Assisted Living in Nevada (NV)

Costs of Assisted Living in Nevada

Senior citizens, particularly those with dementia or a tendency to fall, are often unable to remain safely in their homes and some require institutionalization. It is common for memory care patients that have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to wander away or become angry and abusive, either physically and emotionally. It is equally difficult for caregivers to provide proper care for memory care patients in Nevada assisted living facilities.

Assisted Living Facilities in the state provide housekeeping, room cleaning, food preparation, 24-hour caring and many other things necessary for residents to stay as healthy, happy and safe as possible. In America, the average cost for a monthly stay in an Assisted Living Facility is $3,628. In Nevada, the state median for a month of care in an Assisted Living Facility costs $3,050 which is almost $600 less than the average cost of Assisted Living nationwide – good news for New Hampshire residents looking for assisted living services.

While Nevada state average monthly assisted living cost is $3,050, it is more than $3,300 per month in the Reno, Nevada area. These costs will only increase as the population ages and the severity of disabilities increases within the senior population. To make it fair to other residents who may not need extensive care or memory care, many Nevada assisted living facilities use tier-based pricing structure, where the facility residents are charged a higher or lower price depending on how much care they really need to stay safely in an Assisted Living Facility community.

Seniors who prefer to live at home while receiving care can also opt for Nevada Adult Day Care or to hire a home health aide while staying at their own residence. A Home Health Aide in Nevada costs, on average, $4,004 a month for 44 hours of work per week – over $48,000 per year. Adult Day Care in Nevada costs on average $1,560, or $18,720 annually for 5 days a week with a maximum of 12 hours per day.  So, if your needs are such that you require 24-hour care, then assisted living facilities may be a much better senior living option for you.

For seniors with higher level medical needs, Nevada Nursing Facility Care is necessary. This is also true for those with severe dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as the mid to end stages of dementia make it nearly impossible to care for someone in their home. Nursing Facility in Nevada costs around $8,000 per month – $95,265 per year for a shared room, and a private room will cost around $8,700 monthly – $103,773 annually.

By the year 2030, it is estimated that the cost of Assisted Living in Nevada will be over $55,300 per year, and the cost of Nursing Home Care will increase to around $144,000 for a semi-private room and almost $157,000 for a private room. The costs of Adult Day Care will be over $28,300 and a Home Health Aide cost almost $72,700 annually.

            If you want to know the average monthly prices for assisted living in Nevada in specific cities, they are:

• Las Vegas Area, Nevada - $2,850 per month;
• Carson City, Nevada - $3,298 per month; and
• Reno, Nevada - $3,315 per month.

Nevada has experienced a population boom since the 1940s. From the 1940s until 2003, Nevada was the fastest growing state in the nation. In the years between 1990-2000 alone Nevada’s population increased by almost 66%, compared to the US population increase of 13%. Between 2015 and 2016, the state of Nevada had the second highest percentage growth in population of all the states. Nevada ranks 44th out of the 50 states for its senior population, with just 12% of residents of Nevada age 65 or older. However, with the increase in the senior citizen age group and the variety of activities available in Nevada, is the “Silver State” an excellent choice when looking for senior living communities or assisted living?

Nevada is a state that falls into different geographical parts of America. It is part of Western, Mountain West, and Southwestern regions of the United States. It is bordered by the state of Oregon to the northwest, California to the west, Idaho to the northeast, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah on the east side. Nevada became the 36th state on October 31, 1864 and was the second state added to the Union during the Civil War. Nevada is the 7th largest state in the nation with 110,577 square miles. The population of Nevada is approximately 2,940,058, which is the 34th most populous state in the country. The population density is comparably small, with 26.8 people per square mile, (which ranks 42nd in America) yet nearly 75% of Nevada residents live in Clark County which contains Las Vegas and the Las Vegas-Paradise metropolitan area. Although Nevada is mostly desert and much of the state is within the Great Basin, both Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range are also within the state of Nevada – on the western edge. Nevada is well-known for its libertarian laws and is the only state in America where prostitution is legal and is known around the world for its gambling. The largest employer in Nevada is tourism, although mining is still a part of the state’s economy. Surprisingly, Nevada is the fourth-largest producer of gold in the world. The capital is Carson City, but Las Vegas, in Clark County, is the largest city as well as being the largest Metropolitan Area in the state.

Although the population density is relatively low in Nevada, the population is quite concentrated. Clark County contains the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Sunrise Manor, Enterprise, Spring Valley, and Paradise. After Clark County, Washoe County is the most populated country in Nevada which includes the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, and Reno is the county seat. The third most populated country is Lyon County, with the county seat of Yerington. There are rural areas in the state of Nevada, but they are very different from the larger cities in the state. Most of the rural areas are native Nevadans, and ranching and mining play a large role in the history and present of these counties.

Pros and Cons of Senior Living in Nevada

If you are looking for senior living communities in Nevada and you live out of state, there are certain considerations you may want to pay attention to before making your move:

• Fun lifestyle – you can go to Las Vegas and see the bright lights, shows and gamble in the casinos in Nevada, and there are places to hunt, camp, hike and ski in the mountainous part of the state;
• Cost of Living – Nevada has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. Based on a United States average of 100, the cost of living in Nevada is 104.10, with housing being the biggest factor;
• Location – although the largest city, Las Vegas, has a population of almost two million people, the next largest city, Reno, has less than 500,000. The entire state has a population of less than three million residents and the population density is a low 27 people per square mile. If you live outside the metropolitan areas then getting to an airport or visitors from an airport may not be convenient;
• Crime Rate – the rate of crimes in Nevada State are higher than the national average – both property and violent crimes. In terms of violent crimes, Nevada’s rate of violent crimes is almost double that of the 3.8 national average, at 6.96. Rate of property crimes in Nevada is on par with the U.S. average. The chances of become a victim of a violent crime in Nevada is 1 in 144 and 1 in 37 for property crimes.
• Taxes – Nevada is very tax-friendly towards seniors. Social Security Income is not taxed nor are withdrawals from retirement accounts. The taxes on wages in Nevada are 0% and neither private and public pensions are taxed;
• Unemployment – Nevada has an unemployment rate of 6.8%, and job growth is 2.98%. Over the next ten years it is predicted that job growth will be over 39.17%. The unemployment rate is higher in Nevada than the US average of 5.20%, while recent job growth is higher than the United States average of 1.59%. Future job growth is higher when compared to the U.S. average, which is 39.17% and 37.98% respectively;
• Health – Nevada state has an average of 162 physicians per 100,000 residents, lower than the US average of 210. Other health indices that are rated (with 100 being the best): Air quality – 55.9 in Nevada, 58.4 nationwide; Water Quality – 42 in Nevada, 55 nationwide; Superfund sites – 99 in Nevada, 86.9 nationwide; and Health Cost – 103.2 in Nevada, 100 nationwide; and
• Weather – most of Nevada lies in the Mojave Desert and the state averages only 10 inches of rainfall annually, while the United States has 39.2 inches, and the average snowfall amount is 32.9 inches compared to the national average of 25.8. There are 25 days of precipitation, far lower than the 102 days that is the national average, but it has 252 sunny days which is far above the average in the United States of 205. The July average temperature in Nevada is close to 91°, lower than the 86° in the rest of the nation, yet the temperatures in January average 21.2° which is comparable to the 22.6° found elsewhere in the United States. The “comfort index” is 76 in this state while the national average is 54. Finally, the UV Index is 5.2 in the state of Nevada, which is higher than the average in the United States of 4.3.

Those who live close to the Desert can have many days with temperatures reaching over 100° during the summer months. In the northeastern part of the state there may be 30° averages during the winter.

Places of Interest for Seniors Living in Nevada

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – located near Las Vegas, Nevada. It is an area of land almost 200,000 acres in size that is about 15 miles west of Las Vegas that it managed by the Bureau of Land Management and protected as a National Conservation Area. More than 2 million people visit it annually and it is a popular area for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and sight-seeing. The highest point in the area is La Madre Mountain which is 8,154 feet tall.  There is a one-way loop road, 13 miles in length, which allows visitors to drive through and see the area as well as access many of the other trails.
• Hoover Dam – located in Boulder City, Nevada. Originally called Boulder Dam, this is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River that is on the border of the states of Nevada and Arizona. It was built during the Great Depression and created Lake Mead, the largest water reservoir, by volume, when full. The dam provides power for Arizona, Nevada, and California but is also a major tourist attraction.
• National Automobile Museum – located in Reno, Nevada. Seniors can check out one of the greatest car collections anywhere, as this museum has more than 224 vehicles on display.
• Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio – located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, these Botanical Gardens are open to the public and go through five changes throughout the year. No matter the season the conservatory is always full of colorful and fragrant flowers and surprises such as fountains or butterfly houses.
• Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection – located in Laughlin, Nevada. Senior citizens living in Nevada can view this collection of over 85 of Don Laughlin’s cars. Don Laughlin is the owner of the Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area – located in Nevada. It is the largest water reservoir in the United States when full. Seniors visiting Lake Mead can take part in swimming, hiking, fishing, taking photographs, camping and sightseeing. There are 500 animal species, 900 plant species, more than 1,300 recorded archeological sites, 24 rare and threatened species and much more.
• Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah – located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Senior citizens can tour the estate that was built by Wayne Newton, iconic performer and Vegas personality. Today, Newton’s property sits on 52 acres in the heart of Las Vegas and contains two barns, eight homes, three arenas, 60 stalls, 60 purebred Arabian horses, and many exotic animals. It was named one of the “Top Five Homes” in the country by CBS News and it is currently a historic landmark.
• Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours – located in Nelson, Nevada. It is the oldest and probably one of the most famous gold mines in Southern Nevada. This company provides photo shoots, tours and you can even rent kayaks or canoes there. It is only 45 minutes away from Las Vegas; and
• Rainbow Ridge – located in Denio, Nevada. This is an opal mine located in an isolated area of Nevada, isolated enough that the owners recommend that you fill up with gas before you leave for Denio.

Some cities to consider for Nevada Senior Living

Here are some cities or towns that have ranked highly in different categories and in which seniors may enjoy living:

• Minden, Nevada – an unincorporated town, census-designated place, and the county seat of, Douglas County, Nevada. Minden is adjacent to the town of Gardnerville, Nevada.

The town got its name from Minden in Germany which was near Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg, Jr’s (the town founder) father’s place of birth. Douglas County, where Minden is located, was one of the first of the nine counties formed in Nevada. Its location, in the Carson Valley, has made Minden a well-known spot for gliding and sailplanes. Minden has a higher home price than average in the state and the real estate ranks among the most expensive in America. The Douglas campus of the Western Nevada College is in Minden. There are 159 physicians for every 100,000 people in the town of Minden, Nevada which is below the national average of 210. The crime rate in Minden, based on a 100-point-scale, is 37 for violent crimes and 41 for property crimes. The U.S. average for these crimes is 31.1 and 38.1 respectively. The population of Minden, Nevada is approximately 3,100 of which almost 24% belong to the 65+ senior living community.

• Mesquite, Nevada – a city in Clark County, Nevada near the Arizona state line and 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It is in the Virgin River valley near the Virgin Mountains. Mesquite is a popular area for retirees and, specifically, retirees who golf. There are nine public golf courses in the city with Wolf Creek being ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world.

The city was founded by Mormons in 1880 who called it “Mesquite Flat.” It took three tries before the city became established due to being flooded by the nearby Virgin River. The name was shortened to “Mesquite” and the city was incorporated in 1984.

Between the years 1990 and 2000 the population grew over 400% and by the year 2006, Mesquite was one of the fastest-growing small towns in America, but the recession of the late 2000s forced two of the casinos to close. Since the year 2000 the population has increased around 830%.

Mesquite is home to at least four other casinos: Virgin River Casino, Eureka Casino Hotel, CasaBlanca, and Stateline Casino and Motel. The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum is also in Mesquite, where seniors can see exhibits on local history and pioneers. The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mesquite is also known as a stopping point for traffic for travelers between Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. The golf courses in the city bring in visitors from around the world.

Pros of retiring in Mesquite are: desert climate, job growth, and air service. Cons of retiring in Mesquite are: summer heat, rising home prices, and Tourist impact.

There are 154 physicians for every 100,000 residents in Mesquite, Nevada which is less than the national average of 210. The crime rate in Mesquite, based on a 100-point-scale, is 32 for violent crimes, and 23 for property crimes. The population of Mesquite is around 17,700 residents with a median age of 53 and over 16% of the population comprise the 65+ senior living community;

• Yerington, Nevada – a city in, and the county seat of, Lyon County, Nevada. It was named after Henry M. Yerington, who was the Superintendent of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad from 1868 until 1910. Yerington is the home of the headquarters of the “Yerington Paiute Tribe of Yerington Colony and Campbell Ranch,” a federally recognized tribe of the Northern Paiute Indians in Western Nevada. The Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony and Campbell Ranch have a reservation in Lyon County. There are two separate areas of the reservation, the Campbell Ranch is larger, while the Yerington Colony is located within the city limits of Yerington. The tribe is governed by a tribal council and operate their own environmental program, education program, USDA Commodities program, police force, and social services. There are 21 physicians per 100,000 people in the city of Yerington, which is almost 10 times lower than the United States average of 210. The crime rate in Yerington, based on a 100-point-scale, is 24 for violent crimes, and 39 for property crimes. The population of Yerington, Nevada is approximately 3,075 residents, of which around a quarter belong to the Yerington, Nevada senior living community of 65-years-of-age or older;
• Fallon, Nevada – a city in, and the county seat of, Churchill County, Nevada. Located in the Lahontan Valley, both Fallon and Churchill County are mostly agricultural areas with alfalfa being the principal crop grown for livestock. Fallon is on the so-called “Loneliest Highway in America” which is the part of U.S. 50 which bisects Nevada and is very remote. Going east, the nearest town to Fallon is Austin, 110 miles away. So for seniors who love privacy, Fallon may be an excellent choice. Fallon is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and US 95. Although it is in the desert, the land is irrigated with water from the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District. The summers here are hot and the winter months are cold due to the altitude and the higher latitude north of the equator. During the winter months Fallon experiences heavy fog, which is known as “pogonip.” The Naval Air Station Fallon, which includes the TOPGUN training program, has been located here, and is the largest single employer in Fallon since 1996. The headquarters of the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of the Fallon Reservation and Colony are in Fallon. Points of interest for senior citizens located in or near Fallon include “Project Shoal” which is the site of an underground nuclear test that occurred at 5:00 pm on October 26, 1963. The area is unrestricted to the public. Seven miles away is the Grimes Point Petroglyph Trail which is a trail with rocks and rock carvings that are approximately 8,000 years old which are thought to have been created by Native Americans who lived near the shores of the ancient Lake Lahontan. Grimes was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is open to the public throughout the year. Western Nevada College – Fallon campus is also in Fallon.  There are 99 physicians for every 100,000 people in Fallon compared with a national average of 210. Regarding crime in Fallon, out of a 100-scale, violent crime ranks 22 and property crime is 52, while the U.S. average is 31.1 for violent crime and 38.1 for property crime. The population of Fallon, Nevada is around 8,500 people with over 12% of the residents who are part of the Fallon, Nevada senior living community of 65+;
• Elko, Nevada – a city in, and the county seat of, Elko County, Nevada.  Elko is the principal city of the Elko Micropolitan Statistical Area and the city is near the Humboldt River. Not only is Elko the largest city in Elko County, but it is the largest city for over 225 miles in every direction. The state of Nevada produces more gold than all but four countries and Elko is known as the capital of Nevada’s gold belt. The economy of Elko is linked to the rise and fall of the price of the metal. The town has tried to attract other industries and businesses but due to its isolated location in the middle of the desert, surrounded by land that is mostly owned by the federal government, it has struggled to do so. Museums and points of interest for senior citizens living in Elko include:
  • The 1910 replacement for the original courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as is the 1933 U.S. Post Office-Elko Main;
  • The “Western Folklife Center,” located in the old Pioneer hotel, is a non-profit organization with the goal of expanding the understanding of the traditions of those who live and work in the American West;
  • Casinos in Elko include: Stockmen’s Casino and Hotel, the High Desert Casino, the Commercial Casino, Gold Dust West, the Gold Country Inn and Casino and the Red Lion Casino.
  • Geothermal features such as the Elko Hot Hole;
  • The Ruby Mountains and the Lamoille Canyon;
  • Jarbridge Wilderness – one of the least popular and cleanest wilderness areas in the United States;
  • Heli-skiing in the Ruby Mountains;
  • Ruby View Golf Course – a well-maintained, yet quite difficult 18-hole golf course which has tournaments and competitions; and

Cultural events in Elko include:

1. National Cowboy Poetry Gathering – held in January this is a week-long celebration of life in rural West America. The festival includes poetry, food, music, stories, and photography;
2. National Basque Festival – a celebration of traditional Basque culture and its ties to the Elko community. Activities include handball, a strongman competition, Basque dancing, running of the bulls, and traditional food and wine; and
3. “Rumble in the Rubies Motorcycle Rally” – usually held in June every year is the Elko Motorcycle Jamboree.

Another interesting fact about the city is that prostitution is legal in Elko and there are brothels open. Elko has 104 physicians per 100,000 residents, below the average of 210 in America. On a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the lowest, Elko rates at 37 for violent crime – the average nationally is 31.1 – and 53 for property crime – the US average is 38.1.

The population of Elko is approximately 20,500, with about 7.5% of residents who are senior citizens at least 65 years old that belong to the Elko, Nevada senior living community;

• Pahrump, Nevada – an unincorporated town, a census-designated place, and the largest settlement, in Nye County, Nevada. With a total area of 297.9 square miles, Pahrump is the 11th largest CDP in the United States with the other ten being in the state of Alaska. Until the development of nearby Las Vegas, about 63 miles away, Pahrump was isolated and had no paved roads in or out of the Pahrump Valley. As Las Vegas expanded, the need for real estate exceeded the Las Vegas area and Pahrump was a logical choice. The population of Pahrump has grown from around 2,000 residents in 1980 to 36,000 residents a few years ago, making Pahrump the very definition of an “exurb” – the residents live here but work elsewhere and there is little or no commercial or industrial activity besides a few retail shops that are geared toward the locals.

Pahrump has had notable residents including: Art Bell, Michael Jackson, and the less-known third co-founder of Apple Computers. It is also the location of Ted Binion’s secret underground vault filled with six tons of silver bullion as well as other valuables that were estimated as being worth between $7-$14 million. Binion was the son of the founder of the Binion-Horseshoe Casino and died under mysterious circumstances in 1998. Businesses in Pahrump include: Front Sight Firearms Training Institute, and Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch. Brothels include the Chicken Ranch and Sheri’s Ranch, and wineries such as Sander’s Family Winery and Pahrump Valley Winery. There are 59 physicians per 100,000 residents in Pahrump, Nevada. The US average is 210. On a scale from 1 to 100 Pahrump has a score of 46 when it comes to violent crimes and for property crimes Pahrump scores 44. The population of Pahrump, Nevada is approximately 35,000 and over 21% of the residents are 65 years or older, belonging to the Pahrump, Nevada senior living community;

• Carson City, Nevada – an independent city, the state capital of Nevada, and officially the “Consolidated Municipality of Carson City.” The city has been the state capital since Nevada became a state in 1864. It was originally a stopping place for people heading toward California but when the Comstock Lode, a silver strike in the mountains northeast of the city, was discovered the “stopover” developed into a city of its own. Most of the residents live in Eagle Valley, on the eastern edge of part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, but the city limits go west across the Sierra Nevadas to the state line of California and in the middle of Lake Tahoe. Largest employers in Carson City include: Carson Tahoe Health, Nevada Department of Corrections, Carson City School District, Walmart, Costco, the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Although there are no ski slopes with the city limits of Carson City, it is close to the Heavenly Mountain Resort, Mount Rose Ski Tahoe and Diamond Pea skiing areas. There are also neighborhood parks that senior citizens can take advantage of, including the 51-acre Mills Park that has beaches, picnic tables, softball, bathrooms, tennis, fishing and more. Seniors will not be bored in in Carson City, Nevada due to its many museums, which include: the Nevada State Capitol, Nevada State Museum, Nevada State Railroad Museum, Foreman-Roberts House Museum, Stewart Indian School, Sears-Ferris House, Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada (great place to bring grandchildren), and the Yesterday’s Flyers (an aviation museum). Pros of retiring in Carson City are historic interest, year-round climate, and the nearby mountains. Cons include the sprawl of the city, cost of living and housing, and the lack of Arts and Culture. There are 227 physicians per 100,000 residents in Carson City, Nevada, which is above the U.S. average. The crime rate, out of a scale from 1 to 100 is 49 for violent crimes and 50 for property crimes, while the U.S. average is 31.1 and 56 respectively. The population of Carson City, Nevada is approximately 54,600, with almost 15% of the residents who are part of the Carson City, Nevada senior living community consisting of 65+ year old adults;
• Boulder City, Nevada – a city in Clark County, Nevada. Boulder City is about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas and it is one of only two cities in the state of Nevada that doesn’t allow gambling. Boulder City was originally built for workers who were building the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Originally the workers of the dam were living in tents along the river that were called “Ragtown.” In 1931, the Bureau of Reclamation and Six Companies, Inc. built Boulder City to house the workers due to the size and duration of the project. This makes Boulder City unique in that is a town that was fully planned under government supervision. Boulder City was intended to be an example of clean living and included public spaces and spaces for landscaping. Designed to house only 5,000 workers, the higher-ranking employees lived at the top of the hill, managers lived in the middle, and the manual laborers were to live at the bottom farthest away from public buildings and parks. Schools and hospitals were not included in the plans as it was intended to be for single, working men and women were not encouraged or particularly welcome. If injured, the workers were taken to Las Vegas Hospital 33 miles away. Alcohol wasn’t allowed until 1969 and gambling has never been allowed. The government relinquished control of the city in 1959 and the town was incorporated. The town still maintains strict controls when it comes to growth and allows only 120 single or multi-family residential building permits every year. Hotels can have no more than 35 rooms. Attractions and areas of interest for elderly residents around Boulder City, Nevada include: the Alan Bible Botanical Garden, Hoover Dam Museum, Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park, Hoover Dam, the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum and Lake Mead. For seniors who love golf, the city has two public golf courses and one private golf course. There is also a racquetball complex, pool, mountain biking trails and tennis court. There is also a satellite campus of the College of Southern Nevada. In 2009, Money magazine ranked Boulder City on its annual list of the top 25 places to retire in the United States. Pros of retiring in Boulder City are the desert climate, job growth, and air service. Cons of retiring here include the summer heat, the rise of home prices, and the tourist impact. Boulder City, Nevada has 154 physicians per 100,000 population which is below the US average of 210. On a scale of 1 to 100, Boulder City comes in at 27 on violent crimes and 15 on property crimes, this is compared to the national average of 31.1 for violent crimes and 38.1 for property crimes. The population of Boulder City is approximately 15,600 with almost 24% of residents 65 years of age comprising the Boulder City, Nevada senior living community;
• Reno, Nevada – a city in, and the county seat of, Washoe County, Nevada. Reno is part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, encompassing all of Washoe and Storey counties. It is the second largest metropolitan area in Nevada (behind Last Vegas) and is the third most populous city after Henderson and Las Vegas. Reno is in Northern Nevada and is only 22 miles from Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Reno has the nickname of “The Biggest Little City in the World.”  The city is famous for its hotels and casinos and is known as the birthplace of Harrah’s Entertainment. Reno is in a high desert at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the downtown area is in a valley that is informally called “Truckee Meadows” where the Truckee River flowed from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Outdoor recreation is an important part of Reno life as the city is close to the Sierra Nevada, ski resorts and Lake Tahoe in the region. Reno is no longer centered around gambling, partly due to the growth of Native American gambling in California, which has reduced the business in Reno. Among the top employers in Reno are: Washoe County School District, Washoe County, University of Nevada at Reno, Renown Regional Medical Center, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Tesla’s Giga factory, which is the largest building in the world, is being built at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and, when finished, the giga-factory will cover 5.8 million square feet. Reno is also home to distribution facilities for companies including Amazon, Petsmart, Walmart, and Zulilly. Seniors living in Reno, Nevada can take advantage of cultural activities, including: National Automobile Museum, Artown, Nevada Museum of the Arts which is the only American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited art museum in the state of Nevada, the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, the Nevada Opera, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Nevada Reno Arboretum, Reno Pops Orchestra, Wilbur D. May Center (an arboretum and a botanical garden), Hot August Nights, and Burning Man. There are three rivers and lakes near Reno – Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River. Washoe Lake is a popular destination for kite and windsurfing and the skiing industry in Reno is a huge tourist draw. There are 18 ski resorts, eight of them being major ones, between 11 and 98 miles from the Reno-Tahoe airport. For active seniors who love outdoors, some of these resorts are: Northstar California, Alpine Meadows, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Mount Rose and Diamond Peak. There are also areas for ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer months, there are numerous bike paths and international bike competitions are held in nearby Lake Tahoe in the summer months. Pros of retiring in Reno include: tax climate, attractive setting, and nearby mountains. Cons of retiring in Reno are: Growth and sprawl, Rapid cost increases and employment sustainability. There are 240 physicians for every 100,000 residents in Reno while the national average is 210 and on a scale from 1 to 100, with 1 being the lowest, Reno’s violent crime is 44 and property crime is 44 while the average in the US in 31.1 and 38.1 respectively. The population of Reno, Nevada is approximately 242,000 of which close to 12% of residents are part of the Reno, Nevada senior living community of 65+ senior citizens; and
• Henderson, Nevada – officially called the “City of Henderson,” it is in Clark County about 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. It is the second largest city in Nevada. In 2011, Forbes named Henderson as the second safest city in America, and in 2014 it was ranked as “One of the Best Cities to Live in America” by the Bloomberg Business. Henderson has also been ranked as one of the Top 10 “Safest Cities in the United States” by the FBI Uniform Crime Report. Henderson became a town during World War II thanks to the Basic Magnesium Plant which was an important metal during the war and Henderson was the main supplier of Magnesium in the nation during the war. The city of Henderson was incorporated on April 16, 1953. As Las Vegas grew and the need for more room increased so did the population of Henderson, many of whom commute to Las Vegas for work. The top employers in Henderson include the city, Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Siena Campus, St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Rose de Lima Campus, and Walmart. The city is divided into four wards and has over 37 miles of trails for hiking.

Points of Interest in Henderson include:

1. Acadia Demonstration Gardens;
2. Anthem Country Club;
3. Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden;
4. Ethel M Chocolate Factory;
5. Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and Water Reclamation Facility;
6. Henderson Pavilion Concert Theater and Recreational Plaza;
7. Lake Las Vegas;
8. Montelago Village and Boutiques;
9. Nevada State College;
10. Veteran’s Wall; and
11. Wildhorse Golf Club.

Pros of living in Henderson are the desert climate, job growth, and air service. Cons include the summer heat, rising home prices, and the impact from tourists. There are 154 physicians for every 100,000 residents in the city of Henderson which is below the national average of 210. On a scale of 1 to 100, Henderson comes in at 15 on violent crimes and 30 on property crimes, this is compared to the national average of 31.1 for violent crimes and 38.1 for property crimes. The population of Henderson is approximately 285,700 with a tad over 10% of residents belonging to the 65+ Henderson, Nevada senior living community.

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