Known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno, Nevada, has been steadily growing into a dynamic city and fabulous destination for tourists and retirees. The area averages 300 days of sunshine each year, making it perfect for many outdoor recreations, and it also boasts an exciting nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, casinos and entertainment venues.

Location

Reno is located in Western Nevada’s Washoe County, nestled in a high desert valley at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city is 40 minutes from nearby Carson City, an hour from Lake Tahoe, and about two hours from Sacramento, California. Residents can easily plan a weekend trip to the coast as well, with San Francisco being about three-and-a-half hours away.

Climate

The weather in Reno is generally sunny and warm, as the area sits in the rain shadow of the Sierras. Most of the precipitation that does fall is in the winter and spring, which includes some light snowfall from time to time. Summer days tend to be hot and dry, with average highs in the low to mid-90s, although the temperature can sometimes climb over 100 degrees. Winters are cool, but mild, with days typically in the mid-40s.

Recreation

Outdoor activities are common recreations throughout Reno and the surrounding areas. Within an hour’s drive of the city, outdoor enthusiasts will find 15 ski resorts, 50 golf courses, many lakes for boating and fishing, and countless nature trails for hiking and biking. The Truckee River runs through the city, offering additional opportunities for water-based activities, and kayakers particularly enjoy a visit to the Truckee River Whitewater Park.

Attractions

Casinos are an exciting draw for visitors and locals alike. A few popular ones include the Peppermill, Atlantis and the Grand Sierra Resort. Although, many casinos offer more than gambling. Many feature concerts and live shows, while some are home to well-known bars and nightclubs, such as The Brew Brothers at the Eldorado Hotel Casino, the Sapphire Lounge at Harrah’s, and Rum Bullions at the Silver Legacy. Concerts, art shows and performances are also staged at the Reno Events Center, La Bussola, Sierra Arts, Bruka Theater, and Pioneer Center.

Beyond its year-round attractions, Reno hosts several annual festivals and seasonal events. A few well-known events include the Hot August Nights classic-car show, the Street Vibrations motorcycle rally, the Reno River Festival, the Reno Rodeo and The Great Reno Balloon Race. The city also puts on large celebrations for events such as Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo, and the Fourth of July.

Active adults interested in relocating to Reno will find several age-restricted active adult communities and age-targeted communities scattered throughout the surrounding area. As part of Reno’s master-planned Somersett golf community, Sierra Canyon is a Del Webb property which currently offers both resale and new construction homes. Its on-site amenities include a 20,000 square-foot clubhouse, tennis courts, and access to a membership at Somersett’s private 18-hole golf course.

Whether planning a vacation or looking for a retirement destination, Reno offers exciting attractions, natural beauty and a wide variety of outdoor recreations.