Is Nevada Right for You? The Honest Questions to Ask Yourself

Nevada keeps showing up in your searches. You've looked at homes. Maybe visited once or twice. The numbers make sense. No state income tax sounds pretty incredible. But you're still wondering: is this actually the right move? We're here to help.

Good news—you're asking the right question. And the answer for most people considering Nevada? It's a resounding yes.

But let's make sure. Because moving across state lines is a big deal, and you deserve to know exactly what you're getting into. Not the tourism-brochure version. The real version.

With this quick self-assessment, you'll know if Nevada is calling your name—or if you should keep looking.

The Nevada Life Quiz: 12 Questions That Tell You Everything

Grab a piece of paper or just keep a mental tally. For every question you answer "yes" to, give yourself a point.

1. Want more house for less money?

In Nevada, $500K gets you a real home. Not a fixer-upper. Not a condo with paper-thin walls. A 2,000+ square foot house with a yard, garage, and room to breathe.

Compare that to what $500K gets you in California, Seattle, or Denver. Yeah. Nevada wins.

Reno: Mountain views, 4-bedroom homes in great neighborhoods
Vegas: Newer builds, resort-style community amenities, pools everywhere
Carson City: Space, privacy, and that small-town feel with big-city access nearby

If you're tired of being house-poor, that's a point.

2. How about keeping more of your paycheck. Sound appealing?

No state income tax isn't just a talking point—it's real money back in your pocket every single month.

If you're making $75K in California, you're paying around $4,500/year in state income tax. In Nevada? $0. That's an extra $375/month you get to keep.

At $150K? You're saving $13,000+ per year. That's a vacation. A new car. Your kid's college fund. Your future.

If you like the idea of your money staying your money, that's a point.

3. Can you handle hot summers?

Let's not sugarcoat it—Nevada gets hot. But that's not all bad: how hot, and whether you can handle it is the question.

Vegas summers: 100–110°F regularly from June through August. It's intense. But homes are built for it—killer AC, covered patios, pools in every neighborhood. You adapt. And honestly? Dry heat at 105°F feels better than humid heat at 85°F.

Reno summers: 85–95°F, way more comfortable. You'll actually want to be outside. Mountain breezes, cool evenings, and Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes away when you need to cool off.

Carson City summers: Similar to Reno, mid-80s to low-90s. You get four real seasons here without the extremes.

And a trad-off could be: Yes, summer is hot. But you get 300+ days of sunshine, no snow to shovel (unless you're in Reno and you want to go play in it), and winters that don't require a parka.

If you'd rather deal with heat than freezing rain, snow, or gray skies for six months straight, that's a point.

4. Like spending time outdoors on adventures?

Nevada isn't just desert. It's mountains, lakes, trails, red rocks, and endless space to explore.

Reno area: You're 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking—it's all right there. You can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.

Vegas area: Red Rock Canyon for climbing and hiking. Lake Mead for boating. Valley of Fire for otherworldly landscapes. Mt. Charleston when you need a break from the heat.

Carson City area: Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. You've got hiking, fishing, and Tahoe access without Tahoe prices.

If you want adventure in your backyard instead of a 3-hour drive away, that's a point.

5. Are you an entrepreneur or side-hustler?

Nevada loves people who build things. No state income tax means you keep more of what you earn. Business-friendly regulations mean less red tape. And the communities here? They support local.

If you've been dreaming of starting that business, launching that side gig, or finally going full-time freelance—Nevada makes it easier to actually do it.

That's a point.

6. Do you want a real community?

One of the biggest surprises people have when they move to Nevada: how genuinely welcoming it is.

Reno: Growing arts scene, tight-knit neighborhoods, that "big small town" vibe where you actually know your neighbors.

Vegas: Diverse, vibrant, full of transplants just like you. People are friendly because most of them moved here too. Community events, local businesses, neighborhood groups—it's real.

Carson City: Small-town charm with everyone knowing everyone (in the best way). Local pride is strong here.

If you want to feel like you belong somewhere instead of just existing in a crowded city, that's a point.

7. What about cities that are growing?

Nevada isn't finished yet. New neighborhoods are going up. Businesses are opening. Infrastructure is improving. It's exciting—but it also means occasional construction, growing pains, and that "not everything is here yet" feeling in some areas.

But there is a flip side to this: you get to be part of building it. You're not moving to a place that peaked 20 years ago. You're moving to a place that's becoming something.

If that excites you more than it worries you, that's a point.

8. Do you care more about lifestyle than status?

Nevada isn't flashy (okay, the Strip is, but that's not where you'll live). It's not about impressing people with your ZIP code. It's about living well—having space, freedom, money left over to actually enjoy life.

If you'd rather have a great house and take amazing trips than stress about keeping up appearances, that's a point.

9. Are you okay with driving?

Public transit exists in Reno and Vegas, but let's be real—you're going to drive. Nevada is spread out. Your commute might be 20–30 minutes. Running errands means hopping in the car.

But traffic? Way better than LA, Bay Area, Seattle, or most big cities. And gas prices are reasonable.

If you don't mind driving and appreciate less traffic, that's a point.

10. Do you want four seasons (or none at all)?

Reno and Carson City: You get all four seasons. Crisp fall, snowy winter (but manageable), gorgeous spring, warm summer. If you like seasonal changes without brutal winters, you'll love it here.

Vegas is different. Winter is 60–70°F and sunny.

If either of those sounds better than what you've got now, that's a point.

11. Are you ready to leave behind what's not working?

High cost of living. State taxes. Expensive housing. Traffic. Crowds. Bad weather. Stagnant job markets.

Whatever's pushing you to consider Nevada—are you actually ready to leave it behind? Or are you going to miss it?

If you're genuinely ready for a fresh start, that's a point.

12. Does the idea of Nevada just feel right?

Sometimes you just know. You've done the research. You've run the numbers. But more than that—you can picture yourself there. Your kids playing in the yard. Your morning coffee on the patio. Weekend hikes. A life that feels good.

If Nevada keeps pulling you back, that's a point.

Your Score: What It Means

10–12 points: Nevada is calling your name. You're not just considering it—you're ready. The lifestyle fits. The benefits align. The only question left is: Reno, Vegas, or Carson City?

7–9 points: Nevada is a strong fit, but you've got a couple of reservations. That's normal. Spend some time visiting the area you're considering. Talk to people who live there. Your concerns are probably smaller than they feel right now.

4–6 points: You're intrigued, but you're not convinced yet. And that's okay. Keep researching. Maybe Nevada is a future move, not a now move. Or maybe you just need more time to get comfortable with the idea.

1–3 points: Nevada might not be your place—and that's perfectly fine. Not every state is for everyone. But if you scored low and you're still thinking about it, ask yourself: what's really holding you back? Fear of change, or a genuine mismatch?

The Three Cities: Which One Fits You?

Still not sure where in Nevada you'd land?

Choose Reno if: You want four seasons, mountain access, a mid-sized city vibe, and proximity to Tahoe. It's growing fast but still feels like a community. Great for outdoor lovers and families.

Choose Vegas if: You want year-round sun, new construction, endless entertainment options, and a big-city feel without big-city prices. Diverse, vibrant, and full of opportunity. Great for entrepreneurs and people who love options.

Choose Carson City if: You want small-town charm, low cost of living, easy access to Reno and Tahoe, and that "everyone knows everyone" community feel. Quiet, safe, and perfect for families or anyone craving simplicity.

What People Wish They'd Known Before Moving

We asked people who made the move. Here's what they said:

"Reno was a breath of fresh air. We're living the live we couldn't imagine here!"

The Bottom Line

Nevada isn't for everyone. But if you scored high on this quiz, if you've been dreaming about more space, lower taxes, better weather, and a life that actually feels affordable—then yeah, Nevada is probably right for you.

The question isn't whether Nevada is good enough. It's whether you're ready to take the leap.

Ready to Explore Nevada Homes?

The best way to know if Nevada is right for you? See it for yourself. Walk through neighborhoods. Picture your life there. Talk to people who know the area inside and out.

Start your Nevada home search with a local expert →