Nevada's 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Nevada, known as the "Silver State" for its historic mining roots, has become an increasingly popular retirement choice. Beyond the shining lights and attractions of Las Vegas, the state offers a compelling lifestyle for those ready to embark on their golden years. In fact, between 2010 and 2020, the number of citizens over the age of 65 increased by 59%, one of the highest percentages of growth found by the Administration for Community Living. With constant sunshine, zero state income tax, and diverse recreational opportunities, Nevada is an attractive location for retirees.

Boulder City

If historical charm is what you're seeking, look no further than Boulder City—originally built to house the workers constructing the Hoover Dam in the 1930s. With so much history connected to the town, it isn't surprising that several museums are located here, including Tom Devlin's Monster Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, and the Hoover Dam Museum. At only 26 miles from Las Vegas, it's about a 30-minute drive to the "Entertainment Capital of the World," meaning there are ample attractions and entertainment options within easy reach.

Safety-wise, Boulder City is considered an excellent choice for retirement. The Area Vibes website gives it an impressive A+ rating for overall crime average. While there are multiple hospitals and medical centers within the town, an added benefit of being so close to Las Vegas is easy access to the wide variety of medical centers located there as well. The cost of living in Boulder City is average, similar to Mesquite, being about 3% below the national average.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature for seniors is the YANA (You Are Not Alone) program, administered through the Boulder City Police Department. This volunteer-run initiative is offered free of charge and designed to support isolated seniors. At predetermined times, volunteers place wellness check calls to participants. Should a participant not respond, a carefully orchestrated protocol is triggered: family and friends are contacted, and if continued attempts fail, a police officer is dispatched to ensure the individual's safety and well-being.

Gardnerville

Similar to many other states, Nevada has faced a shortage of doctors and nurses in recent years. What makes the small town of Gardnerville stand out as a place to retire is that, despite these challenges, the healthcare system available is exceptional. With access to Carson Valley Health, ranked as one of the top medical care providers in client satisfaction surveys, and several additional healthcare options, including a community-based outpatient clinic for Veterans, this town provides peace of mind when it comes to health.

The town has several spots for activities and community engagement, including Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center and nearby Lake Tahoe. Additionally, Douglas County Community Services and Recreation offers several services for seniors, with most charging only minor fees or accepting donations for participation. Some highlights include a nutrition program (offering a Meals on Wheels option for those who are less mobile), an impaired sight support group, recreational activities, and senior companion services.

With a crime rate 41% below the national average, Gardnerville offers a trade-off well worth its 17% higher cost of living compared to the national average. Although you'll be paying more than in some other locations, the high-quality healthcare available, combined with the services offered by Douglas County geared to assist seniors' quality of life, make Gardnerville an ideal candidate for your retirement.

Mesquite

If your idea of retirement consists of outdoor adventures and a more laid-back lifestyle, then Mesquite should be at the top of your list. Here you'll find several golf courses and entertainment options such as Wolf Creek Golf Club, Conestoga Golf Club, and Virgin River Hotel & Casino. If you're more of an outdoorsy person, this town is strategically located close to many state parks, where you can hike, mountain bike, bird watch, or even geocache to your heart's content. A bonus is that many of these state parks offer senior discounts on entry fees.

Mesquite should be high on your list if safety is one of your main concerns when looking for a retirement destination. The town is considered very safe, having been recently marked on Safewise as Nevada's safest city in 2025. The cost of living is moderate, about 6% below the national average. There's also an active senior community here, with several assisted living options and retirement communities to select from.

Fernley

Initially established as an agriculture and ranching community, Fernley is a great option for retirees looking for small-town charm within a short drive from more heavily populated towns such as Reno. The location is especially appealing for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with plentiful spots for fishing, hiking, and camping, including Green Valley Park, Lake Tahoe, and Pyramid Lake. If budget is a big consideration, Fernley is a great option as living here is very affordable, coming in at about 7% below the national average.

There are some additional considerations to take into account, such as the crime rates and healthcare options. The area's crime rate is higher than that of some neighboring towns and exceeds the national average. While Fernley does have two local healthcare facilities, retirees may need to travel to nearby cities for specialized medical procedures and treatments. Despite these challenges, the town remains an attractive option, offering a budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy a small-town vibe while maintaining the option of heading to a bigger metropolitan area.

Yerington

For those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, Yerington, the smallest and one of the most rural towns out of the seven included, could be the ideal spot for retirement. Attraction-wise, there are several casinos, such as Pioneer Crossing Casino, as well as the Yerington Theatre, which hosts arts performances. The closest major city is Carson City, sitting at just over an hour's drive away. Like Fernley, Yerington is quite affordable budget-wise, with the cost of living about 6% below the national average overall. Housing prices are almost below the national average, while rent prices are lower, leaving you a little extra to enjoy your slower lifestyle here.

The total crime index of Yerington is ranked at an impressive 92%, meaning the town is safer than 92% of cities in the United States. With this in mind, safety certainly isn't a major concern in this area. While the town does have basic medical care options, such as South Lyon Medical Center, retirees may want to consider the proximity to larger cities, as they may need to travel for specialized procedures.

Winnemucca

Winnemucca stands out from the other towns on the list for its community engagement opportunities. The Pleasant Senior Center offers several programs to residents over 60 years of age, including daily lunch, social services, and an array of monthly activities. Also offered by Humboldt County is a program called "Adopt a Senior," which includes community members anonymously sponsoring a senior's meals for a length of time. The goal is to ensure that no senior goes without a meal, which is a heartwarming initiative.

The cost of living in Winnemucca is again wallet-friendly for those on a budget, sitting at approximately 11% below the national average from the most recent data. The crime rates in the town are higher than those listed, at about 17% above the national average overall, which means safety may be a strong consideration. Though the town does offer some local healthcare options, if specialized medical procedures are needed, seniors may need to travel to one of the larger cities nearby. The two closest are Reno and Carson City, but they are a significant drive away.

Ely

The most affordable town on the list, Ely, sits at almost 21% cheaper for the cost of living than the national average. The town itself is considered a tourist destination for its position on the "Loneliest Road in America" and is home to the Silver State Classic Car Race and the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. There are also several historical sites within the town, such as the Ely Renaissance Village. Ely is considered quite remote, being farther from the larger cities in Nevada than most on the list, but it does have its own airport. The town is also considered quite safe for residents, with a crime rate 39% lower than the national average. As with the other small towns, specialized medical treatments won't be found locally, and residents will likely need to travel to one of the larger towns.

Ely has several community engagement options, with multiple senior centers offering nutrition programs, social activities, monthly newsletters, and even free Medicare counseling. Also notable is the Rural Nevada Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which provides trained volunteers to help seniors with services that include transportation, companionship, respite care, free legal assistance, and even food and medicine delivery. Though small, the town seems to be mighty in supporting seniors through their retirement.

Nevada is an attractive state for those looking to retire, with a diverse set of towns. Whether the ideal retirement involves getting closer to nature, enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle, accessing high-quality medical care, or prioritizing safety, Nevada offers a great mix of options that meet these considerations. What unites these towns is their continuous commitment to seniors' quality of life, making it clear why Nevada is attracting an increasing number of retirees.