Reno, Nevada, might be famous for its casinos, proximity to stunning ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, or even the Burning Man festival, but the city has so much more to offer. Surprisingly, Reno is closer to San Francisco than to Las Vegas, making it uniquely positioned for quick access to the Sierra Nevada, California wine country, and the Bay Area.
Living in Reno means enjoying year-round outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural events. Recently, Reno was ranked as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Live Out West for 2024 by Livability, highlighting its blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, Reno is a recognized destination for young professionals, known for its growing job market, abundant job opportunities, and increasing popularity as a relocation spot.
Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or exploring the growing local food and arts scenes, Reno is on the rise as a highly desirable place to live. If it wasn’t already on your radar, it definitely should be!
Things to know about living in Reno that would surprise you!
1. Outdoor adventures and exploration in Reno Tahoe
Reno Tahoe is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering over 300 days of sunshine a year and four distinct seasons to enjoy. The Truckee River flows through downtown Reno, featuring a kayak park and scenic riverwalk that blends urban charm with nature. Whether hiking, fishing, or relaxing, there’s always something to explore in Northern Nevada.
For hikers and bikers, the region boasts countless trails, from easy strolls to challenging treks through the Sierra Nevada. Just 45 minutes away, Lake Tahoe offers 72 miles of breathtaking shoreline, with beaches perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and soaking up the sun. If you're seeking adventure, try whitewater rafting on the Truckee River, horseback riding on scenic trails, or backpacking in the Sierra backcountry.
Reno’s outdoor opportunities extend into winter, with the Tahoe Basin becoming a haven for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The Reno area is home to over 15 world-class ski resorts, including iconic spots like Palisades and NorthStar. For something unique, explore natural hot springs or stargaze in nearby dark-sky areas like Pyramid Lake.
Whether you’re paddling a mountain lake, riding a snowmobile, or enjoying the panoramic views, Reno Tahoe is a hub for year-round adventure. It’s no wonder this region is quickly becoming one of the best places to live for those who love the outdoors!
2. Events, events and more events
No matter the time of year, Reno offers an incredible lineup of events and festivals that showcase its vibrant culture and community spirit. Here's a taste of what you can enjoy:
Summer Delights:
- Savor local flavors at Food Truck Friday in Idlewild Park.
- Experience Shakespeare under the stars at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
- Stroll through the Reno Riverwalk District during the monthly Wine Walk.
- Saddle up for the excitement of the Reno Rodeo.
- Dance to live music and admire classic cars at Hot August Nights, spanning from Reno to Carson City to Virginia City.
- Dig into mouthwatering barbecue at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off.
Autumn Spectacles:
- Wake up early for the magical Great Reno Balloon Race in September.
- Feel the rumble of Street Vibrations as motorcycles take over Reno and Virginia City.
- Raise a glass and enjoy delicious Italian fare during THE ROW’s Great Italian Festival when downtown Reno transforms with Italian food, drink, and vibrant fun.
Sports and Performance:
- Cheer on the Reno Aces at Greater Nevada Field.
- Support the Nevada Wolf Pack as they compete in football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and more, showcasing school spirit and athletic excellence across a variety of sports.
- Catch a hockey match with the Reno Ice minor league team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters, or go ice skating in the winter.
- Watch celebrities tee off at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Tahoe.
Arts and Culture:
- Immerse yourself in creativity during the month-long Artown art festival every July.
- Explore rotating exhibits at the stunning Nevada Museum of Art.
- Celebrate diversity under the iconic Reno Arch at the Northern Nevada Pride festival.
Year-Round Fun:
- Get festive with themed bar crawls, from zombies to Santas.
- Step back in time at the National Automobile Museum.
- Book a getaway at the Silver Legacy, Grand Sierra Resort, or one of Reno’s other top-tier hotels and casinos.
From community gatherings to iconic events, Reno truly has something for everyone. Dive in and see if you can pick a favorite—you’ll be spoiled for choice!
3. Vibrant Midtown and Downtown Reno
Reno’s midtown and downtown areas are thriving hubs of activity, offering a dynamic mix of craft breweries, distilleries, taprooms, and entertainment venues. Unique restaurants and bars provide a variety of outdoor dining options, featuring patios with river views, mountain backdrops, or cozy fire pits for cooler evenings. These areas are perfect for enjoying live music, comedy shows, and theater performances, or for catching a movie. Dance the night away at local hotspots or try something truly unique like bowling at the iconic National Bowling Stadium. With a wide range of dining, drinking, and entertainment choices, Reno delivers an exciting urban experience with something for everyone.
4. Reno’s Flourishing Food and Drink Scene
Reno’s culinary landscape is growing rapidly, offering an impressive variety of cuisines and dining experiences. From casual comfort food to elegant fine dining, there’s something for every occasion. Highlights include all-you-can-eat sushi spots, authentic Basque cuisine, French-inspired bistros, and some of the best BBQ in the West. Brunch enthusiasts can indulge in champagne-soaked mornings, while adventurous foodies will love exploring the city’s eclectic eateries. For drinks, Reno is home to a thriving craft beverage scene. Sample innovative beers at local breweries, sip on artisanal spirits from small-batch distilleries, or enjoy handcrafted cocktails at trendy bars. Wine lovers aren’t left out either, with a range of intimate wine bars offering curated selections. For a unique experience, consider embarking on your own pub crawl through the city’s many breweries or trying out one of Reno’s famously creative cocktails. Whether you’re craving bold flavors, local brews, or a refined dining experience, Reno’s food and drink scene truly has something for everyone!
5. Reno: A City of Art and Creativity
Since 1996, Artown has been a cornerstone of Reno’s cultural identity, celebrating the arts and inspiring the community each July. With over 500 events hosted by 100+ organizations across nearly 100 venues, Artown transforms the city into a vibrant hub of creativity. Most events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to everyone and showcasing Reno’s artistic soul.
The city’s commitment to art extends beyond July. Reno features stunning installations from Burning Man, such as the iconic 12-foot "Believe" sign at the Reno Riverwalk District and the intricate "Guardian of Eden" at the Nevada Museum of Art. Don’t miss Dragon Lights Reno, a mesmerizing display of illuminated silk lanterns showcasing Chinese art and culture every September through November. This family-friendly event lights up the city with intricate designs and vibrant colors, offering a magical experience for all ages.
Year-round, Reno offers countless opportunities to engage with the arts. Enjoy Broadway-caliber performances at the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts, intimate productions at Brüka Theater or Reno Little Theater, and eclectic festivals at UNR’s Nightingale Concert Hall. Outdoor installations like the Sparks Art Walk, Reno’s Neon Line District, and more than 100 beautiful murals painted by local, national and international artists further enrich the city’s artistic landscape.
Whether it’s public murals, cutting-edge exhibits, or captivating performances, Reno invites you to explore its thriving and diverse art scene.
6. Reno: A Business-Friendly Hub
Reno offers outstanding incentives for business owners and professionals, making it a hotspot for companies across industries. Iconic brands like Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft, Patagonia, Walmart, and Petco have established significant operations in Northern Nevada, drawn by the state’s business-friendly environment.
According to BPM Insights, Nevada’s tax climate is particularly favorable for businesses. The state imposes no corporate income tax, personal income tax, franchise tax, or inventory tax, significantly reducing overhead costs and enhancing profitability. Low property taxes and operating costs further boost its appeal as a location for business and relocation opportunities.
Reno’s strategic location strengthens its position as a business hub, offering proximity to West Coast markets and robust infrastructure for industries such as manufacturing, distribution, and technology. This influx of businesses has brought a wealth of job opportunities across various sectors, fostering a thriving local economy. Additionally, the University of Nevada, Reno, provides a steady stream of skilled graduates, supporting the region's growing industries with a talented and dynamic workforce.
7. Northern Nevada: A Golfer’s Paradise
Golf enthusiasts will find Northern Nevada a dream destination, with over 50 courses located within an hour’s drive of Reno. Whether you prefer scenic mountain views, serene lakeside backdrops, or desert landscapes, there’s a course to suit every preference. A key advantage of Reno’s climate is that many courses remain open year-round, allowing golfers to enjoy their favorite sport in all seasons. The Reno Tahoe region boasts some of the finest golf courses, with top-ranked layouts offering challenges for players of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly greens to championship-level designs, each course provides a unique experience. With so many options, you’ll never run out of new fairways to explore. Ready to tee off? Start by checking out a list of the top courses in the Reno Tahoe area to find your perfect match.
8. World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding Right at Your Doorstep
Reno is a dream come true for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country. With most resorts located within an hour’s drive—and some just 25 minutes from downtown—you’re never far from the slopes. The Reno Tahoe area offers something for every snow lover: family-friendly resorts, terrain parks, black diamond runs, backcountry slopes, and cross-country skiing trails. Each resort delivers a unique experience, often complemented by breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe as you carve through the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the variety of ski resorts ensures you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy the winter season. Dive into the options and discover why Reno Tahoe is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts!
Reno Awaits: Discover What’s Beyond the Surface
City of Reno Overview
Discover Reno’s history, population details, and what makes the Truckee Meadows such a vibrant community to call home. Learn more here.
Visit Reno Tahoe
Get inspired by Reno’s endless outdoor activities, top-notch dining, and world-class events all year long. Explore the possibilities here.
Reno Events Calendar
Check out the latest local happenings, from community events to festivals and more, updated daily. Find events here.
Reno This Week
Stay up to date on all the events, concerts, and nightlife Reno has to offer, making it easy to plan your weekends. Read more here.
Join the ITS Logistics team in Reno, NV
Step into the heart of the Biggest Little City in the World and build your career with ITS Logistics. Our Reno office is perfectly situated near the Reno Riverwalk, surrounded by an array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and more in downtown Reno. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant work environment featuring fun amenities like a ping pong table, cornhole, a plinko board, a tranquil lounge, wellness room, a balcony with a grill—and even a slide!
At ITS, we’re dedicated to helping our employees thrive. With robust training, a clear path for career advancement, and opportunities to make a difference through charitable giving and community involvement, we’re proud to offer more than just a job—it’s a career you can grow with. If you’re looking for an exciting workplace with growth potential, we’re hiring multiple positions in Reno, Nevada, including roles eligible for up to $2,500 in relocation reimbursement. Reno isn’t just a great place to work—it’s also a good place to live. Nestled near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno offers an affordable cost of living, a vibrant cultural scene, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Take a look at our job openings today and see what it’s like to join a team ranked #21 in the nation out of over 20,000 transportation companies. For details about our relocation reimbursement offer, contact us at (866) 963-7362.
