Most associate Nevada with Las Vegas nightlife-but the state has so much more to offer than casinos and nightclubs. Nevada is one of the most beautiful states in the US, with over 300 mountain ranges, diverse geography, and so much natural beauty. There’s so much to discover about the Silver State and even more wonderful reasons to move there.

Read on to learn all about life in Nevada, why people move there, the best places to live, and so much more.

Reasons to Move to Nevada

Nevada has seen a 5% increase in residents between 2020 and 2024, with over 162,000 new residents settling in the state in those 4 years.1 Let’s review the most popular reasons that people move to Nevada to discover whether this state is right for you. 

Job opportunities

Job opportunities are amongst the most popular reasons that people decide to relocate to Nevada. The state boasts booming industries in multiple major cities:

  • Tech: Reno, one of Nevada’s largest cities, has seen a tech boom in the past several years. Tech giants Tesla, Google, and Apple all have outposts in the city. 
  • Hospitality, tourism, and entertainment: In Las Vegas, hospitality, tourism, and entertainment are, of course, king. In 2023, over 40 million people visited the city, bringing along money and a demand for hospitality workers with them. 
  • Agriculture: Another key player in Nevada’s economy is the agriculture industry. It’s home to the third largest ranches in the nation, averaging 3,500 acres each. Agriculture workers may find careers in livestock production, dairy, or crop growing.1 
  • Manufacturing: Prospective Nevada residents may find careers manufacturing metals, printing, or working with industrial machinery and equipment. Nevada’s manufacturing industry is a key player in its thriving economy. 

Cost of living

Another popular reason to move to Nevada is its low cost of living. While cost can vary depending on the city, the average cost of living in Nevada is lower than in neighboring states and those across the country, such as California. With no individual income taxes, along with affordable housing, groceries, and utilities, families can find it easy to manage living costs in Nevada.

Outdoor recreation

Johnson Lake in Great Basin National Park

Outdoor lovers, rejoice! Nevada offers a world of recreational activities for the outdoorsy types. With 24 state parks and 2 national parks, there’s always a new expanse of land to enjoy. Partake in your favorite past times and discover new joys, including: 

  • Hiking Nevada’s many state and national parks, such as Great Basin National Park or Valley of Fire State Park
  • Kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and more on Lake Mead
  • Fishing at Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake 
  • Skiing in Lake Tahoe or Lee Canyon 

Whether you’re interested in desert landscapes or snowy mountain tops, you’ll find countless places to explore in Nevada. 

Tax advantages

For the financially minded, another big perk of relocating to Nevada is a more advantageous tax situation than other states. First and foremost, Nevada is one of the few states that does not have individual income tax or corporate income tax, making it attractive for individuals and businesses alike. Additionally, Nevada also has one of the lowest property taxes in the country, making homeownership more affordable. For many, moving to Nevada may mean big savings come tax season. 

Best Places to Live in Nevada

Nevada is an extremely diverse state, with cities that range from bustling desert meccas to quiet mountain towns. Whether you’re interested in big cities or homey communities, there’s somewhere for you to call home in the Silver State. Read on to learn our list of the best places to live in Nevada. 

Las Vegas

Panoramic view of Las Vegas, Nevada

It’s impossible to talk about Nevada without talking about Las Vegas. Vegas is Nevada’s biggest city, with nearly 660,000 residents.2 If you’re looking for a big city feel with endless options for entertainment, nightlife, dining, and more, Las Vegas may be the right city for you. It’s also a great choice for hospitality professionals – nearly a fourth of Las Vegas residents work in the hospitality industry. 

Top-rated neighborhoods in Las Vegas include:

  • Summerlin: An award-winning community nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Summerlin is a master-planned community designed with a bustling downtown area with dining, shopping, and entertainment, 250 parks and over 150 miles of trails, an excellent school system, and so much more. Explore SHAWOOD’s Las Vegas community Arcadia in the heart of Summerlin, featuring thoughtfully designed homes built with sustainability and well-being in mind.
  • Spring Valley: A walkable suburb of Las Vegas a few miles west of the Strip, Spring Valley is known for its unique, older homes and is perfect for someone looking for that charm. It’s also considered one of Vegas’ more diverse neighborhoods, nestled alongside Vegas’ Chinatown. 

Reno

Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas on Nevada’s western border, Reno is a popular spot for outdoor lovers and techies alike. Over the last decade, Reno has emerged as a growing tech hub with operations for several of the country’s biggest tech companies. Plus, its proximity to the Sierra Nevadas, Lake Tahoe, and more makes it a great choice for skiing, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. 

Another perk that Reno, Nevada, has to offer is its relatively mild climate as compared to other parts of the state. While Las Vegas spends much of the summer in the triple digits, Reno typically reaches highs in the 90s. 

Henderson

Henderson, Nevada, is a thriving city located just alongside Las Vegas. Henderson is revered as a great place to raise a family, with an excellent school system, a strong sense of community, acres of parks, hiking trails, and more. Henderson also boasts a growing job market, with growth projected to continue. For those who want the proximity to Las Vegas with a more family-friendly atmosphere, Henderson, Nevada, is an excellent option. 

Considerations When Moving to Nevada

As with any state, Nevada does have a few realities to carefully consider. Before moving to Nevada, think through these aspects of life in the Silver State. 

Climate

Nevada is a desert state with a semi-arid climate, which means most parts of the state experience hot summers and cool winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach triple digits, while in the winter, they can drop into the negatives with extremely high winds. 

The good news about Nevada’s climate is that its big cities are designed to accommodate these extremes. On the most scorching days in summer, there are countless indoor activities to take advantage of. On cooler days, residents love to get outdoors and explore nature at more comfortable temperatures. 

Nevada’s communities are also built for comfort. Community planners take care to design homes with innovative technology to make life easier. Explore premium features of SHAWOOD’s Summerlin homes, with insulating ceramic exterior wall tiles and environmentally friendly Zero Energy systems. 

Transportation

Life in Nevada almost certainly requires a car, especially outside of its biggest cities, like Reno and Las Vegas. Most communities have limited public transportation options, so running everyday errands like groceries and commuting to work may require a vehicle. 

In larger cities like Reno and Las Vegas, public transportation options are available, but keep in mind that it may not be ideal to stand at a bus stop in 100+ degree heat. 

Congestion

Nevada has experienced a population boom over the last decade, especially in large cities like Reno and Las Vegas. Because of this, traffic and congestion have become a part of life in most major cities throughout the state. Residents may find that weekend traffic is especially bad in Vegas as tourists flock to the city to enjoy its nightlife. 

Wrapping Up: Is Nevada a Good Place to Live?

Is Nevada the right place for you? Consider these questions: 

  • Are you looking for an exciting career in hospitality, entertainment, or tech? 
  • Are you interested in paying less taxes each year? 
  • Do you love to spend time enjoying the great outdoors?
  • Are you looking for a great place to raise a family? 

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, Nevada may be a great place for you to call home. To find your perfect home, look no further than SHAWOOD’s Summerlin, Las Vegas community: Arcadia. Featuring modern, sustainable home designs, Arcadia boasts Japanese-designed homes in the heart of the Las Vegas Valley. 

References

  1. Nevada Department of Agriculture. Agriculture in Nevada. https://agri.nv.gov/Administration/Administration/Agriculture_in_Nevada/ 
  2. United States Census Bureau: QuickFacts: Las Vegas city, Nevada. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lasvegascitynevada/PST045224 

 

Rachel Sewell