Best Places to Live in Nevada

What are the Best Cities to live in Nevada? Check out these best places to live if you are moving to Nevada!

From its sandy deserts and grassy valleys to its snow-covered mountains and forested slopes, Nevada is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America and some of the most famous cities in the country. Offering a little something for everyone to enjoy, Nevada is not only a great place to raise a family, but it is attracting many young professionals and retirees to the area for its lack of state income tax. Nicknamed "The Silver State," Nevada has a population of just over three million people and offers a mixture of big cities and small towns to call home.

While the image of Las Vegas most likely comes to mind when thinking about the state, there is more to Nevada than exciting nightlife, festive events, tourism, and gambling. Whether searching for small, family-friendly suburbs or bustling city streets, Nevada provides a variety of great places to live that offer no shortage of unique things to do and see.

Whether you prioritize safety, affordability, or location when looking for homes for sale in Nevada, it can often time be overwhelming trying to narrow down your home search in the city of your choosing. While there is no right or wrong choice when deciding on a place to live in Nevada, we have put together this list of the best places to live in Nevada to help you make an educated decision that is best for you.

That said, read on to learn more about the seven Best Places to Live in Nevada!

Here are the best places to live in Nevada!

Las Vegas

Best known for its casinos and world-class entertainment, Las Vegas is an exciting city in Southern Nevada, home to over 653,000 people. As the 25th most populous city in the United States and the most populous city in the state of Nevada and the county seat of Clark County, Las Vegas has undoubtedly made a name for itself as a premier gambling, shopping, fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment destination.

Appearing in many tv shows and movies, Las Vegas certainly knows a thing or two about being the center of attention. While the best month to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November based on travel deals and moderate weather, the city is bustling all year.

Local Favorites:

• Freemont Street Experience: Located on the westernmost five blocks of Fremont Street, this outdoor pedestrian mall and attraction is home to famous hotel casinos, light shows, concerts, and incredible entertainment.
• The Neon Museum: Featuring signs from old casinos and other businesses, this non-profit organization is dedicated to neon signs and is considered one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day.
• The Mob Museum: Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this museum takes about one to three hours to walk through and costs $29.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 11 to 17 to enter.
• Bellagio Hotel and Casino: Overlooking a blue lake with fountains that perform a ballet, this famous resort and casino is inspired by the villages of Europe and features a total of 2,300 slot machines as well as a VIP casino room.
• High Roller: Soar 550 feet above the heart of Las Vegas in North America's most giant observation wheel that features 360-degree views and 28 cabins.

Reno

Located in the northwest section of Nevada and along the Nevada-California border, the city of Reno is best known for its shining neon lights, casinos, and endless entertainment. Found only 22 miles from Lake Tahoe, Reno is nicknamed "The Biggest Little City in the World" and is located approximately 441 miles from Las Vegas.

Unlike Las Vegas, Reno has more to the city than just gambling since it is home to multiple museums, public parks, and recreational activities. Reno is home to a tight-knit community with real people with a deep history connected to the gold rush in the late 1840s and the transcontinental railroad.

Local Favorites:

• Rancho San Rafael Regional Park: Located on a former ranch, this 580-acre park is the largest and most dynamic park in Washoe County, with a museum, botanical garden, recreational facilities, and picnic areas.
• National Automobile Museum: First opened in 1989, this museum displays more than 200 cars and has been recognized as one of the 10 Best Automobile Museums in the United States.
• Nevada Museum of Art: Recognized as the only American Alliance of Museums accredited art museum in the state of Nevada, visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits, classes, and programs.
• Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: Located only 2.2 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, this upscale casino offers endless dining options, unique treatments, and beneficial amenities.
• Peppermill Resort Spa Casino: This Tuscan-themed casino is found 2 miles from the Reno Airport and provides award-winning dining, luxury rooms, suites, and an 82,000-square-foot casino.

Henderson

Henderson is located only 16 miles from Downtown Las Vegas and is considered the second largest city in the state of Nevada. Named one of the top 50 Best Places to Live in America by Money Magazine in 2021, Henderson is most famous for its 300 days of sunshine per year, high safety rating, endless entertainment, and vibrant art scene. Attracting many families and young professionals to the area, Henderson offers its residents an energetic lifestyle just minutes from Las Vegas.

Local Favorites:

• Lion Habitat Ranch Inc: The perfect outing for the whole family, this non-profit educational lion sanctuary is home to several lions and giraffes and is open for guided tours and feeding experiences.
• Cowabunga Bay Water Park: This seasonal water park is Nevada's premier waterpark destination that features multiple slides, a wave pool, kids' areas, and restaurants.
• M Resort Spa Casino: Offering 390 resort rooms and suites, this boutique hotel, spa, and casino includes a 92,000-square-foot casino and a 16-story tower.
• Emerald Island Casino: Located in Downtown Henderson, this casino is home to the only 24-hour restaurant in the city and is ranked as the number one choice for gaming entertainment in Henderson.
• Sunset Station Hotel and Casino: Owned and operated by Station Casinos, this 98-acre hotel and casino is located near Interstate 515 and features affordable rooms, dining, gaming, and entertainment options.

Boulder City

Located in the Las Vegas Valley, Boulder City is found approximately 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas in Clark County. Offering its residents the peace of a small town but still within proximity to extensive city amenities, Boulder City has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Nevada.

Boulder City is considered an excellent place to live. It consistently ranks high for its affordable cost of living, low crime rate, employment opportunities, sought-after amenities, thriving real estate market, and moderate weather conditions. Best known as the home of the Hoover Dam and fun recreational activities at Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and Black Canyon, there is always something to do and see when living in Boulder City.

Local Favorites:

• Hoover Dam: Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, this concrete arch-gravity dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and offers scenic views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
• Boulder City - Hoover Dam Museum: Learn about the construction of the Hoover Dam and Boulder City through photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts.
• Hemenway Park: Featuring tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, a playground, and views of Lake Mead, this small city park is a great place to bring the whole family.
• Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City: Located on the tracks used to support construction activities at the Hoover Dam, this museum features rides aboard old-school trains.
• Rail Explorers Las Vegas Division: Offering pedal-powered railbike tours along the historic Nevada Southern Railroad that are perfect for families and kids.

Mesquite

Mesquite, Nevada, is a small town in the Virgin River Valley located about an hour North of Las Vegas. As part of Clark County, Mesquite is adjacent to the Arizona state line and is famous for its several casinos, museums, art centers, and world-class golf courses. Though this may be a small town, there is virtually no traffic, the crime rate is low, the people are friendly, and many beautiful state and national parks are located close by.

Local Favorites:

• Wolf Creek Golf Club: Considered to be one of the most sought-after golf destinations in the world, this 18-hole course is a must-play for its breathtaking views.
• Eureka Casino Resort: Located off Interstate 15, this modern casino and resort feature breathtaking mountain views, luxurious accommodations, exceptional amenities, and various dining and gambling options.
• Mesquite Gaming: Originally known as Players Island, this resort spa and casino is home to slot machines, a hotel, a steakhouse, a bowling alley, and two golf courses.
• Falcon Ridge Golf Course: This public golf course offers the broadest range of course selections for the best prices in one of the most picturesque golf destinations in all of Nevada.
• Mesquite Fine Arts Center: Offering something for everyone, this unique rural arts center is home to the Virgin Valley Artists' Association, a pottery studio, an art gallery, and a gift shop.

Incline Village

Located on the North shore of Lake Tahoe in Washoe County, Nevada, lies the census-designated place of Incline Village. As part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area, Incline Village is home to just over 9,000 people. Even though Incline Village is named one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, it is also considered one of the best in Lake Tahoe. Best known for its stunning mountain retreats, relaxing beaches, and laid-back lake life, Incline Village is defiantly worth visiting if you are moving to Nevada.

Local Favorites:

• Diamond Peak Ski Resort: Located near the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, this ski resort offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and provides 655 acres of terrain, six chair lifts, 30 runs, and open glades
• Sand Harbor: Popular for swimming, boating, and open-air entertainment, this is one of the most popular parks in Incline Village.
• Alibi Ale Works - Brewery and Barrel House: This beer garden and eatery has more than 20 house beers on draft and offers a frequently rotating food menu.
• Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau: Open seven days a week, this visitors center provides maps, brochures, souvenirs, activity tickets, exhibits, and an outdoor picnic area.
• Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park: Covering 14,301 acres, this park is high above Lake Tahoe's shoreline and features more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Elko

Elko is the largest city in Elko County, Nevada, and has been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America. Growing at a current rate of 0.31% annually, the city's population has a current population of just over 21,000 people. Best known as the home of the world-famous Cowboy Poetry Gathering which first started here, Elko is a unique place to live in Nevada that offers a variety of fun things to do in Ruby Valley.

Local Favorites:

• Northeastern Nevada Museum: Featuring six galleries that occupy over 20,000 square feet, this art and local history museum houses wildlife dioramas, vintage firearms, regional art, and a gift shop.
• Ruby View Golf Course: This 18-hole public golf course offers multiple teeing areas, serene ponds, creeks, shaded trees, and beautiful views of the Ruby Mountains.
• Western Folklife Center: Hosting interactive exhibits, theater, music, and poetry events that celebrate the American West, this museum and cultural center is a must-visit for families.
• California Trail Historic Interpretive Center: Learn about the history, people, and events of the California trail at this pioneer history museum through educational and cultural activities open to the public.
• Humboldt National Forest: Covering an area of 6,289,821 acres, this national forest is the most significant United States National Forest outside Alaska.

Where do you see yourself living in Nevada?

From the big city lights and busy streets of Las Vegas to the laid-back and adventurous town of Incline Village, Nevada offers many places to live all over the state. Whether you are looking for an area with the best climate or a city with the most affordable cost of living, there is a place for everyone to call home in Nevada, no matter your lifestyle.

No matter if you know where you want to live or are still looking, contact us today to be connected with one of our Realty Specialists. We are always ready to help and are available to answer any questions that you may have about Nevada and the home-buying process.