January 8th 2025
By Jordan McElwain
From the bright lights of Las Vegas to stunning National Parks, Nevada has something for everyone. Learn about the pros and cons of retirement in Nevada.
For retirees, Nevada offers much more than just Las Vegas and its famous "Sin City" reputation. While the bright lights and entertainment of Las Vegas attract millions of visitors each year, many people are discovering Nevada's appeal as a place to spend their golden years.
Census Bureau data shows that over 16% of Nevada's 3.1 million residents were over 65 in 2022, and this population is expected to grow by more than 260% between 2000 and 2030.
But why is Nevada so popular for seniors? Let’s take a look.
Dubbed the Silver State because of the importance of silver mining in its history, the state of Nevada offers many perks that people often seek in retirement:
Nevada’s sunny climate is perfect for outdoor activities year-round. Located in the Great Basin Desert, the north half of the state has hot summers and very cold winters. The bottom of the state lies lower, in the Mojave Desert, which makes for hot summer days and cool to chilly winter nights.
Though some love it, the climate can also be one of the cons of retiring in Nevada. With many summer days reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not the best place for all seniors. Some days may be too hot for a round of golf or other outside pursuits.
From the vibrant urban environment of Las Vegas to the quiet, serene beauty of Great Basin National Park or Lake Tahoe, Nevada offers a variety of landscapes and environments to choose from.
Nevada has hills and mountains to climb and ski, caves to explore, and lakes and rivers to enjoy. Opportunities abound for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, and plenty of other outdoor activities.
Aside from the casinos, Las Vegas and other cities like Reno boast a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, comedy clubs, and live music venues.
Near Vegas, popular attractions include the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The state has plenty to occupy outdoorsy seniors as well as those who like the excitement of the clubs, casinos, and shops along the strip, the museums and concert venues, and the excitement of trying great restaurants.
Major Nevada cities like Las Vegas and Reno have excellent healthcare facilities, but most hospitals in the state are in the most highly populated areas. The state ranks #16 in Health Care Quality, #25 in Medicare Quality, #34 in Health Care and is #33 in Best States Overall, per U.S. News rankings. Those in more remote areas do not always enjoy easy access to care.
Medicare in Nevada: There are 652,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada, making up 18% of the total population. 44% of Nevada Medicare beneficiaries also choose to enroll in one of the 75 Nevada Medicare Advantage plans.
Chapter’s Nevada Medicare Advisors help older Americans pick the best Medicare plan to get all their healthcare needs covered while saving on costs. Schedule a free consultation or call us at (888) 604-0055 to learn about your Medicare options and receive personalized advice.
Real estate prices state-wide average $456,810, which is 27% above the typical U.S. home price. The median household income is just below the national median, so affordability might be a concern to some seniors. The good news is that the state has low property taxes at 0.59%.
Rental costs are also above the national average, with the average rent about $1,710 — the 9th highest rent across all 50 states.
Overall, the has the 32nd highest cost of living across all 50 states, so your retirement savings might stretch further here than more expensive states like California, Massachusetts, or New York. But it’s by no means the cheapest state to live in.
Always consult with a financial advisor when making decisions about retirement affordability.
Nevada has no state income tax, which leaves more money for living more comfortably and enjoying what the local area has to offer. Nevada taxes no Social Security benefits, pensions, or other retirement income.
However, sales tax rates in the start are quite high, starting at 4.6% at the state level. Including local municipality taxes, the total rate can reach over 8% in some areas — especially the bigger cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson.
People may flock to Nevada for its natural beauty, tax-friendly environment, golf courses and other activities, or the exciting nightlife, but the best retirement destination is one that allows you to live your best life at a price you can afford.
Las Vegas: The #1 destination for many migrants to the Silver State, but here are so other popular locations.
Gardnerville: Located near the California border and Lake Tahoe, Gardnersville has a large senior citizen population and lots to do. Medical care is readily available.
Laughlin: Located between California border and the Colorado River, Laughlin offers a riverfront retirement, several casinos, and many recreation centers. Its population is 40% seniors.
Mesquite: Located near the Arizona border, Mesquite has an exciting lineup of hotels, golf courses, casinos and restaurants to entertain a population comprised of 37.5% seniors.
Boulder City: Located just outside Las Vegas, Boulder City is one of only two Nevada cities that prohibits gambling. On the shores of Lake Mead, Boulder CIty has plenty of recreational activities and many retirement communities
Pahrump: Located 50 miles west of Las Vegas, adjacent to the Nevada–California border, Pahrump has the third largest senior population in the state. Area casinos and wineries are main attractions. While it’s a fun place to be, it offers low access to medical centers, recreation centers and retirement communities.
Carson City: Bordering Lake Tahoe and sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the state capital offers casinos and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, rafting ,fishing, and boating. Carson City has one of the smallest populations of seniors in the state, but there are still several senior living communities and recreation centers in the area.
Nevada certainly isn’t one of the cheapest states to retire in, but it has plenty going for it. From The Vegas Strip’s world-class entertainment and dining to the stunning natural attractions like the Valley of Fire State Park or Lake Tahoe.
While the bigger cities like Las Vegas and Reno offer the best healthcare facilities, smaller communities across the state offer more affordable living options, whilst still having plenty to keep you busy in your golden years.
If Nevada is calling you, consider taking a tour around some different areas of the state to see where might suit your desired lifestyle and budget best.
