5 affordable places to live in Nevada
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to buy a Nevada home, check out these locales known for their low cost of living.
1. Las Vegas
Las Vegas was identified by Niche as the city with the lowest cost of living in Nevada. Best known for its casinos, it's also one of the top 30 cities in the U.S. in terms of diversity, and one of the top 50 cities in which to retire. Median home values of $234,700 are above the national average of $184,700, but more than half of residents -- 52% -- own their homes. A relatively affordable property tax rate helps put homeownership within reach -- residents of Clark County pay an average of just 0.84% of assessed fair market value in property taxes, according to Tax-rates.org.
2. Paradise
Paradise is ranked second by Niche among affordable Nevada cities, and the ninth-best city in America in which to retire. Median home values here are higher than the national average at $217,000, which is perhaps one reason only 39% of Paradise residents own their homes. Paradise, like Las Vegas, is in Clark County, so the property tax rate averages the same 0.84% of median value.
3. Henderson
Henderson is the second-best suburb in the Las Vegas area in which to raise a family, and is also one of the best cities in America in which to retire. Sixty-three percent of residents in this city own their homes, despite a high median home value of $293,500. Henderson is the third city on our list in Clark County, with an average property tax rate of 0.84% of home value.
4. Reno
Reno is the sixth-best place in Nevada to raise a family, and is also one of the best cities in America for outdoor activities. Median home value here is $299,700, and around half of residents own their homes. Reno is in Washoe County, where property taxes are even lower than Clark County. The average property tax rate is 0.64% of assessed fair market value. It's also home to many casinos, including the Grand Sierra and the Circus Circus Hotel, so those who like to gamble but who don't want the crowds on the Vegas Strip may enjoy making Reno their home.
5. Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a Reno suburb, but this town of more than 20,000 is an affordable option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Sun Valley is considered the third-best place in the Reno area to purchase a home. A median value of $146,900 helps make becoming a homeowner a very affordable option, and 69% of Sun Valley residents are homeowners. Sun Valley is in Washoe County, so the property tax rate is the same as Reno's -- 0.64% of assessed fair market value.
These are just a few of many places to purchase a Nevada home. All buyers should consider location and price when choosing where to buy. This approach, combined with researching options for the best mortgage rates in Nevada, can help ensure total ownership costs are affordable on almost any budget. Check out our mortgage calculator to help you estimate your monthly payment, including principal, interest, insurance, taxes, and PMI.
