Thinking about trading long commutes for mountain views, river walks, and fast access to the West Coast? Moving to Reno can deliver that lifestyle with practical benefits for your career and your family. You want clear guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and what to expect once you land. This streamlined guide gives you the essentials executives and remote workers need to relocate with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Reno works for remote pros
Reno sits on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada at about 4,500 feet. The metro has grown steadily as people seek a more relaxed pace with strong connections to major business hubs. Nevada’s lack of state personal income tax is a frequent draw for high earners. You will still plan for local property and sales taxes based on the city or ZIP code you choose.
If you travel, Reno–Tahoe International Airport offers direct connections to key West Coast and national destinations. The Pacific time zone makes collaboration with coastal teams straightforward. Coworking and executive suites are available across the core, and broadband access is expanding. Since speeds vary by neighborhood, verify service at the exact address before you sign a lease or contract.
Climate and timing your move
Reno’s high-desert climate brings four distinct seasons with big temperature swings in spring and fall. Plan your move with the season in mind.
Winter move playbook
Winter brings colder nights and occasional snow or ice in the city, with heavier snow in nearby mountains. Build extra buffer time for movers and consider cold-weather packing for delicate electronics. Keep snow gear handy and confirm driveway access and snow removal arrangements in advance.
Spring patterns and planning
Spring can be variable, windy, and dry, with quick temperature shifts and the chance of late-season frost. Secure lightweight outdoor items on moving day. If you garden, expect narrower planting windows due to elevation.
Summer and wildfire season
Summer is hot and dry with cool nights. Late summer and early fall can bring regional wildfire smoke that affects air quality. Pack air purifiers and extra HVAC filters, and monitor air quality if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Fall sweet spot
Early fall often delivers mild weather plus continued wildfire awareness. Many relocators target this period for smooth logistics and comfortable house hunting.
Getting oriented: Reno neighborhoods
Use this high-level orientation to narrow your search, then verify details like HOA rules, school boundaries, local noise ordinances near airport or industrial zones, and wildfire mitigation requirements.
Downtown, Riverwalk, and Midtown
You’ll find an urban core with restaurants, galleries, breweries, and access to the Truckee River. Housing includes condos, lofts, and older single-family homes on adjacent blocks. Walkability and culture are key draws.
Old Southwest and historic pockets
These established areas feature tree-lined streets with bungalows and mid-century homes. Many properties sit on larger lots compared with the urban core. You’ll be close to central services and parks.
North Reno and Sierra foothills
Newer master-planned neighborhoods and gated golf communities appeal to buyers seeking community amenities and newer construction. You’ll see HOA-managed areas, trails, and golf options.
South Reno and South Meadows
Suburban communities with retail centers, parks, and quick access to commercial corridors. You’ll find a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and newer subdivisions across a range of price points.
Sparks and Spanish Springs
Sparks is a distinct city east of Reno with industrial zones and newer residential tracts. You’ll find a variety of suburban developments and additional build-to-rent options.
Airport, Stead, and TRIC access
If you travel often or work near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, neighborhoods near the airport or northward toward Stead can be practical. Confirm noise considerations and commutes that fit your schedule.
Commute, transit, and travel
Reno is car-centric. I-80 runs east–west and US-395/I-580 connects north–south to Carson City. Many suburban-to-downtown commutes are moderate, with congestion peaking during rush hours and major events.
The Regional Transportation Commission operates bus service across Reno–Sparks. Amtrak’s California Zephyr provides long-distance rail service. Typical drive times include about 30 to 60 minutes to Lake Tahoe resorts, 20 to 40 minutes to Carson City, and roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours to Sacramento depending on route and traffic. Remote professionals often prioritize quick airport access and nearby amenities over lengthy daily commutes.
Local economy at a glance
Reno’s economy spans technology and data centers, advanced manufacturing, logistics and fulfillment, health care, education, government, and tourism. University of Nevada, Reno anchors higher education and research. The Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center hosts hyperscale computing and large manufacturing operations. For executives building teams, the labor market is competitive in certain specialties, so hybrid or remote hiring strategies are common.
Buying or renting: timelines and approach
Housing options range from historic homes and mid-century neighborhoods to golf communities, master-planned suburbs, and downtown condos. After strong appreciation from 2020 to 2022, market conditions normalized in 2022–2024, and pricing is neighborhood specific.
- Renting: Plan for 2 to 6 weeks to secure a rental, with tighter inventory in late spring and summer.
- Buying with financing: Expect 45 to 90+ days from accepted offer to close. All-cash offers shorten timelines. Inspections, appraisals, and due diligence can extend your schedule if issues arise.
- Relocating from afar: Combine virtual tours and video walk-throughs with a focused in-person scouting trip. Consider 30 to 90 days of temporary housing while closing.
Pre-approval or proof of funds strengthens your position. Nevada’s no state income tax can factor into financial planning, but you will still evaluate property taxes, HOA dues, and any local assessments.
Executive-ready home search checklist
Use this timeline to keep your move on track.
Pre-move: 8 to 12+ weeks
- Define must-haves: commute tolerance, airport proximity, broadband requirements, HOA preference, and yard needs for high-desert gardening.
- Shortlist neighborhoods and confirm address-level internet options.
- Arrange temporary housing if you plan to close after arrival.
- Begin financing steps and retain a local agent experienced with relocation.
- Review Nevada DMV requirements for driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- Winter move: book movers early and plan for storms. Summer or fall move: assemble a smoke and power-outage kit and check HVAC filter types at candidate homes.
4 to 6 weeks before move
- Schedule utilities: electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet. Confirm installation windows for fiber or high-speed service.
- If applicable, gather school records and verify enrollment steps and boundary maps.
- Start change-of-address updates with USPS, financial institutions, and professional contacts.
- Winter: confirm snow removal for your new address. Fire season: ask about defensible space and any local burn restrictions.
1 to 2 weeks before move
- Confirm parking and elevator reservations if moving into a condo or townhome.
- Pack a first 48-hour box with prescriptions, key documents, seasonal clothing, basic tools, and air purifiers or masks during smoke season.
- Reconfirm mover timing and routes, including any mountain passes.
Moving day
- Monitor weather and air quality, especially during wildfire season.
- Winter: keep salt or sand, shovels, and ice scrapers accessible.
- For trips to Tahoe, ensure your vehicle is equipped for snow with chains or winter tires as conditions require.
First 30 to 90 days post-move
- Apply for your Nevada driver’s license and complete vehicle registration.
- Update voter registration and business or professional addresses.
- Connect with neighborhood associations, local chambers, and professional groups.
- If smoke was an issue, change HVAC filters frequently and consider portable HEPA units.
- Establish care with local health systems and emergency services.
Seasonality quick notes
- Winter: schedule an HVAC tune-up and insulate pipes in unheated spaces.
- Spring: secure outdoor furniture and plan for pollen if you have allergies.
- Summer and fall: maintain an evacuation plan and keep an air-quality app handy.
Weekend lifestyle, clubs, and outdoor access
You’ll be within 30 to 60 minutes of Lake Tahoe destinations for skiing, hiking, and boating. In town, the Truckee River, Idlewild Park, and Rancho San Rafael offer easy access to trails and open space. Private golf and country-club options, plus municipal courses, give you choices for leisure and networking.
For professional connections, explore local chambers, business associations, and civic clubs. Coworking and executive suites in downtown and commercial corridors support hybrid schedules and team meetings.
Smart relocation game plan
- Clarify your work rhythm: do you need airport proximity or a quiet home office with fiber?
- Time your move to the season, and prepare for smoke or snow as needed.
- Use a focused scouting trip and virtual tools to narrow the field fast.
- Verify HOA rules, school boundaries, and address-level utilities before you commit.
- Keep a flexible temporary housing option while you close or wait for a lease start.
Ready to explore properties that fit your lifestyle and timeline? Connect with Kristin Zuckerman for discreet, concierge-level guidance and a data-informed plan to secure the right home.
FAQs
What tax advantages should I know when moving to Reno?
- Nevada has no state personal income tax. You should still plan for local property and sales taxes and consult your tax advisor about residency rules and obligations.
How reliable is high-speed internet across Reno neighborhoods?
- Broadband coverage is expanding, but speeds vary. Confirm service and provider options at the exact address before signing a lease or purchase agreement.
What are typical drive times to Lake Tahoe and Sacramento from Reno?
- Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes to Tahoe resorts and roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours to Sacramento, depending on route, weather, and traffic.
When is the best season to move to Reno considering climate?
- Fall often offers mild weather, winter includes occasional snow and ice, spring can be windy with quick swings, and late summer may bring wildfire smoke. Plan your logistics accordingly.
How long does a Reno home search and closing typically take for remote workers?
- Renting can take 2 to 6 weeks. Buying with financing often runs 45 to 90+ days from accepted offer to close; all-cash purchases are typically faster.
