While Nevada might mainly be known for Las Vegas, the state is home to miles upon miles of natural beauty, as well as adorable small towns and parks. Whether you’re looking for somewhere designed for the indoorsy type, with boutiques, libraries, and galleries, or something more outdoorsy with options for fishing, golfing, and hiking, you’ll find the perfect place to settle down. Each town is equipped with health services, senior centers, and more, sure to make transitioning into your new home a breeze.
Ely
Prohibition-era hotel and casino, in Ely, Nevada. Editorial credit: Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock.com
A small mountain town known for its wild west history and mining, Ely brings together plenty of opportunities for both recreational activities and taking care of everyday essentials. The town has a dedicated hospital, medical clinic, and pharmacy, making keeping up with your health easy and accessible. Dollar stores, supermarkets, and hardware stores take care of shopping. You can also take advantage of the animal shelter if you’re looking for some companionship, or somewhere to spend your days volunteering. For meals, look forward to cuisines like homestyle American, Chinese, Mexican, and an old fashioned diner. There are also plenty of cafes and dessert spots, such as a snowcone shop and a floral-themed coffee house. Stay active indoors with a bowling alley, four casinos, and the Ely Art Bank. There is also a seniors center offering daily lunch, pool tables, and bingo. For those who love to be outdoors, stay close to home with a mural walk, showcasing 20 beautiful murals painted on the sides of the town buildings. Or visit the Ely Renaissance Village, an outdoor museum featuring dozens of old buildings, displays, and interactive exhibits. There are also plenty of events to look forward to, including Fire and Ice Fest, with sculptures and ice fishing, the Ely Filk Art and Music Festival, and the Schellraiser Music Festival in nearby McGill. For those looking to escape into the wilderness, spend the day at the different parks around Ely. Great Basin National Park is home to the world’s oldest trees, the bristlecones. It also has caves to explore, and great chances for star gazing at night. The Garnet Hill dormant volcano zone offers the opportunity to search for gems, and Cave Lake State Park and Ward Mountain are great for those who enjoy mountain biking. Comin’s Lake is a fishing haven, with species such as pike, trout, and bass. There is also the White Pine Golf Course for those who love to play the game. Homes in Ely average around an affordable $279,000.
Elko
View of the Chilton Centennial Tower in Elko, Nevada. Editorial credit: E Fehrenbacher / Shutterstock.com
The town of Elko combines big-name amenities with small-town charm and is located on Interstate 80. Shop for the big stuff at Walmart or Home Depot, and support local at the supermarket and Latin American grocers. There is also an urgent care center, medical offices, dental clinics, and a hospital. The senior center serves daily lunch and offers chances for socializing with horseshoe pits and a patio. Fill your stomach with delicious restaurants offering Mediterranean and Japanese dishes as well as steakhouses. Keep your nights busy with the Old West saloon, perfect for feeling like you’re back in the Old West. There is also a casino, a sports lounge for catching big games, whiskey rooms for sampling, and the 7018 Brewery for trying the newest craft beer. Stay active with the town pool, as well as the 51 mural art walk. In July, enjoy the Silver State Stampede, featuring live music, tasty eats, and rodeo events. Surrounding Elko are several ghost towns, historic sites, and rock-collecting areas, great for immersing yourself in the state’s history. The Humbolt River provides plenty of walking trails, and Angel Lake is great for fishing. Lamoille Canyon features majestic waterfalls and beautiful wildflowers. The Ruby Mountains offer endless backpacking trails and afternoon hiking opportunities. The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lets you take part in birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Homes here average around $415,000.
Winnemucca
Downtown area Winnemucca, Nevada. Editorial credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.com
Off Interstate 80 is the adorable town of Winnemucca. Surrounded by mountains and recreational areas, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Experience the Winnemucca Sand Dunes, Nevada’s largest dune field. Water Canyon Recreation Area is perfect for hiking and sightseeing, and the Humbolt River is a fisher’s dream, offering walleye, bass, and catfish. Park your chair next to the shore or find a dock and spend the afternoon casting a line in the sun. Love to golf? Play a game or purchase a membership at the Winnemucca Golf Course. For those who enjoy a lovely summer picnic, take advantage of the various parks, which have different offerings like picnic shelters and groomed walking trails. On warm days, take a dip at the community swimming pool, or make some friends and play a game of tennis at the public courts. Ride a motorcycle or have always wanted to? Make your way down to the Motorcycle and Music Festival. More of a fan of Old West culture, farming, or daredevil sports? Come on down to Rodeo Weekend. Winnemucca isn’t all fun and adventure, as it also offers everyday necessities such as a Walmart, discount grocery stores, a hospital, a dermatology center, and mental health services. There is also the Pleasant Seniors Center, with weekday meals, transit options, classes such as sewing, legal services, and health services. You can expect to spend around $398,000 on a home here.
Tonopah
Sunset down main street Tonopah, Nevada. Editorial credit: Dominic Gentilcore PhD / Shutterstock.com
By now you’ve probably noticed that Nevada is home to some world-class Western history, and Tonopah is no different. But unlike its smaller counterparts, Tonopah seems to offer endless opportunities for exploration, shopping, and experiencing new things. But first, let’s tackle what this quirky town has for amenities. The medical clinic, urgent care center, and chiropractor office keep your health a priority with timely and caring services. Restaurants like pizza joints, Mexican kitchens, and fried chicken stops keep you satisfied, and the Tonopah Brewing Company is great for meeting with friends and treating yourself to some late-night beverages. Take part in fun town activities like square dancing, bingo, talent shows, craft sales, and blacksmithing. The outdoor pool is great for a hot summer day, and you can take group or self-guided walking tours of the town’s history when you have some spare time. Shop at stores like bike shops, supermarkets, convenience marts, gift shops, and hardware stores to pick up supplies for your latest project. The senior center offers lunch, transportation, and an on-site thrift store great for finding your new favorite outfit. Now let’s get into what makes Tonopah unique. Visit the Historic Mining Park, or the Belmont Ghost Town for a blast to the past. Learn about the town’s history, especially when it comes to turquoise and silver mining, and try some hands-on activities. The Central Nevada Museum lets you take your time learning about the state’s Western past. The iconic Mizpah Hotel is also another hotspot and is even rumored to be haunted. The downtown core of Tonopah features Western stores, saloons, and possibly ghost-infested bars. Surrounding the town are even more chances for activity. Visit the Cresent Sand Dunes, or take in Monte Cristo’s Castle Rock Formation. The Alta Toquima Wilderness Area has hiking trails that lead to Mt. Jefferson and Pine Creek, and the Table Mountain and Arc Dome wildness areas are perfect for wildlife sightseeing. Take part in a fishing derby at Sportsman Park, or catch some heart-pumping racing at the Tonopah Speedway. Homes in Tonopah average around $450,000.
Laughlin
Aerial View of Laughlin, Nevada
Located right next to the borders of California and Arizona, Laughlin is like a miniature version of Las Vegas and is great for those who love to keep the night going and feel like they’re on an endless vacation during retirement. It is also right next to the community of Bullhead City in Arizona, which provides tons of big-name amenities such as Walmart and Safeway. Home to a hospital and an international airport, your medical and flying needs are covered as well. And it is only an hour and a half drive to Vegas if you want to experience Paradise as well. When it comes to outdoor activities, take part in some swimming and fishing on the Colorado River. Lake Mohave is perfect for boating, and Big Bend of the Colorado River offers spectacular kayaking. Golf at courses such as the El Rio Golf Club, Huukan Golf Club, and Los Lagos Golf Club. Stroll along the River Walk, which winds its way along the Colorado River in town. There are also plenty of boat cruises available, offering river tours and transportation to different casinos. Speaking of casinos, Laughlin is home to eight of them, and they all feature different events and activities, including live music, comedy shows, and unique places to try a drink. Try the many different sports bars, piano bars, martini lounges, and dance clubs throughout town, or keep it lowkey at the cinema. Pamper yourself at the spa or salon. Shop till you drop at the outlet mall, or pick up some quirky knickknacks at a gift store. For breakfast, visit a cafe, with some of them being open 24/7. For lunch, grab some delicious seafood at Bubba Gump Shrimp, or at an American homestyle restaurant. For dinner, enjoy a top-tier steakhouse, dinner cruise, or tap house. A home in Laughlin averages around a surprising $279,900.
Fallon
Scenic vistas along US Highway 50 near Fallon, Nevada
An hour from Reno, the town of Fallon has a hospital for all your medical needs, and a Safeway for that important grocery run. The library is great for finding your new favorite book or taking part in a workshop. Catch the latest flick at the cinema. Swim at either the indoor or outdoor pool depending on the weather, and play some disc golf and softball at a local park. There is also a gym and plenty of walking trails. Dine out at restaurants offering Chinese, American homestyle, and farm fresh eats, and afterward, grab a drink at the Frey Ranch Estate Distillery. The town also offers transit services for seniors, as well as bus service to Reno and Las Vegas for a weekend getaway. The Oats Park Arts Center is perfect for embracing your creative side and showcasing live performances. Love cars? Enjoy some racing at the Rattlesnake Raceway or Top Gun Raceway. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is great for birdwatching, as well as off-roading activities. The Lahontan State Recreation Area provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring ruins. Grimes Point is a nearby archeological area where you can witness carved writings and petroglyphs. Fallon is also home to a good amount of yearly events, such as the Spring Wings Bird Festival in May, a Food and Drink Festival, and the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival in August. The Cantaloupe Festival is also Nevada’s longest-running. Expect to spend around $414,800 for a home here.
Whether you’re into a more resort-centric atmosphere with plenty of live shows, casinos, and lounges, or a more low-key life filled with outdoor exploration and quiet days at a cafe, Nevada has it all. And with its close proximity to Arizona and California, the opportunities for adventure are limitless. With its mild climate compared to other states in the winter, as well as various landscapes like farmland, mountain ranges, and sand dunes, Nevada is a great candidate for the perfect retirement spot.
Supposed sightings of alien aircraft and extraterrestrial life are synonymous with the state of Nevada. A new group in Southern Nevada hopes to offer a glimpse into the unsolved mysteries of the universe with its first event this weekend.
“I spend a lot of hours out there videotaping and to see that so many people want to come out and join me, it’s like a party,” said local ufologist Joseph De La Torre, better known as the Pahrump Alien Guy.
The Southern Nevada Ufology Group will host its first meeting on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During the event, attendees will learn how to take photos of UFOs from the Pahrump Alien Guy himself. The meeting will take place at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino in the building’s gravel lot near the bowling parking area. Attendees will park in the bowling parking lot.
“I ended up learning to look into the skies here over Pahrump and I read an article where it said that Pahrump is in the Area 51 excursion zone,” the Pahrump Alien Guy told the Pahrump Valley Times.
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Participants are encouraged to arrive with a tripod for their phone in order to properly take photos. Food, beverages and camping chairs are also welcome, but the Southern Nevada Ufology Group asks guests to please clean up after themselves once the event is over. If you’re interested in joining Saturday’s meeting, you must RSVP by contacting southernnevadaufologygroup@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and to receive more information. Children are not allowed at the event.
“I think that it’s going to be very successful,” the Pahrump Alien Guy enthused.
The Pahrump Alien Guy hosted the inaugural Pahrump Alien Conference in October 2025, a gathering that saw a large turnout of locals, visitors from Las Vegas, and other tourists passing through Nye County.
“We didn’t think it was going to be that successful,” the Pahrump Alien Guy shared.
During that event, UFO photos from the Pahrump Alien Guy’s database were showcased, local vendors sold alien-themed goods and featured guests spoke about their work in ufology.
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Two of the event’s featured speakers were Mike Bara, a New York Times best-selling author and frequent guest on the History Channel’s long-standing series “Ancient Aliens,” and Marysol Rezanov of the Nevada chapter of Citizens for Disclosure, a UFO information disclosure advocacy organization.
The Pahrump Alien Guy, his girlfriend Brid’Jette Whaley, Bara and Rezanov then founded the Southern Nevada Ufology Group. The group plans to host future meetings in other locations around Southern Nevada.
The Pahrump Alien Guy further explained that it was Bara and Rezanov’s idea to create a new skywatching group in Southern Nevada. Bara and Rezanov will be at Saturday’s meeting.
“We call it ‘Southern Nevada’ Ufology Group because it’s not just Pahrump,” the Pahrump Alien Guy said. “It’s all over southern Nevada.”
The Pahrump Alien Guy has a YouTube channel where he shows videos and photos he’s taken of UFOs. Watch the Pahrump Alien Guy’s videos on YouTube at youtube.com/@pahrumpalienguy.
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Contact reporter Elijah Dulay at edulay@pvtimes.com
Southern Nevada Ufology Group’s first meeting
■ Saturday, Jan. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
■ Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino located at 681 South Highway 160
■ Attendees will learn how to take photos of UFOs. Guests are are encouraged to bring a tripod for their phone.
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■ To attend you must RSVP by contacting southernnevadaufologygroup@gmail.com
■ No children allowed
■ Park in the bowling parking lot, meeting will be held in neighboring gravel lot
Nevada’s population growth slowed dramatically last year, according to new statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
New figures from the government agency showed Nevada grew 0.9 percent, which put it in the top 10 states for percentage growth (9th) from July 2024 to July 2025. However, this is down from July 2023 to July 2024 when the state grew by 1.7 percent.
In July 2024, Nevada had 3,253,543 residents, and in July of last year it had 3,282,188. From July 2023 to July 2024, Nevada was the sixth fastest-growing state in the country, which meant it dropped three spots for the time period of July 2024 to July 2025.
Nevada expanded from 3,214,363 residents in July 2023 to 3,267,467 in July 2024, which turned out to be the fastest year-over-year growth rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, since before the pandemic in 2019. However, all of these growth rates are below the time frame of 2015 to 2018 when the state saw unprecedented population growth.
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Overall, U.S. population growth slowed “significantly” from July 2024 to July of last year with an increase of only 1.8 million people, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This was the lowest population growth for the country since the early days of the pandemic when the population grew only 0.2 percent in 2021 year-over-year.
This population slowdown across the country follows a “sizeable” uptick in the growth rate in 2024 when the U.S. added 3.2 million people and grew 1 percent, the fastest annual population growth rate since all the way back in 2006.
“The slowdown in U.S. population growth is largely due to a historic decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million in the period from July 2024 through June 2025,” said Christine Hartley, the assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the U.S. Census Bureau. “With births and deaths remaining relatively stable compared to the prior year, the sharp decline in net international migration is the main reason for the slower growth rate we see today.”
The population growth drop was felt across the country as all four census regions (West, Midwest, Northeast and the South) and every state except Montana and West Virginia saw growth slow or a decline in acceleration.
Five U.S. states experienced population decline from July 2024 to July 2025: California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont and West Virginia.
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Contact Patrick Blennerhassett at pblennerhassett@reviewjournal.com.
Water and wastewater users in Nevada City could see fee hikes coming down the pipe as the City of Nevada City is currently going through steps needed to do so.
According to the city staff report, water users would see a 25% increase in costs each year for the next 5 years, while wastewater use would result in a 12% increase each year for the next five years.
For example, a water user currently paying $48 bi-monthly in fees, would be paying $198.41 bi-monthly by 2030.
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A current wastewater user paying $159.31 bi-monthly, would be paying $250.67 bi-monthly by 2030.
“It is necessary to periodically review rates to ensure that the City can obtain sufficient funds to develop, construct, operate, maintain, and manage its water and wastewater system on a continuing basis, in full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements,” a staff report prepared by Interim City Manager Joan Phillipe said.
Council and staff will convene on the matter at their next regularly scheduled council meeting this Wednesday January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Nevada City Hall, 317 Broad Street.
“It is recommended that City Council select a rate option for both water and wastewater and direct staff to initiate the Proposition 218 noticing process. This will involve public engagement and noticing to receive and consider feedback regarding the proposed rates and with public meetings and a hearing as mandated by Proposition 218 for formal adoption of rate adjustments,” the staff report said.
City to look at Enterprise Fleet services
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Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the city of Nevada City will consider approval of an agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management to the tune of up to $400,000 per year.
“To increase fleet efficiency, reliability, and reduce expensive repair and fuel costs, staff has researched leasing options that would be a benefit to the organization,” the city staff report reads. “The City of Nevada City currently purchases all fleet vehicles on a cash basis, meaning the entire cost of each vehicle is paid at the time of purchase. This can be heavily impactful to the city as a whole and difficult to adequately budget for. Utilizing Enterprise Fleet Management would yield moderate savings while simultaneously improving fleet viability, safety, and appearance.”
