Nevada is the second-fastest-growing state in the West and the sixth-fastest-growing nationwide. More than 3.1 million residents call the Silver State home, with nearly 700,000 residing in Las Vegas. People come to Las Vegas for all kinds of reasons, from the endless entertainment options to the pleasant year-round climate.
For those considering retiring in Las Vegas, the region offers more than visitors might expect. This guide covers key information about the area and highlights active adult communities in and around Las Vegas to help you determine whether it’s the right fit. Let’s take a look!
Retiring in Las Vegas Pros and Cons
Nevada offers strong tax incentives, a warm climate, and a practically endless entertainment scene, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Learning the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas will help you determine if it’s the right city for you.
Pros
- No income tax: Nevada is one of nine states without a state income tax. This means your retirement dollars stretch farther. You’ll pay no state taxes on pensions, Social Security benefits, or other sources of retirement income.
- A pleasant climate: If you want to say goodbye to snow for good, Las Vegas is the place to go. The city averages zero inches of snow per year, while the U.S. average is 28 inches. Las Vegas has a semi-arid climate with dry heat, so you won’t have to worry about humidity.
- An exciting entertainment scene: Moving to Las Vegas gives you access to virtually unlimited activities. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is home to about 30 casinos, with hundreds more off the Strip and across the state. Many of the city’s casinos, museums, and buffets offer senior discounts, allowing you to have more fun while spending less money.
Cons
- Lackluster public transportation: If you’re moving to Las Vegas from a city with robust train lines, buses, and more, prepare for a different situation in Las Vegas. While the city offers public transportation, there aren’t many routes. This means you’ll need to drive yourself or use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.
- Easy access to gambling: The city’s multiple casinos and gambling halls can be a major draw, but not if gambling is one of your vices. With around-the-clock access to gambling, alcohol, and adult entertainment, Las Vegas’ moniker as “Sin City” makes sense.
- An influx of tourists: Living in Las Vegas means you’ll always have out-of-towners in your community, which can make things hectic and crowded. More than 40 million people visit Vegas annually, whether for work or play.
Las Vegas Climate
The climate will be a major factor in deciding whether retiring in Las Vegas is the right choice for you. Given its location in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas experiences high temperatures. The daily high temperature in the summer can soar well above 100 degrees. However, unlike coastal retirement destinations, Las Vegas experiences a dry heat, which is more comfortable overall. This is because humid heat prevents the body from cooling. You also won’t step out of your home and feel like you’re in a swamp.
Winters in Las Vegas can get cold, but daily highs usually end up being mild. Las Vegas experiences an average February temperature range of 42 to 64 degrees. The city also offers plenty of sunshine-soaked days—more than 300 of them.
Outdoor Activities All Year Long
Las Vegas’ abundant sunshine and overall pleasant climate mean you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities all year long, whether you want to get out and golf or go hiking. When it comes to golf, you can choose from more than 50 golf courses all within a 40-minute drive of the Las Vegas Strip. And if you want to lace up your hiking boots for a day on the trail, you can explore numerous hiking trails of all skill levels. One of the most popular is the Historic Railroad Trail, which offers scenic views of Lake Mead. It’s also dog-friendly, so bring your canine companion.
Las Vegas Taxes
Nevada is considered a tax-friendly state, which benefits retirees on fixed incomes who need to make the most of their dollars. Like most states, Nevada exempts prescription drugs from sales tax. The state also charges a reasonable 4.6% sales tax, which is lower than neighboring California. Additional local taxes also apply, bringing the sales tax rate up to 8.4% in Las Vegas. However, unprepared food items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meats, are exempt from sales tax, helping retirees stretch their grocery budget.
Las Vegas Property Taxes
Nevada offers some of the country’s lowest property taxes. Las Vegas, specifically, has a 0.48% effective property tax rate. Homeowners in the state are protected from property tax rate hikes under Nevada’s property tax abatement law. This law limits annual increases in property tax bills to 3% statewide.
When you’re figuring out property taxes, keep in mind the assessed value of a property, which is equal to 35% of the property’s taxable value. For example, if your home’s taxable value is $100,000, the assessed value is $35,000, and tax rates apply to the assessed value.
Las Vegas Retirement Income Taxes
Nevada doesn’t have a state income tax. If you move to Las Vegas, your retirement income remains untaxed at the state level, including income from Social Security and retirement accounts. You also pay no tax on pensions, 401(k)s, or IRAs.
Las Vegas Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Las Vegas doesn’t offer any general property tax exemptions for seniors, but the state offers many programs that may help you save money. For example, the Nevada Wartime Veterans Property Tax Exemption is an annual tax exemption open to any veteran with wartime service. Veterans can apply the exemption to their vehicle or property taxes. For 2024 to 2025, the deduction amounts to $3,440.
Las Vegas Health Care
Living in Las Vegas gives you access to numerous health care providers. The Las Vegas area is home to 53 hospitals, including Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center. This general medical and surgical facility ranks highly for its cardiac ICU, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Las Vegas’ MountainView Hospital is a full-service hospital and ER that offers a wide range of medical services, including heart care, neurology, and diabetes education. MountainView is also a teaching hospital and an in-network provider for both Medicare and Medicaid services. The average emergency room wait time at this hospital is 5 to 10 minutes, giving you peace of mind that you can be seen quickly if needed.
Another popular health care option is Elite Medical Center, which is located just off the Las Vegas Strip. Consistently ranked one of the highest-rated hospitals in Las Vegas, Elite Medical Center specializes in treating adult emergencies. However, this hospital doesn’t accept Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
Where to Live in Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Living in Las Vegas proper places residents at the center of the city’s entertainment, dining, and cultural offerings. While the Strip draws millions of visitors each year, many residential neighborhoods sit well beyond the tourist core and offer a quieter, more suburban feel.
Areas such as Summerlin and parts of Southwest Las Vegas are especially popular with retirees due to their master-planned layouts, access to golf courses, shopping centers, and nearby medical facilities. For active adults who enjoy having world-class shows, restaurants, and amenities just a short drive away, Las Vegas offers convenience without requiring daily exposure to crowds.
55+ Communities in Las Vegas
For Rent
For Sale
- Heritage at Stonebridge
- Los Prados
- Promenade at the Meadows
- Quail Estates West
- Rancho Las Brisas
- Regency at Summerlin
- Siena
- Silver Canyon
- Silver Springs Sterling
- Solera at Stallion Mountain
- Sun City Summerlin
- Trilogy in Summerlin
- Trilogy Sunstone
North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas is growing at 2.56% annually, and the population has increased by 12.5% since 2020. While you can easily enjoy the restaurants, shows, and nightlife on the Las Vegas Strip, you can also take advantage of exciting things to do closer to home. North Las Vegas is home to top attractions such as Aliante Nature Discovery Park, a unique park featuring a waterfall, duck pond, and a trail with benches.
Living in North Las Vegas puts you within minutes of The Strip and McCarran International Airport, but you won’t have to deal with all the noise and crowds of living closer to downtown. North Las Vegas also typically costs less than living in the heart of Las Vegas, so you can make the most of your retirement dollars.
55+ Communities in North Las Vegas
Henderson
Located southeast of Las Vegas, Henderson consistently ranks among Nevada’s safest cities and is a top choice for retirees seeking a calm, well-maintained environment. This city offers a strong sense of community, plentiful parks, scenic walking trails, and easy access to Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead.
Henderson is also home to several well-known 55+ communities that provide resort-style amenities and social programming. Its balance of peaceful neighborhoods and proximity to the Las Vegas Strip makes Henderson especially appealing to active adults who want the best of both worlds.
55+ Communities in Henderson
For Rent
For Sale
- Cordera Ranch
- Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas
- Heritage at Cadence
- Solera at Anthem
- Sun City Anthem
- Sun City MacDonald Ranch
- Terra Bella
Mesquite
Mesquite is about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, near the Arizona border, and is known for its slower pace and scenic desert surroundings. The city attracts retirees looking for affordability, warm winters, and a strong sense of community.
Mesquite is particularly popular among golf enthusiasts, with several championship golf courses set against dramatic desert landscapes. While smaller than Las Vegas, Mesquite still offers essential shopping, access to health care, and active adult communities, making it a solid option for retirees who prefer a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle of the metro area.
55+ Communities in Mesquite
- Gatherings at Ridgemont
- Highland Fairways
- Highland Hills
- Mesa Hills
- Shadow Crest
- Sun City Mesquite
- Sun Crest
Pahrump
Pahrump is located roughly an hour west of Las Vegas and appeals to retirees who value space, privacy, and lower housing costs. This rural community offers wide-open desert views, minimal traffic, and a relaxed pace of life. Many homes sit on larger lots, which appeals to residents looking for room to garden, enjoy outdoor hobbies, or simply spread out.
While residents may travel to Las Vegas for specialized medical care or major shopping, Pahrump provides a peaceful alternative for retirees who prefer a more secluded setting with a tight-knit community feel.
55+ Communities in Pahrump
Reno
Reno, located in northern Nevada near the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers a very different retirement experience than Las Vegas. Often called “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno blends urban conveniences with outdoor recreation. Retirees enjoy access to Lake Tahoe, hiking trails, skiing, and four distinct seasons.
While winters are colder than in southern Nevada, Reno appeals to active adults who enjoy cooler weather, cultural events, and a growing arts and dining scene. Several 55+ communities in and around Reno cater to retirees seeking mountain views and an active lifestyle.
55+ Communities in Reno
Sparks
Adjacent to Reno, Sparks provides a more suburban atmosphere while still offering easy access to the amenities of the greater Reno area. Known for its community-oriented feel, Sparks features parks, walking paths, and events like local festivals and outdoor concerts.
Retirees appreciate Sparks for its slightly lower cost of living compared to Reno proper, along with newer housing developments and convenient access to health care. For those drawn to northern Nevada’s scenery but looking for a quieter home base, Sparks offers an appealing option.
55+ Communities in Sparks
FAQ: Moving to Las Vegas
Is Las Vegas a good place to retire?
Yes, Las Vegas is a popular retirement destination due to its warm climate, no state income tax, relatively low property taxes, and a wide range of entertainment and recreational options.
What is the cost of living like in Las Vegas?
While housing costs have risen in recent years, Las Vegas remains more affordable than many major Western cities, particularly compared with California and coastal retirement destinations.
Does Nevada tax retirement income?
No, Nevada does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, or 401(k) withdrawals at the state level, making it very attractive for retirees.
What are the pros and cons of moving to Las Vegas?
Pros include tax advantages, sunshine, and entertainment. Cons can include extreme summer heat, heavy tourism, and limited public transportation.
How hot does it get in Las Vegas during the summer?
Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, but the dry desert climate makes the heat more tolerable than humid regions.
Does Las Vegas get snow?
Las Vegas averages zero inches of snow per year, making it a great option for those looking to avoid winter weather.
What are the best areas to live in Las Vegas for retirees?
Many retirees prefer North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and nearby master-planned communities that offer quieter neighborhoods and 55+ options.
Are there 55+ communities in Las Vegas?
Yes, Las Vegas has many well-established 55+ communities with amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses, pools, and social activities.
How are property taxes in Las Vegas?
Property taxes in Las Vegas are among the lowest in the country, and Nevada law limits annual increases in property taxes.
What is health care like in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas offers a wide range of hospitals and medical centers, many of which accept Medicare and provide specialized care for 55+ residents.
Is Las Vegas safe for retirees?
Like any large city, safety varies by neighborhood. Many suburban and age-restricted communities offer quieter environments with added security.
How is traffic in Las Vegas?
Traffic can be heavy near the Strip and during peak tourist seasons, but suburban areas generally experience lighter congestion.
Is Las Vegas a good place for outdoor activities?
Yes, retirees enjoy year-round golf, hiking, walking trails, and nearby natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead.
How can I find the right community when moving to Las Vegas?
Working with a local real estate expert who understands the Las Vegas market and 55+ communities can help you compare neighborhoods and find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Ready to Make the Move? 55places Can Help
Discover more exciting 55+ communities in Las Vegas by contacting us or browsing 55places.com. When you’re ready, we’ll connect you with a local real estate expert who will guide you through the top options in your area and help you transition seamlessly from your current home to a 55+ community. We look forward to helping you make your next move the best one yet!
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