The Best Small Towns To Retire In Nevada
Why is Nevada called the Silver State? Maybe there's more to it than the silver mining of the heyday, but the fact that Nevada is perfect for when your hair gets that hue. There's a silver lining for when retirement age "strikes" in Nevada, but with so many options to retire, you often need an insider's perspective. These towns boast a high concentration of retirees, so you get an instant group of friends and will love discovering all the perks that are invisible to the eye of the outsider.
With a seeming lack of community retirement centers, the state is more suitable for free-willed individuals who like to choose their own lifestyle and daily pursuits. While home values have increased nationally over the last ten years, there is no significant difference in the cost of living from where you live right now, and the housing in these towns remains relatively affordable. Nevada offers you a choice from glitz and glam to outdoor adventures with varied terrain, including mountains, to keep mind, body, and soul healthy in the golden years.
Boulder City
With a population of 16,207, Boulder City is a really great small town to retire in Nevada, with 30.2% of the population being retirees. There is a non-significant 2% higher cost of living than the national average, while the income per capita in Boulder City is $29,770. The small town is rated tax-friendly toward retirees, with a tax burden of 16.6%. You can put your own money where it really matters during the golden years, like hanging out with your close friends.
Take a trip to Vegas anytime you like; it's only 20 miles away, or seek out nature at the Hoover Dam, a great spot for scenic picnics under the sun. There are also a municipal golf course and restaurants, as well as one of the highest concentrations of retirement communities among similar places in the state, at 0.9 for every 1,000 senior residents. Fun fact: Boulder City is one of only two places in the state that prohibits gambling, which is not a problem if you live just outside of Las Vegas. There are also 1.44 medical centers for every 1,000 residents on the lookout for your health.
Elko
The town of about 20,000 locals living in "one of the last true western towns in the US" is a great place to retire in the Silver State. Find Elko in the northeastern corner of Nevada, where the population density is so low that you get to enjoy the great outdoors with less noise and fumes. The community is also relatively safe, and there is one hospital within 5 miles of the city. You will find a fellow senior out of every 10 people you meet to make friends with and invite them over to your place, which has a median home value of $232,100.
Elko is a vibrant town without the corruptive vibe of Las Vegas, with a fun range of community engagements for all ages and interests. Enjoy its wealth of museums on cowboys and natural history, and take advantage of the nearby Elko Hot Springs, great for hiking and unbeatable for relaxation. Elko takes the retirement experience to the next level with its unspoiled mountain views and unique dining opportunities, all under great weather and a fanned-out western charm.
Gardnerville
Gardnerville is one great place to retire in Nevada, with about a quarter of the population retired, which is solid proof. You will easily find peers among the total population of about 6,000 locals to enjoy the small-town feel and the vast opportunities in and around the town in good company. Gardnerville maintains one of the state's lowest tax burdens at 15.6% and one of the highest numbers of retirement communities per capita at 0.35 per 1,000 residents.
There is also great access to recreation centers, with 1.24 for every 1,000 residents. This well-equipped community is well worth your hard-earned savings for the golden years, boasting 2.48 health care centers per 1,000 residents, which is one of the best accesses to medical attention among similar places in the state.
Incline Village
Incline Village feels made for active retirees with its location against Lake Tahoe’s Crystal Bay for endless days under the sun by the water. The small town of 9,440 also boasts access to 1.60 recreation centers per every 1,000 residents, one of the higher numbers in the state. Its non-quizzical name comes from the Great Incline Tramway, built in 1878.
Spend your golden years living a healthy lifestyle among like-minded individuals, while the relaxing lake views will keep you mentally sharp and stress-free. There is a respectable number of 1.49 medical care centers available for every 1,000 people, but virtually no retirement communities in Incline Village. Families will gladly choose to spend the holiday season at your place with grandparents who can take them to the nearby Diamond Peak Ski Resort.
Laughlin
With a name like that, the small town of Laughlin is no joke—one of the best places to retire in Nevada. The town sits nestled between the California border and the Colorado River, with a population of about 8,000 people who immensely enjoy all of the outdoor opportunities along the water, as well as quick getaway options and vacation-worthy places right at hand. Immerse yourself in the riverfront retirement any way you like, including several casinos; just try not to get hurt because low medical care access is, unfortunately, "a laugh-lin matter."
Spend your golden years with a solid group of like-minded friends to support you mentally and spiritually, with a whopping 40% of the population being retired. Spend your days over pursuits with others, like the 1.05 recreation centers for every 1,000 residents. Laughlin maintains a tax burden of 16.6%, and you will have the opportunity to perfect your hosting skills at your own place, as there aren't many retirement communities.
Mesquite
Mesquite, with a population of 22,322 and the highest percentage of retirees on this list being 41%, is tailored for the best golden years. There is a 1% lower cost of living than the national average and a respectable per capita income of $32,213 for workaholics, as well as a tax burden of 16.6%. The retiree-friendly town is also equipped with plenty of recreation to enjoy with a group of friends of all interests.
This, one of the most popular retirement communities in Nevada, has a hospital and multiple medical complexes. Have a fun drive to Vegas, just 80 miles away, or head to Arizona, with the border being practically visible from town. Enjoy the outdoors in great weather with different sights and nature in both states. The town holds its own with plenty to do like golf courses, casinos, and restaurants, while the number of hotels points to the fact that you will likely see new faces along the streets and have interesting things to discuss over a drink at a local bar.
Pahrump
With a population of 42,471, the lively town of Pahrump is perfect for retired social butterflies. You will quickly find a soul mate and a group of friends with 39% of the population being seniors, which is 86% higher than the average US share of the senior population. Enjoy visiting others and hosting with a median home value of $388,119 and property tax of 0.64%, which is more affordable among similar-sized locations in the state. While the walkability and the number of recreation centers are average, together with the lack of high-quality medical care, there must be a reason why so many retirees flock to Pahrump.
Just an hour west of Las Vegas along the Nevada-California border, the town...oh wait, there's your answer! Pahrump is surrounded by vibrant opportunities for quick getaways and vacation-worthy places just a hand's reach away. There are also over 35 local hiking trails to explore and adventures to be had at nearby hot spots like Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve, so you won't even miss indoor recreation, particularly under the great climate. The vibrant heart of town is worth perusing without making the common stop "for ages."
Silver Springs
The town right along the western side of Lahontan Reservoir in Lyon County may not catch your eye at first glance, but don't be fooled. Silver Springs is an undulating, closely knit community of well under 5,000 happy residents, and with 26.1% of the general population retired, you will be in good company. In fact, Silver Springs has everything in its name that guarantees one hell of a retirement for silver-haired people in the Silver State, like the beautiful outdoors to enjoy in pleasant weather.
Although there are virtually no in-town medical centers nor retirement communities in town, as well as only a few recreation centers, Silver Springs has a lower tax burden than most at 15.6%. There is the beautiful Lahontan Reservoir and the Lahontan State Recreation Area, as well as the historic Fort Churchill State Historic Park, which should cover all interest levels for outdoor pursuits. The unbeatable natural setting calls for daily fresh air strolls and self-guided recreational activities near nearby waters to live out healthy golden years.
Nevada is a great state with great weather, low taxes, and the Las Vegas scene. You can keep that one as far or as close as you want with these choice towns. You don't have to be a fan of Sin City to gamble, nor do you have to be a fan at all. With many of these towns being so far away from the Strip, you are closer to Death Valley National Park, like in Pahrump, just across the border from the abundant nature. Choose a vacation close to California or Arizona for a quick getaway to the beaches and varied scenery of the warm-weathered states all around.
If you want scintillating entertainment, choose a town that's near Las Vegas for a quick road trip into the lively vibe, contagious atmosphere, and sights like the Fountains of Bellagio. It is also a great place to head with your grown kids, like the Mob Museum, the High Roller Viewing Deck, The Strip, and The LINQ Promenade. Choose Boulder City for the breathtaking Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and as a great wilderness base to explore grand scenery via hikes and camping under great weather.
