8 Best Small Towns In Nevada For Retirees

Retirement in Nevada comes with an outdoor experience that is among the most epic in the United States. The seventh-largest state in the country is known for its surreal landscape, a vast fairytale that is deliciously wild and whimsical — and in many places — untamed. Forget about Vegas or even Reno. Dotting this magical expanse are beautiful small towns with closely-knit neighborhoods, charming downtown areas, and impressive access to requisite amenities, including healthcare — features that make retirement a worthwhile and exciting prospect. Discover below the best eight Nevada small towns ideal for retirement.

Gardnerville 

Gardnerville is a town of just about 6,000 residents that is smack in the heart of the picturesque Carson Valley, about a convenient 25 minutes from Carson City, Nevada's state capital. Arguably Nevada's first agricultural hub, thanks to the industry of Basque and Danish immigrants who were among the area's first settlers, Gardnerville is today a treasure trove of antique shops, besides being an access point to the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe, a water lover's paradise where residents often escape to for some much-needed outdoor fun and adventure. One's sunset years can be spent exploring the Carson Valley Arts and Antiques Trail, strolling the town's flower-lined streets, or digging up the area's fascinating history at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Centre. Finally, about 1 in 4 of the town's residents is a senior citizen— meaning your social circle will be anything but dull.

Mesquite

Mesquite is ideal for retirement if you picture yourself teeing away your afternoons on up to 9 golf courses that are lush and photogenic — and which feature the spellbinding beauty of the Virgin Mountains foothills. For its number of championship golf courses, Mesquite is nearly unrivaled. Yet, besides the heart-warming beauty of the Virgin River Valley where Mesquite reclines — and its golf courses — this town offers access to the Valley of Fire State Park, whose petrified trees date back more than two millennia. Besides, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is less than an hour's drive away, whose brilliant blue waters will ensure you age like fine wine. Plus, since about 35% of Mesquite residents are over 65 years of age, seniors will be in good company.

Pahrump

Thanks to its hot air balloon rides, Retirement at Pahrump comes with the possibility of spending every morning in mid-air, inhaling a scenery that is wild and wondrous in equal measure. Pahrump is about an hour's drive away from Las Vegas on one side — and an equal number of minutes away from Death Valley National Park on the other. This means you can be smack in the middle of the Entertainment Capital of the World — and on the same day, be found exploring the foothills of rust-colored mountains in a region reputed to be the hottest place on Earth. And with the Jimmy Lewis Off-Road Riding School within its precincts, seniors can polish their sand-riding skills so they can comfortably explore the region's untamed landscape. Within the town, the Pahrump Valley Museum will be of interest, as will be the mind-calming Sanders Family Winery.

Incline Village

Incline Village is not an average retirement destination. American news website The Centre Square, September 2023, ranked Incline Village as the best place to live in Nevada. While it is affluent and boasts a median household income of $131,914, nearly twice the country's median household income, about 88% of Incline Village residents have access to places for exercise, such as parks and a world of outdoor opportunities. This means seniors can keep their muscles well-toned and that their golden years will be chockful of fun-filled adventure opportunities. Incline Village also makes a well-deserved appearance on Livability's annual Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. Certainly, a good portion of the town's appeal lies in the fact it provides access to North Lake Tahoe, one of the country's most beautiful alpine lakes. As a senior, you will enjoy snowboarding in the winter — and hiking the many eye-nourishing trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the summer.

Silver Springs

With Lahontan Reservoir bordering the town to the east and the picturesque Carson River meandering along its southern edges, Silver Springs has all the natural elements that often make for a great retirement destination. Then again, while the Dead Camel Mountains that serve as the town's backdrop may be unimposing, they doubtless add to the town's rustic appeal and allure. Located about 27 miles from Fallon on one side and 41 miles from Reno on the other, Silver Springs provides easy access to all the amenities and services a senior citizen may require. East of town, Lahontan State Recreation Area, with its nearly 70 miles of shoreline, offers peak fishing and swimming opportunities. About 8 miles from town, at the Fort Churchill State Historic Park, seniors can spend their weekends horseback riding, swimming, or hiking.

Fallon

Known as the "Oasis of Nevada," Fallon, with its lush greenery, is known to provide a welcome respite to seniors embarking on a phase of life that should be unhurried and peaceful yet fun and adventurous. Fallon is essentially a farm town — meaning seniors will be enjoying a delicious variety of locally sourced fresh foods. Who knows? As a senior, you may just find new love growing alfalfa, a favorite produce in the area. About 20 miles from downtown Fallon, along the Loneliest Road in America, you will be standing in awe of a 6-story mountain of sand and one of only a few singing sand dunes on Earth. Besides the sand, the Sand Mountain Recreation Area is the only place in the world that hosts the attractive Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly. Not far from town, the Grimes Point Archaeological Area hosts several intriguing petroglyphs and provides access to Hidden Cave, an ancient tool shed where Native Americans stored their valuable artifacts.

Laughlin 

Laughlin is a Nevada charmer tucked away in the southern tip of the state near where Nevada meets both California and Arizona. It hosts about 8,100 residents and, hence, the perfect size for those desiring a slow-paced experience — yet one that is also vivacious and sprightly. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers several adventure opportunities, including birdwatching, hiking, and fishing. Golfers and would-be golfers have up to five championship golf courses to choose from — while the Laughlin Riverwalk is a picture-perfect stretch for those who will want to spend their early morning taking a stroll through the town. As if that is not enough, Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection is home to more than 80 of the most rare automobiles. The most exciting part about retiring in Laughlin, however, is that about 40% of the town's residents are seniors.

Boulder City

Boulder City is a refreshing Neverland that lies about 26 miles southeast of Sin City above the razor-thin Black and Boulder canyons of the Colorado River. This photogenic town overlooks the glimmering Lake Mead, whose waters are impounded by Hoover Dam, once reputed to be the highest in the world when it was completed in 1935. Boulder City owes its birth and growth to the need to settle the dam's staggering workforce. Part of Boulder City's claim to fame is the fact it is one of only two Nevada cities that have prohibited gambling. Still, its social scene is vibrant, especially because of its relatively high concentration of retirement communities. For perspective, seniors comprise about 27% of Boulder City's population and hence, opportunities for socialization are numerous. With both Hoover Dam and Lake Mead at its doorsteps, this Nevada gem is a water wonderland worth calling home. Finally, Boulder City also plays host to an impressive number of medical centers. There will scarcely be any need to drive for miles to procure any medical procedure.

The Take-home 

As to its scenic landscapes, Nevada tops the charts. The Silver State plays host to some of the most pristine, untamed spots in North America. Yet, aside from its heart-melting scenery, Nevada is star-studded with charming, slow-paced small towns that serve as sweet spots for retirement. From Gardnerville, arguably Nevada's first agricultural hub, to Boulder City, the gateway to a world-famous engineering marvel, Nevada brims with retirement destinations worth giving some serious consideration.