1. The most beautiful desert scenery
Nevada has huge, out-of-this-world scenery, like the red rocks of Gold Butte National Monument, the endless open roads, and the views of the high desert that are hard to find anywhere else.A lot of people who used to live in Nevada miss the stark, dramatic views and sense of wide-open freedom that the desert offers.
2. Weird things to see along the road
The International Car Forest of the Last Church and the Extraterrestrial Highway, with its UFO stories and alien-themed stops, are two of Nevada’s unique roadside sites that people often miss after they’ve moved away.
3. Ghost Towns and the History of Mining
Many of Nevada’s dead towns, like Goldfield and Tonopah, show that the state had a rich mining history. Exploring these Wild West relics, with their empty buildings and stories (like the Lady in Red Ghost), is a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
4. Festivals and events in the area
Nevada’s festival culture is full of fun, unique events that bring people together. Some of the most well-known are Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert, Reno’s Hot August Nights, rib cook-offs, and even the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival.
5. The Strange Weather
Even though the high heat and dry conditions can be hard, many people come to love Nevada’s dry air (hello, humidity!), lots of sunshine, and big changes in the seasons, especially after moving from places where it rains or is humid.
6. Fun things to do outside
Nevada is a great place for people who love being outside. You can hike in the Sierra Nevada, boat on Lake Tahoe, ski, go off-roading, and explore parks like Great Basin National Park and Valley of Fire State Park. People who leave often miss how many different things there are to do outside.
7. How to Feel Alone and in Space
Nevada’s “loneliest roads” and wide-open areas give people a rare chance to be alone and free. People who used to live there miss being able to drive for miles without seeing another car or being able to find peace in the desert’s huge emptiness.
8. Weird scenes with food and drinks
There are many unexpectedly delicious places to eat, like the Pahrump Valley Winery (yes, wine in the desert!) and Basque restaurants in northern Nevada. There are also unique food-themed events in many places. You won’t find these tastes and customs anywhere else.
9. The weird culture of the area
Nevada has a mix of old mining towns, new cities, and a diverse population, including one of the biggest Basque communities in the U.S. This makes for a culture that is both independent and friendly, with its own traditions and celebrations.
10. The Never-Ending Need for Adventure
Nevada has a spirit of excitement and unpredictability that many people don’t realise they’ll miss until it’s gone. This is true whether they find a hidden hot spring, see slot machines in the airport, or run into something strange, like a haunted hotel or a desert art installation.
People who leave Nevada are leaving a place where the culture, scenery, and daily life are not like anywhere else. The state’s mix of natural beauty, strange attractions, and strong sense of independence leaves a lasting impression—and often a surprising desire.
