It has highly respected schools, both public and private, such as the University of Nevada, Reno. Although a relatively small city of 300,000, Reno attracts top-name entertainers and boasts many excellent restaurants and resorts. Major annual events include the National Air Races, Balloon Races and automobile rallies. San Francisco is only a four-hour drive. Sacramento and California's Napa Valley wine country lie between Reno and San Francisco.
Outdoor activities are a major attraction.
There are seven major ski resorts located just an hour away, including Squaw Valley which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Numerous lakes and reservoirs offer fishing, sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing. In addition, there are a number of wilderness areas perfect for backpacking, hiking, mountain climbing and camping. There is a healthy and growing medical community in Reno. St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center represent the established medical facilities, and each is a medical school affiliated hospital.