuter neighborhoods but quickly created a life of their own as the region’s population grew. Reno and Sparks sit at the center of this metro area, but the cities listed are all a reasonable driving distance away.
The following are cities and notable neighborhoods in Northern Nevada:
- Carson City, NV
- Reno, NV
- Old Northwest, Old Southwest, and Somersett are some noteworthy neighborhoods here
- Sparks, NV
- Spanish Springs
- Minden
- Gardnerville
- Dayton
- Fernley
These cities reside between Washoe County and Storey County and are all a reasonable distance away from Lake Tahoe and the national forests surrounding it. For more information on demographic data and neighborhood personalities, Esri has an experimental map that tells you the makeup of neighborhoods in the Northern Nevada area.
Cost of Living
In Washoe County, the median home price is $410,000 and the median rent for a two bedroom apartment is $1,800 A one bedroom apartment in Reno comes up close at $919. These prices are slightly higher than the national average, though other costs, such as groceries and transportation, tend to be slightly cheaper. Additionally, the cost of living in The Biggest Little City is commensurate with other cities of a similar size.
Top Industries
- Tourism. Reno has a mix of casinos and entertainment venues that draw millions of visitors each year.
- Hospitality. With tourism comes hotels and other amenities. Additionally, Reno has several ski lodges due to its proximity near the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Technology. Like other Western cities, Reno has a growing demand for companies that work in electronics and computers.
- Manufacturing. Reno is a growing manufacturing hub, with common products including cement, electronic equipment, and food products.
The largest regional employers include the Washoe County School District, The University of Nevada, Reno, the Washoe County Government, Renown Medical Center, and International Game Technology PLC.
Big Attractions
In The Biggest Little City in the World, there’s something for everyone. You might know Nevada for its high end casinos and fashionable hotels, and downtown Reno certainly has its fair share of fine dining and gambling.
However, there’s much more to see than just casinos! If you’re a lover of art or history, there are several noteworthy museums in Washoe County. Reno is home to the Nevada Museum of Art, the American Alliance of Museums, and the National Automobile Museum lies right on the Truckee River. Sparks is home to the Sparks Heritage Museum, a historical museum, and you can take a self-guided tour through the capitol building in Carson City, which is Nevada’s state capital.
Lovers of the arts will also enjoy the Nevada Opera, the Reno Philharmonic, and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, the Washoe County Library in Downtown Reno is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re a lover of nature, then you’ll obviously enjoy a hike in nearby Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevadas, or along the Truckee River. You’ll also love the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Reno, as well as the Truckee River Whitewater Park.
For annual events, the Burning Man music festival happens about 100 miles northwest of Reno, and the Hot August Nights car show has a lot to offer motorheads around the country. For more fun attractions in Northern Nevada, this guide has a great listing of regional activities, and all of them are family-friendly!
Average Commute
Reno is a commuter-heavy city, and average commute times in Northern Nevada range anywhere between 10-35 minutes. Though the city is fairly spread out, recent efforts to make Reno a more bikeable city make biking an alternate mode of transportation for shorter commutes.
Weather
Northern Nevada is a semi-arid region, meaning that it receives less rainfall than the average climate, but is not dry enough to be a desert. In the summertime, Reno’s weather regularly pushes 90º, and its winters tend to be mild, though the city does drop below 30º and experience occasional snow. Since the region is relatively dry, Nevada’s low humidity makes its summers and winters more tolerable.
Education
The Washoe County School District is one of the largest regional employers, and its schools generally rank above the Nevada average. Northern Nevada is also home to the University of Nevada, Reno, a school with a growing impact in technology research and the alma mater of several Pulitzer Prize winning journalists and writers for the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Moving To Northern Nevada
The moving process can be daunting, but in Northern Nevada, you have so much to look forward to that the move is exciting. From the excitement of city life to the abundance of natural trails and resources, there’s something for everyone, and families should feel certain that they’ve made the right decision to move here.
If you’re looking to learn more about the neighborhoods in the Reno-Sparks area, or if you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you find your next home, the Caroline Mathes Team knows Northern Nevada like the backs of their hands. Reach out today, and we’ll be happy to make you one of our neighbors.