Nevada is a state that’s famous for attracting visitors. Due to its lenient marriage laws and gambling culture, it’s become the destination of choice for those eager to get married in a hurry or anyone looking for a weekend of careless fun. However, Nevada isn’t just a bucket list item for hedonists passing through, it can also be an ideal state for people looking to plant their roots.
If you’re considering moving from Texas to Nevada, you probably have the same misconceptions everyone else does about the Silver State. However, by the end of this blog, we hope you’ll realize there’s plenty to fall in love with in Nevada for migrant Texans.
Tax-Friendly
One of the things you’ll immediately get used to when moving from Texas to Nevada is the lack of a state income tax. This is similar to what you’ve grown accustomed to in Texas but it’s not the only tax perk you can expect. Nevada also doesn’t have taxes on pensions, social security, estates and inheritances, and low property taxes. Additionally, there are no taxes on franchises, inventory, issuance of corporate shares, and the sale or transfer of shares. This makes Nevada the perfect place to move to for retirees, high earners and entrepreneurs.
Lots of Open Space and Tons to Explore
Another similarity Nevada has to Texas is the abundance of wide open spaces. Nevada provides endless opportunities to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. Despite its desert climate, the state retains plenty of natural beauty – a boon for adventure enthusiasts. From hiking to biking and rock climbing, there’s always a new challenge waiting for you just outside the city limits in locations like Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Pricier Housing
The housing market in Nevada has become tighter over recent years, resulting in escalating home prices and a trend of wealthier buyers opting to pay in cash or even surpassing the original asking prices. This has inflated housing prices for average earners, making it that much harder to secure a decent home similar to what you might expect in Texas.
Looking at the numbers, Nevada’s median home price of approximately $358,000 makes it notably pricier to purchase a home compared to Texas, where the median price stands at about $243,600, translating to nearly a 50% premium for Nevada homes. Texas homes are already more expensive than the national average, so if you’re moving to Nevada you should expect to pay even more to own a home or rent.
Milder Climate
Even though Nevada has a hot and dry climate, it’s still cooler on average than Texas. Nevada has an average temperature of 55°F and Texas has an average temperature of 70°F. Summers in Nevada are scorching and arid, with short and rare bursts of precipitation. Winters are milder but still dry with snowfall only occurring at high elevations.
Compare that to Texas’s hot and humid summers and mild-to-warm winters – it all comes down to what type of climate you prefer with Nevada’s weather being more suitable for senior citizens and their associated ailments. Both Nevada and Texas are subject to extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, hailstorms, and occasional hurricanes or tropical storms affecting specific parts of Texas.
Sports
Texas is known for its passionate fan base and wide range of professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets, and Texas Rangers. The state’s massive stadiums and arenas often draw significant crowds, fostering a vibrant sports culture.
In contrast, Nevada has traditionally been associated with Las Vegas and its entertainment industry, but it has also embraced sports with the arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Raiders. Embracing these teams will help you connect with the local sports culture while maintaining a sense of familiarity with your Texan sports roots.
Job Market
Nevada’s economy relies heavily on the tourism and gambling industries. For this reason, most of the jobs available are service related. Texas, on the other hand, has several booming industries including tech, construction, petrochemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing. There are more diverse job options in Texas than Nevada, which might be a challenge for transplants.
Another challenge to consider is that employment opportunities in Nevada are seasonal, driven by tourist crowds. This instability and lack of job diversity is something you’ll have to prepare for if you’re considering moving from Texas to Nevada.
Gun Laws
Both Texas and Nevada permit open carry of firearms for individuals with proper licenses, and both allow concealed carry with a permit. However, Texas is more permissive in its gun laws, with relatively lax regulations on purchasing and possessing firearms, including the absence of a waiting period for handgun purchases. Nevada, on the other hand, requires background checks for all gun sales, including private transactions, and has a mandatory waiting period of up to three days for firearm purchases.
More To Do Than Gambling
While the allure of Las Vegas’s casinos is undeniable, Nevada’s cultural scene extends far beyond the slot machines. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment community, indulge in world-class dining experiences, and explore the diverse attractions that contribute to the state’s rich tapestry.
Try the following attractions:
Nevada State Museum
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts
Nevada Historical Society
Is the desert state calling your name? Then, it’s time to call Ward North American. We can help move from state to state without having to worry about packing your possessions, transporting them across the country safely, and short- or long-term storage. Get a free quote today and leave the rest up to us.
