LIVING IN LAS VEGAS
Military Living in Las Vegas
A complete relocation and housing guide for active-duty service members, military families, and veterans PCSing to Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, or the Las Vegas Valley.
What is it like for military families living in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is a popular location for military families due to its proximity to Nellis Air Force Base, diverse housing options, no state income tax, and access to both city amenities and outdoor recreation.
Why Military Choose Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a top choice for military families and retiring veterans due to zero state income tax, low property tax rates (~0.65%), strong Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, and access to two major Air Force installations.
Proximity to Key Installations: Strategic access to Nellis Air Force Base (northeast valley, ZIP 89115) and Creech Air Force Base (45 minutes northwest in Indian Springs).
Tax Advantages for Military: 0% Nevada State Income Tax on military pay/pensions, plus property tax exemptions available for disabled veterans in Clark County.
VA Loan Home Buying Power: High density of VA-approved master-planned communities in North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills, and Skye Canyon within 15–20 minutes of main base gates.
Veteran & Healthcare Services: Home to the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center (on Nellis AFB) and the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (North Las Vegas VA Hospital).
| Base / Area | Primary Duty / Units | Nearby Neighborhoods | Average Commute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nellis Air Force Base | 99th Air Base Wing, 57th Wing and U.S. Air Force Weapons School | North Las Vegas, Sunrise Manor and Aliante | 10–20 minutes |
| Creech Air Force Base | 432nd Wing and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations | Centennial Hills, Skye Canyon and Providence | 35–45 minutes |
|
VA Hospital North Las Vegas |
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System | Aliante, Eldorado and North Las Vegas | 10–15 minutes |
Military Bases Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to Nellis Air Force Base, one of the most important training bases in the country, along with Creech Air Force Base located northwest of the city. Many military families choose housing based on commute times to these installations.
- Nellis AFB | - Creech AFB
Top Areas for Military Families
Choosing where to live in Las Vegas as a military family often comes down to commute, budget, and lifestyle preferences. These are some of the most common areas military families consider:
North Las Vegas: Located 5–15 minutes from Nellis AFB main gates (via Craig Rd or Las Vegas Blvd). Home to popular military neighborhoods like Aliante and Eldorad
Aliante (Master-Planned): A top-rated master-planned community in North Las Vegas offering an 18-hole golf course, Nature Discovery Park, and a 10–12 minute drive to Nellis AFB.
Centennial Hills: Located in the northwest valley along US-95, making it ideal for dual-station families or Creech AFB personnel (35-minute commute).
Skye Canyon & Providence: Master-planned communities off the CC 215 Beltway & US-95 featuring new construction, top-rated charter schools, and direct highway access to Creech AFB.
Henderson (Green Valley / Cadence): Popular for families seeking top-ranked Clark County schools and luxury amenities; offers a 25–30 minute commute to Nellis AFB via the I-11 / I-15 corridor.
VA Loans in Las Vegas
VA loans provide active-duty military and veterans relocating to Clark County a powerful way to purchase a home with $0 down payment required, no monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.
$0 Down Payment: Eligible active-duty service members and veterans with full entitlement can buy up to the standard Clark County conforming limit ($832,750) or higher with $0 down payment.
No Monthly PMI: VA loans eliminate monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), saving military buyers $200–$400+ per month compared to conventional loans.
Funding Fee Waivers: The standard VA funding fee (2.15% for first-time use with $0 down) is completely waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation.
Seller Concessions: VA guidelines allow sellers to cover up to 4% of the purchase price in concessions, which can cover all buyer closing costs.
Free Military Relocation Guide
PCS Orders to Las Vegas? Don’t Make the Move Blind.
Download our free Military Living in Las Vegas Guide designed for active duty military, veterans, and PCS relocations. Learn about neighborhoods, commute considerations, VA loans, new construction homes, and what to expect before making the move.
Commute & Lifestyle
Navigating Las Vegas as a military family depends on your primary duty station. Nellis AFB personnel typically prioritize 10–20 minute commutes via the CC 215 Beltway or I-15 North from North Las Vegas and Sunrise Manor. Creech AFB personnel rely on US-95 North, making northwest communities like Centennial Hills and Skye Canyon optimal for managing the 35–45 minute drive to Indian Springs.
New Construction vs Resale
Military buyers in Clark County choose between quick-move-in resale homes and new construction developments. Resale homes in North Las Vegas allow service members on tight PCS orders to close within 21–30 days. New construction communities in Skye Canyon and Cadence offer builder incentives, such as rate buy-downs and closing cost credits, with build timelines ranging from 4 to 8 months.
Military Living In Las Vegas FAQ
What is the best area to live near Nellis Air Force Base?
North Las Vegas (including master-planned Aliante and Eldorado) and Sunrise Manor are the best areas near Nellis AFB. They offer a short 10–15 minute commute to the main gate via Craig Road or Las Vegas Boulevard, along with affordable single-family homes and direct access to the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center.
Can military members use VA loans in Las Vegas?
Yes. Active-duty military and veterans relocating to Clark County can use a VA loan to buy a primary residence with $0 down payment. Qualified buyers with full entitlement have no loan limit maximum, while standard conforming limits start at $832,750 for 2026. VA loans in Nevada also eliminate monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
How far is Henderson from Nellis AFB?
Henderson is located approximately 20 to 25 miles south of Nellis Air Force Base. Drive times typically range from 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, primarily routed via the I-11 / I-15 North corridor or the CC 215 Beltway.
Is Las Vegas a good place for military families?
Yes, Las Vegas is exceptionally military-friendly. Nevada offers 0% state income tax on military pay and pensions, low property tax rates (~0.65%), strong Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, top-rated charter schools in northwest communities like Skye Canyon, and access to the Nellis AFB exchange, commissary, and medical centers.
Where should Creech Air Force Base personnel live?
Centennial Hills, Skye Canyon, and Providence in the Northwest Las Vegas Valley are top choices for Creech AFB personnel. These communities sit directly off US-95 North, providing a smooth 35 to 45 minute drive to Indian Springs while keeping families close to top Clark County schools and shopping.
Moving to Las Vegas on Military Orders?
PCSing to Nellis AFB or Creech AFB? Contact Ryan Strong, licensed Las Vegas Realtor and military relocation specialist, for custom BAH home searches, video walkthroughs, and $0-down VA loan guidance.
Realtors of the Las Vegas Homes & Living team are brokered by eXp Realty of the Las Vegas, Nevada division and are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
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