Nevada is a land adorned with culture, vibrance, and history. It is known as the Silver State, the Battle Born State, and the Sagebrush State. Such a state with a variety of nicknames is proof of the vibrant history it possesses. And yes, it’s where the gambling capital of the U.S. is.
Nevada was one of the least populous states in the country until it legalized gambling as a result, the tourism sector began growing. Now, Nevada is home to 3.2 million people, making it the 33rd populous state in America.
But let’s face it: all these facts won’t help much if you’re planning on moving to Nevada. There are so many more factors to consider. That’s what we’ve covered below!
Jump Ahead To:
Each state has its own charm and personality and Nevada is nothing less of that. However, there are certain things you need to know about Silver State. Here are some of Nevada’s good and not-so-good aspects that have contributed to building this state.
See Also: Moving To Reno, Nevada – Relocation Guide for 2022
Pros
Cons
You can avoid being victim to such crimes by residing in less populated and slightly more remote areas like Dyer, Spring Creek, Hawthorne, Yerington, or Wells. However, some of these areas are located in the middle of the desert. Due to their geographical location, the frequency of crimes is less, but the surroundings bring a whole new set of difficulties to the residents.
Living is not free and you do have to owe some part of your income to the state. However, you’ll be saving a substantial amount of money where tax rates are concerned in Nevada. For starters, there’s no state income tax. That means all your wages, inheritances, and winnings are not taxed at all. This makes Nevada stand a bit higher than other states.
Since there’s no state income tax, Nevada gains its revenue mainly through sales taxes which stands at 8.3%. Cigarettes and alcohol are taxed the most. If you’re looking to buy property, the average effective property tax rate in this state stands at 0.53% that is pretty much below the national average. You’ll pay roughly $1,695 in property taxes in Nevada.
Real estate in Nevada is expensive. So, you might want to save up first before buying any property. The only upside is the low property tax rates, but still, real estate prices won’t budge. The median cost of a house in Nevada is $358,400, which is 22% higher than the national average. Consider buying a house with a low mortgage rate.
Due to increased real estate prices, renting in Nevada is expensive as well. For a 3-bedroom apartment, you’ll have to spend $1,737 while for a decent 4-bedroom apartment, you’ll have to pay $2,082 monthly.
The high real estate prices have a domino effect on the cost of living in Nevada. Living in Nevada is expensive compared to the national average. Adding to that, owning a vehicle in this state is expensive as well all thanks to high registration fees and insurance rates. Due to the increased number of accidents happening each year, companies tend to bump up their insurance rates as well.
However, the cost of utilities in this state is the least expensive as they’re below the national average. An average American homeowner pays close to $400 per month. In Nevada, you would be paying close to $300 per month.
Nevada receives quite a lot of heat during summers. Being a vast desert area with scanty rainfall, you can expect temperatures between 85°F to 110°F. Due to such excessive temperatures, wildfires are common in this state. Therefore, check weather forecasts before leaving home. Night times during summer are much milder in this state with temperatures ranging between 40°F to 80°F.
Winters in Nevada are the same story. The state experiences chilly winters with bouts of snowfall. The average daytime temperature during the peak winter season ranges in the 36°F to 65°F zone while the average low temperatures get in between 9°F to 43°F. In some places, the temperatures can get below freezing, so you might want to take note of that.
Nevada has an economy of $146.67 billion in 2020 despite being less populous than other states. We all know that tourism garners billions of dollars from hotels and the gaming industry, but did you know that manufacturing and mining are Nevada’s secondary sources of revenue? Nevada is known as the Silver State because it produces the most amount of gold, silver, and copper for the country. As far as manufacturing goes, Nevada manufactures gaming machines, aerospace equipment, seismic monitoring equipment, and lawn and garden irrigation devices.
However, Nevada has seen a sudden rise in unemployment rates since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry took a major hit where thousands of Nevadans lost their jobs and some even lost their businesses. Although the economy is slowly rebuilding in Nevada, the unemployment rate still sticks at 7.6% compared to the national average of 6%.
On an annual basis, a Nevadan makes around $26,515 according to BestPlaces.
You can get around Nevada either by bus or train. However, some remote areas are not touched by public transport in Nevada, so getting to those areas might be a task. Hence, people prefer driving in the Silver State because it is more convenient to get to any part of the state effectively.
Public transportation is convenient only if you live in Las Vegas or Reno. These two metropolitan cities have the most hustle and bustle; therefore, many buses and trains carry passengers to most parts of the city.
For rail transit, Amtrak covers Reno, Elko, and Winnemucca. It’s quite limited and now you know why people prefer driving. Where buses are concerned, Nevada has many shuttle services from Downtown Las Vegas, but their fares are expensive. From Downtown Las Vegas, there are a couple of free shuttle services, but only during specific hours.
Traffic is abundant mainly in Las Vegas and Reno during rush hour. So leave home a bit early if you have to travel in these hours.
Another area where Nevada loses a couple of brownie points is the quality of education. According to WalletHub, Nevada ranks 43rd overall in the country. If you want to pursue quality education, then private schools are your best bet. However, you should know that they’re expensive, so keep your budget in mind. According to Niche, here are some of the best private schools in Nevada.
Also Read: Moving To Las Vegas – Relocation Guide
To establish some form of residency in Nevada, you’ll need to have some residential address. To do that, you’ll have to live in the state for at least 30 days; it may be in a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park, or campground located in Nevada. After having completed these tasks, you can apply for a new license.
To get your license, you must make a couple of trips to the DMV initially to sort out the paperwork. After that, renewal can be easily done online after you’ve received your license. You need to have the following documents ready before applying:
After that, you’ll have to pass a written test and if you’re from another country, you’ll have to pass an on-road driving test.
Also Read: Nevada DMV Change of Address
To register your vehicles in Nevada, you’ll first need to have vehicle insurance; out-of-state vehicle insurance will not be accepted. After that, you will need a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) inspection before registering your vehicle. Here is a further list of requirements that you need to have first:
You can easily apply for a voter’s ID online once you have your driver’s license or ID.
Nevada has a lot of historical and cultural value. However, this value is often overshadowed by the vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle of Las Vegas. If you want to do activities that are more conservative in Nevada, here are a couple of tourist attractions you should visit:
Organized crime in America has had a tremendous effect on politics, economics, and pop culture. When we think of gangster life, our minds are automatically drawn towards the Godfather series. The Mob Museum has artifacts from various pieces of gang history described through interactive storytelling about the effect gang culture has had in America. This museum takes you to another time altogether. It’s a must-visit for those who have a penchant for crime thrillers.
If you want to understand a bit more of Nevada’s history, then the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park will educate you in the best possible manner. This historic park is mainly recognized for its six beehive-shaped ovens that were operational during the silver boom period. Rumor has it that these ovens were used for underhand operations by bandits as well. The ovens are not only the main attraction; the vast area is a hiking ground for tourists.
If you want to know how America tests its nuclear weapons, then the National Atomic Testing Museum is a great place to visit. This place opens up a special door for those interested in nuclear science and radiological science.
Reno is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts searching for adventure. Due to its abundance of fishing, hiking, and camping activities, this area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. There’s a small-town feel to Reno, yet a thriving community around you. As far as employment is concerned, you can grow and develop your career with the many job opportunities available.
Population: 246,500
Median Home Value: $335,000
Monthly Median Rent: $1,029
Annual Median Household Income: $58,790
Exactly as its name implies, it is a paradise. The city is relatively quiet and the infrastructure is excellent. You don’t have to drive far to shop for groceries; you can walk to local shops and supermarkets. Additionally, the neighborhoods are safe and the climate is mild. For a comfortable and easy-going lifestyle, consider Paradise on your list.
Population: 235,087
Median Home Value: $239,400
Monthly Median Rent: $978
Annual Median Household Income: $48,312
Do you want to live in a big city reminiscent of a small town? Henderson may be the place you’re looking for. Raising a family in the city has never been easier thanks to low crime rates, quality public schools, and a calm environment. There are a lot of parks and walking trails in this city, so if you’re a fitness enthusiast, make the most of them. Furthermore, this city has a strong sense of community, which is reflected in the many community events it hosts.
Population: 300,116
Median Home Value: $318,800
Monthly Median Rent: $1,292
Annual Median Household Income: $74,147
Conclusion
Nevada is a pretty decent place to live in if you can cope with the vices in this state. By learning a bit of its deep history and vibrant culture, you can be sure that Nevada is more than just a gambling hub. However, its economy is dependent on the tourism sector. Keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation, you should reconsider your options if tourism is your preferred line of work.
Nevada has its moments; the drinking and gambling laws are lenient, the sunshine is immense, and the people are polite. If all those points tick all your boxes, then you and Nevada will get along.
Where living in Nevada is concerned, you may have to cut a few corners because the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. Real estate rates skyrocket due to the population boom in Nevada. Hence there’s a drastic margin. However, the taxes are low. You’ll save a few bucks over there.
Paradise, Reno, and Henderson are good places with low crime rates to live in.
Also See: List of Top Moving Companies to Move to Nevada
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
Please enter your phone number
Please enter your phone number
+123 456 78 90
we've sent the code as an SMS
My Long Distance Movers brings the movers directly to you! We’ll find the top moving companies for your needs and have them call you right away. Search no more. Just sit back and relax!
This is your estimated moving cost. Professional movers will contact you within business day.
Your information is safe with us. By using this service, you agree to receive email communications solely regarding your relocation process
