When most people think of Nevada, they think of Las Vegas—and gambling. But Nevada has a lot more to offer. Nevadans live in an arid climate with hot summers and winters that are surprisingly mild due to the high elevation. There’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year—and stunning desert scenery no matter where you’re located.
The economy has hit the entertainment industry in Las Vegas particularly hard—and home prices have fallen. As of 2010, median home prices in Las Vegas—the most expensive in the state—are still considerably lower than the national average.
Nevada offers a retiree-friendly tax structure, and the state is ranked 49th overall in the US for total tax burden. Property taxes are a bit higher, at 29th out of 50 states, but Nevada has no income, estate, or inheritance taxes.
There are several attractive retirement options in Nevada. Here are just a few.
Las Vegas
Set in the Nevada desert, the glittering city of Las Vegas is known for its gambling. But if you don’t gamble, Las Vegas senior living can be surprisingly affordable. There’s plenty to do—shopping, shows, events, and restaurants that attract tourists from all over the world. Las Vegas is an energetic city that’s sure to keep retirees feeling young.
Boulder City
Located next to the historic Hoover Dam, Boulder City was originally built to house the workers who built this engineering marvel. Today, Boulder City is a quiet small town with a municipal and a private golf course, racquetball, tennis courts, bike tracks, and plenty of mountain hiking trails. It’s located close to Lake Mead, offering plenty of opportunities to cool off in the Nevada heat. Boulder City Municipal Airport—the state’s first airport—serves as a launch point for private planes, skydiving trips, and aerial tours of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.
Carson City
The state capitol, Carson City is settled in a high desert river valley—with four distinct seasons featuring cool winters and hot summers. Despite its arid location, the city offers numerous parks and opportunities for outdoor activities—including areas for softball and basketball, fishing, tennis, and volleyball. The city is located near to Diamond Peak, Mount Rose, and Heavenly Mountain ski resorts—perfect for seniors who love to ski.
Elko
Elko is a center for creative and cultural events in Nevada, and plays host to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the National Basque Festival, and the Elko Motorcycle Jamboree, among others. You can also find plenty of casinos in Elko, including the Stockmen’s Casino and Hotel, the Commercial Casino, and the High Desert Casino.
Reno
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas, there’s plenty to do in Reno. It’s the fourth largest city in the state. It’s home to the University of Nevada, Reno—the state’s oldest university—and it’s close to the resort town of Lake Tahoe. Reno has recently partnered with Lake Tahoe to bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics—and the nearby Squaw Valley Ski Resort hosted the Winter Olympics in the 60’s. Senior living facilities in Reno are also close to Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee River—with plenty of opportunities for fishing, waterskiing, boating, and other water sports.
Nevada assisted living communities offer plenty of fun in the sun—including the entertainment of big cities such as Las Vegas and Reno. Nevada’s cost of living and taxes won’t hurt your budget. And Nevada might be primarily desert, but there’s plenty of opportunities to have fun on the state’s many beautiful lakes and rivers—as well as enjoy the snow on one of many excellent ski resorts. Check out our Nevada senior retirement communities here—and find the best retirement option for you.
