Pros, Cons and Secrets of Living in Reno, Nevada

Updated Feb. 2023

Hey, I’m Gabbi, and I moved to Reno, Nevada back in 2018. When I got a job offer in Reno, Nevada, I figured “What the hell? I’ll go live in Reno, Nevada.” I found an apartment downtown at 3rd Street Flats and the rest is history. All that said, there are not many people talking about what it’s like to live in Reno. People who aren’t from here perceive it as a casino-ridden city known for quickie divorces (I’m not kidding). 

So I’m here to share the pros and cons of living in Reno from the millennial perspective—and share a few insider secrets from my hometown.

Is Reno a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Reno is a great place to live! After 4+ years living in Reno, Nevada, I am glad to report it’s an amazing city to live, work and play in. From access to the great outdoors and Lake Tahoe to a thriving arts scene with shows at the Pioneer Center to craft breweries and distilleries ready to welcome you, this city has it all in a small package. It is called the Biggest Little City after all.

There are still places in Reno, Nevada that struggle with homelessness and crime (like parts of S. Virginia Street near the casinos), and of course, there are neighborhoods that are bougie and overpriced. The city is working hard to help people and bring the city into a new era.

It’s also important to know that part of what makes Reno such a good place to live is it’s reach–whether you go to South Reno for a more suburban lifestyle or you prefer to live in Midtown and walk to Reno bars, restaurants and music venues. You can find a place to live that’s right for you.

Okay, let’s get into the details.

Pros of Living in Reno

Nevada has no corporate or personal income tax. 

Like my former home, New Hampshire, there’s no personal income tax in Nevada. That’s more money in your wallet to pay off student loans, eat out, go skiing and enjoy the region. This leads me to my second point.

The cost of living is relatively low in Reno, Nevada. 

In downtown Boston, my husband and I paid $2,025 for a one-bedroom apartment in the Fenway neighborhood. It had an out-of-date kitchen and on top of that, I paid $200 for an outdoor parking spot. And while charming and in the heart of one of my favorite cities, that is a steep price to pay. 

In Reno, my previous apartment at 3rd Street Flats was 609 sq. ft. with a brand new kitchen, floors, bathroom, etc. for $1375 a month. On top of that, I paid $50 for secure underground parking. This is considered a steep price in Reno—overpriced even—but I loved being right in downtown, walking distance to work, restaurants and bars. Frankly, after being in Boston, that Reno rent felt oh-so good. 

In 2023, my husband and I rent for $1700 a month for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath house with large finished bathroom and free street parking in MidTown. I’m a 5-minute walk to my favorite things to do and a 10-minute walk to work.

But Reno, Nevada house prices are high.

Reno, Nevada is a seller’s market right now (early 2022). With companies like Tesla in the area, the population is growing and the demand outweighs availability. It’s the perfect storm for a huge increase in average home price. This, coupled with the fact that during the pandemic many Bay Area folks sold their homes in California and relocated here, means it’s not exactly an ideal time to buy for most of us. In July 2021, the median list price of homes in Reno, NV was $499K, representing a 24.7 percent increase year-over-year increase in the city’s housing market. Now, depending on where you live now, that may not seem all that high. However, when you consider when the less expensive houses are located and their age (many are older, mid-century home), you can really be looking for a needle in a haystack to get just the right house.

There’s a big startup and tech scene here. 

Have you heard of Elon Musk? The tech giant built his famous Gigafactory a short drive from Reno. It’s drawn a ton of Silicon Valley-type people to the area. On top of that, tech startups are growing like weeds (or maybe breeding like rabbits is a better analogy?) and they are all hiring. In general, there’s a high-energy buzz, leading to innovation and expansion. It’s an exciting time to work here. 

All this growth in the workforce also means a demand for better food, cocktails, and attractions.  

The Reno food and drink scene is more than just casino buffets and bars. 

If you’re a regular viewer of my Instagram stories, then you know I love to explore all the flavors in Reno Tahoe. You may have even seen my reviews on Yelp. I, like so many, had low expectations of the Reno food scene. Sure, I’d enjoyed the all-you-can-eat sushi that blankets the city back in my high school days, but I like to think I’ve become more sophisticated over the years. My food preferences have evolved beyond stuffing my face with nigiri and tempura rolls (though I definitely still do), and Reno evolved, too.

Reno food has by far and away exceeded my expectations over the last year. I’m a regular at Reno bars such as Death & Taxes, The Emerson and Liberty Food & Wine Exchange. Food-wise, I love the tantalizing tapas and cocktails and Centro Reno, the savory Mexican food at Miguel’s, the mouthwatering pasta at Liberty, the pizza at Sizzle Pie and, frankly, the list goes on and on. Seriously, check out my Yelp reviews or slide into my DMs for recommendations. 

Reno also has a growing brewery and distillery scene. Places like 10Torr, Imbib, Black Rabbit Mead and The Depot are places that craft cocktail and beer enthusiasts dream about. Many of them are part of the 4th St. Brewery District that’s undergoing a TON of gentrification. Seriously. Tell a life-long Renoite you’re going to 4th St. and they’ll generally ask why in the world you would go there. A few years back it was sketchy AF. Now, it’s still a little sketchy (I’d Uber to my next bar from 4th St instead of walk), but much more awesome and getting cleaned up quickly.

While I recommend having a car, downtown and MidTown Reno are walkable. 

Reno may be known as the Biggest Little City in the World, it’s no small town. You can live downtown or in MidTown and walk to both areas. You can grab breakfast and brunch or a cocktail and a show at the Pioneer Center. There are culture and activity in a very centralized location. 

That said, I definitely think you need a car in Reno. South Reno is at least a 20-minute drive from downtown, and South Reno is home to amenities like The Summit Mall and access to Lake Tahoe via Mt. Rose Highway. So, if you like to leave the city bubble, a car is pretty essential. 

I should also mention that Uber and Lyft are abundant here, so you’ll have no issues hopping a ride that way. 

You get all 4 seasons in Reno, but snowfall is manageable and magical. 

This one is simple. Reno weather consists of hot, dry summers; cool, crisp falls; dreamy, snowy winters and magical springs. Bonus: It’ll snow, but we don’t get totally buried in it. All the magic, none of the snowmaggedons.

Cons of Living in Reno

Reno public transportation leaves something to be desired. 

This is the biggest con of living in Reno. There is a bus system, but it’s lackluster and the perception is that it’s pretty sketchy and inefficient. I’m the first to say I’ll try public transportation. Hell, I used the bus in Manchester, NH on more than one occasion and that was something no one recommended. But Reno public transportation has never felt like a viable way to get around the city. I hope that as the city evolves, bus systems will, too. 

Reno casinos aren’t for everyone.

Reno is Vegas-esque in the sense that it is full of casinos. And sure, like all casinos, there are slot machines, pokers and, depending on where you go, smoking indoors. For some, the fact that Reno has casinos may be a con. Full disclosure: I don’t see it that way.

Reno casinos have some great food, relaxing spas and nice accommodations. So, really, Reno casinos are somewhere between a pro and con. I think it depends on if you’re glass-half-full (like me) or glass-half-empty.

Secrets and Pro-Tips of Living in Reno

Sparks is farther away than you’d think. So are Dayton and Fallon. 

I’ve got nothing against Sparks or Dayton or Fallon or anywhere else in the greater Reno Tahoe area. However, if you’re moving from out of state, know that those places may seem “close,” but they are a trek. Sparks, in particular, looks very close to downtown and MidTown Reno, but it’s one of those places that you need a car to get to and requires freeway driving. Sparks–like much of the area–has its own revival going on and cost of living is even cheaper than in Reno with new apartments going in all the time. 

If I were you, I’d move to downtown or MidTown Reno. 

If you want a more eclectic and still fairly affordable neighborhood to live in Reno, look at North Reno.

South Reno has more new builds, but North Reno homes are still at a decent price point if you want to buy, and have more character. Yes, the homes tend to be older, but personally I like the character and variety.

Until the next update, here goes nothing.