9 Best Places to Live in Nevada in 2024
Nearly four out of ten Americans are considering relocating in 2024, with affordability, better opportunities, and safety being their primary motivations. Given the plethora of options, navigating a country with 50 states can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several safe, fun, and beautiful states that offer a low tax rate environment to help you achieve your goals. Nevada is one such state. The Silver State is one of nine states that do not levy an income tax on individuals, allowing Nevadans to retain a larger portion of their paychecks. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, as you will find out. So, saddle up and let's explore the nine best places to live in Nevada for 2024.
Reno
Known as Nevada's "Biggest Little City," Reno offers a friendly, tight-knit community with plenty of sunshine. In fact, this city enjoys about 252 days (roughly 8 and a half months) of sunshine per year. Furthermore, some of America's largest corporations, such as Apple, Tesla, and Amazon, operate in the area. Adding to its appeal, making new friends here is easy thanks to the many cultural festivities. For example, the Great Reno Balloon Race, which was first launched 42 years ago, is an excellent opportunity to mingle with locals and visitors. It stands out as the country's largest free-to-attend hot air ballooning contest, drawing crowds of more than 140,000 to Rancho San Rafael Park. Another perk of living in Reno is the short commutes, averaging 19.5 minutes compared to the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. This means living in Reno could save you approximately 29.9 hours of commute time annually, enabling you to spend more time doing things you enjoy with friends and family rather than sitting behind the wheel.
Henderson
Home to Nevada State University and a consortium of other higher learning institutions, Henderson offers families and young people a wide range of educational opportunities and pathways to equip them with the skills they need to succeed. Moreover, Henderson is the second-most populated city in the state, home to over 320,000 residents and just a 23-minute drive from the bright lights of Las Vegas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Henderson boasts 37 miles of scenic hiking trails. The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve are among them, with the latter hosting special events throughout the year to showcase a wide variety of native and migratory birds. Another benefit of living in Henderson is its low crime rate; it was ranked second in MoneyGeek’s annual list of the 15 safest large cities in the U.S. for 2024.
Summerlin
Few towns epitomize the glitz and glamour of Nevada like Summerlin. This community was ranked among the nation's top five master-planned communities by RCLCO Real Estate Consulting. It features over 230 parks, nine golf courses, and a vibrant downtown core with pedestrian-friendly access to over 125 stores, including restaurants, boutique shops, and indoor and outdoor venues. When strolling downtown, consider stopping at the City National Arena, the practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The venue regularly hosts open skate sessions, among other events. Another underrated feature of living in Summerlin is access to world-class nature preserves; one example is the Red Rock Canyon Overlook, where you can explore miles of hiking trails and witness the brightly colored mountains that dominate Nevada's landscape.
Boulder City
Boulder City is a charming small town with a crime rate 51% lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes, making it a safe place to call home and raise a family. Additionally, it offers the luxury of being just a half-hour drive from Las Vegas. Boulder City is home to the world-famous Hoover Dam, a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of human ingenuity that supplies electricity to over a million people. Interestingly, the Hoover Dam is also considered one of the seven wonders of the engineering world, alongside the International Space Station, the Golden Gate Bridge, and others. Furthermore, Boulder City boasts a significant number of hospitals and medical facilities, providing added peace of mind for its residents.
Incline Village
When one thinks of Nevada, lush trees and majestic mountains are not typically the first images that come to mind. However, Incline Village is an exception. This town, with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents, offers breathtaking year-round views of Lake Tahoe amidst a landscape filled with untouched wilderness, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Moreover, Incline Village attracts affluent families due to its lower-than-average property taxes, making it a financially attractive option. The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe has an 18-acre campus in the area, focusing on arts, science, and environmental studies. Notable attractions in Incline Village include the Diamond Peak Ski Resort and the Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the landscape.
Winnemucca
Winnemucca, pronounced wi-nuh-muh-kuh, is a safe and affordable town with a rich sense of history and culture. Named after Chief Winnemucca, a leader of the Northern Paiute tribe, the town has a strong sense of community among its approximately 8,600 residents. To delve into the area's rich past, the Humboldt Museum is a must-visit; it showcases thousands of years of history, from Ice Age fossils to Native American artifacts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sonoma Peak, a 3,900-foot mountain, is a popular destination for hiking and stargazing, allowing residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty by day and observe the cosmos at night.
Mesquite
Mesquite, home to various casinos, golf courses, a heritage museum, and a skydiving center, is a delightful small town for those seeking a quiet place to retire. Conveniently located just an hour's drive from Las Vegas, Mesquite also boasts a municipal airport and features the Palms Golf Course — a perfect blend of golf, fine dining, and casino entertainment, set against breathtaking mountain views. Residents enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine each year, offering ample opportunities to explore the natural topography, hike through national parks, traverse canyons, and visit campsites.
Carson City
As the capital city of Nevada, Carson City has evolved from a migrant resting point on the way to California into a vibrant city. Located just 20 miles from Lake Tahoe, it offers access to Creek Beach, Whale Beach, and Chimney Beach, providing enticing options for exploration. Carson City is also home to Mill Park, one of the state's largest parks, covering an expansive 51 acres — equivalent to the size of 41 football fields. The Nevada State Museum, located just eight minutes away, allows visitors to delve into Nevada's rich past and diverse cultures, including Native American heritage, the contributions of Chinese woodcutters in the 19th century, and various exhibitions.
Elko
Elko offers affordability with a median rent of $1,425 — significantly below the national median rent of $2,000, according to Zillow. The town has a relatively young average population age of 33.6 years. Founded during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, Elko eventually became a gold mining center, which, along with ranching and tourism, remains vital to its economy today. Elko is also the site of Great Basin College, a public institution specializing in technical education. To immerse yourself in local culture and hospitality, attend the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, an annual event that attracts 6,000 visitors, celebrating the rich history and culture of cowboys from across the country.
The Takeaway
Nevada is a gem for those looking to settle down, offering a variety of safe, enjoyable, and scenic towns, all within a low-tax environment. And with the bonus of year-round sunshine, residents are encouraged to step outside and explore all that the Silver State has to offer.
