Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Retire?

Yes, Las Vegas is a good place to retire for many people, mainly because Nevada has no state income tax and Clark County caps yearly property tax increases on your primary home. The tradeoff is heat. Normal highs in July and August sit above 100 degrees, so plan your outdoor time around them.

Ryan Rose | Real Broker, LLC is a Las Vegas Realtor who helps buyers downsize, relocate and find single story homes and 55 and older communities. Here is what retirees usually ask him first, with the official sources behind each answer.

How Do Nevada Taxes Help Retirees?

Nevada's Constitution, in Article 10, Section 1, says "No income tax shall be levied upon the wages or personal income of natural persons." That means no state income tax on a pension or Social Security. Federal taxes still apply.

Property taxes have a built in brake too. Clark County explains that NRS 361.4723 applies a 3% cap on the yearly tax bill for an owner's primary residence. Homes that are not owner occupied can see a cap of up to 8%. One catch: a brand new home does not get any cap in its first fiscal year. The 3% cap starts the next year.

Another detail from the Clark County Assessor: recording a new ownership document, like moving your home into a trust, removes the 3% abatement until you return a new postcard. Watch your mail after July 1.

Tax rules change and every situation is different, so confirm your plan with a CPA or tax attorney.

What Is the Weather Really Like?

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas lists 1991 to 2020 normals from NOAA. The normal July high is 104.5 degrees. The normal January high is 58.5 degrees.

So winters are mild and sunny, and summers are hot. Many people shift outdoor time to early morning from June through September. Ryan tells retirees to look at shade and the summer power bill before they buy.

Which Communities Are Built for Retirees?

Las Vegas has several large, age restricted 55 and older communities.

Sun City Summerlin. Built by Del Webb as part of the Summerlin master plan on the west side of the valley. The community association site lists clubs and golf, plus fitness amenities.

Sun City Anthem. Also a Del Webb community, in Henderson. Its association lists 7,144 single story homes and three community centers. It was established in 1998.

Regency at Summerlin. Summerlin's history page describes it as a 100 acre, age qualified neighborhood by Toll Brothers in The Cliffs village.

Not every retiree wants a 55 and older community. Many choose a regular single story home near family or a golf course. Ryan shows both paths.

What Should Retirees Check Before Buying?

• HOA dues and what they cover, since amenities in large communities are paid through them
• Whether the home is single story, with no steps at the entry
• Drive time to the doctors and hospitals in your insurance network
• The power bill for July and August from the seller, if they will share it

Quick Answer: Common Follow Up Questions

Does Nevada tax Social Security?

Nevada has no state income tax, so it does not tax Social Security benefits. Federal rules still apply.

Is Henderson or Summerlin better for retirees?

Both have large 55 and older communities, like Sun City Anthem in Henderson and Sun City Summerlin. Visit each one and compare amenities and dues.

How much are property taxes in Las Vegas?

It depends on the home's assessed value and tax district. Look up any parcel on the Clark County Assessor's site, and remember the 3% yearly cap for primary homes.

Do I have to be 55 to buy in a 55 and older community?

Rules vary by community. Read the association's age rules before you write an offer.

Plan Your Move

If you are weighing a move to Las Vegas for retirement, Ryan can walk you through communities and costs at your own pace. Contact Ryan Rose or call 702-747-5921.

Explore More Las Vegas Communities

• Does Nevada Have a State Income Tax?
• Who Can Help Me Downsize in Summerlin?
• Property Tax Guide for Summerlin and Clark County

Sources: Nevada Constitution, Clark County Tax Abatement, National Weather Service Las Vegas Temperature Overview, Sun City Summerlin Community Association, Sun City Anthem Community Association, Summerlin History