Nevada, commonly known as the Silver State or the Battle Born State, is the 7th largest state in the US, occupying approximately 109,806 square miles. This state is universally known for Las Vegas, also known as sin city. Nevada has much more to offer: a thriving economy, beautiful scenery, a growing job market, and diverse cultures. 

But before you hire a moving company to help you move into this bubbly state, there are a few things you need to consider. 

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Nevada to help you make a sound, moving decision. 

Pros of Living in Nevada

Here are the top benefits of living in Nevada:

1. Thriving Economy

Nevada ranks among the top 10 states with a strong economy in the US. A good business environment, a large skilled workforce, and a friendly tax setup are the building blocks of Nevada’s strong economy.

This state generates enormous revenue from casinos, entertainment venues, and the tourism industry. Nevada offers its residents a stable economy with the potential to grow.

2. Low Tax Burden

You don’t want to live in a state where a large percentage of your income goes to taxes, right? Then Nevada is the perfect place for you.

This state charges no individual income tax, saving you a lot of money if you’re working or retired. Living in Nevada also means you’ll enjoy low real estate taxes.

3. Growing Job Market

Nevada offers unlimited job opportunities to its skilled workforce. Depending on your qualifications, you can work anywhere from casinos, hotels, and restaurants to the agriculture, healthcare, and mining industries.

There has also been a spike in the tech industry, opening doors to tech talents hungry for job opportunities.

Typically, if you are looking to grow your career, then Nevada is a great choice.

4. Beautiful Scenery

Nevada is home to some of the eye-catching outdoor sceneries in the US. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the landscape diversity that offers unlimited outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, skiing, rock climbing, biking, ziplining, and snowboarding, to mention a few.

Nevada’s weather patterns mean you will always have something to keep you occupied all year round. Since a large part of this state is dominated by a desert, it receives 300+ days of sunshine. However, it can sometimes get too hot.

If high temperatures aren’t your thing, you can consider moving to the northern part of the state, which has diverse weather patterns with hot, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters.

5. Flexible Laws

If you’re looking for a state with flexible laws, Nevada is the place to be. This state is known for its flexible laws that legalize activities that are considered illegal in other states.

For example, recreational marijuana is legal in Nevada as opposed to other states. So, if this is a hobby that interests you, you’ll be happier living here.

Besides, gambling is legal throughout the state, meaning you can just walk into a casino anywhere at any time. 

Last but not least, open container rules aren’t overly restrictive here, meaning it’s legal to walk down the streets with a beer in your hand.

Cons of Living in Nevada

Here are the cons of living in Nevada:

1. Education

The quality of education in Nevada ranks very low on the national charts. In the recent public schools ranking, Nevada ranked 45th in the country out of 51 states.  

So, if you’re planning on moving with your school-aged children, you may want to enroll them in private schools, which can be pretty expensive.

Typically, this state scores relatively low in almost every education sector, including quality of K-12 education, school financing, and probability of success. 

So, if you want the best education for your kids, you may want to reconsider your decision.

2. High Crime Rate

Nevada has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. According to a report by World Population Review, Nevada ranks 3rd among states with the highest crime rates after Louisiana and Missouri.

However, the crime rates vary depending on the area you choose to live. Most places in the urban areas are more prone to crime than those hidden away in the rural areas.

3. High Cost of Living

Generally, the cost of living in Nevada is 10% higher than the national average. And while there are plenty of housing options available, you should be ready to part with a few more dollars compared to other states.

If you’re living on a budget, you may consider the rural areas, where life is relatively cheaper. Alternatively, you can live in the urban areas and look for a relatively high-paying job.

The cost of groceries and other household goods is also pretty high compared to other states in the country.