8 Most Comfortable Towns in Nevada for Seniors
Nevada has become one of the more attractive states in the country for the retiring population. While the draw to locations like Las Vegas and Reno is considerable for millions across the country every year, the small towns provide the tranquil life seniors desire without compromising on amenities. From the famous wineries of Pahrump to the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, retirees will never have a dull moment well into their golden years. When you include the benefit of no state income tax and an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the Silver State, with its many comfortable towns, is an enticing retirement destination.
Moapa Valley
Moapa Valley is an attractive destination for retiring seniors. With only around 7,000 residents, the small town is charming but still large enough to offer several amenities you might not find in more quaint locations. Much of the region focuses on its natural wonders, which are entirely displayed in the Valley of Fire State Park or the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The community is proud of its residents and promotes local businesses heavily, including locations like Lin’s Overton market for wares or homestyle dining at Sugars Home Plate.
One of the advantages of retiring here is that there is usually an event or festival to look forward to, such as the annual Clark County Fair and Rodeo in April. Exploration is encouraged through popular spots near the town, like the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. However, seniors are not giving up the expected amenities for the wilder life, as there is access to excellent healthcare through the Mesa View Quick Care Family Practice and community events and senior programs sponsored and run through the Moapa Valley Community Center in town.
Mesquite
Home to around 20,000, Mesquite is a growing community that offers a lot for a retiring senior. Positioned right on the border abutting Arizona, residents get a fantastic view of the scenic Virgin Valley. The town enjoys warm winter seasons for a favorable climate year-round (an average daily temperature high of 68.6 degrees Fahrenheit according to World Climate).
With peace of mind, retirees can branch out and take on many hobbies in the golden years, such as golfing at award-winning courses like the Wolf Creek Golf Club and Palmer Course at the Oasis Golf Club or trying their luck at the Eureka Casino Resort. Retirees also access premium healthcare through the Mesa View Regional Hospital and its connected facilities.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is an ideal choice within Nevada for seniors seeking a peaceful and quiet life after retirement. Much of the area's attraction is centered around its outdoor activities and favorable climate year-round. The nearby Lahontan State Recreation Area provides much to do for visitors and residents, from fishing and boating to wildlife watching. For seniors who enjoy historic landmarks and a rich history, Silver Springs provides that in the form of the Fort Churchill State Historic Park, featuring the ruins of a military fort from the 1860s.
Despite its smaller size, find everything you need inside the town’s limits, including a locally owned and operated general store, Silver Springs General Store. With an active Silver Springs Senior Center with fitness, educational, and social programs to keep retirees involved and mobile, you can enjoy a high quality of life well into your golden years.
Boulder City
Boulder City is one of the unique small towns in Nevada that should stay on the radar of retiring seniors as a great destination. The community has around 16,000 residents, and strict controls are in place by the local town council to limit the growth. This helps it maintain its small-town allure and charm despite its closeness to booming metropolises like Las Vegas. This control of the town’s size and population allows it to continually lean into pillars like its history and natural beauty, with nearby attractions like the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Everything about Boulder City's layout and offerings caters to an older, aging population, with amenities, such as the Senior Center of Boulder City and its wealth of activities, programs, and courses. The downtown area is slow and charming, featuring locally owned and operated favorites like Milo’s Cellar or Grandma Daisy’s Candy and Ice Cream Parlor.
Fernley
Fernley is one of the most active small towns in Nevada, and many use it as a nearby launching point to visit Reno (30 minutes by car) to avoid the congestion of that major city. The advantage of Fernley is the proximity to Reno’s offerings, combined with the scenic desert landscapes and mild climate throughout the year. This location is an excellent retirement destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with Pyramid Lake nearby for fishing and boating.
Even with the attractions, many amenities keep people in Fernley, starting with convenient access to top healthcare at the Banner Health Center. There is much to do in town, including stopping at Mary & Moe’s WigWam, featuring home-style cooking of traditional comfort foods. As is common in Nevada, the community has a few spots for gaming and entertainment, such as the Fernley Nugget Casino.
Yerington
For seniors looking to retire to a warm and pleasant community that is small enough for you to know many of your neighbors, check out Yerington. With only 3,200 residents, it is ideal for an aging population, valuing a slower pace, calmer setting, and rural atmosphere. Positioned amid the Mason Valley and Sierra Nevada, there is much for outdoor enthusiasts to sink their teeth into when they step outside. Wilson Canyon, the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area, and the Walker River offer unique experiences to get seniors in tune with the beauty of nature.
The community is big on its senior population, having countless fitness courses, social gatherings, and educational opportunities exclusively for this age group at the Yerington Senior Citizens Center. Despite being a smaller town, there is always much to do, from dining to entertainment, with local favorites like Sherry’s Stage Stop Restaurant or Dini’s Lucky Club providing homestyle meals and friendly, welcoming environments. Dini’s also doubles as one of the gaming and entertainment establishments within city limits. The favorable weather inspires multiple annual events in Yerington, such as the Night in the Country Music Festival and the Lyon County Fair and Rodeo.
Winnemucca
Winnemucca is ideal for seniors looking to have much to do without a fast pace in their golden years. Life in the town is relaxed, illustrated most by the scenic high desert landscapes surrounding the community. This backdrop is a testament to the extensive offerings of nature in the region, including the Water Canyon Recreation Area for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography near the Santa Rosa Mountains. For those looking to get educated in older age, stop at the Humboldt Museum for exhibits on the town’s history and Native American culture. Next, seniors can sign up for courses and weekly lunches at the Pleasant Senior Center.
Activities, retail, and dining options abound in this small town, beginning with the local eatery favorites like Silver Peak Bar and Grill or The Griddle (most known for its homestyle breakfasts.) Winnemucca residents also look forward to the annual Basque Festival in September, celebrating the Basque heritage with cuisine, entertainment, and crafts.
Pahrump
Despite its size (around 40,000 residents), Pahrump is one of the best locations for retiring seniors with its amenities, proximity to cities, and perfect year-round weather. Only an hour west of Las Vegas, you can live in a scenic setting without compromising access to one of the country's entertainment hubs. That scenery shines best in locations like the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Sanders Family Winery, which offer frequent tours and tastings.
While there is plenty to bring masses to the city, such as the annual Pahrump Fall Festival, there is much that serves the retiree community exclusively here in the municipality. One example is the Pahrump Senior Center, a hub for residents in their golden years for education, fitness, social events, and wellness programs. The population has access to top healthcare right in Pahrump with the Desert View Hospital, as well.
Nevada can be a desirable location for retirees, with sunshine, warm temperatures, and countless amenities. From taking strokes off your game at a renowned course like Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite or seeing the red rock formations native to the Valley of Fire State Park in Moapa Valley, there is much for seniors to see and do in The Silver State. So whether it is the great outdoors along Yerington’s Walker River or the calm of Fernley’s scenic surroundings, Nevada has a lot to offer the retiring senior looking for comfort.
