12 Best Places to Live in Nevada in 2025
Nevada attracts newcomers for its reasonable cost of living, lack of income tax, and growing economy. The job market is solid and attractive to young professionals and students who call the University of Nevada campuses home.
If you're ready to move but aren't sure where the best places to live in Nevada are, prepare for a challenge. Nevada boasts 24/7 nightlife, dazzling entertainment options, access to natural wonders, and key industries like aerospace and hospitality.
Not sure where to start? We did the work for you and rounded up some of the best places to live in Nevada.
Best Places to Live in Nevada
1. Las Vegas
- Population: 660,929
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,343
- Median Household Income: $66,356
- Walk score: 42
- Transit Score: 36
- Bike Score: 46
As one of the best places to live in Nevada, Las Vegas isn't just about all-night entertainment and gambling culture. The city was founded in 1905 after a railroad opened and linked Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. The stopover attracted farmers and newcomers looking for opportunities. Newcomers moving to Las Vegas come from Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Francisco. When people leave Sin City, they're typically relocating to Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Reno.
Las Vegas' warm weather, job market, and relatively affordable rents make it an attractive city for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. There's also no state tax in Nevada, making it an attractive option for startups looking to move into Las Vegas neighborhoods. Beyond the thriving tourism and hospitality market, Las Vegas is home to aerospace, health, and information technology. College students attending the University of Nevada also call Vegas home.
2. Henderson
- Population: 337,305
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,622
- Median Household Income: $85,311
- Walk Score: 30
- Transit Score: 25
- Bike Score: 44
Henderson, Nevada, is located 16 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas. It is the second-largest city in Nevada. Henderson rose to prominence as the leading supplier of magnesium during World War II. After a brief decline, Henderson grew as an industrial town and attracted newcomers to its job opportunities.
Henderson is home to professionals and families looking for a laid-back vibe in close proximity to Las Vegas. Henderson boasts opportunities in education services, medical and biomedical technology, electronics, and senior care. Residents can also commute into Las Vegas to tap into careers in entertainment and hospitality.
You don't have to head into Las Vegas for a gambling fix. M Resort Casino is situated right in Henderson. For an entertaining way to enjoy drinks, The Las Vegas Distillery features the state's first craft distillery and serves up spirits. For a culture fix, the Clark County Heritage Museum sits on 30 acres and is complete with an exhibit hall about southern Nevada from prehistoric to modern times.
3. Paradise
- Population: 191,238
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,391
- Median Household Income: $55,224
- Walk Score: 50
- Transit Score: 38
- Bike Score: 50
Paradise was once home to a desirable water table that attracted farmers in the early 1900s. Today, Paradise is an unincorporated town outside of Las Vegas that's home to the McCarran International Airport, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a large portion of the Las Vegas Strip.
The demographic around Paradise is similar to the rest of the Las Vegas area. Families are welcome, retirees come for the urban amenities and relative affordability, and young professionals can tap into new opportunities. Locals find work in Accommodation, Food Service, Retail, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation in Paradise.
Most people won't notice much difference between where attractions start in Paradise. A large section of The Strip is tucked inside Paradise, complete with oversized casinos, stage shows, and 4-star dining. Beyond the casinos, Paradise also offers unique attractions, like the Titanic Artifact Exhibition, which houses authentic artifacts from the doomed vessel. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian also offer a gondola ride along with gorgeous plants and flowers.
4. Reno
- Population: 274,915
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,377
- Median Household Income: $73,073
- Walk Score: 40
- Transit Score: 24
- Bike Score: 52
Reno grew to prominence as a quickie divorce destination during the 1920s. Today, Reno features casinos, tourism, urban amenities, and convenience to outdoor attractions. Newcomers to Reno arrive from Las Vegas, Sacramento, and San Francisco. They're also moving out of Reno to the same areas.
Despite its divorce roots, Reno boasts a large population of families and young professionals looking to settle into their careers. Reno's industry initially thrived around gaming and entertainment before broadening to healthcare, startups, and technology-based business. Reno locals have access to Lake Tahoe Outdoor activities during summer and winter.
5. North Las Vegas
- Population: 284,771
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,315
- Median Household Income: $71,774
- Walk Score: 34
- Transit Score: 33
- Bike Score: 48
North Las Vegas grew out of a disdain for the rowdy culture in nearby Vegas during the 1860s for those who wanted to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities. A local rancher moved his family to what is now North Las Vegas and founded his own town. During the 1960s, North Las Vegas experienced a growth boom and annexed additional land to create more upscale housing opportunities.
North Las Vegas is welcoming to families, young professionals, and retirees looking to live near Las Vegas. Locals are about 3 miles to Las Vegas for convenient access to job opportunities. North Las Vegas boasts its own industry, with Bigelow Aerospace calling the area home. Manufacturing, industrial, high-tech companies, and green technology are also moving into North Las Vegas. Amazon and Sephora also recently opened fulfillment and distribution centers in the city.
North Las Vegas is a military town and home to the National Atomic Testing Museum that preserves fascinating exhibits and offers limited Nevada National Security Site tours. Nellis Air Force Base does more than house the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. It's also the home base for the world-famous Thunderbirds that offer aerobatic air demonstrations.
6. Spring Valley
- Population: 215,597
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,426
- Median Household Income: $69,341
- Walk Score: 44
- Transit Score: 38
- Bike Score: 43
The unincorporated town of Spring Valley lies 2 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The area was originally home to the Stardust International Raceway. When the land was sold by the Stardust Resort and Casino to a developer, they weren’t interested in keeping the speedway going. It eventually transformed into a master-planned community of Spring Valley, convenient for commuters and families looking to get outside of the bustle of Las Vegas.
Young professionals make up the majority of Spring Valley’s population, along with families with children. The significant industries around Spring Valley include Accommodation and Food Services, Retail Trade, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. Locals are also never far from job opportunities in the Downtown Las Vegas area with such a short commute to what the rest of the city has to offer.
Attractions around Spring Valley are all part of the greater Las Vegas area. Spring Valley offers a Spanish Trail Country Club for an afternoon of golf for leisure beyond the casinos and entertainment options around Vegas. Outdoor attractions are also never far away. Locals enjoy exploring Red Rock Canyon National Park and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.
7. Sparks
- Population: 110,323
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,330
- Median Household Income: $82,938
- Walk Score: 41
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score: 52
Located just east of Reno, Sparks was originally established as a railroad town in the early 1900s. Known for its strong community feel and family-friendly atmosphere, Sparks has become a top choice for those looking to settle in northern Nevada. It offers a mix of suburban living and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sparks boasts a thriving local economy with industries like manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Tesla’s Gigafactory and other tech companies have also contributed to its economic growth. Residents enjoy year-round events like the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off and access to the nearby Sparks Marina Park.
8. Boulder City
- Population: 14,828
- Starting Rent: $900
- Median Household Income: $76,402
- Walk Score (downtown): 1
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score (downtown): 1
Boulder City is a small, charming community located about 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Established in the 1930s to house workers building the Hoover Dam, Boulder City retains its historic charm and offers a slower pace of life. It’s one of the few cities in Nevada that prohibits gambling, creating a unique atmosphere in the state.
Boulder City is perfect for retirees, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Locals enjoy attractions like the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offering boating, fishing, and hiking. The city is also home to cultural landmarks like the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum.
9. Carson City
- Population: 58,036
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,250
- Median Household Income: $67,465
- Walk Score: 36
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score: 55
Nevada’s state capital, Carson City, combines historic charm with modern amenities. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city offers stunning scenery and easy access to Lake Tahoe, just 30 minutes away. Carson City is known for its government employment opportunities and burgeoning arts and culture scene.
Carson City is ideal for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Locals frequent the Nevada State Museum and enjoy the vibrant downtown with unique restaurants and shops. Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, and skiing at nearby resorts.
10. Mesquite
- Population: 22,786
- Starting Rents: $850
- Median Household Income: $69,146
- Walk Score (downtown): 0
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score (Downtown: 20
Located near the Arizona border, Mesquite offers a small-town feel with stunning desert landscapes. Known for its golf courses, spas, and resorts, Mesquite attracts retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life. It’s also a gateway to national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Mesquite has a growing economy centered around tourism, healthcare, and retirement communities. Residents enjoy attractions like the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum and local casinos offering entertainment and dining.
11. Elko
- Population: 20,785
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $850
- Median Household Income: $85,000
- Walk Score: 36
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score: 40
Situated in northeastern Nevada, Elko is a small city with a big personality. Known for its rich Western heritage and mining history, Elko is a hub for ranching and outdoor adventures. Its annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering celebrates the region’s cowboy culture.
Elko is perfect for families and professionals working in mining, agriculture, or ranching. The area’s economy thrives on gold mining and outdoor tourism. Residents enjoy the nearby Ruby Mountains, known as the “Alps of Nevada,” offering hiking, fishing, and skiing opportunities.
12. Fernley
- Population: 24,744
- Starting Rents: $1,400
- Median Household Income: $84,025
- Walk Score: 15
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score: 37
Located 30 miles east of Reno, Fernley is a growing community with a small-town atmosphere. Once a major agricultural hub, Fernley has evolved into a commuter town for those working in Reno and Sparks while retaining its rural charm.
Fernley is great for families and professionals seeking affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle. The city is home to businesses like Tesla and Switch and offers recreational opportunities like Pyramid Lake and the Black Rock Desert.
Find an Apartment in Nevada
Nevada offers nonstop entertainment, hospitality, and outdoor adventures. Whether you want to live steps from The Strip or enjoy a quieter reprieve from city living, you can find it around Las Vegas and beyond. Ready to make a move to Nevada? Take our easy quiz to get matched to your next apartment in Nevada today!
Best Places to Live in Nevada FAQs
Is Nevada Worth Moving To?
If you enjoy the combination of the big city lights and casino of Las Vegas with the backdrop of mountain towns, hiking, desert areas, and family-friendly suburbs, moving to Nevada is a good choice for you. It's a popular spot for young professionals to growing families and retirees alike. With a relatively affordable price tag compared to similar West Coast ciites, you can find a place to call your own in Nevada.
Is Nevada or Arizona Better to Live In?
The weather in Nevada and Arizona is similar and where to live really depends on preferences. Arizona is a hot spot for retirees, but there's so much to do and see in Nevada, that it's a good choice for snowbirds. However, Nevada has lower taxes than Arizona. There's more to think about with costs than taxes. According to Best places, the cost of living in Nevada is 9.7% higher than the national average, which is 6.4% higher than the national average.
How far is Utah from Nevada?
Utah is 511 miles away from Nevada. It takes about 7 hours and 45 minutes to drive from Utah to Nevada by car, 42 hours by bike, and 170 hours by foot.
How far is Nevada from Arizona?
Nevada is approximately 312 miles away from Arizona. It takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nevada to Arizona by car, 30 hours by bike, and 104 hours by foot.
How far is Nevada from California?
It is approximately 292 miles between Nevada and California. It takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes to drive from Nevada to California by car.
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