Moving to Nevada can seem a little like announcing to your friends that you’re buying a truck; suddenly everybody wants you to help them move. But with Nevada, all your friends will want to know when they’re going to visit so they can go to Las Vegas.
Culture Shock Moving to Nevada
Having the most famous American gambling center in your new state might lead anyone to believe that’s all Nevada has to offer. And yes, Las Vegas also offers shows, shopping, museums, rides, and festivals, but it certainly isn’t the only thing Nevada has within its borders.
LIVING
Living in Nevada means accepting several odd but colorful truths about the state. Firstly, the whole state might be haunted. Between the Mackay Mansion and the Goldfield Hotel, Nevada enjoys the reputation of being a favored spot for denizens of the afterlife. But not to worry; just because the state has the reputation for being haunted doesn’t mean your new home will also be haunted. Or does it…
Secondly, in addition to being home to what could politely be referred to as “Adult Disneyland” and lenient laws for everything from gambling and marriage, the state doesn’t collect income taxes and, as a result, doesn’t collect income tax data. That doesn’t mean moving to Nevada frees anyone from the responsibility of submitting their annual income taxes to the IRS, but it’s a nice touch.
Finally, gambling in Nevada does not exist solely in Sin City. It won’t be uncommon to walk into a gas station and see a slot machine in the corner by the register. It’s possible you could walk into a bathroom and find a slot machine next to the soap dispenser. In other words, gambling culture will be impossible to avoid in Nevada.
WORKING
While it may be amusing to think all the work in Nevada involves the gambling, entertainment, and hospitality industries, the state has a burgeoning demand for physicians, executives, and airline pilots. There’s also a growing demand for machinists and building inspectors, among other things.
Regardless of your profession, you’ll also have to keep constant tabs on your vehicle. Between the heat, sunlight, occasional dust storms, and the general wear and tear of a regular work commute, your car or truck might be more susceptible to shorter car battery life or a faster breakdown of rubber tubes and hoses by the engine block. Keep the warranty on any parts in your vehicle and make sure you have some basic supplies in the car including a set of jumper cables, radiator coolant, motor oil, at the ready.
And speaking of the weather…
WEATHER
Summer weather can easily climb up to 120 degrees, so don’t be surprised when the heat forces you to hop from one indoor air conditioned location to another during the hotter months. Like most states defined by hot climates, the best times to be outdoor will be the transition seasons of fall and spring, when the weather evens out. And don’t be fooled into thinking the winters will be rosy, either; snow does fall in certain areas of the state, so keep a few fleece blankets handy.
What’s that? Snow in the desert? It’s not a joke. In addition to being the state’s name, the term “Nevada” also means “snow covered” in Spanish. A strange term for a state famous for its deserts and gambling, perhaps, but snowfall does occur here. And like any state known for hot weather, everyone panics when the first snowflake floats down.
THINGS TO DO
While the weather will drive most people indoors for certain parts of the year, Nevada’s stark beauty will also attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Even if you’re not a fan of desert landscape portraits, you’ll find the landscape an inviting and wondrous site to behold. While desert areas do make up the vast majority of the state and rain doesn’t fall very often, those dry landscapes also provide ideal spots for outdoor activities like zip lining, camping, and rock climbing.
Bonus: the desert night sky provides some of the best stargazing in the country. Even if you can’t identify a single constellation, the Nevada skyline can be breathtaking. And if you go out to the desert at the right time, you might come upon a host of scantily clad artists and music enthusiasts.
Yes, Nevada serves as home to Burning Man, a super popular event that draws thousands to Black Rock City every year in praise of artistic expression and self-awareness. And by artistic expression, we mean people dressing up in costume and hosting dance parties in front of giant statues. Also, they light a giant statue on fire. Sometimes while dressed up as extras from a Mad Max movie.
But if you don’t feel like roaming through the desert or dressing up like a Tuskan Raider, there’s also the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Tahoe, and someplace called Area 51. Yes, that Area 51. In addition to ghost sightings, Nevada has a reputation for being a popular spot for UFO sightings. So why would ghosts and aliens frequently converge on this part of the country? Maybe they like the heat.
CULTURE
Nevada culture places emphasis on art, expression, and history in unique ways. Because the climate and landscape can seem alien to people not of the region, the culture tends to celebrate excess and oddness. But not to worry; the state also celebrates American cultural standards like railroad trains, shrimp cocktails, buffet lines, barbeque, and, of course, gambling.
Fun fact in favor of Las Vegas: the grocery stores operate 24/7 and sell liquor in addition to beer and wine. Take that, states that don’t sell beer on Sundays!
WE CAN HELP YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE DESERT
Relocating to Nevada sounding like the kind of change your soul craves? Don’t just fantasize about it; let Colonial Van Lines help get you there. If moving down the street can be stressful, moving to a new state can be downright horrifying, and that’s where we come in. We’ve got the experience and the expertise to make sure your moving experience will be straight forward and stress free. Call a Colonial Van Lines professional today and we’ll start helping you plan your trip to the desert.