8 Best Small Towns to Retire in Nevada in 2024
Nevada, a state well known for the glittering lights of its most famous city, Las Vegas, is also a great place to settle down. It hosts many unassuming towns that can be the ideal retirement destinations for senior citizens. These places boast breathtaking natural landscapes, inspiring historical sites, and a quiet, laid-back lifestyle, which can readily pique prospective retirees' interest. Moreover, an array of amenities and benefits, such as healthcare, safety, and affordability, inspire seniors to make their way to the Silver State. If you are planning for a blissful and satisfied senior life in 2024, it’s time to take a closer look at these towns to retire in Nevada.
Mesquite
Mesquite is known for its growing senior population, which currently stands at 45%. A good reason for this is the world-class golf courses like the Coyote Willows Golf Course, where retirees can play regardless of skill level. Also, deal the cards right because casinos are popular go-to places in Mesquite just like in Las Vegas. The Eureka Casino Resort is perfect as it serves as a resort where one can take a dip in the swimming pool amidst scenic palm trees and test their luck in its casino. For daytime adventures, ride a safari tram and meet camels and other exotic animals at Camel Safari’s 176-acre ranch.
Often regarded as one of Nevada’s safest towns, Mesquite is more than a good choice to settle down. Furthermore, housing prices are affordable, with a median home value of $375,000. This is below the state average of $426,000, so retirees won’t have to break the bank to buy a home in Mesquite.
Boulder City
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban living on your retirement day and head to Boulder City. As of the 2020 census, about 29% of people in the city fell into the category of senior citizens. To this end, there is a positive social environment for retirees in the state, with plenty of activities abound. The historic Hoover Dam is the top attraction here, and the grand structure attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Boulder City is also replete with public parks. As a retiree, your go-to place should be the Veterans Memorial Park, where you can enjoy its vast fishing grounds and catch a channel catfish or a rainbow trout. Meanwhile, on lazy afternoons, rev up for an adventure by facing the rare BigHorn sheep of Hemenway Valley Park. Apart from the activities, Boulder City’s median housing price of $445,000, coupled with assisted living facilities like Lakeview Terrace: Boulder City Senior Living Community and The Homestead at Boulder City, make it an attractive place to retire.
Yerington
Although founded in 1871, the population in Yerington is only a little more than 3,000, making it a relaxing retreat for retirees. The city was once a mining town, so if you love history, one of the places you should visit when you settle down here is the Anaconda Copper Mine. This mine functioned from 1952 to 1978 and offers an understanding of copper extraction through the open pit method. For more historic explorations, tour the Lyon County Museum, where one can see exhibits showing Yerington’s history, from the Native Americans who first settled here to the pioneering miners and ranchers.
If you prefer to ride rather than walk while discovering Yerington, head south for the Walker River Scenic Drive. Travel 60 miles of gravel road as you get presented with a veritable row of mountains, valleys, hills, and grazing lands. If you love the tranquility of a suburban area, you will feel at home in Yerington. An additional incentive is the easy access to amenities and services in town. Most stores, offices, and eateries are on or near S. Main Street, so seniors won’t need to travel far for daily necessities. A few blocks away, turn your sights to South Lyon Medical Center for healthcare needs, where comprehensive in-patient and out-patient services are available.
Ely
Like Yerington, Ely, the county seat of White Pine County, offers a slow and comfortable pace that beckons retirees. Upon arrival, one can get to know the locals with a tour of the town, which started as a mining community in 1906 following the discovery of copper. Be sure to visit the Nevada Northern Railway and learn why it is sometimes called the “Ghost Train of Old Ely.” Similarly, the White Pine Public Museum showcases local history with various intriguing exhibits.
Further out from the paved streets, those looking for an active lifestyle can conquer the trails at Ward Mountain Recreation Area. Whether skiing or mountain biking, there are plenty of scenic routes and steep downhills to explore. Camping and horseback riding are alternatives if you prefer a more laid-back experience.
The town is also cheaper on the pocket, with the average housing cost being just around $188,000. At $250,000 below the state average, it is a perfect option for those on a tight budget. Meanwhile, the William Bee Ririe Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility in town for any medical needs.
Gardnerville
Head towards the southern end of Carson Valley, where you will find Gardnerville, a small town with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Ode to its location, there are plenty of interesting ways to take in the outdoors. For example, seniors adore hot air balloon rides and mingling with the local crowd at the Carson Valley Balloon Festival, an annual event free to attend. Or see if you have a green thumb by visiting the 2024 Garden Plant Faire at Heritage Park Garden. During summer, the park’s pavilion becomes a virtual movie house with a giant screen that plays four different films, both old and new.
Retirees will have to spend a chunk of their savings to purchase a house, as the average home costs over $570,000. Although, there are plenty of retirement benefits that justify the price. Health facilities are readily accessible at Carson Valley Health Hospital and Carson Valley Health Senior Care. Moreover, the major city of Carson City is just a 25-minute drive away, and the Tahoe Transportation District offers an express bus between the cities. Thus, retirees can always pop into the urban hub if they need anything.
Fallon
Fallon, a quaint little town sometimes referred to as the “Oasis of Nevada,” is the county seat of Churchill County. Residents can enjoy various activities, such as boating or canoeing in and around the scenic Lahontan State Recreation Area, which is less than an hour away. From the erstwhile glacial lake, head for land towards Sand Mountain to drive with dirt bikers and off-roaders across a vast area of sand that stretches for miles. The enormous dune is also known to sing, so keep your ears out for that distinct tune.
If you prefer the quiet side of Fallon as a retiree, travel down to Grimes Point to commune with prehistoric rocks and basalt boulders. Here, you can uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization carved in these mysterious wonders. If all these outdoor adventures leave you exhausted, you can retire to your home, for which you will need to spend around $354,000 in Fallon. Fallon also has several medical facilities, including Banner Churchill Community Hospital, where emergency, surgery, home care, and rehabilitation services are available.
Tonopah
Tonopah offers retirees a stunning desert landscape to lead a peaceful and retired lifestyle. Originally a mining town, Tonopah was called “Queen of the Silver Camps” in the 1900s when a prospector named Jim Butler discovered silver ore. To learn more, you should march to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where you will come across mining caves, shafts, tunnels, and drop-off points.
At night, turn your gaze upwards when visiting the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park. It is a popular spot for stargazers as they watch the open skies without any telescopes. One can also end their night with a drink or two at the Tonopah Brewing Company. Established in 2014, the place has built a name for its custom brews served with smoked barbecue dipped in homemade sauces.
As the county seat of Nye County, there is no shortage of amenities in Tonopah. Retirees can visit the Nye County Health Nurse for any health problems. Meanwhile, Nye Regional Medical Ctr- Assisted Living is the top senior living community in the neighborhood, with great staff and services.
Genoa
Genoa is a town in Douglas County that retirees adore for its laid-back vibe and quirky activities. For example, most seniors in town are happy to find an 18th-century bar, which is said to be the oldest in Nevada. The Genoa Bar and Saloon is still operating today as it did more than a century ago. Grab a drink here after settling down and look at the numerous souvenir items that celebrities left behind as proof of their visit. You can discover what Genoa was like during its early days by dropping by the Mormon Station Historic State Park. It features various artifacts of the town's early settlers, a great way to understand how Genoa started.
Beyond history, you can enjoy your retirement to the fullest. Visit the Genoa Country Store and Dancing Deer Gift Shop and get hold of local and exciting offerings like a mouth-watering turkey melt and a refreshing ice cream sandwich.
Ode to its charming environment and array of activities, Genoa is one of the more expensive places in Nevada, with an average home value of $1,150,000. That said, for those who can afford the cost, the town’s array of golf courses, mountains, lakes, and other landscapes are sure to charm. Moreover, with less than 1,400 residents, according to the latest census, it is a peaceful environment in Nevada’s pristine wilderness.
Conclusion
Nevada is a rather popular state because its premiere city, Las Vegas, has long been associated with glamor, fun, and excitement. However, this is not to say that it is not a place for retired people. Beyond the attractive lights that have come to symbolize much of Nevada, there are quaint little towns that offer a peaceful and quiet life, things that many tired seniors are looking for. A brief rundown of these places is helpful if you are a retiree interested in looking at the prospects of settling down in a simple but beautiful Nevada town.
