Americans love Nevada! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-rated college town to a thriving art culture, the Sage Brush State has got it all.
It is in the top 10 states with the highest inbound migration, with an increase of 1.4%. The median home value for Nevada is $446,500. The state scores 77/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Las Vegas and Reno are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Let’s explore the best places to live in Nevada.
Best Places to Live in Nevada in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top areas in Nevada to live in. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boulder City | 14,828 | $481,000 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 2. | Reno | 274,915 | $535,000 | $9,364 | 62/100 |
| 3. | Sparks | 110,323 | $527,498 | $9,359 | 62/100 |
| 4. | Las Vegas | 660,929 | $451,000 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 5. | Henderson | 337,305 | $497,000 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 6. | Carson City | 58,036 | $516,250 | $8,578 | 57/100 |
| 7. | Mesquite | 22,786 | $339,950 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 8. | Spring Valley | 220,114 | $425,450 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 9. | Paradise | 189,733 | $382,500 | $8,736 | 60/100 |
| 10. | Elko | 20,785 | $405,000 | $9,086 | 56/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Nevada
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Silver State:
#1 Boulder City
- Median Home Price: $481,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Boulder City: $76,402[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Boulder City, NV: 89005 | 93036
Boulder City is home to the Hoover Dam, which crucially supplies water to the entire valley for consumption and hydroelectricity generation. The city is 3% more affordable than the rest of the country.
Boulder City sits on Lake Mead, and is great for outdoor recreation. It also offers picturesque trails and campsites for hiking enthusiasts. Retail, public administration, etc., are fast-growing sectors and employ the most residents.
» Boulder City Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties in Nevada’s Garden City.
#2 Reno
- Median Home Price: $535,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Reno: $73,073[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Reno, NV: 89509 | 89519
Reno, the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’, offers utility costs 6% lower than the national average. The city also boasts a wide array of bars and restaurants that are popular among residents and tourists alike.
Apart from this, it is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, with a beautiful campus and student life. In addition, the city offers a friendly business environment with no tax on inventory or payroll.
» Reno Homes for Sale: Find your home in this metro area.
#3 Sparks
- Median Home Price: $527,498[2]
- Median Household Income in Sparks: $82,938[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Sparks, NV: 89436 | 89431
Known as the ‘Rail City’, Reno thrives as part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. Living costs are 5% higher than the national average. However, it is home to major industries, including manufacturing and logistics. Panasonic is one of the largest employers locally.
Home to the Sparks Marina, it offers several spots for water sports, fishing, and trails. The Victorian Square hosts events like the ‘Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off’, a popular barbecue competition.
» Sparks Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best cities to live in Nevada.
#4 Las Vegas
- Median Home Price: $451,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Las Vegas: $66,356[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Las Vegas, NV: 89141 | 89031 | 89123
Las Vegas, one of the most happening cities in Nevada, is famous for its nightlife but is not limited to it. The median home price in Sin City is decent. The city is 1% more affordable than the national average.
Vegas has mild weather and offers a host of options for live music, clubbing, and a range of casinos. Being a tourist hub, it provides residents with several cuisines to choose from. It is also a renowned as a gateway to natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.
» Las Vegas Homes for Sale: View thousands of listings in the Sin City.
#5 Henderson
- Median Home Price: $497,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Henderson: $85,311[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Henderson, NV: 89011 | 89052 | 89044
Located in proximity to Las Vegas, Henderson offers an urban, lively vibe, alongside access to mountains and deserts. The cost of living is a bit steep, at 8% above the national average.
Henderson is the best city to live in Nevada if you love warm weather. The city receives around 246 sunny days per year. Besides this, the city has shown positive job growth and expects a 42% rise in employment opportunities in the future.
» Henderson Homes for Sale: View listings in one of the best places to live in Nevada.
#6 Carson City
- Median Home Price: $516,250[2]
- Median Household Income in Carson City: $67,465[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Carson City, NV: 89706 | 89521
Carson City, the capital of Nevada, is known for its rich history and scenic beauty. The state capital is also big on nightlife and casinos. The living costs are 3% lower than the state average.
The city rests 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Carson City offers many outdoor activities and has beautiful and sunny beaches. It also has a rich culinary scene with a variety of Mexican restaurants and coffee shops.
» Carson City Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties in this soulful city.
#7 Mesquite
- Median Home Price: $339,950[2]
- Median Household Income in Mesquite: $69,146[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Mesquite, NV: 89027 | 89034
Mesquite is a small city near the Arizona border. It’s about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It offers a lot to do, like trying your luck at casinos. Living in the city costs 6% less than the national average.
Over the years, Mesquite has become a quick getaway spot for residents in the nearby areas. The city even offers a camel safari. It has several golf courses, which is a main highlight locally. Mesquite also has a plethora of restaurants and cafés offering different cuisines.
» Mesquite Homes for Sale: Find a home in this serene town.
#8 Spring Valley
- Median Home Price: $425,450[2]
- Median Household Income in Spring Valley: $69,341[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Spring Valley, NV: 89147 | 89148
Spring Valley is a few miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It has a quieter, residential feel, even though it’s close to the bustling heart of Las Vegas. The average rent in the area is $1,586.
The area’s major employers operate in tourism, retail, and healthcare. You can visit the nearby Desert Breeze Park for sports and picnics. The Chinatown Plaza is also well-known and offers a range of Asian cuisines and stores.
» Spring Valley Homes for Sale: Explore properties near Las Vegas.
#9 Paradise
- Median Home Price: $382,500[2]
- Median Household Income in Paradise: $55,224[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Paradise, NV: 89119 | 89120
Paradise is one of the best tourist spots in Nevada. It has spectacular shows, options for luxury shopping, and a lively nightlife. Living in Paradise puts you closer to top resorts, casinos, and entertainment hubs, like the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, and the Venetian.
Besides tourism, the local economy thrives on hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment are major employers.
» Paradise Homes for Sale: Find properties in the heart of Nevada’s entertainment hub.
#10 Elko
- Median Home Price: $405,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Elko: $85,000[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Elko, NV: 89801
Elko is known as the region’s economic and cultural hub. It has developed into a key mining center due to its location along the Humboldt River and the Transcontinental railroads. Today, it remains a major hub, and Nevada Gold Mines is a top employer.
The city has a low unemployment rate of 4.5%, with the cost of living 5% lower than the state average. Tourism plays a significant role in Elko’s economy. The city is home to several attractions, like the Northeastern Nevada Museum and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum.
» Elko Homes for Sale: Discover homes in this quaint, picturesque town.
Best Places to Live in Nevada Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Incline Village | Indian Hills | Gardnerville |
| Young Professionals | Henderson | Las Vegas | Reno |
| Retirees | Pahrump | Mesquite | Boulder City |
Is Nevada the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Nevada is one of the best places to live in the US due to its pleasant climatic conditions and entertainment culture. The Silver State is also big on diversity and outdoor recreation.
The median salary after tax in Nevada is $4423, and the median home price is $467,700. However, the prices are inconsistent throughout the state. Nonetheless, Nevada can be your top choice if you’re looking to live on a budget.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Nevada. Get a mortgage pre-approval to make sure your offer stands out from the competition.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Nevada
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Nevada. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Nevada and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Nevada Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[5]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Nevada for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada a good place to live?
Yes, the Silver State is a good place to live. The state scores 77/100 in quality of life. Moreover, the cost of living is 1% lower than the national average. Boulder City, Reno, and Sparks are some of the best places in Nevada.
Which is best city to live in Nevada?
Boulder City is the best city to live in Nevada. It is home to the Hoover Dam, the epitome of engineering. Also, the cost of living is 3% lower than the national average.
What are the nicest parts of Nevada to live in?
The best parts to live in Nevada are the northern and southern regions. These regions include cities like Reno, Sparks, Las Vegas, Henderson, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Nevada?
Elko is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Nevada. It has a cost of living 9.1% below the national average.
