Reno, Nevada

While Reno is renowned for its numerous games of chance, chance has little to do with the reason people choose to live here. From beautiful mountain vistas to desert hills to forest-covered valleys, Reno has a landscape for everyone. There is also a range of outdoor activities, including downhill skiing, white-water rafting, hiking, and golf readily available in the nearby Lake Tahoe region. In the city proper, residents and visitors alike have access to excellent cultural pursuits, entertainment facilities, shopping and restaurants – and that's not even mentioning Reno's infamous 24-hour gambling ….

Known to many as Sin City, the Divorce Capital, and the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno was founded in the mid-19th century by Charles Fuller. As gold miners flocked to northern Nevada for the Comstock Lode of 1859, demand for a crossing of the river Truckee convinced Fuller to begin development of the area. Following the success of Fuller's toll bridge, Myron Lake acquired the land and set about to construct further facilities for local miners. In turn, this attracted further development, forming what is today's Reno. While the community was named after Civil War General Jesse Reno, it quickly became known as Sin City for the prevalence of legal brothels, underground gambling, and "quick divorces," which catered to the interests of local miners. When the Comstock Lode eventually stopped producing gold, and mining became a relatively small part of the local economy, Reno's reputation for gambling and sinful pursuits persisted.

In the past, Reno has been home to such legendary establishments as the Mapes Hotel & Casino, Harold's Club, and the MGM Grand Reno (once the world's largest combined hotel and casino). Stories from the city include fortunes being made and fortunes lost in a single night. Today, while gambling still represents a large draw for travel and tourism, attractions have grown to encompass many family friendly activities. Some of these include the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center, theme parks, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nevada Opera, and the Nevada Museum of Art. Four moderate seasons are also a draw to visitors.

Beyond travel and tourism, Reno's economy has also diversified over the years. Today, a range of different businesses representing technology, manufacturing, and retail pursuits are located in the community. Major employers in the greater Reno area include Ralston Foods, General Motors, Microsoft, Intuit, and John Deere. Reno is also home to the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Truckee Meadows Community College.

With a population of 180,480 and a host of entertainment options beyond most major cities, Reno is truly the biggest little city in the world.

See our 5 Jobs in Reno, Nevada