Nevada may offer warm weather and no state income tax, but some towns aren’t built for retirees. Our deep dive into statewide retirement data reveals that many towns fall short in critical areas like walkability, cultural amenities, and access to transportation—making them harder places to enjoy your golden years.
Whether it’s a lack of infrastructure or sheer geographic isolation, these are the 21 least retirement-friendly towns in Nevada, based on their Overall Retirement Score (ORS). This score pulls together several important factors that directly impact quality of life for older adults, offering a single, easy-to-understand number that reflects how retirement-friendly a location really is.
21. Golconda – Limited Access and Few Amenities
Golconda is a tiny, unincorporated community in Humboldt County, located in the high desert of northwestern Nevada. Originally a mining town in the late 1800s, its heyday has long passed. What remains today is a sparse, remote outpost surrounded by ranchland and Interstate 80.
For retirees, Golconda poses several challenges. The lack of walkable infrastructure means almost everything requires a car, and there are very few public services or social opportunities. Cultural and recreational options are virtually nonexistent, making it a tough place for older adults seeking stimulation or connection. Golconda might appeal to a younger, off-the-grid lifestyle, but it’s poorly suited for aging in place.
Golconda – ORS 58.17
- Overall Retirement Score: 58.17
- Quietness: 75.63
- Walkability: 1.97
- Cultural amenities: 4.7
- Vibrancy: 6.21
- Car-Friendliness: 61.98
- Transit-Friendliness: 18.61
Golconda’s quiet atmosphere might be peaceful, but the near-total lack of infrastructure, services, and activities makes it a poor fit for retirement. It’s best suited for highly independent individuals who prefer solitude over convenience.
20. Gabbs – Isolation in the Desert
Gabbs is located in central-western Nevada, at the edge of the Great Basin in Nye County. Once a company town for a magnesium mine, it’s now a shadow of its former self. The town has no grocery store, no hospital, and limited cell service—let alone senior centers or transit options. It’s one of the most geographically isolated places in the state, with the nearest full-service town over an hour’s drive away.
While the stillness might seem appealing, it comes at the cost of convenience and connection. There’s little to do, and next to no social infrastructure. For retirees with mobility limitations or medical needs, the absence of nearby healthcare or reliable transportation could quickly become a serious issue.
Gabbs – ORS 57.4
- Overall Retirement Score: 57.4
- Quietness: 87.74
- Walkability: 2.32
- Cultural amenities: 16.89
- Vibrancy: 7.58
- Car-Friendliness: 65.3
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Gabbs is calm and remote, but its extreme isolation, lack of services, and near-total dependence on car travel make it an impractical choice for most retirees.
19. Crescent Valley – Eureka’s Disconnected Outpost
Crescent Valley sits in northern Eureka County, surrounded by sagebrush and distant mountains. It’s an unincorporated community with a small population and minimal infrastructure. While it has a post office and a school, healthcare services and grocery options are scarce. The town is about 80 miles from the nearest hospital in Elko, and public transit is nearly nonexistent.
Though it earns middling marks for cultural offerings—largely due to its proximity to historical mining sites—Crescent Valley’s complete lack of vibrancy and walkability present serious downsides. Social and recreational opportunities are few and far between, and daily errands require a long drive. For retirees who value access and engagement, this rural outpost doesn’t make the cut.
Crescent Valley – ORS 56.7
- Overall Retirement Score: 56.7
- Quietness: 79.36
- Walkability: 11.09
- Cultural amenities: 32.77
- Vibrancy: 0.37
- Car-Friendliness: 59.43
- Transit-Friendliness: 19.84
Crescent Valley offers natural beauty and historic charm, but the lack of basic services and low community engagement make it a poor match for retirement living.
18. Wadsworth – Nixon – Underserved and Car-Dependent
Wadsworth and Nixon are neighboring communities located in Washoe County on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, about 30 miles northeast of Reno. These towns are rich in Indigenous history and natural beauty, especially around Pyramid Lake, but they offer very little in the way of infrastructure or amenities for aging residents. Healthcare facilities are limited, and access to groceries or pharmacies requires a lengthy drive.
Despite a peaceful setting, retirees in Wadsworth and Nixon face the challenges of poor walkability and no reliable public transportation. While car-friendliness is relatively strong, those who no longer drive would find it extremely difficult to maintain independence. Social opportunities and cultural events are few, making these towns better suited for younger residents or those already tied to the area by family or community.
Wadsworth – Nixon – ORS 56.44
- Overall Retirement Score: 56.44
- Quietness: 92.09
- Walkability: 2.98
- Cultural amenities: 6.74
- Vibrancy: 5.16
- Car-Friendliness: 77.67
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
While peaceful, Wadsworth and Nixon lack the infrastructure and access needed for a well-supported retirement, especially for those who don’t drive.
17. Jackpot – Owyhee – Border Towns with Limited Appeal
Jackpot and Owyhee sit in the far northeastern corner of Nevada, close to the Idaho border. Jackpot is known for its small cluster of casinos catering to out-of-state visitors, while Owyhee is a quiet community on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Both towns are extremely remote, with limited healthcare, shopping, or recreational infrastructure.
These towns offer little beyond isolation and limited cultural life. Transit is minimal, and walking isn’t realistic for daily errands. While they might appeal to those who want to escape city life entirely, retirees looking for services, community, or enrichment will find few of those here.
Jackpot – Owyhee – ORS 55.89
- Overall Retirement Score: 55.89
- Quietness: 69.58
- Walkability: 6.33
- Cultural amenities: 7.47
- Vibrancy: 7.91
- Car-Friendliness: 61.1
- Transit-Friendliness: 20.66
Jackpot and Owyhee are far from the basics that make retirement comfortable, offering little besides wide-open space.
16. Tonopah – Quiet, But Little Else
Located between Las Vegas and Reno along U.S. Route 95, Tonopah is a historic mining town turned roadside rest stop. While the town has preserved elements of its Wild West past—including a haunted hotel and mining museums—it hasn’t kept up when it comes to infrastructure or services. The nearest major hospital is over 100 miles away, and daily necessities can be hard to come by.
Though Tonopah is one of the quietest towns in the state, it’s far from ideal for retirees. Limited walkability, low vibrancy, and average car-friendliness make it hard to stay engaged or independent. It’s a quirky destination for a short visit, not a place to grow older comfortably.
Tonopah – ORS 51.88
- Overall Retirement Score: 51.88
- Quietness: 98.67
- Walkability: 8.61
- Cultural amenities: 4.53
- Vibrancy: 0.95
- Car-Friendliness: 52.01
- Transit-Friendliness: 35.48
Tonopah’s peaceful atmosphere is outweighed by its limited healthcare access, low engagement opportunities, and long travel times for basic services.
15. Henderson – Sprawling and Car-Heavy
Henderson is one of Nevada’s largest cities, just southeast of Las Vegas. On paper, it offers more amenities than most towns on this list, with decent cultural venues and plenty of shopping centers. But that scale comes with traffic, noise, and a layout that heavily favors cars. Despite some walkable areas, the city is generally not friendly to those without a vehicle.
While younger retirees might enjoy the energy and access to nearby Las Vegas, older residents may struggle with the lack of quiet and difficult navigation across a large, suburban sprawl. Public transit exists, but it’s underdeveloped and unreliable for daily use.
Henderson – ORS 51.3
- Overall Retirement Score: 51.3
- Quietness: 38.15
- Walkability: 50.19
- Cultural amenities: 54.58
- Vibrancy: 59.14
- Car-Friendliness: 75.02
- Transit-Friendliness: 16.98
Henderson may look like a full-service city, but for older adults without a car, it’s a frustrating and loud place to retire.
14. Nellis Air Force Base – Restrictive and Unsuitable
Located in Clark County, Nellis Air Force Base serves as a key military installation and is not designed with retirees in mind. Much of the area is restricted or dedicated to military personnel and operations. The surrounding community is sparse, and amenities tailored to civilian seniors are scarce.
While it may be quiet and orderly, Nellis AFB offers almost no walkability or local culture. With very limited public infrastructure for aging adults, it’s not a place where retirees can thrive independently or socially.
Nellis Air Force Base – ORS 50.89
- Overall Retirement Score: 50.89
- Quietness: 89.88
- Walkability: 0.69
- Cultural amenities: 5.46
- Vibrancy: 23.63
- Car-Friendliness: 48.51
- Transit-Friendliness: 33.26
Nellis AFB is functionally off-limits for retirement living, with little support for seniors and almost no walkable or cultural infrastructure.
13. Reno – Bustling But Not Senior-Friendly
Reno is often marketed as a smaller, cooler alternative to Las Vegas, but for retirees, it comes with drawbacks. The city’s cultural life and entertainment options are decent, but traffic and rising housing costs pose a challenge. It’s also noisier and less walkable than many expect, especially in suburban or industrial areas.
Public transit exists but isn’t robust, and the pace of development has outstripped services for older adults. Reno may suit younger retirees with energy and a car, but it falls short for those seeking calm, accessibility, and affordable amenities.
Reno – ORS 45.82
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.82
- Quietness: 40.25
- Walkability: 48.44
- Cultural amenities: 44.53
- Vibrancy: 60.49
- Car-Friendliness: 68.65
- Transit-Friendliness: 31
Reno is lively but lacks the balance of calm, access, and support needed for a comfortable retirement.
12. Winnemucca – Limited Options, Long Drives
Winnemucca is the largest town in Humboldt County but still feels remote by most standards. Located along Interstate 80, it has some grocery stores and medical clinics, but limited options for cultural and social engagement. Walking around town isn’t very practical, and most errands require a car.
The town’s cultural offerings are modest, and public transit is minimal. While it might appeal to those who enjoy solitude or the high desert, it lacks the mix of services and accessibility that most retirees need.
Winnemucca – ORS 45.75
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.75
- Quietness: 55.58
- Walkability: 18.32
- Cultural amenities: 38.61
- Vibrancy: 35.23
- Car-Friendliness: 62.42
- Transit-Friendliness: 40.35
Winnemucca is not without charm, but it’s a tough fit for older adults who want easy access to services or vibrant community life.
11. Spring Creek – Isolated Suburban Sprawl
Spring Creek is a residential community east of Elko, designed largely as a bedroom suburb. While it has a tranquil setting in the Ruby Mountains and a strong sense of community, the infrastructure is built entirely around car travel. There are few sidewalks, no meaningful downtown, and very limited medical services within the community itself.
Retirees living in Spring Creek would be reliant on neighboring Elko for nearly everything—shopping, healthcare, and cultural activities. With its low walkability and sparse public transit, the area favors families or working professionals with vehicles, not older adults looking for low-maintenance living.
Spring Creek – ORS 43.7
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.7
- Quietness: 73.69
- Walkability: 4.95
- Cultural amenities: 46.81
- Vibrancy: 15.58
- Car-Friendliness: 67.27
- Transit-Friendliness: 41.78
Spring Creek may have space and scenery, but it lacks accessibility and services, making it inconvenient and isolating for retirees.
10. Sparks – Fast-Growing but Poorly Designed for Aging
Sparks, just east of Reno, has grown rapidly over the past decade. While it offers proximity to cultural and recreational opportunities in the greater Reno area, the city itself is spread out and primarily suburban in design. Sidewalks and public transit are patchy, and many residential areas are disconnected from shopping or healthcare.
The city may appeal to younger residents or families, but for older adults without a car, navigating Sparks can be frustrating. It lacks dedicated senior services or walkable neighborhoods tailored to aging residents.
Sparks – ORS 42.7
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.7
- Quietness: 37.07
- Walkability: 46.33
- Cultural amenities: 48.75
- Vibrancy: 60.4
- Car-Friendliness: 76.09
- Transit-Friendliness: 25.78
Sparks has growth and energy, but its infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with senior needs, making it a difficult place for retirement.
9. Elko – Busy Hub, Limited Support
Elko serves as the economic and cultural center of northeastern Nevada, known for its mining industry and cowboy poetry gatherings. While there are more amenities than in surrounding towns, the city’s focus is still primarily industrial. Traffic can be heavy, and sidewalks are often missing or disconnected.
For retirees, the area presents limited healthcare options beyond basic clinics, and a general lack of walkable or transit-accessible services. Those without a vehicle or looking for quieter surroundings will likely find Elko’s pace and layout challenging.
Elko – ORS 42.61
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.61
- Quietness: 53.87
- Walkability: 34.97
- Cultural amenities: 31.88
- Vibrancy: 51.56
- Car-Friendliness: 66.4
- Transit-Friendliness: 49.4
Elko has a few perks, but it’s better suited to working residents than retirees seeking accessible and relaxing lifestyles.
8. Fernley – Suburban Isolation
Fernley lies east of Reno and has grown in recent years as a more affordable housing alternative. Despite this growth, the town lacks a centralized hub, and many neighborhoods feel disconnected from services. Medical access is limited, and most residents commute elsewhere for shopping or work.
Fernley is largely built for drivers, with little attention to pedestrian access or public transit. While affordable, it doesn’t offer the amenities or cohesion that many retirees look for when downsizing.
Fernley – ORS 37.38
- Overall Retirement Score: 37.38
- Quietness: 56.04
- Walkability: 26.91
- Cultural amenities: 30.01
- Vibrancy: 35.87
- Car-Friendliness: 81.62
- Transit-Friendliness: 18.81
Fernley may appeal to budget-conscious movers, but its lack of walkable, senior-friendly infrastructure makes it a weak retirement choice.
7. Silver City – Historic but Hollow
Silver City is one of Nevada’s many historic mining settlements, located in Lyon County near Virginia City. It has scenic views and a quiet atmosphere, but the town itself has fewer than 200 residents and virtually no commercial services. There are no grocery stores, clinics, or senior centers, and the nearest amenities are several miles away.
While its charm might attract history lovers, retirees would find it difficult to access even the most basic needs without frequent travel. There’s almost no walkability, and public transportation is nonexistent.
Silver City – ORS 33.99
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.99
- Quietness: 78.77
- Walkability: 12.47
- Cultural amenities: 12.44
- Vibrancy: 21.05
- Car-Friendliness: 69.03
- Transit-Friendliness: 17.43
Silver City is tranquil and historic, but its lack of services and accessibility makes it a poor fit for retirement.
Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, but for retirees, the city presents more problems than perks. The noise, traffic, and crowds can be overwhelming, and although there are walkable zones, they are limited to specific neighborhoods. Healthcare is available but can be costly, and affordability is dropping fast.
Public transit exists but doesn’t serve many residential areas well. The intense summer heat also makes walking or using transit uncomfortable for older adults, especially those with mobility issues.
Las Vegas – ORS 33.47
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.47
- Quietness: 27.93
- Walkability: 59.71
- Cultural amenities: 36.47
- Vibrancy: 70.6
- Car-Friendliness: 72.88
- Transit-Friendliness: 38.73
Las Vegas has energy and convenience, but it’s too intense and inaccessible for many retirees to manage comfortably.
5. Austin – Scenic but Isolated
Austin is a small, high-desert town in central Nevada known for its historic buildings and rugged charm. It offers solitude and old mining-era character—but not much else. Services are few, and the nearest full-service grocery or hospital is well over an hour away.
With almost no walkability and limited car infrastructure, the town is difficult to live in without being completely self-sufficient. It may appeal to a very specific type of retiree, but for most, the isolation is too severe.
Austin – ORS 30.44
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.44
- Quietness: 86.35
- Walkability: 6.52
- Cultural amenities: 53.89
- Vibrancy: 8.25
- Car-Friendliness: 69.6
- Transit-Friendliness: 39.33
Austin is scenic and quiet, but its extreme remoteness and lack of services are deal-breakers for most retirees.
4. North Las Vegas – Dense and Difficult
North Las Vegas, while close to the amenities of the Vegas metro, suffers from its own set of issues. It’s densely populated, has high traffic congestion, and lacks green space. Crime rates are higher than average for the state, and healthcare access is uneven depending on the neighborhood.
Retirees may find the area stressful and poorly suited to aging in place. Public transit exists, but it’s limited by coverage and wait times, and walking long distances in the heat is far from ideal.
North Las Vegas – ORS 22.29
- Overall Retirement Score: 22.29
- Quietness: 21.04
- Walkability: 58.53
- Cultural amenities: 33.64
- Vibrancy: 66.85
- Car-Friendliness: 77.46
- Transit-Friendliness: 31.07
North Las Vegas is loud, crowded, and hard to get around—making it one of the least appealing retirement spots in the state.
3. West Wendover – Remote and Underserved
Situated on the Utah border, West Wendover is known for its casinos and little else. The town is far from Nevada’s population centers, with long drives required for everything from groceries to medical appointments. Public transportation is nonexistent, and walkability is near zero.
While younger tourists pass through for the gambling, older adults won’t find much support for daily living. It’s one of the most car-dependent towns in the state.
West Wendover – ORS 21.25
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.25
- Quietness: 43.57
- Walkability: 0.42
- Cultural amenities: 2.72
- Vibrancy: 8.18
- Car-Friendliness: 81.48
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
West Wendover’s isolation, poor walkability, and minimal services place it near the very bottom for retirement livability.
2. Sun Valley – Congested and Underserved
Sun Valley is a densely populated suburb just outside Reno, but it lacks the infrastructure you’d expect from a place so close to a major city. Roads are often congested, sidewalks are inconsistent, and healthcare access is scattered. There’s little cultural or recreational infrastructure, and the area feels more industrial than residential.
For older adults, these shortcomings make everyday life more difficult, especially without reliable transportation. Despite its proximity to Reno, Sun Valley is ill-equipped for aging populations.
Sun Valley – ORS 20.8
- Overall Retirement Score: 20.8
- Quietness: 46.26
- Walkability: 31.81
- Cultural amenities: 17.65
- Vibrancy: 46.1
- Car-Friendliness: 75.28
- Transit-Friendliness: 20.14
Sun Valley has location on its side, but its lack of infrastructure and amenities make it a frustrating place to grow older.
1. Indian Springs – The Worst Place to Retire in Nevada
Indian Springs, located in Clark County near a state prison and the Creech Air Force Base, is easily the least retiree-friendly town in Nevada. It has minimal public services, virtually no healthcare or shopping options, and no walkable areas. Its economy and infrastructure revolve around the nearby military facility, not residents.
There’s no public transit, and cultural or recreational activities are nearly nonexistent. For anyone aging in place or hoping for support services, Indian Springs is a nonstarter.
Indian Springs – ORS 6.25
- Overall Retirement Score: 6.25
- Quietness: 84.42
- Walkability: 0.91
- Cultural amenities: 0.95
- Vibrancy: 11.78
- Car-Friendliness: 76.9
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Indian Springs ranks dead last due to its isolation, lack of basic services, and poor livability for older adults.
References & Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts: Nevada
- Nevada Department of Transportation – Transit Mobility Programs and Maps
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Area Health Resources Files
- Zillow – Nevada Home Values
- Redfin – Nevada Housing Market: Trends & Data
- AARP – Livability Index: Great Neighborhoods for All Ages
- Federal Transit Administration – National Transit Database
