Most of Nevada is made up of desert and sees an average of only seven inches of rain every year. Nearly three quarters of the people living in Nevada live in the Las Vegas area, but the Silver State offers many other great places to live. If you’re moving to Nevada, read on for tips to help you prepare for your move.

Moving Advice

• Nevada roads are not well maintained and some are isolated. Route 50 is nicknamed “America’s Loneliest Highway”. When traveling through this desert state, be sure to listen to the radio for news updates and make sure to make frequent service station stops, as there can be long stretches between facilities. Remember to pack plenty of water and make sure your cell phone is fully charged just in case.
• Remember that you’re in the desert and it is HOT. Avoid moving in the heat of the day, especially during the summer months. Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat if possible. Drink water to avoid heat stroke. We cannot stress this enough! The desert sun is dangerous. Keep yourself and pets hydrated.
• Nevada has its share of dangerous creatures. This desert hot spot is home to some pretty scary wildlife, including venomous snakes, black widow spiders and scorpions. Never leave your moving boxes outside and always be careful when entering a place that has been deserted for a while. Be sure to check all closets and keep a long stick handy to fight off snakes in the unlikely event you encounter one.
• Check the city calendar. Nevada is host to many popular events, so be sure that your moving date doesn’t coincide with a parade or large festival.
• No moving permit is needed. However, parking and street cleaning restrictions may apply, so check with your city beforehand.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Nevada easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Every year, millions of people from all over the world flock to Nevada. Whether you like to be active and outdoors or prefer the upbeat vibe of a city that runs on tourism, moving to Nevada offers plenty of options. The truth is Nevada is a rich and varied state, home to nearly 3 million people and there is so much more to Nevada than Las Vegas. Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire are all just waiting to be explored.

The bright lights of the casinos in Las Vegas and Paradise draw those with dreams of striking it rich! Carson City offer architectural beauty while Henderson is a family-friendly community with a more laid back lifestyle. There is never-ending adventure in Pahrump.

Keep in mind that Nevada is the driest state in the US, and water management remains problematic, especially in areas such as Clark County.

Cost of Living

Before moving, consider the cost of living in Nevada and be sure that you have a reliable source of income before relocating to this state. Overall, the average cost of living in Nevada is 6.91 percent higher than the US average the unemployment rate is 12.6 percent.

According to data collected in October 2022, the latest available at the time of writing, Nevada housing prices continue their upward trajectory despite the sharp increase in mortgage rates following the aggressive interest rate hiking policy initiated by the Federal Reserve Bank as a means to fight back against inflation. The median sale price in Nevada stood at $432,200 in October 2022, 7.5% more than the year before.

Las Vegas has a cost of living that is above the national average. Overall, expect to pay about ten percent more living in Las Vegas in comparison to the national average. Groceries in Las Vegas costs about five percent more. Housing is 22 percent above the national Average and of that of both Sparks and Reno.

Sparks and Reno have an overall cost of living index that is equal to the national average, which includes the costs of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and health care.

Climate

With an average of only seven inches of rainfall a year, Nevada is the driest state in the entire US. However, in the Sierra Nevada, rainfall can be as much as 40 inches per year.

If you are moving to Nevada, be prepared for extreme temperatures. The days can sizzle over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, while nights, though generally pleasant in the summer, can get as cold as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Winters are longer and colder in the north of the state, and there’s usually some snow, so remember to bring winter clothes when moving to Nevada.

Education

Nevada has a number of quality educational institutions, from kindergarten all the way through graduate schools. What follows are some of the most renowned schools and colleges. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Nevada.

• Elementary Schools: Reno’s Elizabeth Lenz Elementary School, Caughlin Ranch Elementary School and Henderson’s John Vanderburg Elementary School are the top three elementary schools in the state.
• High Schools: Three of the highest ranked high schools are College of Southern Nevada High School East in North Las Vegas, Nevada State High School in Henderson and TMCC Magnet High School in Reno.
• Higher Education: Students moving to NV can attend the University of Nevada in Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada State College and University of Southern Nevada.

Government

Want to take care of important (mandatory) tasks before moving to Nevada? Many of the items required for a move to Nevada can be found online.

Nevada Government Resources

• When moving to Nevada, go to the Nevada State Government’s website to find information about a wide variety of topics, as well as links to specific state departments.
• Register to vote at your County Recorder’s Office or register to vote online.
• Find your local United States Post Office online.
• Register your vehicle and obtain a new driver’s license at the Nevada DMV.
• Nevada has no excise tax. For other tax information, visit IRS.gov.
• There are no toll roads in Nevada, as this is not allowed by the state’s constitution.