7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Nevada
When you hear the name Nevada, the first thing that usually springs to mind is the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Outside the unforgettable sites and sounds of the strip, the Silver State has a lot more to explore and enjoy.
It has friendly, welcoming towns, perfect for retirees looking for a mix of comfort, good prices, and fun outside. Whether it is timeless deserts, iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam, or rolling red hills, Nevada has towns that are easy on the wallet and full of fun activities for a happy retirement.
Grab your sunscreen and a hat for that fierce Southwestern sun, and read on to learn about seven welcoming towns to retire in Nevada.
Mesquite
Lying next to Arizona's border, Mesquite provides breathtaking views of the expansive desert. A regular day here includes soaking in epic rock hillsides tinted red, waves-like hills and the Virgin Mountains nearby.
This place is a welcome option for retirees since it is home to several communities designed for those 55 years and over. Take the example of Sun City Mesquite - it has a lifestyle akin to resort living, custom-made for retirees. Just as important is healthcare, and Mesquite is a place where healthcare is not hard to find. The Mesa View Regional Hospital is ready to serve and has all sorts of health services.
There is no shortage of culture to take in here in town. The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum and Mesquite's Fine Arts Center & Gallery collectively keep alive and honor the rich past and customs of the town and region. The museum gives visitors a look into local history with displays about settlers and Native American heritage, while the gallery exhibits various pieces of art and conducts lively local gatherings.
Pahrump
Nestled between the Spring Mountains to the east and the Nopah Range to the west, Pahrump combines rural charm with modern conveniences. Just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, it provides easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining its peaceful country appeal.
Affordable home prices and good healthcare are vital components of retirement. Good news, Pahrump has both. Homes here go on average for $346,576, almost $100,000 cheaper than the Nevada average. As well, Pahrump has a variety of health centers like Desert View Hospital to keep you happy and healthy.
If you love exploring outside, Cathedral Canyon is a stunning location near the town with some ageless rock formations and ancient petroglyphs carved into stone. Pahrump also has some history to learn about alongside nature. Not too far from town is the Pahrump Valley Museum and Historical Society, a space sharing tales about the Native American communities that thrived here initially, all the way to the settlers and miners that followed long after.
Fernley
Buckle up for a sunshine overload in Fernley. This town soaks up the sun with more than 250 sunny days annually. It gives those enjoying their golden years ample chances to get out and enjoy outdoor adventures. The sun is not the only warm part about Fernley. The town has a tight-knit feel to it with lots of events to take in. One major community highlight is the annual "Fernley 4th of July" celebration which features a parade and a dazzling display of fireworks.
Fernley takes care of its seniors and retirees. The town brings together services and comforts specially made with seniors in mind. Fernley Senior Center holds fun social get-togethers, and fitness programs designed for older individuals. For healthcare, look for the Banner Health Center, which lends out basic health care along with expert care services.
If you are a retiree looking to keep active after your working days are done, Fernley is a wise choice. It has sites like the Truckee River, Lahontan State Recreation Area, and Pyramid Lake close by. All of these places offer chances for walking in nature, catching fish, sailing boats, or just enjoying being outside.
Fallon
Fallon is often called the "Oasis of Nevada" due to its expansive agricultural lands, including well-known names such as Lattin Farms. Retirees can have fun at local produce sales, fresh fruit and vegetables, and welcoming town activities like the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival.
If you are a retiree thinking about Fallon, you will not be alone. With almost 20 percent of the population 65 years or older, the town will offer a welcoming, like-minded community to join. As well, the average house price here is near the state average, going for around $369,740, so prices are not out of reach.
This town has a tight community and People get together for things like the big Annual Christmas Tree Lighting every year. Since so many people have a friendly disposition, it is a great town for retired folks looking to make new friends.
Retirees who love the outdoors will discover tons to do here - go on walks, fish in cool waters, or just soak up the quiet peace of the desert surroundings. A good example of this would be checking out the birds at the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge or taking a boat trip on Lahontan Reservoir. The town is a gold mine for outdoor activities.
Boulder City
Created back in the 1930s to house Hoover Dam builders, Boulder City has kept its charm and history alive and is a welcoming option for retirees. The town sits near both gorgeous deserts and Lake Mead. This gives retirees amazing views and fun outside activities for one and all.
The average house price here goes for just over $462,000, a touch over the state average. Boulder City Hospital is a great place for health care. Since it is accessible for retirees, residents have the peace of mind knowing healthcare is not far away.
Boulder City has both cultural and engineering landmarks to see and explore. If you love the arts, the town throws a big festival every year called Art in the Park, one of the biggest outdoor art events in the Southwest. And not far off, one of the most well-known spots in America is the Hoover Dam. This wonder of engineering, finished in 1936, stretches across the Colorado River and creates electricity for nearby areas. Scores of people come to see it and is one of the greatest examples of American ingenuity.
Elko
Located near the Ruby Mountains, often referred to as the "Swiss Alps of Nevada," retirees in Elko can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities, like exploring the scenic Lamoille Valley. Even with the splendor of nature so close, housing costs are reasonable. The cost of a home in Elko averages just below $340,000, less than both the state and country average.
Another benefit for retirees in Elko are the events and classes the town offers. You can check out the Elko Senior Center, which has a wide range of activities, classes, and social events tailored for retirees. As well, Elko hosts the yearly get-together of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a special cultural event that honors American West traditions. Retirees who fancy culture and arts can relish this spirited happening annually, linked with Elko's welcoming atmosphere.
The town also teaches residents and tourists alike the great history of the region. The Western Folklife Center in Elko's heart shares celebrates and preserves the culture of the American West. At the same time, not far from there is the California Trail Interpretive Center. This site features interactive exhibits, live reenactments of historical scenes, and walking trails.
Ely
Only an hour west of Utah, Ely stands proud of its long-standing mining past and the sublime natural views that surround it. Also, only an hour's drive from town is the Great Basin National Park. The park features picturesque scenes—Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and Lehman Caves—sure to delight anyone who loves and admires nature.
Ely has another benefit. When you come to live here, you will find that nearly one in five residents is 65 or older, offering ample opportunities to connect with fellow retirees. Additionally, Ely has fun, vibrant social activities to meet new people, and regular events like the annual Ely Renaissance Village Festival.
The town also has intriguing museums to explore. For example, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum lets retirees experience train rides and inspect exhibits from the past. Also, if you are a retiree interested in the history of the local area, White Pine Public Museum's displays about the mining industry and artifacts belonging to Native Americans give glimpses into early settlers' lives.
In Conclusion
Nevada is a treasure trove for those who have hung up their working boots for good, with an assortment of welcoming towns to call home.
No matter what you are fond of - the striking desert views, places soaked in history, or sociable neighborhoods, Nevada has got it all covered.
With excellent health facilities, plenty of sunshine to bask in, and a multitude of fun things to do, it is the right spot for kicking back and finding a home in your retirement years.
