There’s a reason why almost 3 million people love calling Nevada home. For some, it may be the lure of Las Vegas or big opportunities with the state’s tourism and entertainment industries. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear - Nevada offers the fun, beauty, and opportunity other states seem to lack. If you’re thinking about living in the Silver State, one of these top places might be the perfect spot.
Nevada (Spanish for "snowy") is located in the southwestern U.S. It’s bordered by California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, Utah to the east, and Idaho and Oregon to the northeast and northwest. The state capital of Nevada is Carson City, while the state’s largest city is Las Vegas; the state’s largest metro area is Las Vegas-Paradise. While Nevada might be a big state, its population is not; Nevada is the 9th least densely populated state in the nation.
Nevada’s diverse geography ranges from the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east to the Great Basin in the north; and, in the south, the Mojave Desert and the Spring Mountain Range. Nevada is the driest state in the country, and most parts of the state receive very little precipitation - annual rainfall here can be as little as 7 inches. Summer highs in Carson City can approach 90 degrees, and in Las Vegas it can climb above 100; while winter temperatures throughout the state can plunge to as low as 5 degrees.
Nevada is well known for its vibrant entertainment industry, much of it centered in and around Las Vegas. The state has a vibrant nightlife scene, but many famous chefs have opened restaurants that are worth a deviation from the typical tourist faire found in Nevada’s many casinos. Small country towns also offer many diverse food options. Gambling and entertainment are a big part of Nevada’s draw, but because the cost of living is so low here it’s well worth taking in some of the state’s other aspects, too. Even if you base yourself in Las Vegas or Carson City, it’s still easy to reach Nevada’s many state parks, the mountains, and small country towns within a few hours. It’s this mix of bustling nightlife and rural leisure that really turns on the charm for Nevada. Some of the trendiest places in Nevada are located outside the Vegas Strip; in these small, friendly towns, cafés and restaurants serve up food with distinct western flavors.
With an abundance of great cities and neighborhoods, finding the best places to live in Nevada isn't easy. We'll give you a head start as these cities are our picks for the best places in Nevada. To further customize your list of the best places to live in Nevada, you can also specify your search radius, population size, home/rent budget and what metrics (like amenities, crime, education, and cost of living) are most important to you.