POV. You just moved here from the Bay, and you have no idea of what to expect from Reno.
If you’re like me, you would be completely culture shocked for a while. However, as someone who has lived here for about six years now, I am here to say that it eventually grows on you.
Once you get over the initial dread of the fact that this is NOT the Bay Area in the slightest, you begin to enjoy and love Reno for what it actually is; The Biggest Little City.
Growing up in Oakland, I have always been surrounded by metropolitan areas. There are so many surrounding cities that make up the Bay, and because everything is relatively close, you are able to discover a new spot in the Bay almost every single day.
This factor alone made me have a bit of trouble grasping the concept of Reno. I will admit however it is cool and reassuring to know that you can’t really get lost out here simply because of how McCarran boulevard is structured.
Coming from the Bay or anywhere in California to Reno is a bit of an adjustment, however you learn to enjoy what is here.
For one, you have to at least try to explore the beautiful nature. Take a hike! Or walk along the Truckee river to truly take in the beauty that this place has to offer. I still have to go up to ski, but that should also be an activity on your radar. We don’t have snow-capped mountains in the Bay, so take advantage of what is here at least once in your Reno stay.
If you are here during the summer, try to check out the Rib cookoff. When I say delicious, I mean DELICIOUS.
If ribs are not your thing, try to also check out Food Truck Fridays. They have loads of different food options. You can bring a picnic blanket and take a seat on the grass while enjoying food and warm weather.
If you are trying to find a community, try searching local Instagram, Facebook or Tik Tok pages to see if there are others out there with the same hobbies/ interests.
Since this is Reno, it is very likely that there is a small group out there somewhere that shares the same hobbies as you. For me, I joined different organizations that were involved in community activism, arts and culture, and from there, I was able to find people who were passionate about the same things that I was.
If there are no visible communities with your interests, you can also start one yourself! There are so many niched Reno organizations that have started by posting and reaching out on Instagram. If it is not represented yet, step into that leadership role! It may be intimidating, but who knows, there could be someone out there looking for the exact form of community that you can provide.
Honestly Reno is different, and it is indeed a little weird, but overall, it has been a place of growth for my friends and I.
We have all been pushed out of our comfort zones just by living here, but we have grown into a tighter community of individuals because of it, and I think that is truly the beauty of Reno.