Reno, Nevada – The Biggest Little City
With a population of over 248,000 as of 2020, Reno is the fourth largest city in Nevada. Located in Washoe County in the northwestern part of the state, Reno lies approximately 22 miles north of Lake Tahoe and sits in a high desert river valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is famous for its casino resorts and entertainment.
History
The Reno area was first inhabited by the Washoe people for centuries before Europeans arrived. In the 1800s, Reno was founded as a stopover along the California Trail. It was named after Civil War general Jesse L. Reno.
Reno grew slowly until the early 20th century when Nevada legalized gambling in 1931. This helped establish Reno as a popular tourism destination. During World War II, Reno’s economy boomed as the city hosted a U.S. Army facility.
Today, in addition to tourism, Reno has a diverse economy including distribution, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology companies. The city promotes its arts and culture scene as well.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the top employers in Reno include:
- Washoe County School District – 8,750 employees
- University of Nevada, Reno – 4,750 employees
- Washoe County – 2,750 employees
- Renown Regional Medical Center – 4,245 employees
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa – 1,850 employees
- Peppermill Reno – 1,822 employees
- International Game Technology – 1,750 employees
- The Peppermill Casino – 1,700 employees
Other major industries in Reno include tourism, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, healthcare, education, and technology. Some of the largest employers are hotels, casinos, schools, hospitals, and government offices.
For more information on Reno’s economy and business, visit the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada website at 950 S. Rock Blvd, Reno, NV 89502, (775) 687-7400.
Attractions and Landmarks
As “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno offers big city amenities and attractions with a small town charm. Some top attractions and landmarks include:
National Automobile Museum
This museum has an impressive collection of over 200 cars detailing the history of the automobile. Some highlights include Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado, a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Long Wheelbase Coupe, and a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly Sedan.
Address: 10 S. Lake St., Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 333-9300
National Automobile Museum website
Reno Arch
This iconic Reno landmark spanning Virginia Street downtown has marked the city’s downtown since 1926. “The Biggest Little City in the World” neon sign was added in 1929.
Address: South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
GPS coordinates: 39°31’34.2″N 119°48’45.1″W
Reno Riverwalk District
This vibrant riverfront district along the Truckee River is home to restaurants, shops, museums, a riverwalk, kayaking, and more. A hub for community events and gatherings.
Reno Riverwalk District website
Fleischmann Planetarium
Part of the University of Nevada, Reno campus, this planetarium offers shows about astronomy and space. Features include a 70-foot dome screen and seating for up to 137.
Address: 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557
Phone: (775) 784-4811
Fleischmann Planetarium website
Outdoor Activities
Reno’s proximity to Lake Tahoe, rivers, mountains, deserts, and open space offers endless options for outdoor recreation. Popular activities include:
- Skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Rose, Tahoe Meadows, and other Lake Tahoe ski resorts
- Hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains
- Kayaking, tubing, and swimming in the Truckee River
- Fishing on the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
- Golfing at courses like Somersett Golf & Country Club, Washoe County Golf Course, and Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
- Camping at sites like Davis Creek Regional Park and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Arts and Culture
Reno has a growing arts and culture scene with events and venues including:
Reno Philharmonic Orchestra
Reno’s local symphony orchestra performs at venues like the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.
Reno Philharmonic Orchestra website
Nevada Museum of Art
Showcases art inspired by the landscape and history of the Great Basin area.
Address: 160 W. Liberty St. Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 329-3333
Artown
This popular month-long arts festival held each July features music, theater, dance, and more.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Reno is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC). Options include:
RTC RIDE Buses
Fixed route buses serving Reno, Sparks, and surrounding areas.
RTC Rapid and RTC Rapid Virginia Line
Bus rapid transit lines with limited stops.
FlexRIDE
On-demand shared ride service in designated zones.
ACCESS RTC
Paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities.
For routes, schedules, fares, and other RTC public transportation information, visit www.rtcwashoe.com or call (775) 348-RIDE.
Geography and Climate
Reno sits in western Nevada’s high desert climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Reno’s climate is semi-arid with sunny days most of the year. Average summer highs reach the low 90s Fahrenheit while winter lows drop to the low 30s. Rainfall averages about 7.5 inches annually.
The Truckee River flows through downtown Reno, originating at Lake Tahoe and terminating at Pyramid Lake northeast of the city. Reno sits at an elevation of about 4,500 feet in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
County and Regional Information
Reno is located in Washoe County, Nevada. Washoe County’s website is www.washoecounty.gov and the County seat is in Reno at:
Washoe County Administration Complex
1001 E 9th St
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 328-2000
Education
Public education in Reno is managed by the Washoe County School District, the second largest school district in Nevada. WCSD operates public K-12 schools in Reno, Sparks, Incline Village, and Gerlach. There are over 63,000 students enrolled across 99 schools as of 2022.
Washoe County School District website
Higher education options in Reno include:
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
Founded in 1874, UNR is a public research university located just northeast of downtown. With over 22,000 students, UNR is home to the School of Medicine, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, and more.
University of Nevada, Reno website
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
A public two-year college located in Sparks and Reno with vocational training and academic programs.
Truckee Meadows Community College website
Sports and Recreation
The Reno area offers many recreational opportunities for sports and outdoors enthusiasts:
Reno Aces
Minor league baseball team, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Home games played at Greater Nevada Field in downtown Reno.
Reno 1868 FC
Professional soccer team in the USL Championship league. Home games at Greater Nevada Field.
Nature and hiking
Numerous parks, open spaces, trails, and outdoor recreation areas surround Reno including Mount Rose Wilderness Area, Peavine Peak, Hunter Creek Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Galena Creek Regional Park, and more.
Skiing and snowboarding
Popular nearby ski resorts include Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Diamond Peak, Northstar California, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and others around Lake Tahoe.
Golf
The Reno-Tahoe region boasts around 50 golf courses. Top local courses include Montreaux Golf & Country Club, Somersett Country Club, Washoe County Golf Course, Hidden Valley Country Club, and Lakeridge Golf Course.
Annual Events
Some of Reno’s popular annual events and festivals include:
- Hot August Nights – Classic car show and cruising event each August
- Reno River Festival – May event with arts, live music, sporting events along the Truckee River
- Great Reno Balloon Race – Mass balloon launches draw thousands of spectators each September
- Reno Air Races – Air race competition and air show held in September
- Street Vibrations – Motorcycle rally in downtown Reno each September
- Reno Santa Crawl – Massive Santa costume pub crawl held in early December
For more on Reno’s annual events, visit the city’s official events calendar.
Population and Demographics
According to 2020 U.S. Census data, Reno has a population of 248,853 residents, making it the fourth largest city in Nevada after Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. The Reno metropolitan area which includes Sparks has a population around 471,000.
Reno’s population is approximately:
- 56% White
- 26% Hispanic/Latino
- 6% Asian
- 5% Black/African American
- 4% Two or more races
- 2% Native American
- 1% Pacific Islander
The median age in Reno is 36.8 years old. Around 79% of residents are U.S. citizens.
Additional Local Resources
City of Reno
reno.gov – Official City of Reno government website
1 E 1st St, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 334-2030
Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
Tourism website: visitrenotahoe.com
4001 S. Virginia St. Suite G, Reno, NV 89502
(775) 827-7618
Reno Gazette Journal Newspaper
rgj.com – Local news and information
KTVN Channel 2 News
ktvn.com – Reno area TV station
University of Nevada, Reno
unr.edu – Local public university
Truckee Meadows Community College
tmcc.edu – Local community college
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
flyreno.com – Local airport website
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
rtcwashoe.com – Public transportation provider