Top Myths and Misconceptions about Reno Nevada
Some People Have Some Pretty Strong Misconceptions about Nevada
Sep 24, 2008
It's quite surprising what some people think about the Biggest Little City! Reno's a great place to live and work, and these common myths need to be busted so visitors know the truth about Reno and just how great it really is!
Reno's a Desert
Reno is in the HIGH desert, and that's a big difference from the true desert of southern Nevada. The city gets snow in the winter because the elevation is 4400 feet or more. The area doesn't have sand dunes, instead, there is high desert vegetation like sagebrush and such, and yes, it does turn green in the spring! So, when somebody remarks Reno is a desert, tell them to think again!
Everyone Works in the Casinos
Not a good bet at all! Sure, the casinos employ a lot of people in town, but Reno is a city after all. There are schools, shopping centers, businesses, and all the accoutrements of a big city. A lot of people work for the state, county, and city governments, and a lot more work in private industry. There's a lot more to Reno than gambling, and a lot more employment opportunities than the casinos!
Nothing Grows in Reno -- There are no Lawns
A common but puzzling misconception. There are actually too many lawns in Reno, if watering regulations tell the story. Of course things grow here, gardening is a major hobby when spring arrives. The city always seems to be in a major water shortage, so some people don't plant lawns or water gardens. However, Reno is not a wasteland!
Reno and Vegas are Close to Each Other
Las Vegas is a good nine-hour drive from Reno. Nevada is a big state, and there's a lot of territory between Reno and Vegas. So, if travel plans include only a few days in Reno, it's not a good idea to try to drive to Vegas and back.
Divorcees Used to Throw Their Wedding Rings into the Truckee River
Maybe they did, when Reno was a quickie divorce capital during the 1920s and 30s. However, historians dispute this myth all the time, and as far as is known in recent history, no one has ever gone diving in the Truckee and come up with a bagful of wedding rings just waiting for discovery.
Prostitution is Legal in Reno
Nope. Prostitution is legal in almost all Nevada counties except Reno and Clark -- the two largest counties in the state. Prostitution is legal in Storey County, outside Virginia City, which is the closest county to Reno where prostitution is legal in Northern Nevada.
People Don't Pay Taxes in Nevada
Wish it were true! Residents don't pay State Tax, but they do pay sales taxes, property taxes, and other taxes such as gas and liquor taxes.
