RENO, NV
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the 4th most populated city in Nevada, after the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, NV (which is a suburb of Las Vegas) and N Las Vegas. Reno is located in Washoe County in northwestern Nevada, on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about 24 miles (37 km) from Lake Tahoe, which is located in both the California and Nevada regions. Reno is part of the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area.
Reno was founded in 1868 as a stopover for settlers traveling westward on the Central Pacific Railroad. The city quickly grew in popularity as a divorce destination due to its lenient residency requirements and easy access to nearby Lake Tahoe. Reno’s economy diversified in the early 20th century with the advent of gambling and legalized prostitution. Today, Reno is known for its casinos, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
Reno is famous for its casinos and as a destination for quickie divorces during the 1950s and 1960s. It sits in a high desert valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Its riverwalk area along the Truckee River features opportunity knits, art sculptures, cafes and nightlife options. Perennial flowers bloom at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The Winery & Vineyard at Terra Firma is a working farm where guests can taste wines produced onsite.
Reno’s location near Lake Tahoe has made it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, skiing and mountain biking. The area also offers several golf courses. Professional sports teams include minor-league baseball and hockey.
Reno was founded on May 13th, 1868, following the discovery of gold in Virginia City by Abraham Curry (also known as Abe) and was named after Jesse L.. Reno (1823–1862), a Union general killed in the American Civil War at the Battle of South Mountain on Fox’s Gap.
Curry built alog cabin along the Truckee River while waiting for his sawmill to be completed; by summer’s end he had erected over 20 cabins and laid out streets for what would be one of the largest cities west of Salt Lake City and north of San Francisco until 1886 when Winston Churchill called it “The Biggest Little City in the World”. A replicaLog Cabin Village sits on the original site along with exposition hall now called “Harrah’s Autoland”.
As of 2019, the metro area had an estimated population of 478,192. The population of Reno as of 2019 was 241,445, up from 233,294 in 2010. The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area is the most populous in Nevada. With an estimated 2019 population of 478,192 it is also the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the US after Seattle, Washington DC, Phoenix and San Francisco.
Reno is notable for its casinos and as the birthplace of Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment Corporation). It is oftentimes referred to as “The Biggest Little City in the World”. Tourist attractions include Ski Apache, golf courses, hiking and boating on nearby lakes including Pyramid Lake and global destinations like the Truckee Meadows Whitewater Park.
Reno is home to two major universities: the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. It also houses a number of other schools including Western Nevada College and Sierra Nevada College.
Reno has a lot to offer its residents and visitors alike. With its beautiful location at the base of the Sierra Nevadas and its proximity to Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder that outdoor activities are such a popular pastime here. In addition to its many outdoor attractions, Reno is also home to a number of colleges and universities, making it a great place to live and learn. And last but not least, Reno’s casinos are world-renowned and always worth a visit (or two)! Whether you’re looking for a place to settle down or just looking for a fun weekend getaway destination, Reno should definitely be at the top of your list.