Moving to Nevada?
When you think of Nevada, it’s hard not to picture Las Vegas, and all of the lights and excitement that is synonymous with “Sin City,” however there is much more to Nevada than the casinos and shows of the Vegas strip. Nevada is an untamed frontier with sweeping desert landscapes and soaring mountains that paint the horizon in every direction. Most of the state is still wilderness, with almost 75 percent of Nevada being classified as federally owned forest or wilderness preserves. Most of the big cities in the state, including Vegas and Reno, the “Biggest Little City in the World” are located towards the southern parts of the state, leaving the northern regions as mostly open land.
Even if the thrill of Las Vegas isn’t quite your scene, there is a little bit for everyone in Nevada, and lying cradled between Utah, Arizona, and California, it’s literally in the middle of just about everything. With Lake Tahoe lying to the west near the California border, and the Grand Canyon to the southeast in nearby Arizona, Nevada is certainly the place to be.
If you’re moving to Nevada, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Nevada
Nevada Climate
Nevada has an arid desert climate that varies depending on your elevation or location within the state. During the winter months, it can get quite cold at times and temperatures can regularly drop to the low-to-mid 30s. Snow is not uncommon in higher elevations, especially in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. During the summer, temperatures can be extremely high from June through August, especially in the valley and in the Las Vegas area. Average temperatures are anywhere from 100-110 degrees during these months. The spring and summer seasons are also known to bring an incredibly dry warm air into the region as well.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in Nevada after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty of up to $1,000. Students and active members of the military stationed in Nevada are still able to keep their out-of-state registration. You must also provide proof of insurance from the state of Nevada to renew your registration.
Obtaining a Nevada Driver’s License
A Nevada Driver’s License can be obtained at any Nevada DMV location. The state requires new Nevada residents to update their license from their previous state to a Nevada driver’s license within 30 days of moving. If you fail to update your driver’s license within this 30-day window, you may have to pay a fine.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Nevada was ranked 50th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of around 40-50 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The economy of Nevada is built on the foundation of tourism, and it is tourism that largely drives the state’s economy and is a major contributor of revenue for the state. Between the millions of tourists that flock to the Las Vegas and Reno areas every year, and the billions of dollars spent in the casinos and restaurants and on tours to attractions like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, Nevada thrives on tourism. In addition to tourism, mining is also still a major contributor to the Nevada economy, with gold, silver, copper and lithium being the most commonly mined minerals.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Nevada had an unemployment rate of 12.0 percent, which is currently the highest unemployment rate in the country and much higher than the national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Nevada is $55,726, while the average per capita income for the state is $27,589.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything, you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Nevada is $340,983, while the median sales price is just over $309,995. The Nevada Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Nevada.
Major landmarks and attractions
Las Vegas strip; Hoover Dam; Stratosphere Hotel and rides; Cirque du Soleil; Lake Mead Recreation Area; Red Rock Canyon; The Biggest Little City in the World, Reno; Lake Tahoe; Virginia City Old West tours; Death Valley; Mojave Desert
State Capital: Carson City
Largest Cities: Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Henderson, Paradise, Spring Valley
Schools
The Nevada state educational system is comprised of a vast network of districts spread throughout the state and containing all levels of education, from elementary schools to middle schools and high schools. The public education system in Nevada is governed by the Nevada Board of Education and the network of higher education institutions comprises the Nevada System of Higher Education. This network contains a number of collegiate institutions including the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Nevada, among many others.
National Parks
Death Valley National Park
Great Basin National Park
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
State park System
Nevada is mostly comprised of wilderness, so there are a great number of parks that span the state from top to bottom, from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe. The Nevada state park system provides many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders of Nevada by hiking, fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
North Las Vegas Airport
Boulder City Municipal Airport
Elko Regional Airport