11 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Henderson, NV

September 30th, 2022

11 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Henderson, NV

Living in Henderson

Are you moving to Henderson, Nevada? Here is everything that you need to know about life in Henderson!

Henderson, Nevada, is the second largest city in Nevada, right behind Boulder City, with a population of over 324,000. Considered to be one of the best places to live in Nevada and ranked among the top 50 Best Places to Live in America by Money Magazine as of August 2021, Henderson is an excellent place to live. Best known for its vibrant art scene, fantastic dining options, world-class shopping, outdoor recreation, and access to top entertainment, Henderson is attracting many young professionals, families, and retirees to the area.

Ranked number two overall as the safest city in the nation by Advisor Smith as of October 2021, with a violent crime rate of 10.7 per every 1,000 residents and a property crime score of 14.3, it is no wonder why Henderson is such a sought-after place to live. So if you are considering moving cross country or relocating from another city in Nevada, Henderson is a beautiful destination many people love to call home. Read on to learn more about Henderson, Nevada, and what it has to offer!

The Water Street District in Henderson, NV during the sunset with palm trees and bright lights

Here is what it is like living in Henderson, NV!

Proximity to Las Vegas

Located in Clark County, Henderson is part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area and is found only about 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Considered to be one of the best suburbs in Las Vegas, many individuals and families move to Henderson for a smaller community feel and quiet way of life outside of the bright lights and endless entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer. Surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation activities, luxurious shopping districts, stunning golf courses, and award-winning casinos, Henderson makes for the perfect family getaway or work destination without living in the middle of the madness.

The Las Vegas Strip at night with bright lights in front of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

Cost of Living

While Henderson may only be about a 20-minute drive from Las Vegas, the cost of living in Henderson is 5% more expensive than living in Las Vegas and 13% higher than the national average. Ranking among one of the top 4% most expensive cities in the world, the prices in Henderson are up about 2.5% from a year ago, with the most significant increases in housing, transportation, and food. Housing expenses in Henderson are 39% higher than the national average and 19.2% more expensive than Las Vegas housing costs, while utility prices are 6% lower than the national average.

To live comfortably in Henderson, a good salary is anything over $57,000. The average household income in Henderson is $75,430. Even though Henderson has zero state income tax, much like the rest of Nevada, a family of four is estimated to have about $3,643 of monthly costs before rent, and an individual is assessed to have about $1,015 before rent. The median home cost is $398,300.

Parks

Home to a total of 66 public parks and recreational facilities that provide a variety of amenities, Henderson is an extraordinary place to live. Whether you want to walk the dog, have a picnic, participate in a team sport, or bring your children to the playground, there is no shortage of parks available that will fit your needs.

Visit these family-friendly parks in Henderson, NV:

  • Cornerstone Park: Providing some of the best scenery in Henderson, this 100-acre park features a 31-acre lake, walking trails, and lighted sports courts that everyone will enjoy.
  • Mission Hills Park: This 22-acre park in Clark County features picnic tables, a playground, a splash pad, and lighted areas for baseball, tennis, and basketball games.
  • Hidden Falls Park and Amargosa Trailhead: This neighborhood park is always well-maintained and clean and offers a playground, skate park, picnic areas, open green spaces, and a basketball court.
  • Paseo Vista Park: Hang out at this fantastic park with BBQ pits, a playground, a splash pard, basketball and bocce courts, and covered picnic areas.
  • Aventura Park: A great place to bring the whole family, this park has a playground, splash pad, covered picnic areas, two dog parks, a soccer field, a baseball field, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Even though hiking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Henderson, several beautiful hiking trails and natural areas can be found just outside the city center. Offering extraordinary views and some of the unique landscapes in the Southwest, you might want to start lacing up your hiking boots now.

Visit these local favorite hiking trails and recreation areas in Henderson, NV:

  • Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve: Visit this preserve for views of birds and wildlife near Lake Mead which is away from all the crazy noise and excitement of Downtown Henderson and Las Vegas.
  • McCullough Hills Trailhead: A must-visit for hikers, bikers, and equestrians since it has beautiful views and fantastic volcanic rock formations.
  • Whitney Mesa Trail Sunset Entrance: This dog-friendly hiking area is the most accessible portion of the trail and is a great beginner's trail with picturesque views.
  • Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve: A favorite hiking spot, this is a beautiful park with many unique geologic formations, including an active stream and wildlife.
  • River Mountains Loop Trail: This 34-mile trail is best for beautiful views, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve on a cloudy day with a lake and mountains in the background

Job Market

Experiencing a job market increase of 3.5% over the last year, Henderson has predicted future job growth to increase by 42.1% over the next ten years, which is higher than the United States average predicted job growth of 33.5%. Even though Henderson is located near Las Vegas, dominated by the entertainment and hospitality industries, some of the top sectors in Henderson include education services, medical and biotechnology, manufacturing, and professional and business services. Some of the best companies to work for in Henderson currently include Deloitte, Cashman Equipment, Station Casinos, NV Energy, and Roseman University of Health Sciences.

Things to Do

From museums that explore regional history to animal sanctuaries and conservation areas, there is no shortage of things to do when living in Henderson. Whether you are searching for an activity that the whole family will enjoy or a new date night idea, Henderson is home to many incredible attractions that will keep all ages entertained.

Add these top things to do to your bucket list when in Henderson, NV:

  • Lion Habitat Ranch Inc: With the mission to protect and donate to wild lion habitats, this nonprofit educational zoo is home to lions, giraffes, and birds and offers guided tours and feeding experiences.
  • Cowabunga Bay Water Park: Spend the day with friends and family at this seasonal water park that features thrilling rides, slides, a wave pool, relaxing cabanas, kids' areas, and restaurants.
  • M Resort Spa Casino: Named after the Marnell family who designed and built the M resort, this boutique resort, spa, and casino includes a 16-story tower with 390 hotel rooms and a 92,000-square-foot casino floor.
  • Clark County Museum: Containing eight historic buildings, this 30-acre site features a timeline exhibit about southern Nevada and Henderson from pre-historic to modern times. General admission is only $2 for adults and $1 for children.
  • Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area: Home to the Sloan Petroglyph Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 19, 1978, this 14,763-acre conservation area is a must-visit for unique scenery and beautiful geologic features.

City Hall in Henderson, NV at dusk with palm trees

Climate

Boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year, Henderson is most notable for its beautiful climate, which has an average annual high temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. With hot summers and winters that are cold and dry, Henderson is the perfect example of a desert climate. Since there is virtually no rainfall during the year, the city only receives an average of five inches of rain per year and zero inches of snow per year.

Over a year, the temperatures in Henderson typically vary between 37 degrees Fahrenheit and 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 112 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month during the year in Henderson is July and the coldest month is December.

Public Transportation

Most residents in Henderson choose to own a vehicle, but there are plenty of other ways to get around town that do not require car payment or car insurance. Not only is Henderson located near two airports, but the Regional Transporation Commission of Southern Nevada provides a bus service that operates up to 50 routes and services 24 hours a day. Refer to the chart below and its corresponding links for more information about public transportation in the city.

Transportation Service
Air Travel

McCarran Airport

Henderson Executive Airport

Public Transit

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

Taxi Services

Nevada State Taxicab Authority

Education

Known to have one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Nevada, Henderson is a beautiful place for your school-aged children to learn and grow. As part of the Clark County School District, Henderson has a total of 56 schools, 41 of which are public and 15 private.

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools
Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Horizon Pinecrest Academy Inspirada Nevada State High School
Robert and Sandy Ellis Elementary School Jack and Terry Mannion Middle School Green Valley High School
Shirley and Bill Wallin Elementary School Del E Webb Middle School Coronado High School

Data sourced from GreatSchools.

Henderson is also home top-ranked colleges and universities for those searching for higher-education opportunities, including Nevada State College, College of Southern Nevada (South), and Touro University Nevada.

Restaurants

No matter what you might be craving, Henderson has a large selection of award-winning restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that serve a variety of mouthwatering cuisines. From steaks and seafood to Italian and American fare, dining out is a must-do in Henderson.

Check out these favorite local restaurants in Henderson, NV:

  • CRAFTkitchen: Make sure to come to this chef-owned cafe and bakery hungry since it serves only the best local and organic plates and pastries in the area.
  • Claim Jumper Steakhouse and Bar: Best known for its comfort food and western-themed dining room, this beloved eatery is a must-visit for its prime steakhouse menu and happy hour.
  • Todd's Unique Dining: Enjoy steaks and seafood at this upscale eatery that only uses fresh and local ingredients.
  • Black Bear Diner Henderson: Order comfort food and desserts all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this family-friendly chain.
  • Tuscany Grill: Dine on Tuscan-inspired Italian fare, including pasta, steak, and seafood, in an intimate dining room with friendly service.

Downtown District at night in Henderson, NV with bright lights and street signs

Coffee Shops

There is no better way to start the morning than with a fresh cup of brewed coffee. While Starbucks might be the largest coffee chain in the world, nothing can beat going to a small local coffee shop with friends to enjoy quality coffee and tasty pastries.

Order a latte from one of these favorite local coffee shops in Henderson, NV:

  • Skimos Coffee Shop: Located in Shanalee Plaza, this local coffee shop has free wi-fi, delicious food, tasty coffee concoctions, and fantastic customer service.
  • Hi-Coffee Cafe: Found in Mahacamu Market Place, you can not go wrong with anything you order at this top-rated coffee shop.
  • Mothership Coffee Roasters: Order fresh coffee made from beans sourced through fair-trade practices and single-origin farms.
  • Daily Spark Coffee Roasters: Best known for its espresso, lattes, drip coffee, milk tea, boba, and fruit smoothies.
  • Public Works Coffee Bar: This independently owned coffee shop serves hand-crafted coffee, tea, pastries, wine, beer, and more.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Henderson, Nevada

Pros:

  • No state income tax
  • proximity to Las Vegas
  • Beautiful parks
  • Picturesque outdoor spaces
  • Delicious dining options
  • Excellent shopping
  • Year-round sunshine
  • Fantastic coffee shops
  • Growing job market
  • Top-rated education
  • Access to public transportation

Cons:

  • High summer temperatures
  • High cost of living
  • Expensive housing costs

Moving to Henderson, NV - Final Thoughts

Whether you are considering moving to Henderson for its warm weather or the promising job market, this Nevada city is desirable for many reasons. If you are interested in homes for sale in Henderson, contact us to connect with one of our talented Realty Specialists. We are ready to help you find your dream home in Henderson, NV!

Make sure to check out our other area guides, including moving to Nevada, moving to Las Vegas, moving to Reno, and moving to Boulder City!

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Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan Fitzgerald

Hi there! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I am a REALTOR®. My goal is to help you learn more about real estate through our Real Estate Blog! Hopefully, you enjoyed the above blog post and it found a way to provide help or value to you. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Please feel free to join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.