Florida, California, and Arizona will always be high on the retirement “hot list,” but a growing number of retirees are considering moving to Las Vegas, as well. The metro area’s senior population has been increasing steadily for the past decade, and now tops 200,000. That number is expected to keep climbing as more and more people discover all the great reasons to retire in Las Vegas. Let’s explore a few!
It's Sunny Days for Days
Best perk of all: the weather! Although Las Vegas does often endure three-digit high temperatures in the summer, the rest of the year tends to be mild and warm. The city’s dry desert climate helps make the hotter months more bearable, as well. And there is no shortage of air-conditioned locations to escape to when the mercury climbs.
If you enjoy a change of seasons, this is probably not the locale for you. But for those craving (or needing, for health reasons) a warm, sunny climate, it’s hard to beat the benefits of this desert community.
In Vegas, It's All About the Money
Retiring to Nevada makes a lot of financial sense for many individuals. Nevada is one of only a few states that does not impose an income tax – and that includes income from Social Security and retirement accounts. The state does not have estate or inheritance taxes, either.
Even though housing prices rose sharply in early 2022, they’ve fallen since, making it affordable to buy a home in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas metropolitan area includes many suburban communities just a short drive from the city’s epicenter – including Paradise, Henderson, and the affluent planned community Summerlin – all of which offer a wide range of rentals. Prices for homes and rentals vary greatly by ZIP code, so explore neighborhoods to find the most affordable areas for you.
Despite any price fluctuations by region, it’s hard to top Nevada’s property tax system, which is based on 35 percent of the fair market value of the property. Many other states use the model of 100 percent. And residents over the age of 62 who qualify can receive a rebate of up to 90 percent of their property taxes each year.
Gaming, Food, and Outdoor Fun
Las Vegas is full of things to do on and off the Strip. The obvious standout is the city’s famous casino culture, but seniors can also enjoy outdoor activities suited to Nevada’s sunny weather. Golfing, biking, swimming, hiking … it’s all here.
Foodies will love Las Vegas’ world-class restaurants, and it would take years to work through the town’s many shows, musicals, concerts, and entertainment options. The area is served by several colleges and universities, including the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, where retirees can enjoy art, theater, and lectures from internationally recognized figures.
Due to the ever-increasing number of seniors both visiting here and retiring in Las Vegas, many local businesses offer senior discounts. Always ask what is available! Some casinos have “Senior Days” where special incentives, ranging from multipliers on slot winnings to reduced prices on dining, are served up. Retirees can also score discounts on certain show tickets, public transportation, off-Strip dining, and even thrift shops around town.
Bet on Visitors
Las Vegas stands out as an attractive tourist destination for just about everyone, which means you can count on friends and relatives coming to visit. The city has a surprising number of under-21 excursions, eateries, and attractions, making it convenient for grandchildren of all ages. Try taking the kids to such standout attractions as Hoover Dam, the Neon Museum, and the Ethel M Chocolate Factory – or just let them enjoy one of the many all-ages arcades in the Strip’s fabulous resorts. Many of Las Vegas’ famous buffets offer discounts for kids, too.
Flights at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport are plentiful and often discounted to and from major cities, so it is easy for guests to come in – or for you to fly out and enjoy traveling in your retirement years. If you’re up for a road trip, just hop in your car and drive to Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City – all just a few hours away.
Gambling with the Downsides of Vegas
There are some drawbacks to living in Las Vegas. One thing you’ll want to consider is the city’s crime rate, which is higher than the national average. While some of this is to be expected in a city famous for gambling and other vices, it’s something to be aware of as you search for neighborhoods. Keep in mind that most of the gambling and drinking is confined to the Vegas Strip itself, and these things virtually disappear when you head out into the suburbs.
The public transit system in Las Vegas is not as extensive or efficient as in other major cities, so unless you are prepared to drive, be aware that it is possible to be bound to whatever neighborhood you choose in the sprawling metro area. (As an aside, traffic can be bad in Vegas, too!) While there is a monorail and even a double-decker bus that ferries visitors to points along the strip, once you’re out in the suburbs, your public transit options are limited.
If you decide that the many positives of retiring in Las Vegas outweigh the negatives, then what are you waiting for? Roll the dice and make the move out to the desert.
