Nevada is the state of contrasts. With vast expansive desert spanning much of the state, we find a stark contrast nestled away in what you think would be a quiet corner of this western region. At the southernmost tip of Nevada, we find the lavish, luxurious and outrightly lairy, Las Vegas.
Although the idea of living anywhere remotely near the party capital of the world would be a worst nightmare for many people, you should not for one minute let this put you off moving to Nevada.
The truth is Nevada is a rich and varied state, home to 2.9million people, there is so much more to Nevada than Las Vegas. Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire are all just waiting to be explored.
The weather in this part of the world is far more agreeable than that of, say, Alaska; surely another box ticked next to Nevada’s name?
When it comes to finding a new home there is a lot to take into consideration. Aside from the quality and affordability of your potential home things like access to public schooling, job opportunities and crime rates all have to be factored into the decision making process.
With all this in mind, and a few other factors that get frequently overlooked, we have created a comprehensive list of the 15 best places to live in Nevada.
1. Reno
Source: Legacy Images / shutterstock‘The Biggest Little City in the World’ is the adopted slogan of our best place to live in Nevada, Reno.
Much of the city falls along Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest which feeds into Yosemite National Park; skiing, hiking, fishing…you name it, it’s all available here.
Let’s get back to the facts; property prices in Reno are very reasonable when you consider the desirability of the area, access to outdoor activities and working opportunities too. On average a family home will call for an investment over $200,000, above the national average; not bad.
There are 76 public schools in Reno so parents have a good amount of options for educating their children; many of which are performing above national expectations.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Reno are:
- National Automobile Museum
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Greater Nevada Field
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
- Reno Arch
- Idlewild Park
- The Discovery Science Museum
2. Incline Village
Source: OLOS / shutterstockIf the big little city didn’t take your fancy then surely Incline Village will appeal. Right on the banks of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the famous Nevada pines, there is so little to find fault with in this ski village.
Perhaps there is one thing, property prices. A staggering quarter of a million is the average home value here in Incline Village, and to tell the truth you’ll seldom get change from one million dollars. Well, well worth it though. Homes here have a chalet feel; wooden clad and surrounded by evergreens.
Incline Village may only have a resident population of over eight thousand residents people but there are ample amenities in place; public schools here are some of the very best in the state.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Incline Village are:
- Diamond Peak Ski Resort
- Sand Harbor State Park
- Tahoe East Shore Trail
- Bowl Incline Bowling Alley
- Burnt Cedar Beach
- Flume Trail Bikes
- Lone Eagle Grille
- Incline Beach
3. Henderson
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockClose enough to Las Vegas to get in on the action should you want but just far enough away to keep away from the chaos, is the city of Henderson. This is a really interesting place, home to the Clark County Museum, the Lion Habitat Ranch and Lake Mead too.
There are over two hundred thousand residents who call Henderson home, a resident population who note that having access to both Las Vegas and Summerlin provide good options for those willing to commute for work.
Compared to other cities in Nevada, Henderson can share a fantastically low set of crime statistics, giving peace of mind to any newcomer. Property prices in Henderson are back on track, having looked at Incline Village; median home value is over $200,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Henderson are:
- Lion Habitat Ranch
- Clark County Museum
- Cowabunga Bay Water Park
- The District at Green Valley
- Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
- Lake Las Vegas
- Galleria at Sunset
4. Verdi
Source: Ken Lund / FlickrAlthough Verdi is often overlooked by those scouting for a new home in Nevada, it is certainly worthy of consideration. Home to just iver fifteen hundred residents, there is a strong community feel here, a village-like ethos despite its suburban categorisation on paper.
Residents note that the only real crime is the occasional DUI, which in the grand scheme of things should not be an influential issue for those looking to invest in property in Verdi.
Public schools in the area are outstanding, 25 schools in total, the top five of which have an A-rating. The median household income is over $60,000, so unlike Incline Village, Verdi is far from an exclusive neighbourhood. Homely and welcoming, there is a lot to love in Verdi.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Verdi are:
- Crystal Peak Park
- Cabela’s Outdoor Sports Store
- Mayberry Park
- Hunter Creek Trailhead
- Hunter Creek Falls
- Peavine Pike
5. Enterprise
Source: Famartin / WikimediaEnterprise is an area proving ever popular with millennials and as such we can expect to see the population over one hundred and twenty-five thousand boom in the next decade or so; providing more infrastructure and amenities, no doubt.
House prices in Enterprise are above the national average but on par with the rest of the state. A 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home fetches above the national average. That said, with all this millennial interest, now is the time to invest here in Enterprise, before interest hits peak level and house prices skyrocket.
There are 84 public schools in the neighbourhood, all of which are performing in line or better than the requirements set by the government. A number of schools are specialist academies; the variety of educational facilities in Enterprise is another bonus.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Enterprise are:
- Exploration Peak Park
- Town Square Las Vegas
- Silverton Aquarium
- Shadow Creek Golf Club
- South Point Bowling Center
6. Sparks
Source: Ken Lund / FlickrIn Washoe County is the city of Sparks, home to over ninety-three thousand residents residents who are all in agreement that the city is a wonderful place to live.
One major plus point for Sparks is the median home value. Sparks is one of the most affordable places to buy property in Nevada. Median rent is also right on the national average so for those looking to become a tenant in Nevada, Sparks would be worth some thought.
Local people comment on how safe the area is and that there are ample facilities and opportunities to socialise. Being just a short drive from Downtown Reno there is an overflow of entertainment outlets here in Sparks; casinos, cinemas, and restaurants galore.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Sparks are:
- Sparks Marina Park
- Wild Island Family Adventure Park
- The Outlets at Legends
- Coconut Bowl at Wild Island
- Sparks Heritage Museum
- Rock Park
- Red Hawk Golf and Resort
7. Mogul
Source: KevinStandlee / FlickrThe small and cosy town of Mogul is a rather rural area of Nevada, lying on the western side of Reno city; connected by Interstate 80 there are options for city workers who are willing to commute.
Mogul is halfway between Verdi and Reno so if Verdi was appealing but the commute to Reno too far then Mogul is literally and metaphorically a happy medium.
There are over thirteen hundred residents who live in Mogul, creating a strong community feel, the neighbourhood is perfect for those who would consider themselves outdoorsy folk.
Public schools in Nevada as a whole are performing well above national average and none so true of Mogul. This town may be small but there are 21 public schools for parents to choose from.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Mogul are:
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
- Animal Ark
- Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
- Galena Creek Regional Park
- Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
8. Spanish Springs
Source: kathlucky / FlickrIf you are seeking a new home in order to raise a family then it seldom gets better than Spanish Springs here in Nevada.
The population of over fifteen thousand residents who call Spanish Springs home are certainly higher educated than most other areas in the state. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that the median household income is over $20,000 a year higher than the national average.
With children and young people accounting for 20% of the population, there are suitable educational provisions in place; 32 public schools from elementary level right up to high school all offering a high-quality schooling experience.
The neighbourhood has a diverse group of residents terms socioeconomic background, this surely contributes to the resident’s high satisfaction levels.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Spanish Springs are:
- Andelin Family Farm
- Eagle Canyon Park
- Melio Gaspari Water Play Park
- Lazy 5 Regional Park
- DEFY Sparks
- Fun Quest Video Arcade
9. Minden
Source: Marlene DeGrood / shutterstockMinden is what is known as an unincorporated town, meaning it is not governed by a local municipal corporation. With over three thousand residents calling the town home, there is nothing unincorporated about the community here.
Only a 30-minute drive from Lake Tahoe, opportunities to get active and outdoors are in no short supply from a base in Minden. Just an hour from Reno too, creating endless options for those willing to commute to work or want to be close to the city lights.
Real estate in Minden is far from abundant, with 67% of people living in owned homes, a lack of properties on the market can be taken as a reflection of resident satisfaction; very few want to fly the coop!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Minden are:
- Carson Valley Swim Center
- Sharkey’s Casino
- Minden Park
- Lampe Park
- Carson Valley Days Festival
- Bentley Ranch
10. Kingsbury
Source: Nouhailler / FlickrStately by name and stately by nature, Kingsbury is one of the more affluent areas of Nevada. Although the median household income is little above the national average, this is somewhat disproportionate to the median home value of over $400,000.
In reality, houses that are on the market here in Kingsbury are fetching upwards of close to $1 million; many coming in upwards of $1million. Being on the south-eastern edge of Lake Tahoe, it is not hard to understand why property prices are sky high.
Kingsbury is the first place on our list, so far, that is considered truly rural. Perhaps this too can explain the seven-figure price tags. Unsurprisingly, Kingsbury has a C- rating for cost of living on niche.com.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Kingsbury are:
- Kahle Park
- Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena
- Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
- Base Camp Pizza
- Heavenly Mountain Resort
11. Spring Valley
Source: Paul Briden / shutterstockSpring Valley is a neighbourhood situated in the south-west corner of Las Vegas city. This urban neighbourhood is home to Nevada’s most diverse group of residents, a population of over one hundred and eighty-six thousand residents.
Being a suburb of Las Vegas you can forgive that the cost of rent is above the national average. That said, at over $1,000 a month, on average, it is a reasonable price to pay given the proximity to wondrous Las Vegas and the job opportunities that it brings.
Local people are quick to exclaim about how great of a neighbourhood Spring Valley is to live in. It seems they are welcoming of development in the area and comment that the suburb has a promising future.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Spring Valley are:
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- Desert Breeze Park
- The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park
- Downtown Summerlin Shopping Mall
- Las Vegas Ice Center
12. Indian Hills
Source: Nouhailler / FlickrOn the south side of Carson City, in Douglas County is the cosy neighbourhood of Indian Hills.
Property here is fairly priced, on average a family home will cost over $200,000. At a closer look, there are properties on the market with 4-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, a private driveway and double garage for almost $400,000. In Indian Hills on Valley Crest Drive, for example, a home closer to the neighbourhood average costs around the national average; seeing you gain a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home, close to a number of good schools.
There are 11 public schools in Indian Hills and given that the population of the area is just 6,100, that provides parents with ample schooling options.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Indian Hills are:
- Valley Vista Park
- Carson City Fair
- Clear Creek Trail
- Rockin’ RibFest
- James Lee Memorial Park
- Element 79 Vineyards
- Tahoe Outdoor Adventures
13. Las Vegas
Source: Nido Huebl / shutterstockViva Las Vegas! No list of best places to live in Nevada would be complete without a mention of Las Vegas. This is by no means a sympathy vote, the city is a great place to live. A diverse resident population of over six hundred thousand residents calls this city home, but the median household income is a touch lower than the national average at over $50,000 a year.
With the cost of living high and the average monthly income being over $4,000, there is a positive to be found in the fact that median monthly rent is over $1,000; enough disposable income to get by, for sure.
For those who have a rough understanding of Las Vegas’ existing demographic you’ll be unsurprised to hear that this is the 15th best city in all the of the United States of America to retire.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Las Vegas are:
- Fremont Street Experience
- The Neon Museum Las Vegas
- Bellagio Fountain
- High Roller Ferris Wheel
- Hoover Dam
- Springs Preserve
- The Venetian
- Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
- Las Vegas Strip
14. Sun Valley
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockWith a population of over nineteen thousand residents, there are a reasonable amount of job opportunities within Sun Valley, as well as health and fitness facilities and nightlife venues too.
Peavine Peak can be seen in the distance from Sun Valley and Red Hill Park is a popular green space enjoyed by locals. With median home value lying at over $100,000, Sun Valley is one of the best places in Nevada to invest in property.
With access to good schools in no short supply, anyone seeking a charming place to raise the family that doesn’t cost the earth, Sun Valley is worthy of consideration.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Sun Valley are:
- Engine 8 Urban Winery
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino
- Highland Ranch Park
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Urban Air Trampoline Park
15. Paradise
Source: Ken Lund / FlickrHome to over two hundred thousand residents, Paradise concludes our list of 15 best places to live in Nevada.
This neighbourhood can be found in the central Las Vegas city. There are over 100 public schools in the area but few are performing at the ideal A-rating standard. Parents will have to work hard to get their children into the preferred school here.
As a city worker it gets little better than Paradise and for young people aspiring to get onto the property ladder while focusing on their city career, this too is a great area to live. Median monthly rent is a little over $1,000 and there are plenty of rental accommodation options available in the Paradise area.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Paradise are:
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
- Tournament of Kings Dinner Theatre
- Area15
- Madame Tussauds Museum
- Atomic Museum
- Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck