Why Retirees are Choosing Las Vegas

For decades, Florida and Arizona were considered the gold standards for retirement living. Sunshine, golf courses, and communities built with seniors in mind made them natural destinations. But in recent years, a growing number of retirees have been looking west — to Las Vegas, Nevada. And for good reason. Nevada combines financial advantages, lifestyle perks, and practical benefits in a way that’s increasingly hard for Florida and Arizona to match.

1. A Tax Environment Built for Retirees

Nevada is one of the most tax-friendly states in the country:

• No state income tax
• No tax on Social Security benefits
• No inheritance or estate tax
• Low property taxes — averaging about 0.49% of property value, compared to Florida’s 0.79%.

In fact, while property tax bills in major Florida cities like Tampa and Miami have risen sharply (up nearly 50–60% since 2019), Las Vegas homeowners have actually seen a slight decrease of around 4.3%over the same period. For retirees living on a fixed income, that difference is enormous.

2. A Climate with Fewer Trade-Offs

Yes, all three states offer sunshine — but the details matter.

• Florida: Warm winters but heavy humidity, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
• Arizona: Dry, but summer highs can soar above 110°F in some areas.
• Las Vegas: Low moisture, 300+ days of sunshine, and cooler desert evenings.

Most importantly, Nevada doesn’t face hurricanes or the extreme natural disasters that can make Florida stressful and insurance costs unpredictable.

3. World-Class Entertainment and Outdoor Living

One of Las Vegas’s most significant advantages is how much there is to do outside of retirement communities:

• Entertainment Capital: World-class dining, Broadway shows, concerts, professional sports (NFL Raiders, NHL Golden Knights, WNBA Aces, Formula 1, and soon MLB Athletics).
• Nature Within Reach: Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and Mt. Charleston all offer hiking, boating, skiing, and more.
• Everyday Convenience: Unlike parts of Florida or Arizona, where you may need to drive long distances for shopping or services, Las Vegas is compact and easy to navigate.

4. 55+ Communities That Rival Anywhere in the Country

Las Vegas has become a hub for active-adult living, with communities designed around social, recreational, and lifestyle needs:

• Sun City Summerlin — golf, clubs, and an unbeatable mountain backdrop.
• Del Webb North Ranch — a modern take with resort-style amenities.
• Trilogy Sunstone — an emphasis on wellness, connections, and design.

These communities rival — and in many cases surpass — those in Arizona and Florida. What makes them special is the balance between comfort, affordability, and activities that build community, all while staying close to the heart of Las Vegas.

5. A Strong Healthcare Network

Healthcare is top-of-mind for retirees, and Nevada continues to expand its medical infrastructure. Las Vegas now offers:

• Specialized senior clinics and care centers.
• Partnerships with national providers, including the Cleveland Clinic.
• Proximity to major airports and medical research hubs makes access easier than in many smaller Florida or Arizona retirement towns.

While Florida struggles with overburdened healthcare systems in popular retirement hubs, and Arizona ranks only moderately well, Nevada is steadily becoming more competitive — especially in the Las Vegas metro area.

The Bottom Line

· When comparing taxes, property costs, climate, lifestyle, and healthcare, Las Vegas emerges as a more intelligent choice for retirees who want both financial stability and an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

· Florida may offer beaches, and Arizona may offer dry heat, but Las Vegas delivers the best of both worlds — sunshine without hurricanes, affordability without compromise, and entertainment with endless variety.

· If you’re considering your next chapter, Las Vegas deserves to be at the top of your list.