Top 10 Reasons to Live in Nevada

I was thinking today of why someone might want to live in Nevada. And well, since I live here and am a “transplant” from Montana (among other places)…I guess I’m as qualified as anyone else to give a few reasons why someone might want to live in Nevada.

So here it goes….

1. You like the Sun - Nevada has gorgeous weather, no matter where you live in the state. And the sun always seems to shine. True…more so in Las Vegas, but even up here in Reno you get around 270+ days of sunshine, give or take a few.
2. You Like to Gamble - Rather common sense stuff here. Nevada = Casinos. And until recently, that was pretty much the economy too outside of mining and agriculture.
3. You Like Booze - Nevada and booze go hand in hand. You can buy liquor anywhere, at anytime of the day or night. One would think that with such open liquor laws that Nevada would be lined with alcoholics. Interestingly, the drinking problem in Nevada isn’t as bad as places like Montana, Wisconsin, Alaska. Reason for this is likely due to the weather…seems like the further north you go, the more time you spend indoors, and the more you drink.
4. You Hate the Taxman - Nevada is great for this. No state income tax. You don’t realize how great this is until the time to pay taxes rolls around and you realize you don’t owe the state anything. Yes, Nevada has a sales tax, but it isn’t any worse than most other places…places which ALSO have a state income tax too.
5. You Want To Do What You Want - Nevada is truly a do what you want to do, when you want to do type of place. Live and let live is sort of the unofficial motto of the state, probably best personified by the “What Happens In Vegas Stays in Vegas” advertising campaign that Las Vegas launched a few years back.
6. Legal Prostitution - OK. It isn’t my thing…but it just might be yours? Besides, it is kind of cool living in a state that doesn’t have a problem with it…points out the “live and let live” motto that Nevada has that is mentioned in the 5th reason.
7. You Like the Desert - If you really hate the desert, Nevada just isn’t for you. But if you like or at least are ambivalent about it, the desert has a way of growing on you. In particular, I’ve found that I greatly enjoy the massive and sweeping views that Nevada provides.
8. You Like Outdoor Activities - Most places out west have great outdoor activities of one kind or another. Problem is that is might be a haul to reach federal land to do it on. Not in Nevada…where 90% of the land is federally owned.
9. Want To Forget About Life For A While - There are few states outside of Alaska where a person can simply “disappear” so easily as they can in Nevada. Nevada is a great place to slink off somewhere and never be seen again…forgetting about life for a while.
10. You Want to Take Advantage of California Without Living There - One reason Nevada is bursting with people from California is because you can live in Vegas or Reno, be close to many great things that California has to offer (such as the Sierra Mountains and the Tahoe Basin), and not have to deal with the hassle/cost of living in California. No small wonder the states population is growing by leaps and bounds.