Lifestyle
Nevada offers numerous appealing reasons for retirees to settle there. If you're wondering whether Nevada is retirement-friendly, the answer is a resounding yes. The state boasts warm weather, a relatively low cost of living, and no state income tax, making it an attractive and financially comfortable choice for retirees.
C.E Larusso
Published March 1st, 2024
Updated May 22nd, 2024
C.E Larusso
•
Published March 1st, 2024
•
Updated May 22nd, 2024
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.
Nevada offers numerous appealing reasons for retirees to settle there. If you're wondering whether Nevada is retirement-friendly, the answer is a resounding yes. The state boasts warm weather, a relatively low cost of living, and no state income tax, making it an attractive and financially comfortable choice for retirees.
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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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Getting Started
Northeastern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Southern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Midwestern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Western U.S. Best Cities To Retire
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
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