Where are the best places to retire in Nevada?
While Nevada’s tax-friendly structure makes every city worth considering, some cities and towns are particularly attractive to retirees.
The best places for retirees to live in the Silver State were chosen based on the weather, cost of living, safety, access to healthcare, and community amenities.
- Carson City: Carson City is the state capital with a walkable downtown and access to nearby recreation at Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Reno: Reno is one of the most affordable places to retire. There’s a vibrant arts scene with abundant entertainment and recreation opportunities for seniors.
- Henderson: Henderson is a clean, well-planned community a short distance away from Las Vegas. It offers an affordable, active retirement lifestyle with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- Las Vegas: Las Vegas is home to all the entertainment you can handle, great food, and senior communities geared toward retirees.
- Mesquite: Mesquite is a smaller town near the border of Arizona with affordable housing, a low crime rate, and plenty of outdoor activities for enjoyable senior living.
- Elko: Elko is an affordable, small town near the mountains of northeastern Nevada. It’s known for its outdoor recreation, history, and art scene.
- Gardnerville: If you’re looking for an antiquers paradise, mountain views, and affordable living, Gardnerville, a small town of 6,000, might be for you.
- Laughlin: Laughlin is located on the Colorado River 100 miles from Las Vegas. It’s known for its water sports, golf courses, and affordability.
- Boulder City: If you want the tax benefits of living in Nevada without the casinos, Boulder City, home to the Hoover Dam, might be for you. It has a low crime rate with a large number of retirees.
- Pahrump: Pahrump is an hour west of Las Vegas near the California border and Death Valley National Park. It offers a warm climate, fishing, outdoor sports, and a variety of entertainment options. More than a third of residents are over 65.
Where can you retire in Nevada?
If you’re looking for some ideas on where to retire in Nevada, you may want to take a look at the average home price in areas across the state, as well as the many retirement communities available. The lifestyle in Nevada is designed for retirees, so there are many communities throughout the state suitable for retirement.
- Carson City: $493,876
- Reno: $566,164
- Henderson: $494,576
- Las Vegas: $434,234
- Mesquite: $385,728
- Elko: $355,420
- Gardnerville: $602,402
- Laughlin: $262,661
- Boulder City: $476,003
- Pahrump: $371,511
The median home price statewide is $452,606, according to data compiled from Zillow in August 2025.
Nevada is home to over 100 retirement and senior living communities. The cost of these communities varies depending on several factors, including location, amenities offered, size of the living unit, and additional services provided.
Generally, the monthly cost can range from $2,250 to $5,650 or more.
According to a Place for Mom, a senior care referral service, the median monthly cost of independent living in Nevada is $3,673. This places the state at the 10th most expensive in the country, which contrasts the state’s reputation as a low-cost-of-living state. This may be due to newer facilities and abundant amenities offered in Nevada senior communities.
Is Nevada a good place to retire?
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, Nevada had a population of approximately 3.1 million people, with approximately 17% of the population being over the age of 65, making it a state supportive of retirees.
With its stunning natural landscapes, thriving cities, and tax-friendly policies, Nevada offers a unique retirement experience that attracts many retirees every year. Some of the reasons you may want to consider Nevada for retirement include:
- Affordability: When compared with other areas in the western US, Nevada is one of the most affordable. Housing prices are lower than in nearby states such as California and Oregon.
- Healthcare: Access to healthcare in Nevada is good for those in major metro areas. However, rural options are limited.
- Taxes: What makes Nevada unique is the lack of personal income tax. You keep more of your money when you live in Nevada.
- Lifestyle: Many cities in Nevada enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. While the heat is quite uncomfortable in the summer months, the rest of the year is more pleasant.
Discover how much income you’ll have when you retire, and how much more you'll need to save to achieve your dream retirement with our free retirement calculator
What are the pros and cons of retiring in Nevada?
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of retiring in Nevada before making a final decision.
Here are some of the benefits of retiring in Nevada and some of the reasons why some retirees choose to live in other states.
The pros of a Nevada retirement:
- Tax-friendly policies: Nevada has no state income tax and among the lowest property taxes in the country. This could be a significant advantage for retirees who rely on fixed income.
- Affordable cost of living: Nevada's cost of living, including housing and healthcare, is lower than that of other popular retirement destinations, such as California.
- Unique environment: Nevada is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Cultural scene: Nevada offers a vibrant cultural scene with many museums, galleries, and several state-hosted events throughout the year, including the Las Vegas Film Festival, the Reno Rodeo, and the Great Reno Balloon Race.
The cons of retiring in Nevada:
- Extreme temperatures: Nevada's climate varies greatly depending on the region, but many areas experience extremely hot summers and cold winters.
- Natural disasters: Nevada is also prone to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and droughts.
- Limited public transportation: Nevada is largely a rural state, and public transportation options are limited.
- Limited healthcare options: The availability of healthcare options, particularly in rural areas, could be a concern for retirees who require specialized medical attention. However, the major metro areas have plenty of healthcare options.
How much are Nevada retirement taxes?
Nevada has a reputation as tax-friendly, and this certainly is one of the big advantages of a Nevada retirement. Tax in Nevada is a big reason retirees are drawn to the state.
Nevada does not impose state income tax. This means an income from your retirement accounts, your 401(k), 403(b), or IRA will not be taxed. You also won’t be taxed on Social Security.
While there is no state income tax, Nevadans still pay federal income tax.
Sales tax is where the state makes most of its money, with the rate standing at 6.85% for state sales taxes and 8.24% effective sales tax rate when combined with local sales tax collection.
Nevada also charges higher-than-average excise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.
What age can you retire in Nevada?
People living or considering moving to Nevada can choose to retire whenever they like if they can support themselves financially.
However, there are some age-related benefits and considerations for retirees in Nevada:
- Social Security benefits: The earliest age at which you can begin receiving Social Security benefits is 62, but if you delay taking benefits, your monthly payments will increase. Full retirement age (FRA) is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. Delaying benefits until after FRA can result in even higher monthly payments.
- Medicare eligibility: Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, regardless of retirement status. However, if you choose to retire before age 65, you will need to find alternative healthcare coverage until you become eligible for Medicare.
- Retirement savings: Regardless of retirement age, individuals need to start saving for retirement as early as possible. Many financial experts recommend saving at least 15% of your income for retirement. You could check out the average retirement savings in the US.
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