9 Towns In Nevada That Are Ideal For Seniors
Boasting some of the best tax benefits for retirees, Nevada is among the most retirement-friendly states in the country. This western state not only exempts all income at the state level from taxation — but also boasts negligible property taxes. The fact Nevada does not tax Social Security benefits, including withdrawals, will particularly be of much interest to empty-nesters. If one includes the outdoor attractions spread across the state and the state's unique blend of charming towns, "The Silver State" is almost irresistible for seniors.
Gardnerville
Boasting a population of about 6,000, Gardnerville sits in the heart of the scenic Carson Valley and is framed by the heart-melting majesty of the Sierra Nevada. This town could be the state's first agricultural hub, and its Old-world charm still shines through in the centuries-old buildings that dot its flower-lined streets. Retirees will love that Gardnerville is just about 25 minutes from Carson City, Nevada's state capital. Aside from its convenient setting, Gardnerville serves as a base camp for the Lake Tahoe area and its outdoor adventures. From the economic perspective, Gardnerville boasts a tax burden of 15.6%, which is among the lowest in the state. Its number of medical and recreational centers per capita is also among the highest in Nevada.
Mesquite
According to Niche, seniors comprise 54% of Mesquite's population. If you want to associate with those who probably share the same music taste, Mesquite could be what your doctor will recommend. Besides, Mesquite is located near the Interstate 15 freeway, making it score big on accessibility. The beautiful Virgin Mountains define Mesquite's backdrop, while a similarly-named river imbues the area with a rustic atmosphere. The town boasts an impressive number of cardiologists, an awesome library where one can keep his brain sharp and active, and a great community spirit. While the town is small and closes early, it is just about an hour's drive to Las Vegas, the world-famous Entertainment Capital of the World.
Laughlin
Laughlin is sandwiched between the California border and the beautiful Colorado River at the state's southernmost tip. As one might expect, retiring here will involve outdoor adventures such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing, especially at the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, one of Laughlin's defining attractions. For the sweetness of early-morning fragrance, the Laughlin Riverwalk must be a daily routine. Here, one will get to interact with some crisp, playful air amid views that will keep doctors away. But wait for what could be the most exciting part. Laughlin's median age is 59.8 years. Demographically, this is like a family get-together. And, of course, in less than two hours, a Laughlin resident can be at the Strip and will be enjoying its world-famous attractions.
Boulder City
Boulder City was originally established to house workers who were building the Hoover Dam. Today, it is best known as the gateway to the architectural masterpiece of Hoover Dam. Known as Nevada's Garden City, Boulder City is the only major city in the state that prohibits gambling. According to Niche, and as a testament to its retirement allure, an impressive 72% of Boulder City residents are homeowners. With seniors making up 46% of the town's population, nearly every second person in Boulder City is in the same age bracket. This means you can plot adventures and talk about marriage and grandchildren with similarly-aged folks. Besides, Boulder City is mostly sweet and safe and is only about a 30-minute drive to Las Vegas and its socio-cultural amenities, including top-class hospitals.
Incline Village
Incline Village is an outdoor lovers' paradise occupying the northern shores of one of America's most beautiful Alpine lakes — Lake Tahoe. Retiring here involves drinking views that will keep seniors looking half their age and outdoor adventures that will keep muscles well-toned. For avid golfers, the award-winning North Lake Tahoe's Championship Course, in addition to other golf courses, may turn out to be a second home. The Incline Village Market is known to provide an excellent shopping experience and features eateries such as Lupita's Mexican Restaurant, whose meals can be criminally addictive. With a median age of 49.2, the crowd here is mature and mellowed and will provide experiences ideal for those in their sunset years. Needless to add, Incline Village — and the area around it — brims with several medical facilities.
Pahrump
Picture yourself retiring in an old-school American town with just about three stop lights, where wild horses and burros are known to roam the streets, and a place conveniently located about an hour's drive from Las Vegas. That is Pahrump for you. And we have not mentioned its award-winning wineries or its lush RV parks. If you choose to plant your roots here, you will be able to access Death Valley National Park in only an hour. Aside from the adventures you will enjoy at the largest national park in the contiguous United States, you will love the fact that Pahrump's median age is 53.9. This means you will be plotting adventures with people with whom you probably share the same interests.
Minden
Minden, Garnerville's sister city, is known for delicious mountain views, storied brick buildings, and an elegant gazebo located smack in the middle of its downtown area. The concerts staged at Minden Park are often a mainstay of the town and is a feature that gives life some flavor and color. According to Niche, seniors comprise about 45% of the town's population. This means if you want to reminisce about the good old days or deliberate about investment options suitable for retirees, this demographic will come in handy. Minden is enticingly secluded. However, Reno, one of Nevada's largest cities, is less than an hour's drive away. While the entire Carson Valley brims with hospitals and other medical facilities, including Carson Valley Medical Center, more medical options are available at Reno and Carson City.
Whitney
If you want to retire in a Nevada town that boasts a variety of cultures and backgrounds and, hence, features different perspectives and viewpoints, you will love the fact that Whitney scores an impressive A+ grade on ethnic and economic diversity, at least according to Niche. Whitney will also be of interest if you do not want to retire in a town that feels like an asylum for the aged. This is because seniors, according to the same source, comprise a moderate 24% of this town's population. Whitney particularly scores big when it comes to convenience and access to desirable amenities. As a suburb of Las Vegas, restaurants and shopping options are mind-boggling. Needless to add, the same applies to medical facilities. Yet, while Whitney is a Las Vegas suburb, it is quieter and a bit removed from the feverish bustle that defines the Strip and the area around it.
Fallon
Fallon is known to be a military-friendly town that exudes the seductive appeal of a rural, slow-paced American town. Folk here are friendly, and with a population of just about 9,000, it is easy to know about each other. This town is, therefore, not ideal for those hung up on malls, skyscrapers, and high-voltage entertainment. Fallon's number of medical centers stands at 1.90 for every 1,000 residents, and its number of recreation centers — at 1.78 for every 1,000 residents — is just as impressive. Boasting a median age of 40.5, just where life begins, Fallon provides the right conditions for blooming into old age. And with Reno just about an hour's drive away, living here comes with access to big-city amenities and cultural attractions.
The Takeaway
Known for a landscape that can be plain and prosaic on one side and unbelievably dramatic on the other, the Silver State, as Nevada is called, scores big on outdoor attractions. Retiring here will involve ambling through jaw-dropping sites like the Red Rock Canyon, the Ruby Valley, and the Death Valley National Park. Moreover, Nevada is tax-friendly and exempts Social Security income as well as withdrawals from taxation. If you want to age like fine wine, towns such as Gardnerville, Laughlin, and Mesquite will exceed your expectations.
