- Brian Norris
When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.
Living in Reno
On entering the city, expatriates in Reno will be greeted by a glowing neon sign declaring: “RENO: The Biggest Little City in the World”. This pretty much says it all. Reno is a city of contradictions, it absolutely buzzes with energy 24 hours a day, yet it is surrounded by miles of arid desert. It is hot all year-round, with temperatures frequently breaking 100F during the summer, yet the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada tower over the city. It is famous for its downtown casinos, yet it just a short drive from the natural wonders of Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe National Forest Park. Expats living in Reno will probably need some time to acclimatize to this new way of living, but it is worth taking the time to get to know the city and all its surprises. Yes, there are casinos, but there is also a respected university, The University of Nevada, Reno, and a wealth of museums simply waiting to be explored by expats living in Reno. This includes, for example, the National Automobile Museum, which displays one of the greatest car collections in the world.
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Moving to Reno
Reno is situated in the northwest of the state of Nevada, the opposite end to Las Vegas. The nearest metropolis is California’s Sacramento, and Reno itself has a distinctly Californian vibe, with its sparkling skyscrapers, theaters, and outdoorsy lifestyle. Reno has its own airport, although some expatriates may prefer to fly into San Francisco or Las Vegas and take the scenic route to the city. You will need a car here, so if you are thinking of moving to Reno, take some time to familiarize yourself with the road rules of Nevada. If this is your first time in Nevada, or the United States, speak to some seasoned expats on the InterNations discussion boards or forums, and get some tips on what you can expect or have a look at our content section to learn more about what to keep in mind when relocating to the US.
Working in Reno
Up until the 1950s, Reno was best known for its gambling industry and lenient divorce laws, which attracted a certain kind of short-term tourist. However, over the years, a number of large multinational corporations have set up their headquarters in Reno, so the average expatriate working in Reno is likely to be a career-minded professional looking for a good work/life balance. Before moving to the city, make absolutely sure that your visas and work permits are in order, and keep yourself up to date on any changes in employment law which could affect you. If possible, ask your employer if you are eligible for health insurance and dental cover through your job, as medical bills in America can be prohibitively expensive. To learn more about working life in the United States, speak to fellow expatriates through the InterNations community, the largest online expat network worldwide.