Money magazine showcases city as retirees’ haven

Greg Harman

Thursday, June 22, 2000 | 11:37 a.m.

That's right. Henderson has made the Big Time.

The fastest-growing large American city, an artificial suburban oasis paved in fresh concrete and bright green paths of sod, is getting noticed. And not just by the 1,200 folks who move there each month.

Money magazine devoted a six-page spread in this month's issue to the town formerly known as "Hooterville."

Henderson didn't make the magazine's illustrious top five places to retire. And it failed to squeeze into runners-up list. But turn to page 109, and you're faced with two pages of blue Nevada sky cut only by the town's ever-present palm trees.

"I think we have something to sell as far as quality of life is concerned," said an approving City Manager Phil Speight minutes before Tuesday night's council meeting.

But such added attention to the city could result in a significant increase of new residents, forcing city officials to scramble even harder to keep up, he said.

As the city approaches 200,000 population -- from a budding 69,000 10 years ago -- Money writer Rob Turner poses the question that can't yet be answered: "Is it possible that this charming, affordable town could come to resemble the expensive, congested megalopolises that retirees were trying to escape in the first place?"

Speight is optimistic.

"I hope not. We're used to pretty high numbers," he said, adding: "If it spikes dramatically it would mean we need to readjust some things."

The Henderson feature article is found in this summer's special retirement issue of Money magazine.