Lifestyle
There are plenty of great reasons to choose Nevada as a place to retire. If you’re asking whether Nevada is retirement friendly, though, you might have a few concerns. The warm weather, relatively low cost of living, and lack of a state income tax can be a big relief.
Stephanie Faris
Published October 21st, 2021
Updated December 9th, 2022
Stephanie Faris
•
Published October 21st, 2021
•
Updated December 9th, 2022
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Nevada has a warm climate and plenty of arts and culture, making it ideal for retirees.
The state has a combination of small towns, midsize suburban areas, and large cities, so you can easily find the right fit for you.
If you’re trying to decide between Nevada or Arizona for retirement, Nevada’s access to attractions could be a big decider.
There are plenty of great reasons to choose Nevada as a place to retire. If you’re asking whether Nevada is retirement friendly, though, you might have a few concerns. The warm weather, relatively low cost of living, and lack of a state income tax can be a big relief.
Why is Nevada a bad place to retire? The heat can be a deterrent. You may also be asking is Las Vegas a good place to retire? But the truth is, Las Vegas is only one of many cities. Here are the 10 best Nevada cities for retirement.
Mesquite
CITY POPULATION: 19,726
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 41%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $32,213
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
With a large 65-plus population and plenty of recreation, Mesquite has become one of the most popular retirement communities in Nevada. The town has a hospital and multiple medical complexes. Although it’s one of the best small towns in Nevada, you can still easily get to Vegas, which is 80 miles away.
Las Vegas
CITY POPULATION: 651,319
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $30,761
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you’ve visited Nevada, chances are, you’ve been to Las Vegas, best known for its casinos. But some retirees consider it one of the best places to retire in Nevada because of outdoor areas like Red Rock Canyon. If you’re going to retire in Nevada, choosing Las Vegas means you’ll never be bored.
Boulder City
CITY POPULATION: 16,207
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 30.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $29,770
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
A large retiree population means there’s plenty to do in this small town just 20 miles from Vegas. Boulder City is perhaps best known as home to Hoover Dam, but it also has plenty of reasons it’s one of the best cities in Nevada, including a municipal golf course and restaurants.
Reno
CITY POPULATION: 255,601
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $34,475
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
For small-town charm without sacrificing amenities, there’s Reno, one of the most popular northern Nevada cities. Retiring in Reno, Nevada gives you access to gambling, as well as activities like skiing, golfing, or just hanging out on Lake Tahoe.
Henderson
CITY POPULATION: 320,189
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19.4%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $33,238
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Only 16 miles from the Las Vegas strip, Henderson is a great place to retire if you want suburban life only a short drive from the action. Being close to Vegas means plenty of dining opportunities, but there are also numerous golf courses and outdoor recreation. The city is home to multiple hospitals, including the newest, Henderson Hospital.
Carson City
CITY POPULATION: 55,916
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $31,549
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Carson City’s retiree population is highly active, taking advantage of the many outdoor and indoor activities available. Arts and culture are alive and well in the city, and the city is home to plenty of medical facilities, including Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.
Sparks
CITY POPULATION: 105,006
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 15.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $31,528
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Originally known as a railway city, Sparks offers quieter living than nearby Reno, but there’s still plenty to do. Numerous festivals throughout the year will keep you entertained, and you’re just a few minutes from Reno and its many amenities.
Elko
CITY POPULATION: 52,778
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $33,875
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If you prefer to be a little closer to the mountains, Elko is another of the best towns in Nevada. This northeastern Nevada town is packed full of arts and culture, as well as restaurants and entertainment. For healthcare, there’s Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, as well as other medical facilities.
Paradise
CITY POPULATION: 191,238
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.5%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: even with the the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $27,909
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
If retiring in Las Vegas is your dream, but you don’t want to live in the heart of everything, Paradise is a great place to retire. Named one of Sperling's best places to retire, the city sits adjacent to Vegas and, in fact, many of Vegas’s attractions are actually located in Paradise. But you’ll get the suburban feel you want while still being near the night life.
Pahrump
CITY POPULATION: 44,738
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 31.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $24,882
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Another of the best cities to retire in Nevada because of its large 65-plus population is Pahrump, a town located at the southernmost tip of the state. You’ll find plenty of medical facilities in the area, as well as attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Bottom Line
Is Nevada a good place to retire? In the end, only you can decide the best place to enjoy your retirement. As you look at the best retirement communities in Nevada, keep in mind that planning can help ensure you’re prepared. Retirable can help you develop a plan to have the funds you need to support your future plans.
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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Northeastern U.S. Best Places To Retire
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Midwestern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Western U.S. Best Cities To Retire
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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