Pros and Cons of Retiring in Nevada: Best Places To Live, Taxes, and More

A common misconception about the Silver State is the tag it gets for being a place with tarred roads and desert lands on both sides. While plenty of places have such descriptions, it doesn't tell the entire story of why people choose to retire in Nevada.

Imagine you're a retiree: waking up to sunny skies with panoramic views of scenic desert landscapes, attractive city life, and plenty of fun things to do as a senior citizen. Sounds perfect for a retiree, doesn't it?

With Nevada's low tax rates and elder-friendly environment, the state is gradually becoming a famous hub for retirees. About 16.9% of the state's 3.1 million residents are 65 years or older.

Let's examine the benefits and disadvantages of retiring in Nevada. Is it a good decision? Should you make it?

Pros of Retiring in Nevada

Including Nevada as part of your retirement plan is an excellent decision. The truth is—there's something for every type of senior citizen within the state.

What are some of the benefits Silver State offers to its retirees?

1. Sufficient Number of Retiree Communities

With over 55 active adult communities for senior citizens in Las Vegas alone, Nevada has plenty of allure to bond its citizens together. As you relocate to Silver State being a senior citizen, any local moving company can give you tips on how to find the best communities to fit into.

These communities offer many amenities and have activities tailored to the aging populace. From resort-style clubs to golf courses, fitness studios, lively social events, and on-site tennis courts, there's something to keep every active adult busy.

2. Low Taxes

As a retiree who mostly might be waiting on a fixed-income pension, the tax rates in Nevada are an excellent opportunity to reserve more money for yourself. 

The state does not have income taxes, which makes it much more appealing to the general public. Although sales tax can be a bit on the high side, the low property tax rates make it easier for residents, especially retirees in their golden years.

3. Warm Weather Conditions

Climate conditions in Nevada are a lot of times mistaken for something else because it is a desert state. The Silver State is a semi-arid land area, which translates to having warm and dry weather for most of the year.

Although the weather isn't like this all year long, you can be sure of experiencing good sunny days with a good mix of clear skies that allow any outdoor activity.

4. Plenty of Entertainment Options

Planning your retirement in Nevada is a great idea if you're an outdoor enthusiast. There are tons of entertainment options, ranging from world-class casinos to beautiful parks, luxurious shopping centers, and breathtaking recreational sites.

Although Nevada is famous for its Las Vegas casinos, there are many more exciting things across the Silver State that interest older people. For instance, golf, tennis, and plenty of other recreational activities are available for retirees in the state.

5. Excellent Food Variety 

You can never be too old for Nevada foods! Being a tourist-centered state, especially in Las Vegas, the food scene offers a variety of cuisines.

With renowned celebrity chefs and top restaurants, there are plenty of mouth-watering delicacies to fill you up. However, only the major cities like Las Vegas and Reno might have the best restaurants. 

Cons of Retiring in Nevada

Depending on who you ask, the Silver State can be a great or a not-so-good place for retirees. 

Residing in Nevada as a retiree comes with its peculiar challenges, and depending on how you like your living conditions, it might be unsuitable for you.

1. High Crime Rates

The Silver State has witnessed a gradual rise in the number of violent crimes above the national average for some time now. Although Nevada isn't among the worst states in the U.S. with high levels of violent or property crimes, the numbers still don't make it safe.

The chances of falling victim to violent crimes are 1 in 220, and property crime is 1 in 42. Assault and theft are the most common crimes committed within the state, and senior citizens are often easy targets for this menace.

2. Not The Best Healthcare System

Unless you plan on living in a city like Carson City, Reno, or Las Vegas, you'll most likely suffer from a lack of good or sufficient healthcare. 

Residents in more rural settlements within the states encounter issues with medical care, and as a retiree, you might have health needs. The best advice for coming here is to choose the best place to live in Nevada.

3. It Gets Very Hot

Nevada has warmer climates, which has its good and bad moments. However, when it gets hot, it becomes unbearable for most residents, especially retirees.

Nevada's temperatures usually exceed the triple-digit mark, with cities like Las Vegas reaching as high as 110° in the summer months. This eventually affects the ease of engaging in many outdoor activities during the day.

4. Gambling is Everywhere

The movies weren't exactly wrong—Nevada has a gambling addiction, especially in Las Vegas.

If you have battled with addiction in your youth as a retiree, you might find it hard to cope with the temptations. Luckily, there are many other activities you can channel your focus to as a distraction. 

Best Places to Live in Nevada for Retiree

The best places to live in Nevada for retirees usually have some common features that make them appealing to senior citizens. Some standard requirements for retirees in the cities include;

• Health care quality
• Local tax rates
• Cost of living
• Housing value

Let's dive into the top five places to retire in Nevada.

1. Carson City

In terms of community for retirees, Carson City has the largest center per 100,000 residents in Nevada. Unlike most of the cities in the state, Carson can boast of a good quality healthcare system that senior citizens/retirees would need. 

Engaging in recreational activities isn't a miss here, either. Residents have access to many art classes, golfing facilities, bingo halls, music venues, and museums throughout the city.

• Population: 58,130
• +65-Year-Old Residents: 20.6%
• Median Home Value: $547,500
• Property Taxes: 0.70%

2. Reno

The Biggest Little City in the World is the go-to place for outdoor retirees and those looking to spend the rest of their years engaging in a vibrant, cultural city. There are tons of art-related activities and Wild West history in and around the place, which can be exciting and good for retirees.

Think of Reno as Las Vegas but with fewer crowds and more love for outdoor sports. Moreover, you will find more than the average number of retirees per U.S. city in Reno—about 10% higher.

• Population: 273 448
• +65-Year-Old Residents: 16.8%
• Median Home Value: $507,500
• Property Taxes: 0.59%

 3. Henderson

Lake Mead, one of the significant sites attracting more residents south of Nevada, lies in the Mojave Desert of Henderson. 

The city offers many amenities and activities that would interest retirees. From stunning golf courses to fishing, camping sites, and hiking trails, the city is truly a wonder for the older generations. 

For retiree shoppers, the Galleria at Sunset in Henderson is one of the biggest malls in the city. It has more than 100 stores where you'll mostly find all you need there.

• Population: 331,415
• +65-Year-Old Residents: 20%
• Median Home Value: $470,000
• Property Taxes: 0.56%

4. Pahrump

The city with the largest number of retirees in Nevada! 

Famous for its thriving economy and affordable housing, Pahrump is a perfect place to live as a retiree. 

However, you might be trading access to medical centers for a plethora of retiree communities. You got that right; you can be sure of joining a community that ensures you're never bored. 

Plus, Pahrump has unique attractions luring retirees: The Pahrump Valley Winery; The Pahrump Valley Museum; and The Sanders Family Winery.

• Population: 50,096
• +65-Year-Old Residents: 31.9%
• Median Home Value: $374,500
• Property Taxes: 0.64%

5. Las Vegas

It might not be the ideal retirement location for most people; however, Sin City offers the most entertainment in all of Nevada for senior citizens.

Unlike popular thinking, gambling in a casino doesn't have to be the only fun here. There are tons of other activities you can engage in while living in the city. 

Plus, Las Vegas has one of the largest concentrations of health centers in Nevada, which might be another great thing to consider as a senior citizen or retiree. 

• Population: 656,274
• +65-Year-Old Residents: 15.3%
• Median Home Value: $424,000
• Property Taxes: 0.56%

Summary—Is Nevada a Good Place to Retire?

Straight answer—yes!

There are communities for retirees, plenty of things to do, low tax rates, and good-quality healthcare (if you pick the right cities).

Before booking and finalizing your plans to retire in Nevada, it's always best to thoroughly plan and ensure it's what you have to do. 

Remember, if you have specific health needs or entertainment preferences, you might want to stick to some of the top cities within the state.

Happy retirement, and good luck!