Should you’re planning on shifting to Nevada, add these cities to your checklist.
Nevada is a dry, rugged haven of tall mountains, huge desert, and countless potentialities. A lot of the state lies inside the distinctive Basin and Vary province, characterised by desert landscapes and abrupt modifications in elevation, shifting between slender mountain chains and flat valleys. Two deserts cowl a lot of the state: the dry Mojave Desert to the south, and the chilly Nice Basin Desert filling the remaining.
This diversified geography lends itself to an array of outside recreation, together with mountain climbing, snowboarding, river rafting, climbing, and extra. And with loads of sunshine, the state has turn out to be a well-liked migration vacation spot, rising by 15% since 2010. Southern Nevada, particularly the Las Vegas Valley, is the most well-liked spot and the place greater than 72% of the state’s inhabitants lives. Northwestern Nevada is the opposite inhabitants middle, house to cities like Reno and Carson Metropolis.
Nevada’s local weather is predominantly arid and liable to drought – it’s the driest state within the nation – however the local weather varies broadly from north to south. Northern Nevada has lengthy, chilly winters, whereas Southern Nevada has lengthy, dry summers. Summer season monsoons are pretty widespread within the south, whereas extra precipitation within the north falls through the winter and spring.
So, which cities in The Silver State are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to dwell in Nevada, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You’ll find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The perfect locations to dwell in Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
Reno, NV
Winchester, NV
Paradise, NV
Sparks, NV
Spring Valley, NV
North Las Vegas, NV
Whitney, NV
Carson Metropolis, NV
Summerlin South, NV
1. Las Vegas, NV
Inhabitants:660,929Median Sale Value:$450,000Median Hire Value:$1,910Average Commute Time:25.8 minutesUnemployment Price:4.3%
Las Vegas tops our checklist as one of the best place to dwell in Nevada. Lovingly often known as “Sin City,” Las Vegas is an internationally-renowned resort metropolis in the midst of the Mojave Desert, recognized for its shiny lights, extravagance, and all the things else beneath the solar. Sunny climate is widespread, too. A comparatively inexpensive price of dwelling, quite a few facilities, straightforward outside entry, and a various job market additionally helped it earn high marks.
Together with the Strip, standard landmarks in Las Vegas embody the Excessive Curler, Stratosphere Tower, Sphere, and the Neon Museum. Residents may take pleasure in no earnings tax, low property taxes, and inexpensive utility payments. Utility costs like electrical energy and fuel are rising, although, and water safety and drought are ongoing points.
Las Vegas has seen exceptional progress up to now 20 years. In reality, the metro’s inhabitants has practically doubled since 2000. On high of this, Las Vegas was a high migration vacation spot through the pandemic for homebuyers looking for sunshine and affordability. Nevertheless, this reputation has helped push housing prices increased; from January 2021 to March 2025, home costs rose 26.5%.
Regardless of its status for opulence and abundance, Las Vegas is definitely a testomony to sustainability, particularly in water reclamation and reuse. The Las Vegas Wash is one instance of conservation: 99% of handled indoor water from the Las Vegas Valley will get redistributed alongside the Wash again to Lake Mead. Pure runoff and extra water represent a lot of the remainder of the stream.
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2. Reno, NV
Inhabitants:274,915Median Sale Value:$550,000Median Hire Value:$1,550Average Commute Time:20.6 minutesUnemployment Price:3.6%
Often known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno combines a small-town environment with big-city facilities and loads of issues to do, resulting in an exquisite place to name house. Reno is positioned in Northwestern Nevada close to the California border, 4,500 ft excessive within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Out of doors recreation, casinos, giant parks, a college, and scrumptious delicacies are what outline this historic metropolis.
Reno sees a median of 300 days of sunshine and seven.5 inches of precipitation per yr. Some winter snow is widespread, however most falls within the close by mountains. Reno can be simply an hour outdoors Lake Tahoe and lots of different lakes and mountains, that means four-season recreation is a brief drive away. Mount Rose is the closest ski resort.
Partially due to its mountainous location and hip, college-town vibe, Reno has turn out to be a very talked-about place to dwell. Because of this, nonetheless, home costs have risen steadily, climbing 21% since January 2021. This has led to elevated wants for inexpensive housing, at the same time as minimal wages rise statewide.
Importantly, the outskirts of Reno sit on the sting of the Wildland City Interface, that means wildfire hazard is very excessive, significantly within the dry and sizzling summers. Together with fires, concurrent smoke may cause poor air high quality. In reality, Reno has among the many worst air high quality within the U.S., with smoke and ozone the first drivers. On the intense aspect, rainfall is barely extra frequent and drought circumstances are typically much less extreme than round Las Vegas.
Reno properties on the market | Reno homes for lease | Reno flats for lease
3. Winchester, NV
Inhabitants:37,531Median Sale Value:$382,000Median Hire Value:$1,215Average Commute Time:25.6 minutesUnemployment Price:4.7%
Dwelling to a portion of the Strip, Winchester is simply south of Downtown Las Vegas and the third-best place to dwell in Nevada. Winchester is certainly one of many cities south of Las Vegas that usually get lumped collectively. The world provides a decrease price of dwelling than Las Vegas whereas retaining a lot of the identical upscale facilities.
One main good thing about dwelling in Winchester is its navigability to different elements of the town. The Las Vegas Monorail provides transportation to close by casinos and resorts in Paradise, which is ideal for a enjoyable night time out or for those who work within the space. You may also simply stroll from one of many stations to close by facilities, like Allegiant Stadium, the place you may watch the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Like the remainder of the Valley, a lot of the metropolis’s water comes from Lake Mead, and drought is commonly a significant challenge. Nevada truly will get the bottom portion of water from the lake out of seven states and Mexico however makes use of and reuses it extremely effectively.
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4. Paradise, NV
Inhabitants:186,178Median Sale Value:$395,000Median Hire Value:$1,255Average Commute Time:23.1 minutesUnemployment Price:4.9%
Subsequent on our checklist is Paradise, a big Las Vegas suburb simply south of Winchester. Recognized for being house to half of the Las Vegas Strip and its extra inexpensive price of dwelling, Paradise has all of it. Much like Winchester, the Las Vegas Monorail provides handy entry alongside the Strip to the most well-liked facilities. Nevertheless, some areas could be fairly loud, and nightlife could make dwelling within the space troublesome.
Paradise is way more than only a trip city, although. The town stretches fairly far south previous Interstate 215 and east towards Whitney, and comprises many neighborhoods, parks, and public areas alongside its gridded streets. Some standard hangout spots embody Sundown Park, Duck Creek Park, and the Saint Rose Parkway Path. The well-known Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay can be inside metropolis limits.
For individuals who favor outside excursions, all the things you want is an hour away. Sloan Canyon and Pink Rock Canyon are two of the most well-liked for fast day journeys, whereas heading out to Charleston Peak is ideal for an extended outing. Lee Canyon is usually the place individuals go to for four-season recreation, with mountain climbing and climbing in the summertime, and snowboarding within the winter.
Paradise properties on the market | Paradise homes for lease | Paradise flats for lease
5. Sparks, NV
Inhabitants:110,323Median Sale Value:$522,000Median Hire Value:$1,800Average Commute Time:23.1 minutesUnemployment Price:3.9%
Situated simply east of Reno, Sparks is available in at quantity 5 on our checklist of one of the best locations to dwell in Nevada. Sparks and Reno are sometimes lumped collectively on account of their comparable facilities, however they’ve some distinct variations. For instance, Sparks is usually quieter, extra suburban, and a bit extra inexpensive for homebuyers. Each cities have quick access to the outside and loads of facilities, however Sparks is especially recognized for its outlet malls. The Retailers at Legends is the most well-liked.
Apparently, one of many metropolis’s largest parks, Sparks Marina Park Lake, started as a gravel pit however stuffed when the Truckee River flooded in 1997. It’s now a well-used marina for kayaking, dashing, and extra. You possibly can head south to see the Reno Rodeo, too.
Like many cities within the west, Sparks was born as a railroad city, which helped give it its nickname of “Rail City.” As extra individuals moved in, the town expanded east into the floodplains and hills. Trains nonetheless commonly chug by city.
The Truckee River flows by the center of the town and is the location of quite a few parks, essentially the most well-known of which is Rock Park. The Tahoe Pyramid Path additionally runs by the town and follows the river for practically 114 miles, consisting of dust, paved, and historic roads. The path terminus continues to be being prolonged and can ultimately run all the way in which to Pyramid Lake. You’ll want to buy a day-use go to experience the ultimate stretch beginning in Wadsworth.
Sparks properties on the market | Sparks homes for lease | Sparks flats for lease
6. Spring Valley, NV
Inhabitants:219,913Median Sale Value:$455,000Median Hire Value:$1,600Average Commute Time:22.6 minutesUnemployment Price:4%
Spring Valley is beloved as a quiet refuge simply 5 minutes west from Las Vegas, nevertheless it has so much going for it past that. There are golf programs, casinos, and all of the grocery shops and eating places you’ll anticipate inside a brief drive from house. Rainbow Springs, The Arroyo Market Sq., and the Grand Canyon Parkway are some standard buying facilities.
Like the remainder of the valley, Spring Valley has been present process an incredible quantity of progress lately, as individuals look to unfold out round Las Vegas. Whereas individuals flock there for its affordability, this reputation has pushed home costs up 27% since January 2021. You possibly can generally discover new retail and housing building all through the realm.
Many inexperienced areas are reserved for golf programs and personal neighborhoods, like Rhodes Ranch and Spanish Path, however there are parks within the space, too. Charlie Frias Park and Desert Breeze Park are two well-known spots. And bear in mind, you’re simply minutes away from open mountain trails, lakes, and extra.
Spring Valley properties on the market | Spring Valley homes for lease | Spring Valley flats for lease
7. North Las Vegas, NV
Inhabitants:284,771Median Sale Value:$420,000Median Hire Value:$1,590Average Commute Time:26.9 minutesUnemployment Price:5%
As its title implies, North Las Vegas (NLV) is simply north of Las Vegas, spreading into the huge Mojave Desert. Improvement typically ends on the Bruce Woodbury Beltway. Affordability has lengthy been one of many high promoting factors of NLV, with median sale costs beneath Las Vegas. Lately, although, NLV’s costs have begun to catch up.
North Las Vegas was pretty unknown till it started present process great progress beginning within the early 2000s. Since then, it’s attracted giant employers like Amazon and Kroger and welcomed tens of 1000’s of individuals to its many neighborhoods. Paired with its favorable tax setting and relative affordability, the town is usually a great spot to purchase a house and begin or proceed your profession.
4-season recreation is standard within the space, with parks and trails weaving by the town. The Decrease Las Vegas Wash Path and Craig Ranch Regional Park are a few of the hottest areas for strolling, biking, and having fun with the countless sunshine. You possibly can even uncover historic historical past on the Ice Age Fossils State Park and evaluate your self to Pleistocene life. Summertime recreation could be onerous, because the local weather continues to heat, although.
For these in search of some catered leisure, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is within the far northeast of city and holds occasions starting from NASCAR races to live shows. Casinos, cinemas, and eating places are typically positioned nearer to the Strip or in buying facilities.
North Las Vegas properties on the market | North Las Vegas homes for lease | North Las Vegas flats for lease
8. Whitney, NV
Inhabitants:46,268Median Sale Value:$345,000Median Hire Value:$1,200Average Commute Time:28.8 minutesUnemployment Price:5.4%
Situated alongside the Las Vegas Wash southeast of Las Vegas, Whitney is the eighth-best place to dwell in Nevada on our checklist. Previously often known as East Las Vegas, Whitney is a small, inexpensive suburb with quite a few facilities and quick access to the outside. Importantly, Whitney has seen an increase in poverty charges because the early 2000s, however inexpensive housing developments are in progress.
Boulder Freeway runs by the middle of city all the way in which to Henderson, and is the place most facilities are positioned. After all, you may simply drive 20 minutes (relying on site visitors) to the Strip for all the things you may want. The Boulder Freeway Categorical is your finest public transportation choice into Downtown Las Vegas.
Probably the most standard sights within the metropolis is the Clark County Wetlands. Created by the restorative Las Vegas Wash, the Wetlands is a desert oasis that options trails, surroundings, and loads of wildlife. The world is very standard through the sizzling summer season months. Different parks embody the Hollywood Regional Park and Whitney Mesa Nature Protect.
You may also nearly hike your solution to Lake Las Vegas and its serene views, and also you’re not removed from Boulder Metropolis, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. Lake Mead truly provides a few of the area’s finest boating, fishing, and summertime recreation, so long as it has ample water provide.
Whitney properties on the market | Whitney homes for lease | Whitney flats for lease
9. Carson Metropolis, NV
Inhabitants:58,036Median Sale Value:$535,000Median Hire Value:$1,310Average Commute Time:21.3 minutesUnemployment Price:2.8%
The capital of Nevada and closest metropolis to Tahoe, Carson Metropolis is the ninth metropolis on our checklist. Carson Metropolis is a small city that has seen regular progress over time on account of its fascinating location, small-town really feel, and quick access to the outside. Plus, you’re simply half-hour from outlets and eating places in Reno.
Like most cities in Nevada, housing costs have skyrocketed lately, pricing out many long-time residents. Hire costs are extra inexpensive, happily.
Out of doors recreation is a breeze in Carson Metropolis. Two huge lakes, Lake Tahoe and Washoe Lake, are inside a 30-minute drive from downtown and supply all the year-round recreation you can want. Loads of hikes, climbing spots, golf programs, riverine trails, and lovely viewpoints are in your doorstep, too. Kings Canyon Waterfalls and Carson River Park are good spots for a fast jaunt.
The local weather in Carson Metropolis is just like Reno however with much less snow and extra precipitation total. Temperatures are additionally typically gentle year-round, averaging 3.3°F cooler.
Much like Reno, a majority of Carson Metropolis is at extreme danger of wildfires and poor air high quality. The mixture of the area’s dry local weather and the tall, forested mountains west of the town make for prime wildfire circumstances. Should you’re pondering of shifting to the realm, ensure you put together your private home for a wildfire and defend your indoor air high quality.
Carson Metropolis properties on the market | Carson Metropolis homes for lease | Carson Metropolis flats for lease
10. Summerlin South, NV
Inhabitants:30,075Median Sale Value:$775,000Median Hire Value:$2,015Average Commute Time:23.8 minutesUnemployment Price:2.3%
Summerlin South rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to dwell in Nevada. To not be confused with the close by Summerlin neighborhood, Summerlin South is a small, upscale suburb west of Las Vegas. The city is understood for its many golf programs, laid-back life-style, and quick access to downtown Las Vegas and outside recreation.
Its many neighborhoods, together with Peccole Ranch and The Lakes, supply master-planned, secluded communities that will let you unwind. And also you don’t must journey far for many facilities, both; Downtown Summerlin and Canyon Pointe have all the things you want, together with grocery shops, eating places, ice skating rinks, buying facilities, and casinos.
Out of doors recreation needs to be your top-ticket merchandise. Pink Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is true in town’s doorstep and is among the hottest spots in all the Las Vegas Valley. Pink Rock comprises 195,819 acres of trails, roads, campsites, climbing routes, crimson rock sandstone peaks, and historic petroglyphs, offering one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
One draw back of the realm is its lack of affordability. Housing costs are 42% increased than Las Vegas, pricing most individuals out of an already strained regional market. Wildfire dangers are additionally a significant concern.
Summerlin South properties on the market | Summerlin South homes for lease | Summerlin South flats for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to dwell. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or higher had been thought-about for our Nevada checklist. Extra details about our methodology could be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
