55 Plus Retirement Communities in Las Vegas and Henderson

Hey, I’m Eric "Nuke" Hudson, and I want to talk to you about something too many people overlook: Las Vegas as one of the best retirement destinations in the country. I made a video about this, and I’ve put everything here in article form—what these 55+ communities are like, where they are, the rules you need to know, the amenities you’ll love, and how to pick the right community for your lifestyle.

🎰 Why Las Vegas Is a Great Place to Retire

When most people think of retirement destinations they picture Florida or Arizona. But Las Vegas deserves a spot near the top of that list. Why? Because it combines affordability, amenities, entertainment, and healthcare access in a way that supports both laid-back retirement and an active lifestyle. If you want to age in place — ideally in your own home — Las Vegas offers a surprising variety of options.

Here’s why Las Vegas can be an excellent retirement choice:

• Climate and accessibility: Plenty of sunny days, relatively low humidity, and easy access to outdoor recreation — mountains, lakes, and desert trails are all nearby.
• Cost of living considerations: While certain suburbs and luxury communities command higher prices, you can still find value compared to many coastal areas. There are affordable places farther from the city core and high-end lakeside neighborhoods if you want luxury.
• Tax advantages: Nevada has no state income tax, which can be a meaningful benefit for retirees on fixed incomes or those drawing retirement distributions.
• Healthcare infrastructure: Las Vegas has expanded medical services and specialist care over the years. Having good hospitals and specialists within a reasonable drive is important as you age.
• Entertainment and culture: Contrary to stereotypes, the Vegas valley has robust cultural options, community events, and endless choices for dining and entertainment if you want them.

And perhaps most importantly, you can pick the retirement that fits you — peaceful, community-focused, or ultra-active. I’ve seen everything from quieter single-story Sun City homes to the “grandma with the Lamborghini” crowd tearing it up. Your retirement can look like whatever you want.

🏛️ What "55+" Really Means and the Fair Housing Basics

Before you zero in on a 55+ community, it's worth understanding how these age-restricted neighborhoods are legal and how the rules work. The Fair Housing Act lists protected classes: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, and familial status. Notice anything missing? Age.

Because age is not a protected category under federal fair housing law, communities can legally establish age-restricted rules. That’s how the 55+ communities exist. But there are specific rules these communities must follow to maintain their legal status:

• The 80/20 Rule: To qualify as an age-restricted community, at least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 or older. That’s the common way communities ensure they’re predominantly “55 and up.”
• Partner and spouse rules: Both people in a household don’t necessarily have to be over 55 — just one. So if one partner is 60 and the other is significantly younger, they typically can still live in the community.
• 62+ communities: Some communities nationally designate themselves strictly as 62 and over; those can bar children entirely. In Las Vegas, most communities follow the 55+ designation — which is more flexible.
• Guest and temporary residency: Communities often limit how long children or grandchildren may stay (frequently measured in windows like 15 to 30 days), so while visits are welcome, long-term residency is usually restricted.

Understanding those rules upfront saves headaches. If you’re planning to host grandchildren for extended stays, or you have younger family members who might move in later, check the community’s specific guidelines before committing.

📍 Where the 55+ Communities Are in Las Vegas and Henderson

Las Vegas has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to 55+ communities — many built by Del Webb, a major developer in the senior living space. These neighborhoods spread across Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and even out near Lake Las Vegas and Pahrump. Below are some of the notable communities I often talk about:

• Sun City Summerlin: One of the largest and most well-known. Thousands of homes, huge clubhouses, multiple clubs, theater options, and multiple golf possibilities. This is the classic Sun City experience.
• Sun City Aliante: Located north of the Strip, it offers many of the same amenities and a strong social program.
• Sun City Anthem (Henderson): A very popular option in Henderson with robust amenities and a strong sense of community.
• Sun City McDonald Ranch: Another Del Webb community with the familiar club-centered lifestyle.
• Siena: A higher-end option with luxury touches for those who want more pampering and upscale features.
• Solera at Anthem: An active, well-maintained community with good amenities.
• Los Prados: A more boutique-style offering within the over-55 spectrum.
• Trilogy: A newer Del Webb product that’s breaking the mold by offering two-story homes and active lifestyle condos — a game changer for those who want to be 65 and still feel 40.
• Cadence and Lake Las Vegas: Newer buildouts are coming online in areas like Cadence and Lake Las Vegas; Lake Las Vegas will offer that lakefront, high-end feel similar to Siena but with boating/recreation opportunities at the lake.
• Pahrump area communities: If you want to save on price and don’t mind being an hour or so from the Strip, there’s new construction and 55+ communities near Pahrump with spectacular homes and more land for the price.

Each of these communities has its own feel, specialties, and pricing bands. If you prefer single-story living with easy maintenance, you’ll find many options. If you want newer two-story designs and condos that feel modern and active, newer developments like Trilogy and some Cadence buildouts cater to that crowd.

⛳ Amenities and Lifestyle — Clubs, Golf, Theater, and More

One of the great joys of living in a 55+ community is the availability of activities and built-in social connections. These communities put a lot of thought into how residents will spend their time, and you’ll find a surprising variety of clubs and facilities.

Typical lifestyle features include:

• Clubhouses: Big social centers where events, classes, lunches, and meetings happen. In Sun City Summerlin, the clubhouses are enormous and host dozens of clubs and activities.
• Clubs tailored to interests: From military-focused groups to theater troupes, gardening clubs, art classes, and even cheerleading leagues (yes, really), you can find people who share your passions.
• Theater and performing arts: Some communities have their own performance spaces where resident theater groups rehearse and put on shows.
• Golf: Many of the Sun City neighborhoods were designed with golf in mind. You’ll find executive courses and full-length courses; some communities even have multiple ranges and course options.
• Fitness and wellness: Gyms, swimming pools, walking clubs, and fitness classes tailored to seniors are common. Some luxury communities go even further with spa services and personal training.
• Social events: Billiards, social mixers, wine tastings, holiday parties — the calendar in active communities tends to be very full.
• Outdoor amenities: Parks, walking trails, and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities in the broader Las Vegas area.

That’s the beauty of these communities: if you’re social, you’ll find instant friends. If you prefer quiet days in your yard, you can get that too. And if you want to be unusually active — think golf mornings, theater afternoons, and spinning classes in the evening — Las Vegas’s 55+ communities support that lifestyle.

"They say 65 is the new 40." — and in many of these communities, it absolutely feels that way.

🏡 Homes, Prices, and New Construction

Now let’s talk housing stock and budgets. The Las Vegas 55+ market ranges from affordable single-story homes to luxury estates and newer, higher-end developments. Pricing trends have fluctuated, and the market has heated up over the past year.

Key points on homes and price expectations:

• Price movement: You might remember homes that were selling in the sub-$300,000 range not that long ago. In many desirable areas — especially Sun City Summerlin — prices have moved, with many listings now around the $450,000 range and higher for certain models and updates.
• Value options: If you want to save money, look a bit farther from the center of Las Vegas. Pahrump and other outer communities often offer more house for the money.
• New communities and models: Del Webb and other builders continue to add inventory. Some new communities include two-story designs (Trilogy), active lifestyle condos, and modern amenity packages that weren’t common in older 55+ neighborhoods.
• Luxury pockets: Lake Las Vegas and Siena-type neighborhoods offer higher-end finishes, lakeside access, and associated lifestyle premiums.
• Resale considerations: With high demand in the 55+ market, resale can be favorable, but always check HOA rules that can affect resale and rental restrictions which sometimes impact marketability.

Keep in mind: the “right” price is the one that matches your lifestyle requirements and budget. If you want a beautiful single-story home with low maintenance and a busy social calendar, that might be worth paying a premium for. If you’re more budget-conscious, newer buildouts farther out give you great bang for your buck.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Rules, Visitors, and Living with Family

Let’s cover the nitty-gritty rules that often trip people up. The communities have good reasons for their rules, primarily to preserve the atmosphere and ensure the community meets the legal definition of an age-restricted neighborhood.

Here’s what to expect:

• Occupancy rules: The 80/20 rule we mentioned ensures that most units are occupied by at least one person over 55. That keeps the social fabric consistent.
• Partner exceptions: If you and your partner aren’t the same age, don’t panic — typically one qualifying resident is enough. So if one spouse is over 55 and the other is younger, they can usually live there together.
• Children and grandchildren: Most communities allow visitation but limit the length of stay to keep the environment consistent. Common limits are 15 to 30 days, but you’ll want to verify the specific policy if grandchildren will be frequent visitors or if you might have younger family members moving in later.
• 62+ communities: In communities designated as 62 and over (not common in Las Vegas), rules can be stricter and may prohibit resident children entirely. Since most local communities are 55+ you usually have more flexibility.
• HOA rules and enforcement: Homeowners Associations run these communities, and they have rules about noise, guests, exterior appearances, and maintenance. Read the HOA documents and community covenants carefully before you buy.

Rules exist to protect the retirement lifestyle residents expect. If you value frequent long-term family stays or plan to bring in younger relatives to live with you, check policies carefully — different neighborhoods handle these situations differently.

❓ Choosing the Right 55+ Community — Questions You Should Ask

Choosing a 55+ community is as much about personal fit as it is about square footage. I recommend asking these questions when you’re tour-shopping neighborhoods:

1. What exactly is the community’s age policy? Is it 55+ with the 80/20 rule, or a 62+ designation? How strictly is it enforced?
2. What are the HOA fees and what do they include? Do fees cover exterior maintenance, community utilities, or club access? Are there fee increases planned?
3. What amenities are included and are there extra fees for them? Golf fees, fitness classes, and pool access can sometimes carry additional charges.
4. What are guest and visitor rules? How long can family stay? What are the policies for overnight guests?
5. Are pets allowed? If so, are there size or breed restrictions?
6. What is the resale history? How quickly do homes sell? What are the price trends?
7. Are there rental restrictions? If your plans change and you need to rent the home, will the HOA allow it?
8. How close is healthcare and emergency services? For aging-in-place, having quick access to primary care, specialists, and emergency facilities matters.
9. Is transportation available for residents? Some communities offer shuttle services to shopping centers, casinos, and medical appointments.

Answers to these questions will help you weigh trade-offs and find the community that best matches how you want to spend your days.

🤝 How I Can Help You Find a Home in Las Vegas

As a local Realtor® who lives and breathes Las Vegas neighborhoods, I’ve built a page specifically for over-55 communities so you can browse current listings and community details in one place. I routinely update information, keep tabs on new construction, and help buyers navigate HOA rules and resale considerations.

What I bring to the table:

• Local market knowledge: I know which pockets are appreciating, where you can find value, and which communities are most competitive.
• Experience with 55+ buyers: I’ve helped many buyers find the right fit — whether that’s a low-maintenance single-story home or a luxury lakefront villa.
• Access to off-market and new listings: In a hot market, being plugged-in matters. I help clients act quickly when the right property hits the market.
• Guidance through HOA docs: Those governing documents can be dense. I’ll help you understand important clauses that affect guests, rentals, and maintenance responsibilities.

If you want to explore communities, I can run targeted searches, set up tours, and help you evaluate the fine print so you’re comfortable with your decision. I also provide a free buyer service that helps organize showings, reviews contract terms, and navigates closing. Like I say in my videos, I’m out there helping folks just like you every day.

✨ Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Retirement is a big chapter and choosing where and how to live during that chapter matters. Las Vegas offers a wide selection of 55+ communities that suit quiet and active lifestyles alike. You can find single-story comfort, social clubhouses, golf courses, theater groups, and even luxury lakefront living — all within reach.

Here are practical next steps if you’re thinking about a move:

• Make a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (e.g., single-story, golf access, theater, proximity to hospitals).
• Decide on your budget and whether you are willing to accept a commute from the city for more home or lower cost.
• Schedule tours of a few communities that fit your list — try to visit during an event or club meeting to get the vibe.
• Ask the HOA for the community documents and review guest and rental policies carefully.
• Consider timing: the market has been hot, and newer communities are releasing new inventory, so weigh whether you want to buy now or continue researching.

Las Vegas is not just bright lights and entertainment — it’s a place with thoughtful, vibrant 55+ communities where people find both companionship and freedom. Whether you want to garden, play three rounds of golf a week, perform in community theater, or enjoy lakeside sunsets, there’s a place here for you.

If you have questions about specific communities, details about pricing, or want help narrowing options, reach out. I built a resource page dedicated to 55+ communities with current listings and helpful details, and I’d be glad to guide you through the process. Hit subscribe if you want to see more updates — I post frequently about living in Las Vegas and the housing market.

Quick Recap

• Las Vegas is an outstanding retirement destination with diverse 55+ community options.
• Age-restricted communities operate under the Fair Housing framework, with the common 80/20 rule and one qualifying resident required per household.
• Amenities vary widely — clubhouses, golf, theater, fitness, and luxury services are common.
• Newer products like Trilogy and Cadence are expanding choices with two-story homes and active condos.
• Know HOA rules, guest policies, and resale considerations before buying.

Parting Thought

Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down — it means choosing how you want to spend your time. In Las Vegas, you can keep your independence, find like-minded neighbors, and enjoy a lifestyle that suits you. Whether you want tranquility or a full social calendar, there’s a 55+ community ready for you to move in and start living exactly the way you want.

Thanks for reading. If you’re curious about any of the communities I mentioned or want to see listings I’ve curated, I’m here to help — I love matching people to the right neighborhood and helping them retire in place with peace of mind and a smile.