7 Under-The-Radar Retirement Towns In Nevada
With more than 110,000 square miles, the desert state of Nevada is quiet, peaceful, and full of natural beauty. Especially in areas near natural wonders, such as the Valley of Fire State Park near Overton or the desert oasis of Walker Lake.
Nevada is also one of the most affordable states to retire. The state's average home value is $440,000, according to Zillow, making quiet desert living a reality for retirees who love the arid climate, mountain views, rugged history, and wide-open skies.
For those planning on spending their golden years in the Silver State, the towns on our list offer plenty of inspiration.
Elko
Situated just 21 short miles from the Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon, Elko offers year-round recreation and stunning mountain views. During the winter, the Elko Snobowl and Bike Park provides skiing and sledding fun for all ages. In the summer, Elko Snobowl has several mountain biking trails for summertime adventure.
But it's not just outdoor fun that makes Elko such a great place to live. The Northeastern Nevada Museum has extensive exhibits on local wildlife, and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum takes viewers on a tour of Nevada's colorful Wild West past.
With a median home value of $345,000, Elko is an interesting and comfortable retirement town.
Laughlin
With a median home value of $255,000, retirees settling in Laughlin can experience fun and adventure while keeping more money in their pockets.
The town's proximity to the Colorado River offers plenty of water recreation, including boating, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Laughlin is also famous for its resorts and casinos, making it Nevada's third-most-visited casino town after Reno and Las Vegas. Retirees can try their luck at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino or Golden Nugget Laughlin Hotel & Casino.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum, which features at least 80 of the world's most distinguished automobiles.
Overton
Overton, located in the Moapa Valley just north of Las Vegas, offers a quieter way of life than the hustle and bustle of the big city. It's also more affordable, with a median home value of $344,000. Overton attracts outdoor enthusiasts every year, thanks to its proximity to Valley of Fire State Park. The nearby Lake Mead is a popular location for boating and swimming.
Indoor attractions include the Lost City Museum, which features artifacts from the region's indigenous past. For fun social gatherings, the Red Rooster Bar offers gaming, pool, and live music.
Ely
Ely's median home value is $193,000, making it one of the most affordable retirement towns on our list. Retirees passionate about trains and the history of the Nevada Northern Railway will adore the extensive exhibits at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Now a protected National Historic Landmark, the railway is responsible for Nevada's economic prosperity. The museum's hands-on exhibits transport visitors into the rich history of the railway.
Ely's Renaissance Village showcases the cultures of the many immigrants who came to Ely at the turn of the 20th Century. The White Pine Museum is a great place to learn more about Ely's rugged history.
For a bite to eat, Ely has many excellent options, including Racks Bar N' Grill and Smash N' Grab, located inside the popular Jailhouse Casino.
Yerington
Yerington's median home value of $306,000 leaves retirees with more money to do the things they want, including hiking the scenic Wilson Canyon Loop along the West Walker River. The Walker River State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for adventurous retirees, offering a range of hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. Anglers will enjoy the fishing opportunities at the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area.
Retirees who love country music will enjoy the annual Night in the Country Music Festival, held every July in Yerington.
Vintage Charms Antique Store may look like a shop in the middle of nowhere, but is a surprising oasis filled with charming odds and ends for any antique enthusiast.
Tonopah
A quirky little town with a rich history, Tonopah is ideal for retirees looking for small-town charm and first-class recreation. The town's median home value of $148,000 isn't the only attraction for retirees. Tonopah is nicknamed the "Queen of the Silver Mining Camps" for its history as a boomtown during the silver mining era. The town's Historic Mining Park features 113 acres of mining equipment, mines, and more for visitors to explore. For starry skies, retirees can visit the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park, which was rated the #1 Stargazing Destination by USA Today.
For good food and local brews, Tonopah Brewing Company is a popular hangout spot. The Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine provides guided tours where visitors can explore the mine and learn more about the turquoise mining process.
Mesquite
With a median home value of $379,000 and numerous golf courses, it's no wonder Mesquite is a popular retirement town for fun and affordability. This small town sits along the Nevada/Arizona border and boasts gorgeous views of the Virgin River Valley. Golf is Mesquite's main attraction, with golf courses such as the picturesque Wolf Creek Golf Club, Conestoga Golf Club, Falcon Ridge, and Oasis Golf Club bringing in retirees from all over the country.
Mesquite also has many non-golf attractions, such as the Great Sphinx of Mesquite, the Mesquite Maoi, and Little Mount Rushmore, all carved into the red canyons outside the city. Like most towns within a couple of hours of Las Vegas, Mesquite has several casinos, including Mesquite Gaming.
Don't Overlook These Under-The-Radar Retirement Towns In Nevada
Choosing a retirement town is a big commitment. Fortunately, the towns on our list are affordable and fun, offering plenty of natural beauty and both indoor and outdoor recreation. Whether retirees are searching for a glamorous, yet budget-conscious, Las Vegas suburb like Laughlin, or a rugged Wild West town with a rich history like Ely, there's something on our list for every retiree.
