The Las Vegas Valley has long been an attractive destination for retirees looking for casual living, year-round sunshine and a favorable tax climate. (Nevada has no state tax.) In fact, seniors have been flocking to Las Vegas in unprecedented numbers over the past decade.
Gambling at neighborhood casinos is a form of entertainment for many older active adults with Bingo being a popular game and form of social activity. In fact, one of the hotel casinos - Arizona Charlie's - features Bingo games around the clock, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Additionally, many casinos which offer free round-trip shuttle service for seniors, also offer them discounts on meals. Casino buffets feature breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week with all you can eat from soup to nuts at reasonable prices. There are buffets for every budget from as low as $6.99 per person on up. There are still mom and pop eateries and a few casinos where breakfasts can be had for very moderate prices.
Las Vegas has a number of housing communities especially for retirees. For those people who have raised their children and seek a peaceful and quiet lifestyle that prohibits boom boxes and children under the age of eighteen years of age, a retirement community is the answer. In order to purchase a home or condo in one of these developments, the owner - or one of the owners - must be at least fifty-five years old.
PROMENADE AT THE MEADOWS
One of these communities is Promenade at the Meadows which is located in the East Valley. All of the homes have two bedrooms, two baths and a two car garage. Some have a fire place in the living room. They have small , fenced back yards with patios. The community has a club house and a swimming pool. Social events are planned by an Activities Director and are well attended by the Promenade residents.
Security at this gated community is excellent as they have a full-time 24 hour, 7 day a week guard at the gate. A number of neighborhood shops and popular restaurants are conveniently located within walking distance as is the Meadows Mall, which is home to department stores such as Dillard's, Macys, Sears and J.C. Penney.
For those seniors who no longer drive, busses from the local hotels stop at the club house several times each day to shuttle them to play Bingo and Slots in their casinos. The Homeowners Association also pays for a bus to take residents shopping at the neighborhood supermarkets, libraries, Walmart, restaurants and the movies.
Home prices in this charming and well-kept community range from $220,000 to approximately $330,000 - which is about 35% higher than those of three years ago.
SUN CITY ANTHEM
Well-known and respected developer Del Webb Communities has built a resort-style environment of luxury homes for active adults at Sun City Anthem. There are a number of amenities provided for residents such as two community centers - 77,000+ square foot Anthem Center and 35,000+ square foot Independence Center - "where neighbors and friends gather to grow, learn, socialize and relax." A third recreation center of 20,000+ square feet is planned for Spring of 2007.
The homes range in price from $297,990 for 1,496 sq. ft. to $513,990 to 3,175 sq. ft. Amenities include 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, 2 to 3 car garages, covered patios and kitchen nooks. Some homes have wet bars and options for a Casita with court yard and gate. (A Casita is a room and bath with separate entry for a friend or family member.)
The community center offers a state-of-the-art fitness center with weight training and aerobic equipment. Daily classes are taught by top instructors. There is also an indoor swimming pool, spa and an enclosed walking track. Sun City Anthem also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as tennis courts, another swimming pool and a court for bocce ball. The Revere at Anthem is a premier golf club with two magnificent 18-hole courses. In addition, the Anthem Center features its own restaurant, Trumpets for residents' dining pleasure. Day trips, events and concerts are planned to keep residents entertained.
SUN CITY ALIANTE
Del Webb Communities also has another development in Las Vegas that is newer and not quite as expensive. Sun City Aliante homes range in price from $242,990 for 1,155 sq. ft. to $349,990 for 2,105 sq. ft. These homes feature 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, two-car garages, a covered rear patio, open kitchen with dining nook and a great room. A library is included that can be optionally made into another bedroom.
The Community Center at Aliante provides residents with a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis and bocce courts, club and hobby rooms, billiards and game room and computer niches. The Aliante Community also boasts a golf course, parks and walking trails and such conveniences as retail stores and a medical center.
