Top 50 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea
46. Reno, Nevada: High-Desert Grit Near Lake Tahoe's Glory

Reno, home to the University of Nevada, Reno, is shaking off its casino-town image and emerging as a hotbed of innovation and outdoor culture. With Tesla’s Gigafactory nearby and an influx of startups, Reno has become an unexpected tech outpost. But what truly sets it apart is its geography—snow-capped Sierras on one side, desert landscapes on the other, and Lake Tahoe less than an hour away. Students and professionals enjoy a liveable city that still feels wild at the edges. Reno’s rebirth as a tech-forward, nature-adjacent haven makes it a serious contender for those craving edge, energy, and elevation.







