Plenty of reasons why to retire in Nevada
By Anya Martin, MarketWatch
Nevada conjures up images of glitz, glamour and gambling, thanks to the reputation of the state’s largest city, Las Vegas. But many retirees set their stakes on the Silver State for entirely different reasons — including breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, affordable homes and low tax rates.
With a population of about 2.8 million in 2012 — a 30 percent rise since 2000 — Nevada is the second-fastest-growing state in the nation and a favorite location for boomers who want a quieter pace, as well as a more reasonable cost of living than they’re likely to find in neighboring California or Oregon.
Its diverse geographic areas range from mountain valleys in the cradle of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the hot, dry Mojave Desert where Las Vegas is located. And although the state is landlocked, those who love to live by water have many options, including Lake Mead in the south and Lake Tahoe to the West.
One of Nevada’s biggest draws for many is that it has no state income tax and no inheritance tax, leaving retirees with more money to enjoy. “Low taxes are the underlying driving factor of anybody I talk to that is considering a move to Nevada from California,” said Cole Smith, owner of Sierra Nevada Realty Group, based in Minden.