Pahrump Named Zillow's Most Popular Retirement City in the U.S. for 2024

Pahrump, Nevada, has claimed the title of Zillow’s most popular retirement city in the U.S. for 2024. This recognition comes as part of a nationwide analysis of housing trends, highlighting the town’s appeal among retirees.

Despite this honor, Nevada and the broader Western region were absent from other top categories, including the most popular city overall. So, what makes Pahrump stand out?

Why Pahrump?

A warm climate and a demographic where more than one-third of the population is 65 or older contribute to Pahrump’s appeal for retirees, according to Zillow. The real estate platform defines retirement towns as areas where at least 33% of residents are over 65 and do not have children or relatives living with them other than a spouse.

However, not everyone agrees with Zillow’s assessment. A separate analysis by 24/7 Wall Street offered a different perspective on Pahrump, showcasing the diversity of opinions on its desirability.

Where is Pahrump, Nevada?

Pahrump is a city of nearly 45,000 residents located 60 miles west of Las Vegas, near the California border. It’s also just 60 miles east of Death Valley, making it a unique location with access to both urban amenities and natural wonders.

What Makes Pahrump Special?

According to Travel Nevada, Pahrump is a hidden gem with a mix of small-town charm and rich outdoor and entertainment opportunities. They describe it as “just far enough from the hustle and bustle to feel like a world unto itself,” offering visitors and residents access to:

• Amenity-packed casinos, hotels, and RV resorts
• Proximity to Death Valley National Park
• The world’s rarest fish and some of the planet’s oldest trees
• Rugged biker bars and elegant, award-winning wineries

The Most Popular U.S. City in 2024

While Pahrump took the top spot for retirees, the overall most popular city in the U.S., according to Zillow, was Manchester, New Hampshire, for the second consecutive year. The Northeast dominated the rankings, reflecting a trend of homebuyers favoring smaller communities within commuting distance of major metro areas—likely influenced by the rise of hybrid work schedules.

Only one West Coast city, Sunnyvale, California, made it onto the list of most popular cities overall. To qualify for this list, cities had to have a population of at least 100,000.

Zillow’s Top 10 Most Popular Cities in the U.S. for 2024:

1. Manchester, New Hampshire
2. Rockford, Illinois
3. Stamford, Connecticut
4. Columbia, Maryland
5. Bridgeport, Connecticut
6. Allentown, Pennsylvania
7. Peoria, Illinois
8. New Haven, Connecticut
9. Waterbury, Connecticut
10. Sunnyvale, California

As housing trends continue to evolve, Pahrump’s rise as a retirement hotspot showcases the growing appeal of warm, quiet, and affordable destinations for those looking to settle down in their golden years. Whether Pahrump remains a top choice in the coming years remains to be seen, but for now, it’s firmly on the map as a premier retirement destination.