The 8 Best Places to Retire in Nevada

Laugh

Located in the southern tip of the state, Laughlin sits along the banks of the Colorado River where Arizona, California and Nevada meet.

There's plenty to do year-round in this riverside city. The Laughlin Riverwalk is home to seven of the area's nine resorts. It features a mile-long paved promenade with easy access to restaurants, casinos, water taxis and riverboat cruises.

Big Bend, Colorado State Recreation Area, is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike. This outdoor playground offers everything from kayaking, jet skiing, hiking and swimming to picnicking, bird watching, fishing, boating and camping.

Laughlin is also a great place for road trip enthusiasts. Las Vegas and surrounding sites including Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, and Lake Mead are all within a two-hour drive. The Grand Canyon is just over three hours away, and Phoenix, Arizona, is just over three and a half hours away.

Laughlin also offers affordable housing for retirees. “The Laughlin market is great. You can still buy a two- or three-bedroom home for under $300,000 or a condo for under $200,000,” says longtime Laughlin resident Kevin Barbarita, broker and owner of Barbarita Realty Consultants.

Mesquite

Mesquite, Nevada is located just 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This small city is known for its golf courses, but it also offers natural beauty, resorts, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Mesquite is a golf enthusiast's paradise, with many courses designed by famous golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, as well as renowned golf course architect Gary Panks. There are nine easily accessible courses, all within about 10 minutes of area resorts.

For retirees seeking outdoor adventures, Valley of Fire State Park is less than an hour away, while Lake Mead and Gold Butte National Monument can be reached in less than two hours. To escape the midday heat, residents and visitors can relax at an area spa or visit the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum or the Mesquite Fine Arts Center & Gallery.

For retirees who want the convenience of a big city nearby, Las Vegas is less than 90 minutes away. This includes Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which offers direct flights to more than 150 cities worldwide.

Boulder City

Boulder City is located less than 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and offers its residents a completely different vibe than Sin City.

Located just steps from Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the largest man-made lake in the United States, the Black Canyon Water Trail is a 30-mile (48 km) water trail on the lower Colorado River. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, it begins at Hoover Dam and extends to Eldorado Canyon.

Boulder City’s historic district is full of restaurants and shops and offers a glimpse into the past. Originally built in the 1930s for Hoover Dam workers, it’s home to more than 400 preserved old structures. There’s even a self-guided walking tour that highlights 67 murals and sculptures depicting the city’s history.

There is one thing you won't find in Boulder City, however: casinos. It's one of the few cities in Nevada that prohibits gambling.

Carson City

Located less than 30 minutes from the beautiful Lake TahoeCarson City is a small town ideal for retirees. It is part of Carson Valley, which also includes Minden, Topaz Lake and Gardnerville.

Since 1996, Nevada’s capital city has had a quality of life initiative that develops and maintains green spaces, trails and recreational facilities. “It ensures that all trails, parks and open spaces will continue to be accessible to residents,” said David Peterson, executive director of Visit Carson City.

Carson City residents enjoy four seasons a year with mild winters and 300 days of sunshine.

“While the mountains offer seasonal recreation opportunities, there are also fantastic year-round activities, including excellent golf, hiking and fishing to keep you active all year long,” Peterson said. One of the city’s highlights is the Kit Carson Trail, a walking trail through the city’s historic district that passes nearly 50 historic landmarks.

History buffs can visit the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum. There is also a 24-mile round-trip vintage train ride between Carson City and Virginia City.

According to Peterson, the cost of living in Carson City is lower than surrounding areas, with a median home price of less than $540,000 as of June 2024. That makes it an ideal location for retirees who value affordability.

Genoa

“For those seeking small-town charm, Genoa in Carson Valley is a hidden gem with a rich history and natural beauty,” Barnthouse said. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Genoa (pronounced “juh-NO-ah”) is the oldest permanent settlement in the state.

Genoa’s historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers shopping and dining as well as easy access to Mormon Station State Historic Park. Those looking for outdoor adventures have plenty to choose from. River Fork Ranch Preserve is an 800-acre area with trails and wetlands, while the Genoa Trail System has more than 17 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Additionally, Genoa Lakes Golf Club has two championship courses.

But all this comes at a price. According to Realtor.com, the average price of a home in Genoa is €1.3 million, which may be too high for many retirees.

Elko

Elko is the largest city in northeastern Nevada. Western culture thrives in Elko, home to the Silver State Stampede (Nevada's oldest rodeo), numerous historic saloons, and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

But Elko isn’t all about cowboys. It also has a vibrant arts scene. Not only is this city home to the National Basque Festival, but it’s also home to the Northeastern Nevada Museum, which features work from international and local artists. Elko’s downtown area features more than 60 colorful murals scattered throughout the buildings and streets.

Situated at approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, with the Ruby Mountains just 30 minutes south, Elko is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, biking and skiing.

Henderson

Just outside of Las Vegas is Henderson, Nevada's second-largest city. It's a great base, offering dining, shopping, entertainment, arts, and outdoor adventures. Henderson has 10 golf courses, 180 miles of hiking and biking trails, and water activities at Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas.

Art lovers will appreciate the downtown arts district, which is filled with murals and galleries. Animal lovers will appreciate the Henderson Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 270 species of birds, and the Lion Habitat Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the protection and advocacy of wild lions.

For retirees who like to unwind with a drink, there's Henderson's Artisan Booze District, where breweries, distilleries and wineries create some of the state's most interesting craft beverages.

Henderson has eight recreation centers, including two designed specifically for seniors. It is also a AARP Age-Friendly Communitymeaning local officials have committed to making the city more livable for residents of all ages. Projects have included building a community garden, installing public art and adding bike racks.

Reno

Reno, Nevada, is known for its casinos, but this city has much more to offer retirees. “With access to top-notch healthcare, an affordable cost of living and a favorable tax environment, Reno Tahoe retirees can focus on living well and maximizing their savings,” said Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of Reno Tahoe.

The Downtown Reno Riverwalk is home to shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment along the Truckee River. In the middle of it all is Wingfield Park, an area that hosts concerts and events and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and tubing. Greater Nevada Field, home of the Reno Aces (the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks), is also located along the Truckee River. Just south of the river is Midtown, which is full of shops, art galleries, music venues, and bars.

Reno is part of AARP’s network of Age-Friendly Communities. Projects over the years have included installing community gardens, shuffleboard, cornhole and bocce courts at the Center for Healthy Aging, offering technology classes for seniors and providing all-terrain wheelchairs designed for outdoor exploration at Truckee River Whitewater Park.