My parents live out near Summerling It was a huge COLA cut for them, but they were coming from SoCal.
The areas close to Nellis are, in general, kind of junky. Out near Summerlin, which is close to the gorgeous Red Rock park is much nicer, though in some ways it might be too nice, as some, but not all, neighborhoods are giant McMansions. The drive to Nellis would be about 45 minutes from that end of the world, so it might be good for monthly shopping, not not weekly.
While the strip is, of course, crazy, suburban Vegas (or the greater Vegas area) is completely different. To me, it's like any other suburbia, and once you get about 15 minutes away from the Strip, you have no idea you are in proximity of all that is Vegas.
Once you buy, rip at any yard (and generally get a rebate for doing so). Also, depending on the size of the house, look for something with dual zone A/C so you can only cool the areas you are using (living during the day, bedrooms at night). Also, look for exceptionally well-insulatd places.
Since you mentioned travel, keep in mind that there are Space A options out of Nellis. As retired military, you'd be eligible.