
Henderson's score of 73 reflects its status as a high-tier suburban destination where exceptional safety and school quality are balanced against a challenging housing market. While the city excels in providing a stable environment for families and significant tax advantages, its low scores in walkability and public transit accessibility prevent it from reaching a higher overall rating.
Henderson is a solid, well-rounded choice, earning a MoveWiser Score of 73/100 based on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, and jobs.
MoveWiser can compare your budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, and priorities with Henderson and other cities — and show you how well each one fits you personally.
See How Well Henderson Fits MeHenderson earns its score through its reputation as one of America's safest cities and its concentration of high-performing schools, such as Coronado High and John Vanderburg Elementary. The lack of state income tax and a burgeoning tech sector in West Henderson provide a strong economic foundation that attracts high-income professionals. However, the score is weighed down by a median home price that has climbed toward $540,000, making entry difficult for first-time buyers. Additionally, the city's infrastructure is heavily reliant on the 215 Beltway and I-11, as the RTC transit system and general walkability remain underdeveloped for a city of its size.
Henderson earns a high safety rating on MoveWiser's 1-10 scale, with a safety score of 8/10. Consistently ranked among safest U.S. cities
Henderson features a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers where temperatures frequently exceed 105°F and mild, dry winters. The area receives very little annual rainfall and maintains low humidity year-round.
Population
369,167
Median Home Price
$540,000
Median Rent
$1,800/mo
Average Salary
$56,335
Groceries / month
$410/mo








Henderson offers a high quality of life with zero state income tax and a growing technology sector as a secondary hub to Silicon Valley. It features excellent suburban infrastructure, high-speed fiber internet, and is minutes away from Harry Reid International Airport.
Yes, Henderson is widely considered one of the best places to live in Nevada due to its high safety ratings and award-winning master-planned communities like Green Valley Ranch and Anthem. Residents benefit from a high quality of life with extensive parks, trails, and proximity to the entertainment of the Las Vegas Strip while maintaining a quieter suburban atmosphere. The city consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the United States according to FBI data.
Henderson offers a moderate cost of living that is roughly 10% higher than the national average, primarily driven by a median home price of approximately $540,000. While housing is more expensive than in neighboring Las Vegas, the lack of a state income tax provides significant savings for professionals and retirees. Typical monthly expenses for a single adult include roughly $410 for groceries and $1,800 for a median-priced apartment.
Henderson is best known for its family-friendly environment, exceptional public schools like Coronado High School, and its status as a premier 'second hub' for technology companies. It is also famous for its outdoor recreation access, being the gateway to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Hoover Dam. The city's layout is defined by its master-planned developments which integrate residential living with shopping districts like The District at Green Valley Ranch.
The biggest advantages include the significant tax benefits of Nevada residency and the superior infrastructure of neighborhoods like Inspirada and Seven Hills. Families prioritize the area for its high-performing schools within the Clark County School District and the abundance of municipal recreation centers. Additionally, the city's strategic location provides 20-minute access to Harry Reid International Airport and major employment centers without the congestion of the tourist corridors.
The primary disadvantage is the extreme desert heat, with summer temperatures often staying above 100°F for weeks, leading to high cooling costs. The city is also very car-dependent, as the RTC Southern Nevada bus system offers limited coverage in newer suburban reaches, resulting in a low walkability score for most residents. Furthermore, many desirable neighborhoods are governed by strict Homeowners Associations (HOAs) that require monthly fees ranging from $50 to over $500.
Henderson is an ideal fit for families seeking a safe environment with top-tier education options like the Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH). It is also highly attractive to retirees who want to protect their pensions from state taxes while staying active in communities like Sun City Anthem. Young professionals in the tech and healthcare fields will find ample opportunities in the growing West Henderson business corridor.
For each city we gather recent data on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, transit, and walkability, then normalize each into a 1–10 category rating (10 = best) using consistent benchmarks across every city. The MoveWiser Score (0–100) is a weighted blend of those category ratings — a city scores well when several categories are strong and is held back by its weakest factors. The exact weighting isn't published, but the category ratings shown above make it clear what drives each score.
Data sources (linked where available):
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