Ever heard of Area 51? This top-secret place housed by the Nellis Air Force Range in Nevada has been linked to many strange and mysterious events. If you’re a lover of conspiracy theories, then you’re definitely going to jump knowing that rumors never stop about how this place was where UFO sightings were researched and the first Stealth Bomb was developed!
But apart from these mind-boggling events and stories, Nevada is home to one of the best cities in the world – Las Vegas! We don’t have to tell you about this glorious city or the amount of employment it generates, but you’ll be glad to know that the state has numerous other cities that have the charm that Las Vegas holds while also giving you some peace and quiet.
So, in all, if you’re looking for a place to move to that’s filled with great landscapes and ample entertainment while also being family-friendly, Nevada might just be the state for you!
What Should I Know Before Moving To Nevada
You might already know that Nevada isn’t highly populated except for a few pockets in major cities, which is true. With a population of 3,104,614, it is the 7th least populated state in the United States. It is also the 7th most extensive state in the country in terms of land and water costs! So if you’re someone who loves some scenery, you’ll be more impressed to know that the state has the most number of mountains in the country.
Nevada is also nicknamed “The Silver State” and as the name suggests, it’s because the largest silver deposit in the country was found in Nevada in 1859 which was also called Comstock Lode. Nevada is also the largest producer of gold in the country, but what many don’t know is that it’s the fourth-largest producer of this invaluable metal in the world.
Apart from all the attractions that the Las Vegas strip has to provide, you also have Lake Tahoe, Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and the Great Basin National Park that you can visit for some respite from the state’s scorching heat. These places boast great scenic views and are also family-friendly!
Crime Rate in Nevada
There’s one thing you might have heard about Nevada that isn’t the best, and that’s its crime rate – the state’s crime rates are higher than national averages. But what we’d like to tell you here is that these rates have been declining significantly in the last five years. For example, property crime rates have fallen by 12% with 5.6 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. Henderson, Elko, and Reno are the safest cities in the state with respect to property crimes, assault, murder, and gun violence.
Nevada Weather
Nevada has a very arid climate with extremely hot summers and cold winters. So if you’re someone who has an aversion to such climatic conditions, Nevada might become a difficult place to live in.
If you consider the summers, be ready for a very dry season with temperatures hitting 100°F (37.8°C) during the day. You’ll see a different story during nighttime where temperatures drop drastically and have even gone to a low of 0°F (4.4°C)! Winters on the other hand are much more tolerable, especially in the south where it’s mild and short. Here, daytime temperatures hit 57°F (13.9°C) which is pleasant and comfortable to bask in.
If you’re someone who isn’t very fond of the rain, then Nevada might be a delight since average precipitation hardly hits 177.8mm (quite a low figure). It’s a state for lovers of the sun with around 3,300 hours of sunshine through the year.
When it comes to natural calamities, Nevada is vulnerable to droughts, wildfires, thunderstorms, and flooding. Flooding is a common occurrence in the plains during the summer months because of melting snow. Wildfires on the other hand have become common due to the state’s dry and hot climate.
How Expensive Is It To Live In Nevada?
We can’t be having a discussion about moving to Nevada without actually diving into the important bits like the expenses. A major part of living in another state is obviously going to be how much you earn and how much you spend; after all, you have to make a living. Let’s look at these points so that you can have an idea of what your budgets might look like if you move to Nevada.
Cost of Living In Nevada
According to Salary.com, the cost of living in Nevada is usually lower than the national average, but higher if you live in the major cities like Sparks or Reno. Numbeo’s rates say that a family of four owning their own house in a city like Las Vegas will have an estimated monthly cost of around $3,195, while a single person in their own house will have to spend around $904.34.
If we had to talk of taxes that impact your cost of living, Nevada has the seventh-highest sales tax in the country at 6.85% which can be raised to 8.375% by local counties. On the other hand, the average effective property tax in the state is way below the national average at 0.53%. But, keep in mind that this percentage can go up or down depending on your home value. One of the best parts about living in Nevada is that you won’t have to pay any state income tax!
To give you an idea of how much you’d spend on groceries if you live in a city in Nevada, a gallon of milk costs $0.81, $2.85 for a loaf of bread, and $1.99 for a carton of eggs. A gallon of gasoline costs $0.71 and a one-way ticket on any local transportation will cost you $2. We’re sure you can tell from these averages that living in Nevada will definitely help you save up much more than you already might be! However, healthcare in Nevada overall isn’t that fantastic, so make sure you choose a city that gives you affordable healthcare.
Did you know? Lander County in Nevada has the lowest cost of living based on factors like housing, utility bills, and food. On the other hand, Clark, Douglas, and Washoe counties are at the top for the cost of living in the state.
Buying A House
Zillow puts the median home value of houses in Nevada at $342,888, with a 9.7% growth rate in the last year. According to Payscale, the median home price of a house in a city like Las Vegas is $376,148.
Renting A House
Considering a city like Las Vegas where most of the population is concentrated, according to RentCafe, the median rent for an 892 square feet studio is $1,180. It goes without saying that studio apartments are much more affordable, more so when keeping that in mind you can find housing here where the rent goes from $500 to $2000 and upwards per month. But, unfortunately, only 3% of all rentals fall in the $500 to $700 bracket.
According to RentCafe, the yearly rental price is different in every city. For example, while Las Vegas sees an average upward rise of 7%, you will only notice a 3% rise in rental prices in Desert Hot Springs. So, when you’re doing your math, keep in mind to check the rents of every specific neighborhood carefully because the difference can be huge.
Utility Bills
According to Numbeo, if you’re living in a city like Las Vegas in Nevada, you’ll be paying around $157 a month for basic utilities and more than 60 MBPS of the internet will cost around $73.19. But you have to realize that the state has extremely hot summers, and in such months you’ll have to pay a bomb every month for your energy bills if your air conditioners run 24/7.
Economy And Employment Opportunities In Nevada
It isn’t surprising that most of Nevada’s income comes from tourism, with high taxes on gambling which makes the state’s annual revenue rise. At the same time, the service industry employs almost half of the state’s residents, so if that’s a sector that you’re in, you’re in luck!
Other industries in Nevada largely focus on mining and agriculture owing to the state’s fertile lands that are also abundant in gold, silver, and mercury. The unemployment rate in the state is 8.1% largely because apart from the service industry, there aren’t many other big industries that pay well.
But, if you’re in the medical line, you’ll be the highest earner since medical professionals like surgeons, psychiatrists and those practicing internal medicine earn $200k and upwards annually. As expected, some of the biggest employers in the state are the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and MGM Grand.
Getting Around Nevada
One thing you’ll notice about Nevada is that owning a car becomes an unsaid necessity because it’s difficult to find public transportation that extends from rural areas to urban areas. Most jobs are centered in the urban areas which is why many residents who work in the major cities drive there.
Trains
Amtrak, The Union Pacific Railroad, and Greyhound Lines provide transit via trains to some areas in the state. However, you must note that these aren’t extensive, so you might have to resort to driving a vehicle or taking a bus.
Cities like Las Vegas don’t have a passenger train service either. However, Las Vegas does have its own monorail system which also has an extension to the McCarran International Airport.
Buses
RTC is the biggest public bus transit system that only operates in the Las Vegas metropolitan strip and in a few outlying areas. Reno has its own public transit system called the RTC RIDE. Carson City’s JAC is another public transit system, but keep in mind that unfortunately, Nevada has a large number of counties that don’t have such public transit systems at all.
Best Cities to Live In Nevada
Now that you have an overall understanding of what living in Nevada might be like, let’s take a look at some of the best places in the state that you can live in.
1. Boulder City
The advantage of living in Boulder City in Clark County is that it’s located just 30 minutes from Las Vegas but it continues to be quiet, giving you the illusion of living in a small town. It also only has a population of 15,977! Boulder City gets a high ranking in terms of weather, schools, and amenities with a low crime rate which means that raising a family here is a good option. It’s also a great place to live if you’re looking for employment because Las Vegas is so close.
The median listing home price in Boulder City is $339,800 whereas the median rent here is $993. In terms of top-rated schools, some of these include Boulder City High School, Martha P King Elementary School, and Mitchell Elementary.
2. Kingsbury
If you’re looking for a place that’s quiet with a rural feel, Kingsbury can be the best place you choose. This small town in Douglas County has a population of just 2,144! It’s a little more expensive to own a house here though because most residents have their own homes. The median listing home price is around $520,900 and the median rent stands at $1,189.
Even though it’s a small town, it has a number of bars, restaurants, and parks. Kingsbury also has highly rated public schools which gives this small town an added advantage. Some of these top-rated schools include Zephyr Cove Elementary School, Jacks Valley Elementary School, and Douglas County High School.
3. Henderson
Henderson is located in Clark County and is the second-largest city in Nevada with a population of 310,390. Henderson offers its residents all the amenities which you get in a big city with no crime. According to Niche, Henderson is the second-best suburb to live in the Las Vegas area with a lot of recreational activities at your fingertips which include bike paths, golf courses, trails, parks, and lakes.
The median home value here stands at $318,800 and median home rent is $1,292 which is pricey but well worth it if you’re a young professional or planning to raise a family. For a young professional, you’ll be glad to know that job opportunities here are abundant with the average median household income at $74,147 which is quite high. Henderson also has above-average public schools which include Advanced Technologies Academy, Coral Academy of Science, and a few good private schools like Lake Mead Christian Academy and GV Christian School.
4. Reno
Nicknamed “America’s Biggest Little City” with a population of 250,998 residents, Reno is located in Washoe County. The Truckee River, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and Lake Tahoe which is all just a stone’s throw away add to the beauty of this city. Plenty of good jobs are available to young professions in Reno which makes the prospect of moving here appealing.
The median listing home price is $335,000 and the median rent is $1,029 with a very stable housing market compared to Nevada’s other cities. For those of you wanting to raise a family, apart from all the outdoor fun, Reno also has good public schools some of which include The Davidson Academy and Academy of Art Careers and Technology.
Also Read: 10 Best Small Cities in the U.S. to Move To
Is Nevada A Good Place To Live In?
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind the heat but instead thrives in the sun, Nevada might give you ample opportunities for that, but remember that some days can get unbearable. At the same time, if you’re the type of person who thrives among nature, Nevada might not have a lot of green natural cover in every neighborhood because of the arid climate. Nonetheless, it’s home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. So, if you’re a lover of the outdoors, you’ll be able to take full advantage and go on trips during weekends.
You can also always expect a lot of people milling around because the state sees an influx of close to 42 million tourists a year, heading to Las Vegas. Unless you want to live in remote areas, you will always be surrounded by crowds and people in the cities, so if you’re planning to retire somewhere quaint, remote areas might be your best bet.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants to live in a bustling place with ample opportunities to go out and socialize, Nevada’s cities will give you all that and more! Nevada is also highly diverse with people that are hospitable, so you’ll find someone or the other who shares your interests.
You will also have to think of transport, because Nevada’s cities have dense traffic, and while public transportation is available it’s not the best. But, because of population concentration in the urban areas, you’ll also notice that many highways in numerous parts of the state are completely desolate. So if you’re not living in a city, you won’t have to worry about traffic and long commuting hours at all!
The state also has a high crime rate, but we don’t think it’s fair to generalize since this is the case in only some areas, usually some pockets in major cities. You will hardly notice violent crime in areas outside city limits! If you’re planning to raise a family and live in a city, all you have to do is choose your neighborhood wisely!
Apart from a few pitfalls that you’ll notice in every state, Nevada has a lot to offer and you can make the most of your life here if you research well. If you’re interested in moving to Nevada, look up some good moving companies with our help to obtain a few quotes, gauging how much the move to Nevada will cost you.
FAQs
Is Nevada A Good State To Move To?
Yes, Nevada can be quite the pleasant state to move to. It has great, sunny weather throughout the year, no state income tax, a range of cities that offer anything you could possibly want and a relatively affordable cost of living.
What Do I Need To Know About Moving To Nevada?
Nevada boasts a lot of good things that make it practically perfect to call home, but the days of sunshine may get a little overbearing after a while. Plus, there’s days on which the temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels. You also need to own your own car in Nevada, since most cities lack a robust public transportation system.
Is Living In Nevada Cheap?
Unless you live in cities like Reno or Las Vegas, you’ll be paying a cost of living that’s lower than national averages, making life quite affordable. Plus, the median home value of homes in Nevada at $342,888, cheaper than in several other states. According to SalaryExporer, a person who lives and is employed in Nevada earns around $98,100 annually. So if your salary is around this figure, or enough to meet the cost of living in your city, then you’ll find life in Nevada to be quite comfortable.
What are the benefits of moving to Nevada?
Nevada is an economically strong state with a dynamic workforce. The benefits of moving to Nevada include a number of lucrative industries, excellent public schools and colleges, and welcoming culture. In addition, Nevada residents have access to natural resources such as abundant sunshine and the earth’s most extensive geothermal resources. Nevada is the perfect place for an inclusive liberal community that celebrates all people from any race, religion, or immigration status.
How long do you need to live in Nevada to be a resident?
To be considered a resident, the student must have lived in Nevada for 12 months prior and enrolled at an accredited institution.
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Nevada?
Nevada is 19.5% more expensive than Texas, but some people might like its beautiful climate all year round, with an average high temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius during summertime!
Is it cheaper to live in Nevada than California?
Nevada is a great state for those who want an affordable life with higher-quality utilities and a lower cost of living. Home prices are also very competitive, making them much more appealing when compared against their counterparts across the country, such as Florida or Texas, where real estate remains expensive despite low wages available there primarily because taxes don’t suck up nearly half your paycheck as they do here.
What city in Nevada has the best climate?
The best-weather cities in Nevada are all located on the Clark County side. Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia make up most of this list for a reason—it has one heckuva climate!
Is Nevada a tax-free state?
Nevada is not a tax-free state and does charge both individual and commercial taxes on items purchased.
Where is better to live, Nevada or Arizona?
In the Grand Canyon State, it’s good to live, but Nevada will give you that unique Las Vegas vibe. No state taxes and an amazing climate make this place better than Arizona!
Is Nevada friendly to retirees?
Nevada is the ultimate retirement destination. Not only does it not have an income tax, but any money you earn in Nevada will also go untaxed once retired because there’s no state-level taxation!
What taxes do you pay in Nevada?
Nevada has no income tax for residents. The only taxes they pay are a 6.85% sales tax and some fees from casinos that tourists flock to gamble!
Are property taxes high in Nevada?
There are many high-tax states in the U.S., but Nevada’s property tax rates are among the lowest, and they remain low at just 0.53%. This is well below their national average of 1.07%.
Does Nevada tax your Social Security?
Nevada taxpayers may be interested to know that Nevada does not tax Social Security benefits. The state exempts these from taxation, so you don’t have to pay any additional fees or taxes when receiving this money in your paycheck!
What city in Nevada has the lowest crime rate?
Henderson is the safest city in Nevada, with a violent crime rate of 1.7 incidents per 1000 people and property crimes at 17.5!”
Where is the best place to live in Nevada for retirees?
Fernley is a beautiful town of Reno and the best city in Nevada for retirees. The warm, sunny climate makes it an ideal place to spend your golden years!
Read Also: List of Top Out of State Movers
