Reno, NV 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” is located in Western Nevada, right along the state border of California and just north of Lake Tahoe. The city is the third-most populous in the state and offers an assortment of casinos and restaurants that are highly rated. As a popular tourist city, there’s a multitude of entertainment activities as well as access to plenty of outdoor recreation for residents to enjoy. 

Climate & Geography

The climate in Reno is classified as cold semi arid, meaning the city experiences cool to cold winters and hot summers. The nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range has an impact on the weather, primarily bringing strong winds and concentrated precipitation during the winter and spring months. Residents can expect very little rainfall, less snowfall than the national average, and approximately 252 sunny days throughout each year. 

The Truckee River provides 80 million U.S. gallons of water per day to Nevada and is the immediate source of drinking water for Reno. The elevation is relatively 4,400 feet above sea level and Reno is east of the Sierra Nevada. Countless numbers of fault lines are located around the city that are associated with the multitude of mountain ranges. Lake Tahoe is approximately 40 miles to the south and the Tahoe National Forest lies just to the west across the California border.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

In the city, residents enjoy visiting the The Truckee River Walk for a stroll and the view of the mountain stream running right through downtown. Being near Las Vegas, It’s no surprise that Reno offers many casinos with highly rated restaurants within them. The Nevada Museum of Art offers exhibits that explore the diversity of art experiences, and there are multiple amphitheaters and music venues where residents can catch shows ranging from orchestral performances to contemporary popular artists. Greater Nevada Field is home to the Triple-A Reno Aces baseball team, and Reno 1868 Football Club for sport fans to attend games year round. 

Active adults who enjoy outdoor activities can travel just outside the city to Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe to enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, biking, fishing, swimming, and more. Golfers can also find several courses and golf clubs in the city and surrounding area. 

While there is plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment right in the city, residents who like to travel can reach the larger city of Sacramento in about two hours, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area in about four hours. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Reno is higher than the national average, and slightly higher than the state average. The primary factor is the high cost of homes and housing, but the cost of groceries are also just above average. Health care, utilities, and transportation costs are all below average. 

Nevada is considered very tax friendly to retirees. The state has no income tax, which includes income from Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement savings accounts. Property taxes in the state are also relatively low, and while there are no retiree specific property tax exemptions, there are programs that may benefit retirees, such as a veteran's exemption. The sales tax is higher than average, but items such as prescription drugs, certain medical equipment, groceries, and newspapers are all exempt. 

Health Care

The Reno metropolitan area often ranks within the top 100 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index. 

There are seven medical centers and hospitals in Reno. They are St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center-Reno, West Hills Hospital, Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System-Reno, Willow Springs Center, and Renown South Meadows Medical Center. Several of these are rated high performing in various adult procedures and conditions according to U.S. News.