Retirees moving here often choose between two kinds of places: a dedicated 55+ community with a clubhouse and activities, or a regular neighborhood where they can be close to family. Both work here. The right one depends on how you want your days to look.
Taxes in retirement
- Income tax: Nevada's constitution says no income tax may be levied on the wages or personal income of individuals. That means no state income tax on Social Security, pensions or retirement account withdrawals. Federal taxes still apply.
- Inheritance and estate tax: The Nevada Constitution bans inheritance tax, and Nevada has not required an estate tax filing for deaths on or after January 1, 2005 (Nevada Department of Taxation).
- Property tax: On your primary residence, the yearly increase in your tax bill is capped at 3% (Clark County).
Please run your own numbers with your tax professional before you decide.
Property tax exemptions to ask about
The Clark County Assessor offers exemptions for veterans, disabled veterans (60% or more service-connected disability), surviving spouses, and people who are legally blind, each with its own rules. The county does not list a general senior exemption. After you buy, I'll point you to the Assessor's page so you can apply for any that fit.
55+ communities
Federal law lets a community call itself 55+ when at least 80% of its occupied homes have at least one resident 55 or older (24 CFR 100.305). A few of the 55+ communities here:
- Sun City Summerlin (Las Vegas): around since 1989, with 7,781 homes
- Sun City Anthem (Henderson): a large 55+ community in the Anthem hills; see my Anthem guide
- Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas (Henderson): newer 55+ homes near the lake; see Lake Las Vegas
- Heritage at Stonebridge (Summerlin): a gated 55+ neighborhood by Lennar
- Sun City Aliante (North Las Vegas): 2,028 homes
- Del Webb at North Ranch (North Las Vegas): a gated 55+ community of about 394 homesites
Each one has its own HOA, amenities and dues. I pull the current fees and the HOA resale package for any home you're serious about, and in Nevada you can cancel within five days after you receive that package (NRS 116.4109).
Not ready for a 55+ community?
Plenty of retirees want a single-story home in a regular neighborhood instead. Seven Hills, Green Valley and Summerlin all have single-story options. Tell me what matters (no stairs, a small yard, a casita for visiting family) and I'll search for exactly that.
Healthcare nearby
Major hospitals include Henderson Hospital and Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican's Siena Campus in Henderson, and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center in Summerlin. When we shortlist homes, I'll show you the drive time to the ones you'd use.
Buying from out of state
Many retirees buy before they move. Nevada allows electronic signatures and remote online notarization, and I can tour homes for you on video. See how buying from out of state works.
See it on video
Single-story homes I have filmed in Seven Hills and Summerlin. These are not 55+ communities, just a look at single-level living here. Tap any card for the full video.
Questions people ask
Does Nevada tax Social Security or pensions?
Nevada has no personal income tax, so there is no state income tax on Social Security, pensions or retirement account withdrawals. Federal tax still applies. Check with your tax professional.
Does Nevada have an estate or inheritance tax?
The Nevada Constitution bans inheritance tax, and Nevada has not required an estate tax filing for deaths on or after January 1, 2005.
Is there a senior property tax exemption in Clark County?
The Clark County Assessor lists exemptions for veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses and the blind, but not a general senior exemption. Your primary residence's tax bill increase is capped at 3% a year.
What makes a community 55+?
Under federal rules, at least 80% of the occupied homes must have at least one resident 55 or older. Each community's own rules can add more.
Planning your move? Tell me where you're coming from, your timeline and your budget, and I'll build the plan around it.
Keep reading
Sources
- Nevada Constitution, Article 10 (income and inheritance tax): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Const/NvConst.html
- Nevada Department of Taxation: no state income tax on individuals: https://tax.nv.gov/about-nevada-department-of-taxation/income-tax-in-nevada/
- Nevada Department of Taxation: estate tax FAQ: https://tax.nv.gov/faqs/estate-tax-faqs/
- Clark County property tax abatement: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/general_information/tax_abatement.php
- Clark County Assessor: exemptions: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/assessor/exemption.php
- 24 CFR 100.305, housing for older persons (80% rule): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/100.305
- Sun City Summerlin: about us: https://suncitysummerlin.com/Explore/About_Us
- Sun City Anthem Community Association: https://www.scahoa.com/realtor-buyer-info
- Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas: https://www.delwebb.com/homes/nevada/las-vegas/henderson/del-webb-at-lake-las-vegas-210340
- Summerlin: Heritage by Lennar in Stonebridge: https://summerlin.com/heritage-by-lennar-is-newest-neighborhood-in-the-village-of-stonebridge-at-summerlin/
- Sun City Aliante: https://www.suncityaliante.org/
- Del Webb at North Ranch brochure: https://digitalbrochure.delwebb.com/view/873658/22/
- Nevada HOA resale package, 5-day cancellation (NRS 116.4109): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-116.html
Market numbers change every month and are not guaranteed. Taxes depend on your situation, so check with your tax professional.
William Crawford, REALTOR® · Nevada License S.0200576 · Huntington & Ellis, A Real Estate Agency · Las Vegas, Nevada