Retiring in Las Vegas | Local Spotlight

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By Virginia F - Las Vegas Resident

Retiring in Las Vegas is a popular choice for many people. Las Vegas has a lot to offer retirees looking for warm weather year-round, an abundance of activities, and a low cost of living. There are over 10 luxury retirement communities within the city, all of which offer several amenities from pools to classes and gyms to stay fit.

Also, keep in mind that no income tax and a low crime rate has people moving to Las Vegas every day. The city is one of the top ten retirement destinations in the country.

Top 5 Things I Like about Las Vegas

The low cost of living makes living in Las Vegas easy.
For food lovers, buffets abound with every type of food.
The weather is great all year.
For retirees, the UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada offer special low-cost classes for anyone interested in broadening his or her knowledge on a particular subject. Brush up on your Shakespeare, take a current events class, or learn a new hobby.
Las Vegas is a 24-hour city; there is always something to do or someplace to eat.

Top 3 Things I Don't Like about Las Vegas

As in any major cities, property prices are inflated. You can end of paying lots of money for a small space. Do some research. For retirees, retirement communities are an excellent option.
Las Vegas is a desert town. Its water comes from nearby Lake Mead. As the city’s population grows, there will be more water shortages.
Not only can the traffic in Las Vegas become a major headache, but drivers can be aggressive. Since Las Vegas is a 24-hour city, expect traffic 24 hours a day.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas may be one of the least walkable cities, unless you happen to luck out. Mostly, you will either need a car or take public transportation. The only exception is the Downtown strip. Buses run 24 hours a day and are extremely punctual.

What is the Weather Like in Las Vegas?

The weather is hot during the summer months and can reach up to 120 degrees. Fortunately, air conditioning is everywhere. On seriously hot days, many stores will have cold water available for shoppers, which is truly appreciated. Even during the winter months, most afternoons require little more than a jacket. The evenings can get very chilly, however.

Fun Fact

Water structures in Las Vegas, like fountains and man-made lakes, use something called grey-water, which is recycled water from sinks, bathtubs and showers.

Is Las Vegas Dog Friendly?

Las Vegas loves Fido! The city is filled with friendly dog parks and hiking trails. Summerlin allows well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners into stores and restaurants. Remember to keep Fido leashed – except in the dog parks. Most landlords welcome dogs. For some fun and games, take your dog on the Loco Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt.

Most casinos welcome your dog as well. If traveling by bus, dogs may travel at the absolute discretion of the driver. One driver may allow it, the next one may not.

Top 5 Fun Las Vegas Activities

Take a ride on the world’s taller Ferris wheel.
Visit Casa de Shenandoah, the home of Mr. Las Vegas himself – Wayne Newton. There are stables, private lakes, and a private zoo. The house is sheer opulence, including the garage filled with over a dozen luxury cars.
Some of the fun in Vegas takes place in casinos. The Venetian has a Grand Canal, like the one in Venice. For a few dollars, you can take a gondola ride and perhaps get serenaded.
The fountains at the Bellagio Hotel burst into a fabulous light and water show on a regular basis throughout the day. The choreography attracts people from all over. Since you are in the neighborhood, go inside the luxurious Bellagio Hotel and enjoy the art gallery and the botanical garden inside.
Las Vegas isn’t just flashing neon lights. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts brings art to the desert. There are concerts, Broadway plays, as well as a cabaret room. The quality of the performances is outstanding.

Off the Beaten Path Activites

Lake Mead
This is the reservoir by Hoover Dam. You can take out a boat, fish, or scuba dive. It is less than an hour from Las Vegas and has great hiking trails (watch out for mountain lions) and camping facilities. Fun for the whole family.
Drive-Ins
Old fashioned fun. The drive-in is located on 4150 W. Carey Avenue on the north side.
Art District
Las Vegas has a thriving art district in the Downtown area. Every first Friday of the month, artists line up their wares, street performers perform, and food trucks feed the multitude. There is no charge, but parking can be hazardous.
Hiking
If you're in the mood for a great hike, the area around Las Vegas has 160 beautiful hiking trails from easy to hard. Just be cautious about the heat. Bring plenty of water, even if it's not too hot. You can easily get dehydrated.
Skiing (yes, skiing!)
You can actually go from from the Strip to the slopes in about 45 minutes. Lee Canyon (Mt. Charleston) is perfect for a day trip to ski or go tubing. Brian Head Resort in Utah is about a 3 hour drive if you're looking for more of a serious ski getaway.

5 Restaurants Both Locals and Tourists Love

The casino has restaurants for all occasions. However, don’t forget about special meals elsewhere that can make your day.

Top of the World - This restaurant is located at the top of Las Vegas famed Stratosphere, 800 feet above the city. While you enjoy some culinary delights, you’ll have an unparalleled view of Las Vegas as the restaurant does a complete 360-degree turn in about one hour.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab located at 3500 Las Vegas Boulevard serves large platters of delicious seafood. The stone crabs are a must-try!
Ferraro - Feeling like some little Italian? Everything is fresh and homemade at Ferraro’s at 4480 Paradise Road. Enjoy your meal with a perfectly paired bottle of wine.
Yui Edomae on Spring Mountain Road is a small out-of-way sushi bar. But do make the effort to find it. Get there early and you’ll have the sushi master’s full attention.
Vintner Grill on 10100 West Charleston Boulevard serves the most incredible lamb tagine. This Moroccan-based dish braises the lamb to perfection. It is served with their own couscous.

Fun Fact

Dig This is a heavy equipment playground in Las Vegas where you can drive bulldozers for fun!

3 Restaurants Las Vegas Locals Love

While you will never go hungry at a casino, there are non-casino restaurants that are worth checking out. These are favorites among the locals and often missed by visitors

Pho 87 is located at 3620 S. Jones Blvd. It is not the type of neighborhood that a tourist would hit, but this Vietnamese restaurant is worth a trip, if only for its award-winning Oxtail Soup.
For anyone longing for a genuine New York fish platter, a delicious matzo soup, or just a bagel with smear, Weiss’ Deli at 2744 N Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, has the real deal. They even have white fish!
Chinatown Plaza on Mountain Spring Road is an Asian shopping mall with unlimited treasures and the most colorful architecture in Las Vegas. Weera Thai 4276 Spring Mountain Rd. is situated within the Plaza and has on outstanding Panang Curry with Duck.

Las Vegas, Nevada Cost of Living Chart

Data from Numbeo & Zillow

category	COST
Cost of Living Rank	188th out of 558 #1 is most expensive
1 Bdr Apartment in City	$1200 per month
1 Bdr Apartment Outside City	$980 per month
Median Home Price	$290,535
Meal for Two, Mid-Range	$68

Bottom Line

Retiring in Las Vegas can be fantastic if you don't mind the heat of the summer. Also, there is always something fun to go and do whether it be golfing, swimming, dancing, or a little gambling. Plus, Nevada is one of the most tax friendly States in the U.S. so you'll have more money in your pocket to enjoy yourself.

If you're looking for something other than a desert atmosphere, San Antonio could be your ideal destination.

Quick Facts about Retiring in Las Vegas, Nevada

Category	Info
Population	2,699,000
Elevation	2001 ft
Climate	Dry and clear most of the year with sweltering summers and cold winters. Average temps are from 30°F and 115°F
Tax Friendliness	NV is rated as very tax friendly. No State taxes, Social Security income in not taxed, Withdrawals from retirement accounts are not taxed and public and private pension income is not taxed.

About the Author Guest Blogger

Our guest bloggers are retirees or residents living in cities around the world. They're giving insider perspective to what it's like to live and retire in various places.