The Ultimate Relocation Guide for Retiring in the Las Vegas Area

So, you worked hard most of your life. You saved a few dollars along the way despite the costs of raising a couple of kids and putting them through school. Those little ones became big and are now raising their little ones. Then one day, after all the hustle and bustle of piano lessons, soccer practice, graduations, and maybe a wedding or two have all come and gone, you, and if you should be so lucky, your significant other sat back admiring the efforts over the years and thought it just might be time to, say it with me, retire.

Your tale may be different from the example I just laid out. But no matter what story you lived, if you have reached the point of not "if" it's going to happen but more like, "let's set a date" for retirement, I humbly, but in all honesty, slightly biasedly, offer through this guide, Las Vegas and the numerous surrounding communities as possible places to do just that.

Las Vegas is best known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment (I mean, we've all seen the movies, right!). It also offers a variety of amenities and activities well suited for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement. In this guide, I'll provide an overview of some crucial factors and exciting features to consider when relocating to Las Vegas for retirement, such as housing, healthcare, lifestyle, climate, and much more. So, if you're ready, let's dig right in.

Hmm, so where to begin? Ah yes. Let's start with the most significant aspect of retirement—where you will spend most of your time—your crib, your domicile, the place you lay your head at night, your home!

Housing

The Las Vegas Valley area is expansive and has a full spectrum of housing types, including apartments, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, single-family free-standing, and manufactured homes. Besides the base consideration of location relevant to the Strip or airport, you will also need to look at numerous other aspects of a home according to your preferences and needs, such as neighborhood, home style, construction age, maintenance and upkeep, and cost.

Granted, everyone who retires in this valley has unique circumstances that help them decide which home is right for them. And the majority of them will be looking at retirement communities for their options. However, because most will be looking at communities specifically designed for the silver crowd, I will focus this guide on the 55+ communities in our valley. Don't get me wrong, if you prefer a $5 Million home on the hills of MacDonald Highlands, that too can easily be arranged. In the meantime, let's look at those retirement communities.

• Sun City Summerlin: A popular 55+ community on the west side of the valley with numerous amenities, including golf courses, swimming pools, and fitness centers.
• $300Ks - $1Ms
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• Sun City Anthem: Another large retirement community with multiple neighborhoods, golf courses, and recreational facilities.
• $300Ks - $1Ms
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• Solera at Anthem: Offers affordable housing with access to the other Anthem community amenities.
•  $400Ks - $600Ks
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• Sun City MacDonald Ranch: A well-established 55+ active adult community developed by Del Webb. It features a variety of amenities designed to cater to an active and social lifestyle, making it a popular choice for retirees.
• $300Ks - $600Ks
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• Sun City Aliante: A premier active adult community offering a range of amenities and features designed to support an active, social, and comfortable lifestyle for residents aged 55 and over.
• $300Ks - $500Ks
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• Siena: A gated community developed by Sunrise Colony Company between 2000 and 2006. It spans approximately 667 acres and features beautiful landscaping, a pristine golf course, and a variety of luxurious amenities designed to support an active and fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
• $400Ks - $1Ms
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• Los Prados: A well-established, gated residential golf course community located in the northwest part of Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for its serene atmosphere, this community offers a range of amenities and housing options suitable for various lifestyles, including families, retirees, and working professionals.
• $300Ks - $700Ks
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• Solera at Stallion Mountain: A gated active adult community designed for residents aged 55 and over. This community offers a range of amenities and a relaxed lifestyle.
• $300Ks - $400Ks
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• Ardiente: Offers a vibrant and active lifestyle for adults 55 and over. Its resort-style amenities, well-designed homes, and a strong sense of community provide an ideal environment for those seeking a balanced mix of relaxation and activity in a convenient location near Las Vegas.
• $300Ks - $500Ks
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• Sterling at Silver Springs: A gated active adult community offering a range of amenities and activities tailored for residents aged 55 and over, providing a comfortable and engaging lifestyle. It features single-family homes designed for low-maintenance living. Homes come with modern amenities and are suitable for individuals and couples.
• $200Ks - $300Ks
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• Heritage at Cadence: A gated community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient access to numerous amenities. The neighborhood features single-family homes with varying architectural styles, typically offering spacious layouts and modern conveniences. Residents often appreciate the well-maintained landscaping, community parks, and recreational facilities available within the area.
• $500Ks - $600Ks
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• Trilogy Sunstone: A 55+ active adult community known for its resort-style living and amenities tailored for active retirees. The community features a range of single-family homes and villas designed with modern comforts and energy-efficient features. Residents enjoy access to a clubhouse with fitness facilities, social spaces, and organized activities. The neighborhood emphasizes outdoor living with walking trails, parks, and recreational areas.
• $500Ks - $800Ks
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• Dell Webb at Lake Las Vegas: A 55+ active adult community in the scenic Lake Las Vegas area. It offers a serene environment with picturesque views and amenities designed for retirees seeking an active lifestyle. The community features single-family homes and attached villas with modern designs and energy-efficient features. Residents can access a clubhouse with fitness centers, social spaces, and organized activities. Outdoor amenities include walking trails, golf courses, and recreational facilities like pools and tennis courts.
• $500Ks - $5Ms
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• Regency at Summerlin: a gated, 55+ active adult community located in the prestigious Summerlin master-planned area of Las Vegas. This community is designed for retirees looking for luxury living and a vibrant social atmosphere. Some key features include homes with spacious layouts, state-of-the-art clubhouse, maintenance-free lifestyle, and a welcoming and active community.
• $700Ks - $1Ms
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• Heritage at Stonebridge: It is known for its family-friendly environment. This community offers a comfortable living environment focusing on modern amenities, convenience, and community engagement. It is a desirable choice for families and individuals looking for a suburban lifestyle in Las Vegas.
• $700Ks - $800Ks
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• Del Webb at North Ranch: An active adult community designed for residents aged 55 and over. The community offers various amenities and activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. These single-family homes feature modern, energy-efficient designs.
• $400Ks - $500Ks
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• Quail Estates West: A gated 55+ community known for its secure, serene, and maintenance-free living. The community offers a mix of condominium-style residences with modern amenities and features tailored for comfort and convenience.
• $400Ks - $500Ks
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• Promenade at the Meadows: A gated 55+ condominium-style home active adult community that offers a mix of comfortable living, social activities, and convenient amenities designed for an engaging lifestyle.
• $300Ks - $400Ks
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• Rancho Las Brisas: A well-established, gated 55+ active adult community offering comfort, social engagement, and convenient amenities. It is ideal for those seeking a comfortable, active, socially engaging lifestyle.
• $300Ks - $400Ks
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• Terra Bella: An upscale 55+ active adult condominium community in Henderson, Nevada, designed for those seeking a luxurious and low-maintenance lifestyle
• $400Ks - $600Ks
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• Cordera Ranch: An exclusive 55+ active adult community in Henderson, Nevada, designed for those seeking a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. The community offers single-story, energy-efficient homes with modern designs and high-end finishes tailored for comfort and low-maintenance living.
• $500Ks - $600Ks
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Hospitals and Medical Centers

• University Medical Center: Offers a full range of medical services.
• Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center: Known for its comprehensive cardiac and emergency care.
• Mountain View Hospital: Advanced cardiac care, emergency services, and specialized medical services.
• Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center: Emergency services, advanced surgical care, and women's health services.
• Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center: Emergency services, cardiac care, and specialized diabetes treatment.
• Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center: Emergency services, orthopedic care, and advanced surgical facilities.
• Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center: Comprehensive emergency services, maternity care, and advanced surgical care.
• Summerlin Hospital Medical Center: Provides a wide range of healthcare services, including senior care.
• Henderson Hospital: Emergency services, maternity care, and specialized medical services.
• St. Rose Dominican Hospitals (3 Locations): Comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialized treatments.

Specialty Care

• Senior Clinics: Several clinics specialize in geriatric care and chronic disease management.
• Home Health Services: Available for those needing assistance at home.

Cost Of Living

• Housing - Renting: Rent for senior apartments or retirement communities ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 monthly.
• Housing - Buying: The median home price in retirement communities is typically between $300,000 and $600,000.
• Utilities: Air conditioning can increase summer costs, but overall utilities are moderate.
• Groceries: Slightly above the national average but manageable.
• Entertainment: Many discounts are available for seniors at shows, restaurants, and local attractions.
• Transportation: Public transportation is available but limited; many residents rely on personal vehicles. Gas prices are typically around the national average.

Climate

• Weather: Hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F; mild winters with temperatures typically in the 50s and 60s.
• Natural Events: No Hurricanes, No Mudslides, No Tornedos, and No Tsunamis. Now we can not say that the valley does not experience any earthquakes, because it does. But with most of the tremors scoring below two on the Richter Scale, it’s more like a foot massage than an actual quake.
• Outdoor Activities: Year-round options include hiking, golfing, boating, and walking in parks and recreation areas.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Activities and Clubs

• Senior Centers: Numerous centers offer classes, social events, and recreational activities.
• Golfing: Many golf courses are available, some within retirement communities.
• Volunteering: Opportunities abound in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and community services.

Entertainment

• Shows: Enjoy world-class entertainment with senior discounts often available. For example, at the time of this writing here’s a list of Resident Performers.
• Casinos: It may or may not be your cup of tea. And that is fine, there is a vast majority of residents here who do not partake in the temptations of gambling. But let’s face it, it’s what built this town and in one form or another the availability to indulge is practically everywhere. But besides grocery stores, airports and your local restaurant and bar, there are three major hubs when it comes to Casinos and tugging at the one-arm-bandits (though not too many of those exist anymore).
• The Strip: Probably what most people visualize when they think of Vegas. It features some of the most iconic resort casinos in the world.
• Downtown: The original area where it all started over a century ago has been revived over the last several years and boast its own vibe.
• Surrounding Neighborhoods: If traveling to the strip or downtown isn’t your thing, throughout the valley along every major arterial highway you can find some pretty nice hotel casinos. Bottom line – the Vegas lifestyle, as some might think of it, is never too far away.
• Culture: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a facility that holds special performances of artistic culture, including symphonies, plays, and concerts.
• Dining: A diverse culinary scene with options from budget-friendly to fine dining. I don’t think anything has exploded more than the number of Celebrity Chefs that have opened restaurants in the valley.
• Sporting Events: Major sporting events are finding their way to this city.

· NFL: The Oakland Raiders relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.

· NHL: Awarded an expansion team the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season was 2017.

· MLB: All systems go so-far for the Oakland Athletics to move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season. As it stands now, the Aviator’s a Triple A affiliate of A’s play here.

· NBA: Plenty of Rumors about that team is soon on its way.

· WNBA: The Las Vegas Aces are back-to-back champions in 2022 & 2023.

· F1: The incredibly popular first Formula 1 “recent” race was held through the streets of the strip area in 2023.

· NASCAR: In the Northeast end of the valley, we have the Las Vegas Speedway. It hosts many events throughout the year. The biggest being the annual NASCAR event.

· IFL: Vegas Knight Hawks is the name of the Indoor Football League team.

· Pro Volleyball: The latest professional sport to place a franchise in Las Vegas is the Vegas Thrill - A women’s volleyball league.

· USL: A division II men’s profession soccer league Las Vegas franchise is the Lights.

· UNLV: Of course, the University of Nevada Las Vegas offers a wide range of sporting events throughout the year.

Regional Attractions

· Lake Mead: A large reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River just Southeast of the Vegas Valley. Lake Mead is a vital water resource and a major recreational area, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities make it a significant landmark in the American Southwest. The lake and the surrounding areas are used for Boating and fishing, swimming, camping, hiking and biking, along with wildlife viewing.

· Mount Charleston: This 11,916 ft peak is located just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a respite from the heat of the Las Vegas Valley. Given its elevation and diverse flora and fauna, it offers a refreshing contrast to the desert atmosphere of the valley.

• Valley of Fire: Nevada’s oldest state park is located 50 miles northeast of the valley in the Mojave Desert. The Valley of Fire and its stunning natural vistas is home to numerous ancient petroglyphs and pictographs created by the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over 2,000 years ago. These rock carvings provide insight into the culture and life of early Native American inhabitants.

· Hoover Dam: A fan favorite for years, Hoover Dam, a marvel of modern engineering, is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam. It impounds the Colorado River, creating Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume (see above). The dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, serving critical functions in water management, power generation, and recreation while remaining a prominent historical and tourist landmark.

· Red Rock Canyon: If you’re into rock climbing or hiking, or if you just love to look at nature then a trip or two to west side is great place to spend some time. The name comes from the prominent red sandstone peaks and formations, which are part of the larger Keystone Thrust Fault. These rocks are over 180 million years old and were formed from ancient sand dunes.

• Tule Springs: Just 20 miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is significant paleontological site offering a glimpse into our prehistoric past.
• Area 51: Ok, not technically an attraction because if you try to enter the area you’ll be met by some heavily armed people, but it continues to be a subject of fascination and speculation, representing the intersection of military secrecy, advanced technology, and popular culture. Its reputation as a mysterious and secretive place endures, even as more information about its true purpose gradually comes to light. And it does boast a nearby Alien Center.

Transportation

Public Transit

• RTC Transit: Offers bus services throughout the city with discounts for seniors.
• Fares
• Senior Transportation Services: Specialized services for seniors, including door-to-door transportation.

Driving

• Traffic Can be heavy, especially near the Strip, but many retirement communities are located in quieter areas.
• Parking: Generally available, with some areas requiring permits or payment

Financial Considerations

• Tax Benefits: Nevada has no state income tax, which can benefit retirees.
• Cost of Living: Overall, Las Vegas has a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities.

Tips for New Residences

• Join Local Groups: Connect with local senior groups or clubs to meet new people and engage in community activities.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to local news sources or community newsletters.
• Explore Healthcare Options: Establish relationships with healthcare providers and understand your insurance options.

Government Links

· Clark County

· City of Las Vegas

Okay, there you have it. Las Vegas offers a unique and exciting environment for retirees, with its warm climate, diverse entertainment options, and numerous retirement communities. Hopefully, this guide contains enough information to spark your curiosity to look deeper into our happy little valley and see if it is the right place for you and yours to spend the best years of your lives.

Take Care…