The biggest mistakes I see people make when moving to Reno, Nevada

Moving to Reno can absolutely be one of the best decisions you ever make. I have seen families land here, find their groove, and realize pretty quickly they just upgraded their day to day life in a big way. But I have also watched a lot of smart, well prepared people get blindsided by a few things they simply did not expect, then those little surprises turn into major frustrations.

Part of the problem is that Reno is hard to categorize. It is not California. It is not Las Vegas. And it is also not that tiny mountain town people remember from 20 years ago. Reno, Nevada sits right in that space where you can have a real city with real jobs and real commutes, plus easy access to Lake Tahoe, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, and all the outdoor stuff that makes people fall in love with Northern Nevada in the first place.

After helping hundreds of people relocate here over the years, especially families moving from California, I can tell you there are a handful of mistakes I see over and over again. The good news is that most of them are totally avoidable if you come in with realistic expectations and do a little homework before you sign on the dotted line.

Below are the biggest ones, along with practical ways to avoid them.

Getting too focused on the house, and choosing the wrong neighborhood

This is the number one mistake, and it is not even close. People get so locked in on the house itself, the kitchen, the yard, the floor plan, the new paint smell, that they forget they are not just buying a house, they are buying a location and a lifestyle.

One reason this happens is that people assume Reno is small enough that every neighborhood feels roughly the same. That is absolutely not true. Different parts of Reno and Sparks can feel like totally different cities, with different drive times, different weather, different housing styles, and different day to day routines.

Here are a few examples of how dramatically things can change:

• South Reno often feels newer, more master planned, and more suburban, with convenient access to shopping, parks, and some of the easiest routes toward Lake Tahoe.
• Northwest Reno can feel more tucked into the foothills, with older established pockets mixed with newer communities, and quick access to trails.
• Midtown is its own vibe entirely, more walkable, more local restaurants and coffee shops, and a totally different feel than the newer suburban areas.
• Spanish Springs and parts of Sparks, Nevada can feel more spread out, with newer developments, bigger skies, and longer drives depending on where you work and where you like to play.
• Old Southwest has that classic, mature Reno character, with older homes and tree lined streets, and a very different feel than places like Damonte Ranch or South Meadows.

Key takeaway: You can love Reno if you pick the right area, and you can struggle here if you buy the first house you like without thinking through the neighborhood.

When we help buyers, we always talk through the full picture:

• Commute direction, not just commute time
• Proximity to the things you will actually do, like Tahoe days, youth sports, trails, restaurants, and the airport
• Housing stock, older charm versus newer build
• Noise and traffic patterns, which can change a lot street to street
• Weather and elevation, which can be a huge deal in winter

If you want to start narrowing down areas, this is a great place to look at the communities we work in: check out the channel for neighborhood tours, weather talk, and relocation tips.

Underestimating distances, drive times, and how spread out the region really is

People look at a map and think, oh, Reno is not that big. Then they move here and realize the region is more spread out than it feels, especially once you factor in traffic patterns, construction, and winter weather.

As a real world example, from South Reno you can drive 40 to 45 minutes north or northeast and get out to far areas of Sparks. You can get down to Carson City in 25 to 30 minutes depending on where you start and what time you go. That difference matters a lot when you do it twice a day, five days a week.

Tahoe drive times are another big one. Where you live in Reno, Nevada or Sparks, Nevada dramatically changes how easy it is to get to the lake. From some parts of South Reno, getting to places like Sand Harbor can be surprisingly quick. From farther out areas in Sparks, getting to South Lake Tahoe can turn into a much longer haul.

Then there is USA Parkway, which is a major commute for a lot of people working in the industrial and tech corridor. That drive can be straightforward on a clear day, and completely different when weather hits or there is an accident.

Key takeaway: In Northern Nevada, you do not just choose a house, you choose a commute pattern. Make sure you test drive it before you commit.

Here is what I recommend people do on a visit before moving:

• Drive your potential commute at the time you would actually drive it
• Do a grocery run in the area you think you want to live
• Try to get to the airport from that neighborhood, especially during busier hours
• Do a Tahoe test run from that side of town, if Tahoe is part of your lifestyle plan

Assuming everything will be cheap

This one is understandable. A lot of buyers compare Reno to the California markets they are leaving, and yes, compared to many parts of California, Reno can still feel more attainable, especially in housing. But the idea that Reno is cheap across the board is outdated.

Housing prices and rents have gone up significantly over the years, and while you may find better value here, you should not expect bargain basement costs.

Beyond housing, a lot of everyday expenses are simply comparable to what people are used to:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Groceries
• Services and repairs

I like to frame Reno as a better value, not necessarily a cheap place. Many people feel they get more space, more access to outdoor recreation, and a quality of life upgrade for what they are paying, but you still need to build a realistic budget.

Key takeaway: Come for the value and lifestyle, not because you think everything is going to be dramatically cheaper.

Not spending enough real time in Reno before making the move

Watching videos and reading blogs is a great start, but it is not the same as being here and living in it for a few days. A huge mistake I see is people visiting once, usually when the weather is perfect, falling in love, then buying a house and realizing later that the day to day reality is different in different seasons.

Reno changes a lot depending on:

• The time of year
• Whether we are in a windy stretch
• Whether the mountains are dumping snow
• Whether it is wildfire season and air quality is impacted
• Whether you are trying to do normal errands on a busy summer weekend

One summer weekend can feel like pure magic. One winter weekend can feel like, wait, why is my windshield frozen and why did I just slide a little at that intersection? Both are real, and both are part of the deal.

When people ask me if a neighborhood is safe, I always tell them some version of this, I cannot decide that for you. There are online stats, sure, but you should also trust your own comfort level. Go drive the area at night. If it is 9:30 pm and you do not feel comfortable getting in and out of your car, that is valuable information.

Key takeaway: Do not just visit Reno, test it. Drive it, shop it, commute it, and see how it feels at night.

Expecting Reno to stay a secret, or stay the same

This might be the biggest reality check. Reno has been growing for years, and it is going to continue to grow. The cat has been out of the bag for a long time now, and a big part of that was getting put on the map in a new way once major employers and projects came into the region.

With growth comes tradeoffs:

• More traffic in certain corridors
• More development
• More construction
• More competition for some housing options

But growth also brings positives that many residents enjoy:

• More restaurants, and better restaurants
• More events and community activities
• More jobs and opportunities
• More services and amenities

The big thing is to understand that Reno today is different than Reno 15 or 20 years ago, and it is not going backwards. If you move here expecting a hidden mountain town that nobody knows about, you are going to feel disappointed. If you move here expecting a growing region with a strong outdoor lifestyle and increasing amenities, you are going to feel much better about the tradeoffs.

Key takeaway: Reno is evolving. The best relocations happen when you accept the growth, then choose the neighborhood and lifestyle that fit you.

A quick local story that shows why commute planning matters

I remember working with a client years ago who bought all the way out in Wingfield Springs. His job was in Carson City, and his drive was about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Now, most people would hear that and immediately say, no thank you.

But here is the twist, where he lived in California, he was doing a two hour drive. So for him, the Reno to Carson City commute felt like an improvement, and he actually enjoyed the time in the car. That is why I always say there is no universal right answer, it depends on what you are used to and what you value.

The mistake happens when someone assumes a commute will be fine, then realizes after moving that it is draining, or it cuts into family time, or winter weather makes it stressful. You want to discover that before you buy, not after.

How to avoid these mistakes and actually enjoy the move

If you are considering a move to Reno, Nevada, here is the practical checklist I would keep in mind.

• Choose the neighborhood first, then shop for the house within that area.
• Get clear on your non negotiables, like walkability, Tahoe access, newer build, or a shorter commute.
• Respect the elevation, because it affects weather, snow, and driving.
• Test drive your real life, commute, groceries, airport, school drop offs, weekend routines.
• Budget realistically, Reno is value, not a bargain bin.
• Expect growth, then decide which parts of the region align with your lifestyle.

If you want help thinking through neighborhoods, commutes, and what fits your priorities, you can always reach out to us. We do this every day, and we would rather help you plan smart up front than watch you regret a rushed decision later.

Conclusion

Reno is not perfect, no city is. But if Reno fits what you are looking for, especially if you want that mix of city convenience and quick access to the outdoors, it can be an amazing place to call home. The relocations that go the smoothest are the ones where people come in with realistic expectations about neighborhoods, winter, commute times, cost of living, and growth.

If you are still in research mode, you are in the right place. Keep learning, keep comparing areas, and keep picturing what your normal Tuesday looks like, not just your vacation weekend. When you are ready, explore other posts for more deep dives on living in Reno, Sparks, and the Lake Tahoe region.

Transcript

Moving to Reno can absolutely be one of the best decisions you ever make, but honestly, a lot of people moving here are completely surprised by a few things, and some of those surprises end up becoming major frustrations. Because let's be honest, Reno is not California, it is not Las Vegas, and it's also not some tiny mountain town anymore either. And after helping hundreds of people relocate to northern Nevada over the many years I've been doing this, I can tell you there are a handful of mistakes that people make over and over and over again. So, in today's video, what I want to do is break down these mistakes that people are making in their moves to Reno and northern Nevada, and hopefully we can help you avoid them. If you're new to the channel, my name is Brian Lesenger, and I'm going to welcome you to the Living in Reno Tahoe channel. I've lived here in northern Nevada for 37 years, and if this is your first time here, what we actually talk about are things like what it's like to live, work, eat, sleep, play, and survive all things northern Nevada. Choosing the wrong neighborhood. By far, this is one of the biggest mistakes people make moving to Reno. They just get so caught up in the house that they're not thinking about the neighborhood. So, people think Reno is small enough that every neighborhood basically feels the same, and that is so far from the truth. South Reno feels completely different than northwest Reno. That midtown area is going to feel completely different than if you're looking in Spanish Springs, and the old southwest is 100% different than things that are happening in Damonte Ranch or the South Meadows. Some neighborhoods are new, some neighborhoods are old, some are quieter, some are more family oriented, and some are more outdoor focused. And honestly, the neighborhood you choose can completely change your entire experience of living here and visiting here. I've seen people who absolutely love Reno because they picked the right area, the right lifestyle, and I've seen other people struggle here because they bought that first house, and they weren't thinking about all these things. And we try to walk you through the process as best that we can. And that's why we always tell people, don't just buy the house, you got to think of the location, the commutes, the lifestyle, all the things that are important to you, and hopefully you can get most of them, but you're not going to be able to get all of them. So, the second one is underestimating winter. Now, before the locals jump in the comments and say, "Yes, Reno winters are mild compared to a lot of the country." People that are moving here from California that maybe not ever lived somewhere where it snowed, can also be shocked dealing with things like snow on occasion, icy roads, wind, freezing mornings, having to deal with things like your landscaping when the weather gets cold, and the elevation changes. So, this is one thing people don't really understand at first when they move here. The weather can depend and change very quickly. So, depending on the neighborhood you live in, whether it's Galena or Somerset or how far up Mount Rose Highway you go, there are certain areas where higher elevations will get snow where other elevations will get rain. And some neighborhoods get noticeably more of that snow and noticeably more difficult winter driving conditions. So, if it's something you're not used to or you're not considering, it's just something to think about. If you don't understand how all that works, it can be a bigger adjustment than people are expecting. We did videos all about the weather and living at elevation and things like that. So, you just have to be careful with it. Another one that we get all the time is people amazingly still think Reno is like Las Vegas. And I grew up in Las Vegas, and my mom and my brother live in Las Vegas. People hear the word Nevada and they automatically picture Las Vegas and think we're going to be something different. And we are completely different, okay? Las Vegas is very entertainment driven and it's vacation driven. Reno is much more about lifestyle. This is an outdoor city. People here spend weekends hiking and skiing and golfing and mountain biking and fishing, boating, heading to the lake. And honestly, it surprises a lot of people, especially relocation people, if you're not an outdoor person, how much of our life is built around that. It's much more about quality of life and outdoor access than it really is casinos and nightlife. And yes, we have casinos and we have nightlife and we have some of those things, but it is nothing like Las Vegas. Las Vegas just has so much more of that, so much more entertainment. And it's a thing where a lot of people here, I know with my brother mom still living down there, where there are times where certain performers won't come to Reno cuz it's too small or we don't have a venue big enough for it. And I'll fly down to Las Vegas, and you can get down there, it's a 6 and 1/2 hour drive, it's not as far as you think, but it is not at all the same. Underestimating the distance and the commute times. And this is one that surprised a lot of people now, cuz Reno is much more spread out than it actually feels like. So, from where my office is and where I live in South Reno, you can literally drive 40, 45 minutes north and northeast to get to the far out areas of Sparks. you can actually drive and it might be only 25 or 30 minutes where you're getting down to Carson City. And people think it's a lot smaller and a lot closer than what what it really is. And you know, that's why you have to pay attention to what parts of town you're going to be in and where you're living, especially for those of you that are working and what direction you want to go cuz again, it can be a lot further than you think. Getting to Tahoe depends greatly on where you live. From my house, I can be at Sand Harbor in about 35 or 40 minutes, but if you're trying to get to South Lake Tahoe from Wingfield Springs out in Sparks, it can be an hour and a half drive. USA Parkway commuters, and again, depending on where you're coming from, that can be a huge thing and that winter weather can completely change these drive times. So, whether it's snow, whether it's an accident, lots of these things can make these commute times a lot a lot more challenging. What happens is a lot of the relocation buyers underestimate how far these locations will affect them, how far some of their lifestyle change will affect them. I remember years ago I had a client who bought all the way out in Wingfield Springs. His job was in Carson City and his drive was about an hour, hour and 15 minutes. And he liked being in the car that long. Where he lived in California was a 2-hour drive. So, for him, he really enjoyed that. But if you're people that are looking to get quicker airport access or you want easier Tahoe access or you want to be in a walkable neighborhood or if you're someone who's looking for newer homes versus older homes, you just need to be paying attention to those commute times and where you are because at this point, different parts of town are going to make things completely different. You want to also understand the geography cuz some of these neighbors, like if you get in Arrow Creek and all of a sudden you're at 6, 000 ft of elevation in the high points, you're going to get a lot more weather and snow and those kind of things than if you're saying out in the Sparks areas, okay? If you're somebody who's thinking about moving to northern Nevada, do me a favor. Click the link in the description below and get your copy of our free buyer's guide. It'll get you a lot of great information on your journey to northern Nevada. Is assuming everything is cheap. Now, we talked about this in many videos about how housing prices and rents and all these things have gone up, but I still hear a lot of people who think Reno must be inexpensive because it's much smaller than a lot of these California towns. Compared to many California markets, we are less expensive, especially for housing, but we have changed a lot. Our prices have got a lot more expensive and I always feel like if you can get that housing piece figured out, then you're going to be good to go. But, things like utilities and insurance and groceries and some of those things, I think we're very comparable, but we're not cheap. So, you just have to understand, some buyers come here expecting Reno to feel really cheap compared to California, and that is not really the reality anymore. A better way to think of Reno, in my opinion, is it's a better value. So, I think you're going to get more amenities, more space, more room, and it won't be more expensive for everything else other than if you can get that housing piece figured out really well. Another one here is not spending enough time here before you move here. And this is a huge mistake for people. You know, a lot of people are watching videos on the channel, and they want to move here, but they don't know a lot about Reno, or they haven't been here in a long time. So, some people, maybe they visit here one time, usually when the weather's really nice, and they fall in love with Reno or Tahoe, and they buy a house and then realize later what they were fully getting themselves into and what the city was all about, because Reno can change a lot depending on the time of year, what season it is, the weather, the lifestyle that you're looking for. A summer weekend and a winter weekend are going to feel completely different. And if you can come here, we encourage people come here, visit it, check it out, spend some real time here, cuz I know a lot of times when you just go to a city and you just visit it, it's not the same as if you were going there. I always tell people, too, if you can get out in traffic, drive the potential commute, visit some grocery stores, explore some of these neighborhoods, see what it's like at night. When people ask me, like, is that a safe neighborhood? Well, the thing I tell people is I can't tell you whether I think it's safe or not. I know there's online statistics that'll reach out to those kind of things, but I would say this, go drive into a neighborhood, and if it's 9:30 at night and you're not feeling comfortable getting in and out of your car, then maybe that is enough for you to say, "Hey, that neighborhood is not for you." When people just vacation here, it's not the same thing as really visiting and thinking about what it's like to to really move here. Expecting Reno to stay a secret, I think the cat's been out of the bag a long time now. This might be one of the biggest reality checks of all time. Reno has been growing, it's going to continue to grow, it has grown for years and years and years, and a lot of people move here wanting this what they thought was a hidden mountain town that nobody knows anything about. Reno now has evolved into a much bigger city. I think it's much more well-known ever since the whole Tesla thing happened here. We got put on the map that way. So, yes, there is a little more traffic. There's a lot more development. There's a lot more construction. And people keep moving here day after day, year after year. So, personally, I think the growth is positive, but there are some people that feel like it's a negative. But the positives are there's more and better restaurants. There's more events. There's more opportunities. There's more things. There's more jobs. But people have to understand Reno today different than Reno 15 or 20 years ago. And it's going to keep changing. There's things that are going to keep happening here that are just not We're just not going to go backwards. And you know, if you're one of those people that feel like all this growth hasn't been a good thing, you know, it is what it is at this point. So, I still think personally Reno's a great place to live. I think people who move here, most of them end up loving it. There are very few people that we've helped move here that turn around and go back. But the people who tend to have the best experience are the ones who come with realistic expectations. They understand the neighborhoods. They understand the climate. They understand the growth and the trade-offs of all these things. And that's why we try to put these videos out that talk about all of these things for you guys. So, as we say, no city is perfect, but if Reno fits what you're looking for, if it's your lifestyle, it can be an amazing place to call home. I've called it home for 37 years, and I I love it here, and I think you'll love it here, too. So, if you're someone that's thinking about moving to northern Nevada, do me a favor. Click this video we did right here about cost of living so that you'll understand what's really going on here in northern Nevada.