Nevada's Best Small Town For Retirement
Boulder City is an ideal retirement spot for those who yearn for a small-town lifestyle. Handily located just 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas, this small Nevada community of nearly 15,000 residents features everything older Americans need. Top-notch healthcare? Check. Ample affordable housing? Sure thing. Safe, friendly neighborhoods? You bet. Add to these its first-rate senior services and plentiful opportunities to keep active socially and physically, and there’s no doubt Boulder City deserves its title as the best small town to retire to in Nevada.
Boulder City Attractions
Founded in the early 1930s as a place to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam, Boulder City has played a key role in shaping southern Nevada’s development. Its proximity to the famous dam and scenic Lake Mead has also seen the town evolve into a major tourist hub, with many travelers visiting for day trips or weekend getaways. This well-established tourism industry not only ensures a steady supply of part-time casual work, it also provides volunteer opportunities for older residents wanting to stay active.
Originally called Boulder Dam, Hoover Dam is of course the biggest tourist draw. Completed in 1936 and credited for taming the mighty Colorado River, this marvelous feat of engineering continues to provide the region with crucial water and power. These days, you can tour the dam and the adjacent Visitor Center where exhibits highlight the immense labor and vision behind this remarkable landmark.
Another local highlight is the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Set within the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, fascinating interactive displays feature personal accounts of those who built the dam and overcame the tremendous challenges of building so massive a structure. Boulder City Historic District, where the museum is located, is fun for a wander, whether you live here or are just passing through.
Staying Active In Boulder City
Popular annual events like the Boulder City Spring Jamboree in May are much anticipated throughout the community, providing seniors with the chance to join in the fun or volunteer (or possibly both). Known internationally, the Dam Short Film Festival showcases independent short films in multiple genres at the historic Boulder Theatre, built in 1933 and still going strong. The two-day Art in the Park event in October transforms the town’s streets into one huge open-air gallery featuring works by artists from across the Southwest, as well as street vendors and live music.
Many locals will tell you it’s the abundance of outdoor recreation that drew them to Boulder City. For these folks, things like walking or biking the recently upgraded Historic Railroad Trail overlooking Lake Mead never get old. This spectacular 7.5-mile roundtrip boasts superb views over the lake and passes through five old train tunnels that once served the Hoover Dam.
Boulder City is, of course, closely tied to its striking desert scenery. While Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers fishing and boating, scenic drives along Lakeview Overlook is a must-do. Enjoy golf? Book some tee time at the Boulder Creek Golf Club, one of the area’s top courses.
Housing In Boulder City
Affordability is also credited for Boulder City’s popularity as a retirement destination. Although not the lowest in the country, average home prices tend to be lower here than in other areas of Nevada, especially compared to neighboring Las Vegas. Housing costs do, of course, vary, but the median home price in Boulder City hovers around the $465,000 mark.
Although higher than some might expect for a small town, these prices reflect the community’s strong desirability and limited land availability due to the federally protected areas surrounding Lake Mead. Nevertheless, Boulder City remains more affordable than many larger retirement destinations across the West.
A number of retirement communities are also located within town for those seeking to live close to their peers or who may need a helping hand now and then. Lake Mountain Estates is perfect for 55-plussers wanting to stay independent and active, with a selection of detached manufactured home options available. The Desert Mesa community offers a similar selection of homes that cater to older adults looking for a quieter pace.
The Boulder City Lifestyle
In terms of personal security, local police department data indicates consistently low crime rates compared to Las Vegas, a definite plus for older adults. Regularly ranked as one of the best small towns to live in for this very reason, the general sense of security here is enhanced by a community-focused police department and the town’s long-established commitment to being a “gambling-free” zone. It was also considered a “dry” town until 1969, when strict prohibition laws were relaxed.
As for healthcare, Boulder City offers easy access to quality facilities designed with senior needs in mind. The Boulder City Hospital, located on Adams Boulevard, is a 25-bed critical access hospital providing emergency services, physical therapy, and specialized senior care. For more extensive treatments, St. Rose Dominican Hospital-Siena Campus in nearby Henderson, about 15 miles away, provides a broad range of procedures and specialty care.
Local senior centers also play a role in making Boulder City a great place in which to retire. Highlights include the Senior Center of Boulder City on Arizona Street which hosts everything from educational programs to social gatherings and meal services.
The Bottom Line
For older adults on the look out for a well-rounded retirement lifestyle in Nevada, Boulder City certainly stands out as a top contender. Not only does it blend historical heritage and modern amenities, its compact size makes it ideal for those wanting to forge new friendships and experience community involvement. Add to this its reputation for safety and first-rate healthcare services, and you can feel extremely confident in making Boulder City your permanent home.
