With a warm, sunny climate, a vast array of recreational opportunities and numerous housing options, Southern Nevada is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination.

More than 267,000 retirees currently make their homes in Las Vegas. Studies show that many of today's retirees are healthy, active individuals who are looking for exciting, fun-filled golden years. What better place to make that happen than right here in Las Vegas?

While the majority of Las Vegas' many recreational amenities can be enjoyed by adults of all ages, there are a vast number of activities, events, services and residential amenities that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of seniors and retirees.  

Senior Living Communities

The diverse and active lifestyle of Southern Nevada's senior population is reflected in the many types of senior living communities located across the region. Living arrangements run the gamut from active adult and independent living communities to assisted-living housing and continuing care retirement facilities. With Baby Boomers hitting retirement age and with more and more people retiring in their early 50s, active adult communities are becoming popular across the country. Many of these communities offer golf courses, a community center, fitness facilities and nearby churches, shopping, health care facilities and entertainment.

–Solera at Anthem

The 385-acre Solera at Anthem is a Del Webb active adult community in Henderson. The development offers five affordably-priced single-story home designs. The property boasts a "simplified buying process" whereby a number of typically "upgraded" amenities, such as granite countertops and two-tone paint, are included with no upgrade charges. Solera boasts a 17,000 square-foot community center with indoor pool, spa, fitness center, club and hobby rooms. Residents also have access to walking trails, tennis, bocce courts and parks.

–Solera at Stallion Mountain

Solera at Stallion Mountain, the newest active adult community by Del Webb, is ideal for those seeking golf course-style living with resort-style amenities. Solera is a collection of neighborhoods separated from the larger Stallion Mountain Country Club by its own artfully designed gated entry. Solera at Stallion Mountain features a community center with fitness rooms, club and hobby space, a large meeting room, aerobics/yoga room and locker rooms, in addition to informal gathering places. The community also has an oversized outdoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor dining areas, tennis and bocce courts. The Stallion Mountain Country Club is a private golf course facility that offers residents both golf and/or social membership packages.

–Sun City Aliante

A good example of an active adult community is North Las Vegas' Sun City Aliante, a resort-like residential community for active adults 55 and older. It offers single-story houses around the fairways of the public Aliante golf course. Future plans call for a resort-style recreation plaza that will include a fitness center, swimming pool, craft and hobby rooms and tennis and bocce courts. Walking trails throughout the community will lead to the community center. Casinos, theaters, hospitals, retail stores and restaurants are all nearby.

–Sun City Anthem

Located in the master-planned community of Anthem in Henderson, Sun City Anthem also offers an active adult community for those 55 and older. The cornerstone of the community is the 77,000-square-foot Anthem Center, the largest private club in the state. It features indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a business center, massage therapy centers and much more. Other recreational venues, stores and hospitals are close to the community.

–Sun City Summerlin

Sun City Summerlin was the first senior community of its kind in Southern Nevada. Located high above the valley in the heart of the Summerlin master-planned community, area amenities include three golf courses, fine restaurants, three community centers, clubhouses, tennis courts, entertainment and daily activities for everyone. Residents enjoy a very active lifestyle, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and city views. Homes range from duplex properties of 1,200 to 1,800 square feet to single family homes ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. Custom homes are also available on the golf course.

–Sun City Mesquite

(to open in 2007)

Over the next several years, Del Webb plans to build more than 3,400 homes in Mesquite under Del Webb's Sun City brand as well as the traditional Pulte Homes brand. Sun City Mesquite will include an 18-hole golf course with clubhouse and driving range designed by Gary Panks and Associates. An all-encompassing, 50,000 square-foot recreation center is also planned that will include a fitness center, swimming pool, hobby rooms and more.

–Siena

With easy access to I-215, Siena, a new active adult community located in one of the newest villages of Summerlin, is home to fine golf courses, restaurants, community centers and health and fitness facilities. Siena homes range from the villas, which are 1,000 -1,400 square feet, to single family homes from 1,500 to 3,200 square feet. Golf course homes are also available. At least one member of a Siena household must be 50 or older.

–Cantura

In North Las Vegas, the Cantura community offers Santa Rosa, a single-story neighborhood with easy access to shopping, dining, downtown and the Strip. Homes range in size from 1,664 to 1,895 square feet. Also within the Cantura community is The Ranches, an expansive single-story neighborhood conveniently located near I-15, I-215, parks and shopping. There is no age restriction in Cantura.

–Rhodes Ranch

In northwest Las Vegas, Rhodes Ranch -- a master-planned golf course community -- offers The Preserve, a gated, single-story community with oversized lots. The development is close to I-95, shopping and recreation and is within walking distance to parks. The Condos at Rhodes Ranch offer another option for seniors. Units range from one-bedroom, 700-square-foot floor plans to three-bedroom, 1,458-square-foot floor plans.

Rural Communities

Some seniors prefer to settle into a rural community in Southern Nevada to enjoy a small-town atmosphere with nearby big city amenities. Seniors will find that most areas in the region provide numerous opportunities for social activities at local community centers.

Visit our "Real Estate" section to learn more.

Living & Care Facilities for Seniors

Las Vegas is home to a wide variety of care facilities, offering numerous options for seniors and their families.

–Independent Living

Independent living is for people who want to live on their own, but who do not wish to maintain a home. These facilities often provide meals and a wide range of amenities for residents to choose from. Another benefit of independent living is the great amount of social interaction and planned activities available to residents.

–Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities are for people who need assistance with daily living activities. These activities may range from transportation, daily meals, physician visits and recreational activities to laundry services, dressing and bathing assistance, housekeeping and medication assistance.

While residents in assisted living centers are not able to live entirely by themselves, the centers allow them to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. While assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home, it is an intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors.

Many assisted living facilities also have centers for medical care; however, these centers may not be as intensive as the care available in nursing homes. Services for the early stages of Alzheimer's are also available at many assisted living communities. Most assisted living facilities provide services and personal care in a group environment and promote active and healthy lifestyles for residents.

–Continuing Care Communities

The combination of assisted living facilities with independent living residences and nursing homes is known as a "continuing care retirement community." Continuing care communities provide a full range of services similar to assisted living communities, but they also have the added benefit of  providing varying levels of care to accommodate residents' changing health needs.

For example, the resident may start off in the independent living section of such a community, move on to assisted living when they need more help with daily activities and, eventually, transition into a nursing home when a higher level of car is required.

–Memory Care Communities

Alzheimer's care communities are special units or free-standing communities designed to care for individuals living with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that attacks the brain, impairing one's memory, mental processing ability and behavior. Special on-site care is provided to residents 24-hours a day. While these communities are for early-stage Alzheimer's patients, alternative senior assisted care centers may be appropriate for residents. Long-term insurance or personal monies usually fund the care in these communities.

Retirement Communities and Homes

The following apartment facilities, continuing care developments and senior communities offer a full range of amenities and services.

Atria Senior Living Group

3250 S. Fort Apache Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

(702) 256-6500

www.arvi.com

Atria communities offer assisted living, retirement living and special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorders. Las Vegas communities include Sutton Terrace, Seville Terrace and Sunlake Terrace.

Chancellor Garden of the Lakes

2620 Lake Sahara Dr.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

(702) 233-9800

www.chancellorgardensofthelakes.com

Located in The Lakes area of Las Vegas, this assisted living community offers apartment homes and a variety of services. Amenities include housekeeping and laundry services, three home-cooked meals each day, 24-hour emergency response system, transportation for shopping and appointments, exercise room, library, 24-hour staff, beauty salon and personal care services as requested. Chancellor Gardens also offers social, cultural, educational and recreational programs. Sara's Garden is a special care center within the complex for those with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders.

Destinations

See pages 182-183 for locations

www.destinationsliving.com

At Destinations we have set colossal standards for quality and choice, and in all things fun. You will be amazed by how many exciting social and recreational activities there are just waiting for you. Our signature Destinations Clubhouse(tm) provides a gathering place for friends, and a place to make new ones. And with no boring home maintenance projects anymore, you'll really be able to live it up!  Destinations - It's a fun place, tell your friends.

Heritage Club Las Vegas

8720 W. Flamingo Road

Las Vegas, NV  89147

(877) 205-9265

Las Vegas is a premier destination for seniors of all ages.  The mild climate and endless days of sunshine make Las Vegas an exceptional choice for many people.  Seniors living in Las Vegas today have more than the traditional Bingo Parlor and lounge acts to experience.  While the Bingo parlor is still a popular attraction, there are also world-famous entertainers, off-Broadway productions, elaborate stage shows, and some of the finest golf courses in America to entice active seniors.  In addition to plenty of things to do, there are many housing choices, depending on what type of care is needed. Seniors have Independent Living Apartments, Assisted Living Communities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities that all offer exceptional care.

Las Ventanas

10401 W. Charleston

Las Vegas, NV 89135

(702) 360-2622

www.lasventanas-lifecare.com

This complex includes 198 condominium-style residences for independent living. Separated from the condominiums are 60 assisted living suites and 60 private skilled-nursing care rooms. Amenities include an emergency call system, meals, housekeeping, valet parking, transportation service and wellness programs.

Margaret Rose Residential

Care Center

100 S. 14th St.

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 384-7673

An assisted-living residence that caters to seniors of limited means, this center has 44 double occupancy rooms, a staffed kitchen, dining room, parlor, television room, beauty shop and a top-floor community room for socializing.

Millennium Estates

6240 E Tropicana Ave

Las Vegas, Nevada 89122

(702) 456-5823

www.cal-am.com

Millennium Estates is an all-age manufactured home community, with breath-taking mountain views. Within close proximity to shopping, grocery stores, banks, and great restaurants, Millennium Estates is just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Enjoy a variety of high-energy shows, fantastic dining, and challenging the odds at the gaming tables. Outdoor activities include boating and fishing at nearby Lake Mead and winter-skiing is only an hour away at Mt. Charleston.

Montara Meadows

3150 E. Tropicana Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89121

(702) 435-3150

www.montarameadows.com

Montara Meadows is a three-story, 172-unit senior apartment property that has one and two-bedroom units. Amenities include housekeeping, three daily meals, scheduled transportation, 24-hour emergency call system, swimming pool and spa, beauty and barber shops, elevators and innovative programs and activities. Pets are accepted and no lease is required.

Paradise Valley

5362 Topaz St.

Las Vegas, NV 89120

(702) 895-9181

Paradise Valley is a personal care, residential care and retirement home that offers 24-hour services for seniors. The home provides medical transportation, nutritious meals and snacks, assistance with medication, field trips, hair services and social events. The 4,000-square-foot residential group care center is licensed for 10 beds.

Seville Terrace

2000 N. Rampart Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89128-7616

(702) 804-6800

www.arvi.com

Located in the Summerlin community, Seville Terrace offers 125 studio and one and two-bedroom apartment suites. Amenities include a state-of-the-art emergency response system, a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, recreational opportunities and close proximity to shopping, fine dining, medical facilities and casinos.

Sierra Oaks of Las Vegas

4255 Spencer St.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 732-0652

www.oakdaleheights.com

Sierra Oaks of Las Vegas is an apartment community designed just for seniors.  So if you are looking for a studio, one or two bedroom apartment with kitchen at an affordable price, look no further then Sierra Oaks.  No more housekeeping, yard work or laundry!  We even do the cooking!

Spencer Retirement Villas

4255 Spencer St.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 732-0652

Spencer Retirement Villas offers independent living for seniors in approximately 115 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Personal services are available. Activities include arts and crafts, casino outings, poker clubs, bingo clubs and more.

Sunlake Terrace

3250 S. Fort Apache Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

(702) 256-6500

www.arvi.com

Surrounded by residential neighborhoods, Sunlake Terrace offers retirement living in this two-story residence that has 121 spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments. Amenities include an emergency response system, restaurant-style meals in the main dining room, a private dining room, hair salon, country store, video library and wellness center. Outdoors you can find lush greenbelts, walkways and scenic views of the nearby mountains and Red Rock Canyon.

The Bridge Assisted Living at

Paradise Valley

2205 East Harmon Avenue

Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 369-6964

Gracious living awaits you at The Bridge Assisted Living at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley. The Bridge is located in central Las Vegas, a world-class city and leading vacation destination. Sunshine and desert breezes surround you as you experience all the catered lifestyle has to offer. The company's history began in 1976 as the senior living affiliate of Life Care Centers of America, a national leader in skilled nursing and rehabilitation management. Now with over 30 senior living communities nationwide, they are the leader in providing gracious housing options and outstanding services to thousands of senior adults. American Lifestyles is dedicated to offering hope, opportunity and independence to senior adults and their families by providing gracious residential apartment living with high-quality services and amenities delivered by our compassionate staff, dedicated to the life of each individual resident.

The Springs at Lone Mountain

9484 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Ste. 4

Las Vegas, NV 89134

(702) 507-9333

www.springsatlonemountain.org

Sponsored by Presbyterian Homes and Services of the West, The Springs at Lone Mountain will open in 2007. It will be the state's first non-profit continuing care retirement community and the first lifecare community with long-term care included at no additional cost. This facility will include independent residential living in addition to long-term care.

Contact a certified realtor to obtain additional information about active adult communities or other facilities that cater to seniors.

Three Crowns

867 N Lamb Blvd

Las Vegas, Nevada 89122

(702) 452-5720

www.cal-am.com

Three Crowns, a 55+ gated manufactured home community, is only ten minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip with its bright lights and world-class entertainment.  Play in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, or stay home and enjoy our resort-style amenities, including a year-round heated pool and spa. Stay fit with a workout in our state-of-the-art exercise facility. Our newly refurbished billiards room is a favorite place for our residents to play.

Tropicana Palms

6420 E Tropicana Ave

Las Vegas, Nevada 89122

(702) 456-5823

www.cal-am.com

A peaceful and serene 55+ gated community, Tropicana Palms provides a quiet lifestyle with a variety of activities to keep you young and active.  You can enjoy each of the gorgeous community centers, which include year round heated pools, spas or sauna. Work out in the fitness center or weight room. Relax in the library, play cards or shoot a game of pool. For outdoor activities there are also tennis and shuffleboard courts.