5-minute read
As you research, explore, and consider moving to a Nevada community, here’s an overview of what you can expect when living in The Silver State.
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Climate & Geography
Entertainment & Recreation
Cost of Living
Healthcare
Sure, Nevada's dazzling casinos and "Viva Las Vegas!" spirit are legendary. But beneath the bright lights lies a state brimming with diverse landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a thriving residential market, particularly within Nevada master-planned communities.
Nestled between the Rocky and Sierra Nevada mountains, Nevada boasts breathtaking scenery that ranges from alpine forests to sun-baked deserts. National parks like Great Basin and Lake Mead offer stunning backdrops for exploration, while iconic landmarks like Hoover Dam showcase human ingenuity.
Warm weather, low taxes, and a booming job market are attracting a wave of new residents. The state's lack of income and inheritance taxes makes it a haven for retirees seeking a sunny escape, with Southern Nevada offering a plethora of 55 and over retirement-friendly communities.
And retirement aside, master-planned communities in Nevada are emerging as a top choice for families seeking a life full of conveince and modern amenities. These expertly designed communities offer a sense of belonging, with beautiful single-family homes, landscaped parks, and resident-exclusive facilities like pools, fitness centers, golf courses, and plenty of recreational activities.
Nevada Climate & Geography
Nevada's got a surprising amount of geographic variety packed into one state. Nicknamed the "Silver State" for its rich mineral deposits, Nevada is mostly high desert with a range of elevations that affects weather patterns and temperature.
Regions & Landscape
Mountains: Nevada's nicknamed "Basin and Range" for a reason – over 250 north-south mountain ranges crisscross the state. Elevations vary wildly, from Death Valley's scorching depths to snow-capped peaks over 13,000 feet tall.
Deserts: The Great Basin, a large desert region, covers most of Nevada, with the Mojave in the far south part of the state. This means ample sunshine and little precipitation.
Exceptions: There are some wetter areas, like the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains that catch moisture and create alpine forests. Lake Tahoe, a world-famous alpine lake, is nestled right up against the border with California.
Weather
Desert Heat: The Great Basin Desert (covering most of Nevada) and Mojave Desert (southern Nevada) features hot dry summers with high temperatures over 100°F and less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Temperatures can dip below freezing at night during the winter months, but daytime highs are generally mild.
Mountain Oasis: The Sierra Nevada mountains along the western border (as well as the famed Lake Tahoe region) offer a dramatic shift with pleasant summers and average highs in the low to mid-80s (°F). Winters are snowy, with plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. Rainfall is also significantly higher here compared to the deserts.
Nevada Entertainment & Recreation
Las Vegas: The undisputed king of entertainment, Las Vegas offers world-class casinos, live shows, celebrity chef restaurants, extravagant nightclubs, and dazzling theatricals. From iconic landmarks like the Bellagio fountains to electrifying Cirque du Soleil performances, Vegas caters to every taste and budget.
Reno: Often dubbed "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno offers a more laid-back casino experience compared to Vegas. However, it still boasts exciting casinos, live entertainment options, and a revitalized downtown area with trendy bars and restaurants.
Outdoor Adventure: Nevada's diverse landscape provides a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through the scenic trails of Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas, kayak the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, or go mountain biking in the high desert ranges.
National Parks and Recreation Areas: Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Nevada at Great Basin National Park, with its ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and starry night skies. Explore the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam in Boulder City, a marvel of engineering, or boat on the vast Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Winter Sports: Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland, with world-class ski resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort and Palisades Tahoe attracting skiers and snowboarders from across the globe.
Historical Exploration: Step back in time at Virginia City, a historic silver mining town with saloons, museums, and preserved 19th-century buildings that offer a glimpse into Nevada's Wild West past.
Stargazing: Nevada boasts some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states, making it a prime destination for stargazers. Escape light pollution and witness the Milky Way in all its glory at Great Basin National Park.
Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in Nevada's numerous natural hot springs. The Black Rock Desert offers surreal landscapes dotted with geothermal pools, while Carson Hot Springs Resort provides a more traditional spa experience.
Nevada Cost of Living
Despite higher housing and overall costs of living compared to the national average, Nevada is considered very tax friendly for its residents.
- Overall: The cost of living in Nevada is estimated to be 9.7% higher than the national average.
- Housing: 9.8% higher than the national average.
- Taxes:
- Income tax: None
- Property tax: .48% of homes assessed value
- Sales tax: 8.23% statewide (average combined state and local)
- No tax on Social Security benefits
Nevada Healthcare
Nevada's healthcare system is undergoing a period of transformation, aiming to meet the needs of a growing population. The state operates a health insurance marketplace called Nevada Health Link, the official platform to shop for qualified health plans with potential tax credits or subsidies based on your income.
While strides are being made, access to healthcare can vary across Nevada, particularly in rural areas. The state is working on initiatives to expand access, such as supporting Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that offer affordable care to underserved communities.
Top medical centers in Nevada include:
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (Las Vegas): Renowned for its research and treatment of neurological disorders.
Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center (Las Vegas): A large, multi-specialty hospital offering a wide range of services.
Valley Health System: Another major healthcare provider in the Las Vegas area.
Renown Health (Reno): The largest healthcare network in Northern Nevada, offering a variety of services.
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine: This academic medical center provides advanced care and is a center for medical education and research.
