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.
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RENO, Nev. (AP) — Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voters to show photo identification at the polls have turned in signatures as part of an effort to get the proposal on the 2024 ballot.
The Repair the Vote political action committee submitted about 179,000 signatures to state and county election officials for review, the organization said Monday. Just over 100,000 signatures need to be valid for the measure to be eligible for the ballot.
The measure would then have to be approved by voters in November and again in 2026 to amend the Nevada Constitution.
Along with the photo identification requirement, the initiative also calls for an extra layer of verification for mail ballots, such as the last four digits of a driver’s license or Social Security number.
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“By requiring voter identification, we aim to strengthen the integrity of our elections and ensure that every vote counts,” said David Gibbs, the chairman of the PAC in a statement.
Voter ID has been a contentious issue in the Western swing state, particularly in its split-party government. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo outlined it as one of his main priorities last year, but Democrats who control the state Legislature refused to give the issue a hearing.
The Nevada Supreme Court last month ruled unanimously that signatures could be gathered for the ballot initiative. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed in December by a member of the progressive immigrant advocacy group Make the Road Nevada that sought to block the initiative. The high court said the proposal would not amount to an unfunded mandate and was descriptive enough to inform voters of its effect.
Left to Right: Frank Alaimo CTS-I, manager of Classroom Technology Services; Michael Theil CTS, senior AV/IT control systems specialist(Image credit: Getty Images)
AV/IT TEAM: Frank Alaimo CTS-I, manager of Classroom Technology Services; Michael Theil CTS, senior AV/IT control systems specialist
(Image credit: UNLV)
GOALS: The goal was to create a cutting-edge AV experience that seamlessly integrates into the new Advanced Engineering Building, enabling UNLV to meet skyrocketing enrollment demand in engineering and supporting a highly skilled workforce that is integral to Nevada’s economic future. Ultimately, the objective was to elevate the learning environment and empower both faculty and students to achieve their academic goals effectively.
(Image credit: UNLV)
CHALLENGES: Our main challenge was navigating design changes and adapting to evolving product selections. Initial project discussions began in 2018, with intense design work continuing through 2019. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted progress due to funding and meeting disruptions. Fortunately, in July 2021, we received approval to resume the project. Designing amidst supply shortages proved particularly challenging, as uncertainty surrounded the availability of materials for installation. Despite these obstacles, our team employed creativity and resourcefulness, leveraging connections to overcome hurdles.
FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: Students immerse themselves in theory and fundamentals in the RebelFlex classroom, a dynamic learning environment. Here, hybrid learning is redefined through innovative features such as web conferencing and lecture capture capabilities. The classroom is designed with movable tables and chairs to foster teamwork and adaptability. The neighboring Makerspace effortlessly integrates into a Showcase area, where students proudly display capstone projects or where special events can take place.
Flexatorium, a unique and adaptable auditorium, serves as a lecture hall during the day and transforms into a dynamic event space at night. Its flexible design features collapsible theater-style seating that can be easily customized to suit diverse needs, supported by state-of-the-art instructional technology to facilitate active and engaging classroom experiences. Adjacent to the Flexatorium, two smaller classrooms offer additional versatility. They can function independently or be combined to accommodate various group sizes, serving as overflow spaces when needed.
[InfoComm Tour Takes Higher-Ed Professionals Back to School]
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As part of the features of the Advanced Engineering Building, UNLV expanded its digital signage and display capabilities with three new Nanolumens video walls. Highlighting the courtyard adjacent to the entrance is a 3.9mm-pitch outdoor video wall used for promotional videos, digital signage and event marketing. Inside the Flexatorium is an ultrawide 32×9 ratio 1.56mm pitch video wall that can display two full-screen 16×9 sources side by side for classes during the day or run custom marketing for events at night. The Showcase space contains a full 4K UHD 1.25mm video wall that is utilized for special events, capstone projects, and fundraising for student projects.
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With all displayed content being 4K resolution, the power to process a massive amount of data is paramount. For this reason, UNLV opted for Datapath’s experience in this sector to deal with video data and image processing, in addition to its huge “wow” factor with a flexible digital canvas.
Utilizing a VSN1172 video wall controller, equipped with three Image2K 4 Channel graphics cards and eight VisionSC-UHD2 4K capture cards, the powerful solution provides the flexibility and customizability to achieve every presentation need, from mixed content for breakaway classrooms to building-wide events. The Datapath video wall controller ensures the content scales for each of the video walls with their distinct resolutions.
Presenters can dynamically change sources and recall presets from Crestron touch panels utilizing Crestron NVX system to distribute and output the content to the Datapath video wall controller, where its straightforward Application Programming Interface (API) integrates easily with the Crestron control system.
