Reno, Nevada, sits at the base of the Eastern Sierras, in a desert valley about 40 miles from Lake Tahoe. Its dry climate features an abundance of sunshine -- about 290 days of sunshine each year, in fact. At 4,500 feet above sea level, Reno's average January temperature is 32.2 degrees. Its average July temperature is just 69.5 degrees, cooler than you'd expect in the desert Southwest.

The name "Reno" goes hand in hand with the fast-paced, exciting world of casinos, but there's a lot more to this desert city, mainly because of its relatively friendly climate. Year-round recreation is big here. The city enjoys easy access to world-class facilities: the ski trails of Tahoe (16 ski resorts at last count), mountain biking, hiking, golf courses, fishing and a variety of other water sports along the 70-plus miles of coastline at Lake Tahoe. Reno also is located just 13 miles east of the California border, offering a window to another world of scenic and recreational opportunities.

Incorporated as a city in 1903, the greater Reno area was and continues to be the home of various Native American tribes. During the 19th century, the city found itself in the middle of a mining boom. The area was dubbed the "End of the Track" until the Civil War era, when Union officer General Jesse Lee Reno gave the city its official name.

Gambling remained legal in Nevada until 1910, when Progressives banned Much like its big brother, Las Vegas, Reno was a popular gambling spot. That tradition was almost cut short by Prohibitionists who barred the practice in 1910. In 1931, gambling was reinstituted as a legal practice in a debt-weary state attempting to dig itself out from under the weight of the Great Depression.

Reno also has been known for something else: Divorce. The city was for many years considered the world's divorce capital. Reno changed its residency requirement in 1913 to a mere six months, which encouraged many prospective divorcees to move here for the required period and then obtain their divorces. In 1931, the city once again lowered its residency requirement, this time to just six weeks. That led to a divorce explosion -- a 200 percent increase.

Of course, to get divorced, you've got to get married, and Reno is good at that, too. In fact, nearly 27,000 couples tied the knot in Reno in 1996 alone. Couples may get married immediately after obtaining their marriage licenses; no medical exams are required, which encourages many spontaneous vows within city limits.

Reno's population of approximately 160,000 is relatively young; the average age here is 35.8 years. And this young, professional population is reaping the advantages of a steadily growing local economy -- which continues to attract a variety of relocating businesses -- and a booming real estate market. Homeowners in Reno have become younger in recent years, and the move-up market is also on the rise. Single-family homes in Reno range anywhere from less than $100,000 to $1 million and more. Master-planned communities are quite common, including such developments as Wingfield Springs, a golf community. (For a description of Reno's many planned communities, Click here. The area certainly has room on which to build, and many land parcels are on the market for those wanting to build their own homes. According to Reno-based Prudential Clement Realty, the average sale price of all homes in Reno is $158,892; the average sale price for condominiums is $74,779.

It's not difficult to understand why many companies are choosing to base their businesses in Reno and relocate their employees here. In a sense, Reno sits at the crossroads of the great West: The city has easy access both to the beauty of California and Lake Tahoe. Residents enjoy dry, pleasant temperatures year-round; yet, just a short distance away, they can take in a winter wonderland of white-capped mountains and snow-covered trails. Most important, perhaps, newcomers to Reno discover a wealth of local businesses that have spurred a strong economy and an active real estate market that caters to every preference and desired price range. It's clear that in Reno, jackpot winners aren't the only ones living the good life.

Real Times Community Profiles

Published: March 15, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.