If you are considering living in Nevada, this article will help you discover the bad things about living in Nevada.
First and foremost, are you currently living in Nevada? Are you on a vacation? Do you plan to relocate? If yes, you should consider knowing some bad things about living in Nevada.
Nevada has a total population of 3,104,614 and It is the 32nd most populous state in the United States as recorded.
Housing one of the largest cities, “Las Vegas.” and other thrilling and top-notch cities: Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and California.
In the United States, Nevada is known to be one of the driest states with little precipitation during the year with a very high temperature.
The state consists mainly of mountains, deserts, valleys, and diverse vegetation.
Additionally, it is recognized as an industrial state for tourism, entertainment, mining, machinery, food processing, and electric equipment.
Nevada is known as the Silver State, with many economic, recreational, and social infrastructure and diverse language, making it a great place to live.
Still, there are also bad things about living in Nevada. Familiarizing them puts you on the path to discovering the good things about Nevada.
In this article, we will discover the negative impact living in Nevada may have. Whatever your decision may be, Nevada has something for everyone.
Let’s Dive in!
Bad Things About Living in Nevada
- High Temperature During Summer
- High Cost of Owning a Car
- Inaccessibility to Healthcare facilities
- High Cost of Living
- Traffic Congestion
- Low Educational System
- Increased Crime Rate
- Economy fluctuates
- Occurrence of Washoe Zephyr
- High Unemployment Rate
- Increase in Gambling
- Difficult to Build a Strong Business Network in Nevada
- Boring Nightlife
- Prediction of the Occurrence of Natural Disaster
- Unattractive Rural Areas
- Limited Shopping Centres Outside the Big Cities of Nevada
- Poor Internet Connection
- Limited Professional Sport Teams
- Shortage of Water
1. High Temperature During Summer
Nevada is one of the driest cities, with 300 days of sun in a year and low rainfall. It is situated just across the Death Valley, the hottest and harshest place in the world. The temperature rises between 100 degrees, which is brutal and unbearable to humans.
Surrounded by mountain Ranges with an elevation of 12,000 feet above sea level. These mountains are a barrier as moisture can’t enter the city. Also, the state harbors the Mojave Desert with an increased desert climate and low rainfall.
Due to low rainfall in Nevada, all the sunlight that shines on the earth’s surface is being absorbed by the soil, which leads to an increase in temperature, unlike in an area with heavy rainfall, the sun is absorbed by soil moisture and at the same time, evaporates into the atmosphere causing a warm temperature or cooling effect.
The average high temperature during summer between July to August is said to be 84.6°F, and at its lowest is 52.7°F. This could lead to people getting dehydrated, sucking the water content out of someone, and sunburn.
To cope with the harsh temperature, it is advised that air conditioning be installed in homes, visit the beach or pool to cool off, have a bath at most three times a day, and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
So, it has been realized that moving to Nevada means living in an arid climate with plenty of summer heat. The state also has the highest death rate due to heat.
2. High Cost of Owning a Car
In 2020, Nevada was the second-cheapest state to own a vehicle. However, it was estimated that by 2031, Nevada will be the second-most expensive.
Purchasing a vehicle in Nevada is quite expensive, judging firstly from the cost of the registration fee, which is said to be several hundred dollars compared to other states. Each year, payment for the license plate tab is based on the value of your vehicle.
Secondly, the high cost of gas is said to affect ownership of cars as the average cost of a gallon of gas is $3.90, as recorded by the American Automobile Association.
Additionally, In 2011, Nevada had average insurance costs of $1,300. In 2021, those were $1,380; the high cost of car insurance in the state is affected by the high population in the urban area, density, accidents, and vehicle theft rate.
Also, factors such as age, living environment, record of driving, credit score, model of a car, and insurer affect the cost of owning a vehicle.
For example, a driver can save money on car insurance, if he has a clean driving record. On the other hand, if he violates the driving record, he will have to pay a higher price.
A driver with a speeding ticket costs $2,355 on average per year, which is higher than someone with a clean record which costs $455
In some cities like Las Vegas, there are limited options for mass transit, people will be forced to get a car, irrespective of the high cost of owning one.
In order to save on the costs of owning a car, shop around for quotes from different insurance companies, consider pay-per-mile insurance, find and use discounts, and drop unnecessary coverage.
3. Inaccessibility to Healthcare facilities
Nevada’s healthcare system has a long time been struggling. It is ranked the lowest at about 20% for quality of healthcare access and 48% in 2019 by the Commonwealth Fund.
People living in rural areas find this challenging as they can’t access healthcare services. Secondly, the attraction of healthcare professionals to the state is low as underfunding public education for medicine, nursing, and other health professionals is a major issue.
There is a high rate of underinsured and uninsured people, making them unable to afford medical costs. For people living in an urban area such as Las Vegas, this might not apply to them, if they are employed and earn a high income with health benefits from insurance
Some Nevadans in rural areas have to travel greater distances to the urban area, usually, Las Vegas or Reno, to obtain further information on their diagnosis as the towns are farther apart.
There is a lack of attention from immigrants in the hospital as they will require a social security number to access the hospital.
4. High Cost of Living
The standard of living is high in Nevada compared to other states, irrespective of the income tax received. It isn’t a cheap place to reside.
Housing in Nevada is affordable, but due to the high population rate, demand increases with increased prices, with median home values at around $267,000 and median rent at around $1,250 per month.
Neither owning nor renting a house is cheaper, but Las Vegas is more affordable if you consider buying one. It costs $439,950 as the sales price while renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost $1,375 per month.
High cost in food price, dining, and groceries also adds to the high cost of living in Nevada. Each year, residents spend between $2,801 and $3,200 per person.
Another thing to consider is the high rate of the monthly utility such as electricity bills, internet, and water. The utility cost in Vegas is 2.4% and that of Reno is 14.8% which is below the national average.
Nevada has some of the highest homeless rates in the nation, with a recorded rate of 22% and the 8th highest rate in the United States.
5. Traffic Congestion
With Nevada and its major cities being major tourist destinations, there is a more steady flow of cars on the road all day and night. This includes tourists and locals heading to and from work at odd hours.
You have to make an additional time when scheduling an appointment due to the rate of traffic congestion experienced in Nevada.
There will be lots of cars heading in every direction during the rush hour, which runs in the morning from 7 am to 9 am and evening from 4 pm to 6 pm. It is expected that both freeways and the surface of the streets will have heavy traffic.
Throughout the year or on weekends, lots of entertainment activities such as trade fairs, concerts, sporting events, clubs, dining dates can bring more traffic
6. Low Educational System
Nevada ranks toward the bottom of all states in education settings, with only 25% of bachelor’s degree holders.
The job market doesn’t cater to college-educated prospects, so many people don’t see the value in a college education, especially since the state is only dependent on entertainment. Convincing a child to college would be difficult because after graduation, what next?
The best schools available in the state are usually private, so you can expect a higher cost when living here. The public schools are low in rank and do not make better grades so you might consider a private school for your kids.
7. Increased Crime Rate
Nevada has a high violent and property crime rate. It ranked the 9th highest rate of violent crimes and 5th in its rate of murder and manslaughter.
The use of drugs and alcohol has been legalized by the state. Thus, easy access to drugs and alcohol has led to a high rate of Accidents, violence, molestation, and murder.
In 2020, 49% of homicides were recorded, property crimes increased to 11%, fatal accidents were recorded to be 8%, and a total of 180 murders were committed, making it one of the worst and most risky states in the past 15 years.
The factor most responsible for the crime increase in Nevada is the increase in population, hardship in the economy with no job availability, no training options, and weakening of institutional controls.
When the personal advancement of an individual is affected by these factors, crime rates are likely to go up too.
However, there should be opportunities for community service and activities for money making for youths, Increase police patrol of youth during after-school hours, and increase students’ cognitive and social skills by supporting after-school activities.
8. Economy Fluctuates
Nevada’s economy ranks 32nd in size among states. The state relies on its natural resources, workforce, and core industries, which are on low values.
As the population increases, the economy consistently increases, unlike the small town in Nevada, whose local economy relies more on tourist gambling from the casino. That means if the casinos have a poor year due to low tourism, the entire town suffers too.
Since Nevada’s economy is driven by tourism, the unemployment rate is still high at about 7.8 %, which sucks. They rely more on entertainment, and everyone has limited job prospects.
9. Occurrence of Washoe Zephyr
A strong wind experienced during summer in Nevada on a regular basis is known as Washoe zephyr. The Wind typically ranges from 20 to 30 miles per hour.
It is related to pressure, density, and temperature differences. Wind speeds are strong for a long time, lifting a considerable quantity of dust into the atmosphere.
Spring is usually the windiest season in Nevada. Warnings are issued to create awareness of its occurrence.
10. High Unemployment Rate
The rate of unemployment in Nevada is at 4.1%, which is a bit higher than the national average of 3.6%. which is one of the problems of moving to Nevada. The state has a decent minimum wage which has been set at $8.25/hr since 2010.
To acquire a good job in the state is challenging, especially if you are not a graduate or professional. Duo 16% of the jobs that you will find are related to food service such as restaurants, serving, or food preparation.
However, if you’re moving to Nevada with the hopes of securing a gig in technology, medicine, or education you’ll find yourself in a challenging spot.
Moreover, the fear of losing a job might be so disheartening because getting a new one will take a while
11. Increase in Gambling
Lots of people living in Nevada have developed the habit of gambling, they get out of control, ending up going broke and losing everything.
This is because there are casinos everywhere in Nevada, allowing you to gamble whenever you want. Drinking and getting high is also common among gamblers as they are offered free drinks whenever they play a game.
Living in Nevada with these issues could make life challenging. To be successful in Nevada don’t let this happen to you, develop a high level of self-discipline to be able to limit yourself at the least
12. Difficult to Build a Strong Business Network in Nevada
Nevada may not attract as many talented and ambitious people since there are not so many great jobs.
you may therefore have a pretty hard time building a strong business network in this region.
13. Boring Nightlife
Outside of the big cities such as Las Vegas and Reno nightlife would not be great. There is not much entertainment outside these big cities.
While you will find many great and interesting bars and clubs, you should not expect the same great nightlife in the rural parts of the state.
There should always be something happening in Nevada irrespective of the city, where you could have a relaxing moment alone, with your date or spouse to have a taste of cocktails, beer, food, grills, and more as you enjoy the view of other entertaining shows.
In some big cities, outlets may not stay up at night due to security reasons as the crime rate in the area is high
14. Prediction of the Occurrence of Natural Disaster
Humans for whatever reason wouldn’t want to experience natural disasters. Over the years humans have experienced shocking events due to natural disasters, Recovering from these hasn’t been easy, lives were lost, homes were destroyed, landscapes changed, businesses were put on hold, and infrastructures were damaged.
Nevada generally has hot weather and suffers from climate change.
Natural disasters may occur if unlucky and everything would be destroyed.
15. Unattractive Rural Areas
Life may be boring when living in the rural part of Nevada where there is little or no entertainment options
There are lots of young people thinking about leaving those regions leaving the aged ones there
If you are young and want to hang out with many people of your age, you should consider moving to the big cities of Nevada instead.
Also, the time it takes to get to the cities is quite long. If you choose to stay in the rural area, your loved ones may also have a hard time visiting you.
16. Limited Shopping Centres Outside the Big Cities of Nevada
People go shopping every month on average as there are lots of interesting stores with great finds that are worth stopping by to shop.
In the biggest cities in Nevada, you will find some fancy shopping malls, stores, and boutiques but there are fewer expectations in the rural areas to have the same luxury. You will find limited trends in the rural areas.
17. Poor Internet Connection
A strong, reliable network can be the key to success.
Some remote areas are poorly connected to the internet and people in those regions may find it hard to stay connected to the world and their loved ones in general.
Poor internet connection reduces the productivity of an individual as they tend to fall behind.
18. Having Your Loved Ones Worry About Your Well-Being
Since the cost of living in Nevada is high, your family will have to worry about you. They sometimes carry your burdens by supporting you financially.
Also, the crime rate in Nevada is high and it is unsafe, your well-being will be a priority to your family which will impose a burden on them.
19. Limited Professional Sport Teams
The history of gambling and sports betting has made Nevada unattractive to sports professionals. No sports league wants that taint.
The fact that until recently the town, every hotel, every union, every business venture are being controlled by mobs. It is a playground for mafias
Sports leagues didn’t understand how to exist alongside gambling interest in regards to their contest. That is why pro sports leagues mainly ignored Las Vegas when it came to granting teams to cities.
Additionally, the state lacks the readiness of having a sports facility.
20. Shortage of Water
Nevada is a dry and hot state, water resources may be unable to meet demand of people. Which is a very big problem.
This would greatly lower the overall quality of life as the human body can hardly survive so long without water.
Lack of drinking water can result in a number of other problems such as hunger, disease, poverty, loss of animals, and migration as many people may even be forced to leave their homes for another place for survival.
FAQs
1.Good Things About Living in Nevada
- Warm and Sunny Weather
- No income Tax
- Culture Diversity
- Lots of Recreational Structure
2. Best Places to Visit in Nevada
Nevada is a major stop for tourists from all over the world; places like Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains and Mount Charleston, Reno, Lake Tahoe, the Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Death Valley National Park, Great Basin National Park are good tourist attractions.
3. What is the Cost of Living in Nevada
Cost of Living is the amount estimated that covers the cost of the essential requirement for an individual to live comfortably.
It includes housing, food, electricity, medical care, taxes, transportation, and other necessities.
Nevada is ranked the 23rd most expensive state with the cost of living at about $2164, which is 1.05 times more expensive than the average in the United States
Conclusion
Nevada can be a lot of fun if you plan your move proactively, regardless of the bad things about living here, such as the higher rate of crime, unusually high temperatures, issues with healthcare access, drop in your standard of living, good job unavailable, traffic nightmare, expensive to own a vehicle and low educational system.
There are still good things about Nevada, ranging from the no income tax to worry about, the endless outdoor recreational attractions, the good vibe of the entertainment industry, the incorporation of ethnic and racial diversity, and the sight of the mountain ranges and deserts. It is an adventurous state, regardless.
You should consider each key point above to ensure you make the best possible decision about living in Nevada.
Let this article be your guide as you plan.
Do well to leave a comment below if this article was helpful in pointing toward the bad things about living in Nevada.
