Reno, Nevada

Biggest Little City with big potential

West Reno-Sparks Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#34 Best Places to Live

Forbes (2024)

#8 Best Cities for Tech Jobs

WhereAtHome Score

67.4

D+

out of 100

Overview

Reno has reinvented itself as a tech and manufacturing hub, attracting Tesla, Apple, and Google data centers. Close to Lake Tahoe and offering no state income tax, the city appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and California refugees seeking affordability. The downtown has seen significant revitalization.

Key Highlights

  • Tesla Gigafactory and tech growth
  • No state income tax
  • Lake Tahoe within 45 minutes
  • World-class skiing access
  • More affordable than California
  • Revitalized downtown Riverwalk district

Key Metrics

Population 2024

273,448

Source: Census ACS

$576,945

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$68,521

Source: Census ACS

21.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

48

Source: Walk Score

School Rating

2025

C+ (5.8/10)

Source: Curated

112 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Washoe County (county-level results)

49%
48%
Democrat 130,071
Republican 127,443
Leans D+1.0

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

91°F

Winter Low

25°F

Annual Rainfall

7"

Sunny Days

252

Amenities & Infrastructure

62+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

3 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

2 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

Tesla Renown Health IGT University of Nevada, Reno

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 35.6/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 32.7/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 68.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 48/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 45/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 67.4

Location

Reno, NV (39.5296, -119.8138)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.