Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, with a population of over 211,000, is the fourth-largest city in Nevada (after Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas). The city lies on the Truckee River to the east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Bordered by the natural beauty of the mountains and Lake Tahoe and within 50 miles of more ski resorts than anywhere else in the world, Reno boasts plenty of attractions to warrant its nickname of “The Biggest Little City in the World.” It’s no wonder so many people are moving to Reno.
Economy:
Casinos and tourism make up a great deal of Reno’s economics, but other industries have an impact as well. Sectors such as electronics, financial services, computers, communications, warehousing and distribution are all important to the city’s economic situation. Casinos and hotels do remain the main industry, bringing into Reno more than $4 billion and five million tourists each year. Reno’s share of the gaming market has dropped since the early-20th century, while other industries have arisen to take its place. Today, there are many companies with corporate headquarters in Reno. These include Hamilton (a fluids management company), PC-Doctor (computer security), Braeburn Capital, Port of Subs and International Game Technology.
History:
Reno was first settled by farmers arriving in the 1850s along the route of the California Trail. Traffic through the area, known as Truckee Meadows, increased in 1859 with the discovery of the Comstock Silver Lode. In that same year, Charles W. Fuller built the first bridge over the Truckee River and later sold it to Myron C. Lake. Lake built up small industries in the area and called it Lake’s Crossing. Within a few years, the town was the largest in Washoe County, and the population only increased with the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868. The railroad’s construction superintendent, Charles Crocker, renamed Lake’s Crossing to honor Major General Jesse Lee Reno, who had been killed in the Civil War. Reno grew steadily into the 20th century as a business and agricultural center that served as the principal settlement between Salt Lake City and Sacramento. With the legalization of gambling in 1931, Reno boomed as gamblers and divorcees flooded to the city.
Tourism:
While most visitors go to Reno for the gambling there is plenty to do that makes visitors want stay. Outdoor adventurers will find, in addition to skiing in the winter, many events throughout the year. These include the Great Reno Balloon Race (September), the Reno-Tahoe Open (July), the Reno Rodeo (June), the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (June) and the Reno River Festival (May). Cultural attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Opera and the Reno Philharmonic. Reno has several historic homes that are available for public viewing, including the Joseph Giraud/Hardy House (built in 1914) and the Nystrom House (built in 1875). Travel to and from Reno is available by air at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and by Amtrak train along the California Zephyr route. Local transportation is provided by the Regional Transit Commission of Washoe County. Moving companies also make frequent stops to Reno, transporting residents to their new homes.
Colleges and Universities:
• Career College of Northern Nevada
• Morrison University
• University of Nevada-Reno
• Truckee Meadows Community College
Interesting Facts:
• The Reno Aces AAA minor league baseball team, associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks, play at the city’s Aces Park, built in 2009.
• While it is set in the city, the comedy show “Reno 911” is actually filmed elsewhere.
• Several prominent songs throughout the years have mentioned Reno. These include Woody Guthrie’s 1937 “Philadelphia Lawyer” (originally called “Reno Blues”), Johnny Cash’s 1956 “Folsom Prison Blues,” Beck’s 1994 “Loser,” REM’s 2001 “All the Way to Reno” and Bruce Springsteen’s 2005 “Reno.”
Helpful Links:
• Reno Tourism
• City of Reno
• Reno Moving Guide
• Reno Storage Facilities
• Reno Real Estate