From Gray Ohio to Sunlit Reno: A Journey of Outdoor Living
In a heartfelt personal account, Jenna DeLaurentis shares her transformative journey from Youngstown, Ohio, one of the cloudiest cities in the United States, to the sun-drenched landscapes of Reno, Nevada, a city that basks in an average of over 250 sunny days each year. This move, undertaken in 2018 for graduate school, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Jenna's life, where the vibrant sunshine and outdoor lifestyle have become major factors in her happiness and well-being.
Youngstown is notorious for its gloomy weather, with approximately 200 days of clouds each year, making the decision to relocate to Reno known for its clear blue skies and abundant sunshine a thrilling prospect. Although Jenna initially felt a twinge of hesitation about leaving her friends and family behind in the Midwest, she was optimistic that embracing a sunnier environment would greatly enhance her quality of life.
Fast forward seven years, and Jenna remains in Reno, enjoying the fantastic weather and the lifestyle it affords. She describes the city as a place where sunshine seems almost guaranteed, with a high desert climate that offers all four seasons. During her first few months in the city, she was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the clear skies, a stark contrast to the dreary weather she had left behind in Ohio. The outcome was more than just pleasant aesthetics; it positively influenced her mood, significantly reducing the gloominess she had once felt during the long Ohio winters.
Jenna cherishes the variety of seasons in Reno, appreciating the mild springs and falls, the warmth of summer, and even the occasional winter snowfall. She recalls how, despite enjoying the scenic beauty of autumn in Ohio, the harsh winters often dampened her spirits with their overcast skies and bitter cold. In Reno, however, she can relish the beauty of all four seasons while basking in nearly constant sunshine, making even chilly winter days much more enjoyable.
The outdoor culture in Reno distinctly contrasts with her previous experiences in Ohio. The sunny weather and stunning landscapes have fostered a community that thrives on outdoor recreation. Jenna has discovered a love for activities such as road cycling, relishing every opportunity to explore the valley and the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. The proximity to Lake Tahoe has further enriched her outdoor adventures, providing endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and even scuba diving.
Despite her love for Reno, Jenna candidly acknowledges the bittersweet nature of her relocation. The distance from her family, especially since becoming an aunt to her niece and nephews, has been challenging. While she misses the closeness of her family back east, the vibrant outdoor lifestyle and sunny disposition of Reno have made it hard for her to consider returning to a cloudy environment.
As she reflects on her life in Nevada, Jenna feels that the outdoor lifestyle in Reno is unparalleled compared to her experiences in the Midwest. The sunshine not only uplifts her spirits but also keeps her motivated to engage in an active lifestyle. While she recognizes the occasional windy conditions and the summer risks of wildfire smoke, she firmly believes that these factors do not outweigh the joy she experiences living in such a sunlit city.
In conclusion, Jenna's journey emphasizes a profound shift in her lifestyle, one marked by the embrace of a sunnier, more active way of living. Although the future remains uncertain, her resolve is clear: she cannot envision herself returning to a cloudy place, and she is more than happy to call the sunny city of Reno her home.