Are you thinking about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada? I’ve been living here and have some real thoughts on the place. This isn’t the kind of list where every pro sounds like a tourism ad and every con is a gentle suggestion. I’m going to be straight with you about what works, what doesn’t, and what you should actually think about before signing a lease.
I have lived in Las Vegas for the past 8 years and still find completely enthralled with this lively and easy going city.
Home to 630,000 residents, but mostly known for the iconic Vegas strip, it turns out there’s so much more to daily life in Vegas than the nightlife its known most for.
Las Vegas offers the perks of a big city (tons of restaurants, shows, music venues, etc) while maintaining a manageable and non-overwhelming city feel.
Today I’m sharing my personal list of the honest pros and cons of living in Las Vegas. While reading this, keep in mind that this is a personal list, not everyone will feel the same way about living in Vegas.
Let’s get to it!
Pros & Cons of Living in Las Vegas
Note: This post is part of the Local Living Series, wherein locals share honest insights of living in a specific city through comprehensive pros and cons lists. If you’d like to reach out to the author directly with questions, please do so in the comments below and our team will ensure it gets to the rig
Let’s cover the pros of living in Las Vegas first
Las Vegas at a Glance
| Population | 660,000 |
| Median Home Price | $420,000 (2% above national avg) |
| Median Household Income | $62,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 (100 = national avg) |
#1. Low cost of living
Las Vegas has a lot of great amenities for a city its size and a relatively reasonable cost of living. This may catch some folks by surprise because affordability may seem counterintuitive in a city like Las Vegas, but hear me out.
By and large, the cost of living in Las Vegas is only 3% higher than the national average, which is striking for a city with more than half a million residents.
I’m currently renting a two-bedroom apartment and paying $1,400 per month. The average cost of a home in Vegas is $364,000, which means buying a home is actually an option for me!
I mean, consider the similarly-sized city (by population) of Portland, Oregon where the cost of living is 29% higher than the national average. Based on firsthand experience, Vegas is definitely an affordable place to live.
The metro grew from 2 million in 2010 to over 2.3 million. The Raiders moved here in 2020, the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023, and the A’s are relocating from Oakland. Sports have changed the city’s identity.
#2. There’s never a shortage of things to do
The one thing you’ll learn quickly after moving to Las Vegas is that there’s never a shortage of things to do, and plenty of places are open 24/7 to boot!
You can catch a show at the Smith Center, enjoy live music or try your luck at a casino. If you’re into the party scene, check out the Strip and Fremont Street.
The nightlife is abundant and the list of events is never-ending so you’ll never have a reason to be bored.
#3. Mild weather
One of my favorite things about living in Las Vegas is that I can get by wearing shorts and t-shirts most of the year.
The winter weather is especially enjoyable and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the awesome outdoor recreation nearby.
We moved from Seattle where winters were especially rainy and grey so the joy of mild winters is not lost on me.
But take note, one thing that has surprised me most since moving to Las Vegas is how windy it is here! Seriously, fall, winter and spring are surprisingly windy so be prepared for that.
#4. The food scene
The food scene is Las Vegas is surprisingly solid, maybe one of the best for a city its size.
Have you lived in Las Vegas? Drop your honest take in the comments.
This is largely thanks to the tourist hub that is the Vegas Strip, where world-class restaurants pepper every other block. You can find a lot of big-name restaurants in Vegas that originated in larger cities like New York.
Having access to incredible food makes living in Las Vegas easy because you’ll never go hungry.
#5. There’s no state income tax
There’s only 9 states in America without state income tax — and Nevada is one of them, so your take-home pay will be slightly more than if you live in a state with an income tax.
The sales tax in Nevada is 4.6%, coupled with Clark County’s sales tax of 3.78% means you’ll be paying 8.38% in sales tax while living in Vegas.
#6. Access to outdoor recreation
If you’re an adventure nut, you won’t find it hard to enjoy daily life in Las Vegas. You’ll have a ton of great places to choose from, from Red Rock, Lake Mead, Mount Charleston, Valley of Fire and the Colorado River, just to name a few.
What’s more, there’s a handful of national parks in the surrounding area, Bryce Canyon and Zion are just two hours away!
If you don’t want to drive, there’s plenty of great local trails and parks within city limits as well.
Lake Mead dropped to 22% capacity in 2022. Las Vegas has been a model for water conservation, cutting usage 26% while adding 800,000 residents. But the long-term water outlook remains uncertain.
#7. The airport
Did you know that there are six airports that serve Las Vegas? Including the 7th busiest airport in America, McCarran International Airport.
Since I travel a lot for work, having an effective international airport within city limits was non-negotiable for me and thankfully Las Vegas delivered.
#8. Traffic isn’t too bad
Considering the nightmare traffic in other cities I’ve lived in, I can confidently say that traffic in Vegas isn’t too bad. A trip across town seldom takes longer than 30-45 minutes, which is hardly worth a mention.
Cons of Living in Las Vegas
#1. The summer heat
Oh man, where to begin? Summers in Las Vegas are brutal with average temperatures hitting 107°. Unlike most US cities, people mostly stay indoors during summer because they don’t want to deal with the heat.
You won’t find yourself socializing too much or enjoying evenings in the park while living in Las Vegas. Stepping outside during most summer days feels like stepping foot into a furnace, which means you can’t take advantage of too much.
The one upside to this con is that the temperature the rest of the year is very pleasant. So even though you won’t be hanging outside during summer, you’ll probably be hiking comfortably during winter while most Americans stay huddled inside.
Las Vegas hit 120F in July 2024, breaking its all-time record. Outdoor activities largely shut down from June through September.
#2. The city lacks community charm
Okay, I can already hear the frantic and angry keyboards clicking, but hear me out. Based on my personal experience, Las Vegas lacks community charm.
I mean sure, you can find pockets of community while living in Las Vegas, but for the most part folks keep to themselves.
I think of Las Vegas as a transient city, as such, not all folks aren’t keen on sticking around for long and getting to know their neighbors.
However, a lot of people chose to move to Vegas during the pandemic so the tide is slowly shifting.
Since there’s a lot of new faces in the city it might become slightly easier to make friends now, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.
Thinking about moving to Las Vegas? Ask your questions in the comments.
#3. The school system
If you’re moving to Las Vegas with kids in tow, brace yourself. Las Vegas’ schools are considered some of the worst in the country. In fact, in 2018, Nevada’s education system was rated worst in America.
The classrooms are crowded, superintendents get hired and dismissed in alarming speed and students pay the ultimate price.
To state it plainly, Nevada has 664 schools and only 13 schools have a graduation rate of 100%.
The poor school system is the major reason I would consider moving out of Las Vegas when I have kids, I can’t take that gamble.
Clark County School District is the 5th largest in the US and consistently ranks near the bottom for educational outcomes. Teacher turnover is high and per-pupil spending lags the national average.
#4. Job opportunities
By and large, the job opportunities in Vegas leave much to be desired. I moved to Vegas because I had a job lined up, but a handful of my new friends regaled me with long tales of the challenge finding a job while living in Vegas.
The majority of Las Vegas’ economy is dependent on the tourism, entertainment and hospitality industry. As such, the workforce is heavily skewed to low paying jobs that don’t require college education.
This means that if you’re moving to Las Vegas with the hopes of securing a gig in technology, medicine of education you’ll find yourself in a challenging spot. Simply put, these just aren’t big industries in Las Vegas.
#5. Lack of public transportation
Frankly put, you can’t live in Las Vegas without a car. There’s a bus system, sure, but it’s not efficient and substantially increases commute time.
#6. Lack of greenery
As you know, Las Vegas has an arid desert climate, which means you won’t see much greenery. As someone that hails from the Pacific Northwest, this was the hardest adjustment for me personally.
The first thing you need to purchase when moving to Las Vegas is this bad boy (trust me, it’s inexpensive and non-negotiable).
#7. You won’t see the stars
You won’t see stars unless you drive further from the downtown core because, according to NASA, Las Vegas is the brightest spot on earth.
Related reading:
Moving to Las Vegas? (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas
- Low cost of living
- There’s always something to do
- Mild weather year-round
- The food scene
- No state income tax
- Access to outdoor recreation
- The airport
- Traffic isn’t too bad
- The summer heat
- Lacks community charm
- The school system
- Limited job opportunities
- Lack of public transportation
- There’s isn’t much greenery
- You won’t see stars
And there you have it my friends – a quick roundup of the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas. I hope you enjoyed the post, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions!
Cheers!
Michael
Las Vegas can be a great place to live depending on your priorities and lifestyle. Like anywhere, it has both advantages and drawbacks. The key is to visit first, research the specific area you are considering, and weigh the pros and cons against what matters most to you and your family.
Las Vegas is surprisingly affordable compared to other major Western cities. The median home price sits around $420,000, and you can rent a decent one-bedroom for $1,300 to $1,500. No state income tax is the big draw. Sales tax is 8.375%, and property taxes are low by national standards. Groceries run slightly above average because everything gets trucked in. Utilities will spike in summer when your AC runs nonstop for four months. Water bills include tiered pricing that penalizes heavy use. The real savings come from the tax structure, but make sure your income is stable because the local economy is tied directly to tourism and can swing hard during downturns.
The heat is not a joke. From June through September, you are looking at 100 to 115 degree days with no shade and very little green space. Your car interior will burn your hands if you do not use a windshield shade. Water is a serious long-term concern for the entire Las Vegas Valley, and drought restrictions are already in place. The city is also more isolated than people realize: the nearest major city is a 4-hour drive. Allergies are common from the dust and desert pollen, and the dryness will wreck your skin and sinuses until you adjust. If you have kids, research school districts carefully because quality varies dramatically. Visit in July before committing. If you can handle that, the rest of the year is genuinely pleasant.
Actually this summer only s week or so above 110 but who’s counting?
Hey, this was very helpful thank you, but I do have a question. . .Is it Safe to Live in Vegas as a single, divorced 40 year old woman alone?
This was a good post, and accurate based on my limited experience living there briefly. Thanks. Another thing I will say, is that a lot of the city can be pretty rough, including almost all “parks” city-wide when it comes to things like the bathroom pavilion. Probably the greenery in other places helps hide/degrade trash, whereas in Vegas, you’ll see it dotting the ground and gutters in a lot of places, and flying through the air during a windstorm (haha).
I have lived in Las Vegas since 2017, past few years in Henderson. Just wanted to add a few things, noting that it is August 2024 as I write this, and things are ever changing. I love the laid back vibe here, and honestly other than the newly transplanted, or tourists, people (locals) are generally pretty nice. I say I can always tell when somebody just moved here if they are uptight or rude, but in 6 months they will be transformed and have a different attitude once they settle in to the “Vegas Vibe”.
As far as schools, we sought out higher achieving schools and chose our neighborhood zoned for those. We have no complaints, we have had mostly amazing teachers and a pretty great experience as far as that goes. For high school there are some pretty awesome magnet schools. Do your research there!
But all that said, we are leaving and here’s why…
The population boom here is just too much, too fast. They are building more and more and more houses (quickly and poorly constructed btw) and apartment complexes and there are literally now droves of people everywhere we go. Everywhere!
The traffic was never as bad as it is now, and there is no rhyme or reason. I was heading to a client at 7am last Sunday morning in a residential area devoid of businesses or attractions and there was moderately heavy traffic, I couldn’t believe my eyes. 7am. Sunday morning.
On the topic of traffic, driving here is treacherous, I have never seen anything like it, and I hail from metropolitan Chicago for perspective there. While I think we have all experienced some degree of crappy drivers, this place is downright dangerous! I’m talking people cutting you off, making right turns from the far left lane and vice versa, not honoring right of way, tailgating, ignoring red lights and it’s something of a local slogan… “we don’t use turn signals here”. Personally I am a decent human being, I do use my signals and I’m fine not following a stupid and inconsiderate townie tradition. Don’t believe me? Join any Vegas locals group on social media and you will see daily uploads of some of the most horrendous accident scenes… daily! Auto insurance is EXTREMELY expensive here as a result, even if you have a clean driving history like me. And don’t even get me started on traffic circles. They are installing more and more continuously and most people around here just don’t understand how they work. Risk abounds!!
Road construction here is REAL!! Locals joke that our state flower is the construction cone. There is no consideration given for drivers, construction is done on every road, all at once, at all hours. Have a great alternate route? That will go under construction at the same time, guaranteed. Road closures without warning, massive freeway backups from lane closures or accidents. Like I said, driving here is a whole other thing!
And this isn’t necessarily the reason we are leaving (it’s simply become too crowded) but there is one more thing I think worth mentioning. The work ethic and shady business practices here are something else. It’s hard to get responses when you need work done on your house, car, computer, groomers etc… as example, I have a recall on my car and have contacted the local dealership several times to ask about a loaner and how long repair is expected to take so I can plan with work accordingly… no call back, ever, not one time. This is typical of businesses valley wide. Or taking payment without doing work promised… personal experience here on multiple occasions.
In closing, a few random things to note.
Car stuff… belts, hoses, tires & batteries need more frequent attention with our prolonged extreme heat. Ask people who they use as you will need a few good repair shops that you can trust. See above about work ethic here. So go on referrals, never internet search!
We don’t get alot of rain here, when it does rain it is marveled at, people stand outside to take pictures and kids play in the rain, social media feeds get flooded (pun intended) with videos of rain and afterwards awesome rainbows. Also when it is cloudy here, the clouds turn the most vibrant pink and orange at sunrise/sunset.
The wind here is crazy!!! It is very strong and often lasts for days. It isn’t uncommon to see lawn furniture, trampolines, landscape materials, trash receptacles, construction materials, etc, strewn about the streets. And visibility from the dust kicked up becomes quite limited.
Coyotes, and even mountain lions recently, are frequently witnessed in residential areas. We are building on every last inch of the valley and up into the mountains, pushing them out of their habitats. Also tarantulas in the late fall (they are very docile and just passing through during mating season).
Las Vegas is incredibly pet friendly but so many people are not loyal to their pets. We have countless strays, abandonments and surrenders on a daily basis here. Our shelters are always at capacity. If you want to adopt a fur baby, this is the place to do it!
Evidently we are getting a movie studio in Summerlin. With a huge influx of LA transplants, this came as no surprise to me. Some locals even call Las Vegas California East.
I will add lastly that the cost of living here has become exorbitant, groceries, housing, vehicle expenses. Maybe the food was decent once upon a time but the cost and quality leaves much to be desired whether it is a neighborhood place or an upscale restaurant. Perhaps I’m spoiled being from Chicago where everything tastes good!
My husband and I are wanting to move to LV BUT the whole Lake Mead water issue is a very real concern for us. I don’t want to buy a home only to find out a year or so down the road that Lake Mead is at dead pool stage and not able to produce electricity.Please enlighten me. Moving to LV has always been a dream of our but we want to know this city is going to survive this drought.
I appreciate your insights. I too am from the Midwest and stayed here 3-4 months during the pandemic (2021-2022) and things were great. I came back to visit in consideration of moving here, and I have found that I am apparently not as compatible with the city when I don’t want to throw money around for basic everyday services. Seems like a lot of locals have their hand out expecting tips for doing their basic job, or expect me to spend a lot and act as though I’m “rude” for not wanting to do that. And as you say, quality leaves a lot to be desired, to the extent that I’ll just fix my own car or cook my own food. Feels like I get valued based on how much money they can extract from me (and this is off-strip).
As an anecdote, I rolled through a dealership lot to check out their new models, and there was a gang of like 5-6 salesman huddled in a group, looking like they were ready to prey on someone, which scared me off. Honestly, they need a more diversified, and preferably educated, economy here, because “let’s goose people for all they got” only works on so many people, and only during the “good times”.
Also feels like pricing and services have gone in the direction of “premium” and are catering to the rich, and have little interest in middle class.
I think the nature and weather are beautiful, and there’s no reason the culture or people need to act this way, but they do. So I will probably instead move somewhere where I find people more decent and noble (looking at Japan).
Also, while I am fine with and even like the local Vegas people, I’m not a fan of most Californians I have met (they act and think a certain way), who now seem to be found throughout any half-way decent areas. To summarize, I find them “indulgent” and shamelessly focused on consumerism and/or appearances with little “realness”, and I don’t find them respectable. That would also a big negative for moving here in my opinion.
I stumbled across your article during my research on crime in Vegas. Thanks for the Information because every little bit helps since I know little about the city outside of the tourist spots.
That said, I am retired, black man living in San Diego, CA, and looking to move to your fair city sometime in early 2024. I am not looking for nightlife( way too old), but I would like to choose an area that is somewhat safe and has easy access to the airport.
It is important to note that I am looking at a studio apartment in Paradise, area 89169. What do you think of this part of town? I know this is not the best way to find an apartment and/or area, but I plan to make my choice based on my Google research. I do not have the funds to fly in for site visits.
So, I have to trust my gut. Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for the overkill.
Than you in advance, Bill Jackson, SD,CA
Hi Bill ,
I’m also relocating from San Francisco. I’m retired and single. I’m do you figure out what area is best in LV? Did you end up moving to Paradise?
This is overwhelming !!
Thanks so much.
Kim
First, be prepared to AVOID Carrot Top and this guy from YouTube named Jacob. Avoid Lady Gaga and any shows affiliated with her. Also, avoid the Asian from the TV show who can’t get a man! Anywho, I moved from Hawaii and life is about the outdoors. When you move to Las Vegas try living small and keep your bills to a minimum. There is a high foreclosure rate here due to people over extending themselves. It can be abrasive here at first but after 6 months to a year you will enjoy Las Vegas. People live here due to the weather. I spend lots of time outdoors and enjoy the strip. The monorail is great for moving around the strip. There are so many things to see and do here. Enjoy the casinos and all the food. Don’t forget to get a Lake Mead Park Pass and enjoy all the water activities. If you Like Green enjoy your Cannabis edibles!
Why avoid Carrot Top?
Also, what’s your opinion of the mentality of a lot of Hawaiian’s not wanting “mainlanders” moving to “their” island, even though many Hawaiians have moved to more desirable mainland places like Vegas and Seattle?
I recently read your post about what it’s like living in Las Vegas, and wanted to provide some feedback as someone who has also called Vegas home.
First off, you did a great job capturing many of the realities of day-to-day life in the city. The hot, arid climate, the crowds and constant stimulation of The Strip, and the interesting mix of local residents and visitors were all spot on. I also appreciated your balanced perspective – being honest about the downsides like the summer heat and distance from major cities, while also highlighting the benefits.
However, I did feel your portrayal focused heavily on the touristy aspects of Vegas. As a local, I experienced much more than just the casinos, shows, and nightlife. There is a thriving community and culture in the neighborhoods outside The Strip. From community events to local businesses to budding arts scenes, there is so much that makes Vegas feel like an authentic home rather than just a tourist trap.
Additionally, while you mentioned the diversity of the population, it would have been nice to learn more about the actual makeup of residents and neighborhoods. This could provide readers a better sense of what it’s really like to live surrounded by such an eclectic mix of people.
Overall, I appreciated your informative overview for those considering a move to Las Vegas. I just think it could be enriched by including more details and perspectives from locals on what makes the city livable versus just an exciting place to visit. Please feel free to reach out if you would ever like to hear more about my experiences!
I recently read your post about what it’s like living in Las Vegas and really appreciated the honest insider perspective. As someone who just moved here last year, your advice has been super helpful for adjusting to life in the city!
I could totally relate to your point about the blazing summer heat. Those 110+ degree days are no joke! I’m still getting used to the desert climate after moving from a cooler region. Your tips on staying inside or in the shade during the hottest hours make total sense.
Loved your recommendations for meeting people and making friends here too. The downtown cocktail bars and First Friday art walk sound like great ideas to try. Joining a fitness class or local Meetup group could be a good way for me to connect with others who share common interests.
Thanks for explaining the different neighborhood vibes – I’m still exploring to find which areas suit me best. And I really appreciate the money-saving tips! Those hotel last-minute deals sound too good to pass up.
Let me know if you have any other advice for newcomers like me! I’d also love to hear your latest favorite restaurants, nightlife spots, or date ideas as I continue getting to know Las Vegas. Thanks again for the helpful insider scoop.
I am looking for places to go dancing for seniors that is affordable. Do they have any clubs or restaurants that have dancing, that is not on the strip? San Diego Elks Clubs have live bands in different locations, but not Las Vegas. I agree with your article, any information would help. Thank you. Brigitte
I agree with you there’s always something to do when you live in Las Vegas. Like you wrote, there are mountains, best restaurants, museum’s, great shows, and of coarse gambling.
As far as mild winters, no. Our winters are very cold and very windy. True, you won’t be craping snow and ice off the car windshield or get frost bite on your fingers and toes but, Las Vegas is surprisingly cold.
As a 40 year resident of Las Vegas I can honestly write our school system here ( K- 12 grades ) is terrible. It is the one incredibly deep hole we have yet to master. And, with teachers being paid minimal compensation, lack of discipline in the classrooms, and politicians who don’t care because “there’s no money in it” the education system is lost. If your childs education means anything at all to you, don’t just walk, Run as fast as you can from here. This town is no place for a child to be.
I’ve lived in Las Vegas for three years. I think you nailed it perfectly Antonia.
Hi are there any Mobil home parks that are resident owned? If you know any can you please send me the information. Thank you
I’m born and raised in Vegas. Went to school here. Everything you listed is what I would say mediocre on my opinion. Where are the hidden gems of Vegas? For instance Philly Freeze Me amazing ice shop on Twain or Babystacks on Sunset. As for Community wise of you go down to Desert inn and Pecos McLeod there is this beautiful mural near drain system created by the community that I actually took part in when I was a child. There is more to Vegas than just this. One thing you’re right about is jobs and the school system because the school system does not help students prepare for college it’s to help students get Job on the Strip because almost everyone works there.
Since las Vegas is so huge where is the best part? I used to live in Chicago Illinois and they had the west side of Chicago, north side of Chicago, south side of Chicago and downtown Chicago, so my question is this I have heard of north las Vegas and that’s all I pretty much know, anyways to me those are like suburbs of las Vegas, like Chicago that had places like 30 to 45 to 1hr away from Chicago so are there more places like north las Vegas or somewhere that’s like 30 to 50 minutes from the strip or airport, and is it cheaper over there as well? And is it hard to get jobs at local hospital or serving job thank you Mike from lake Havasu City Arizona
Henderson is southeast of the strip and airport. “Old” Henderson (the original location before it expanded) is about 20 minutes to the airport, less than 30 minutes to the south end of the strip. Plenty of parks, walking trails, and 6 miles from Lake Mead. Water Street District is new and improved which includes an ice skating rink, restaurants, and small local casinos. There is more of a community feel here AND you can see the stars.
Great article you have hit everything on the money
The article was written well and it is very informative. It really opened my eyes to the possibility of living in Vegas.
Boy this is the way I see Las Vegas. I’ve lived here since 1982, this city was best before the boom started and it was the fastest growing city in the United States.
People were a lot friendlier back then, after 40 years a whole lot of mean people move here lots of them, there was a point where you UNLV played other college teams and the other college teams families move to this Valley. I find most of those people that played on that college team or the people that moved from where that college team came from I really mean like excessively the good about it. It never sleeps if you want something at 1:30 a.m. you can get it. If you want something at 2:00 in the afternoon you can get it.
A 24-hour town is a good thing as far as jobs. I look at a list of jobs everyday, hundreds of them. There’s no reason for you not to work. If you have a college degree you should be more applicable to choose a different career. I don’t find a job seeking a problem here.
I can walk to my corner from where my house is and at least five to seven of the businesses have helped wanted. In a nutshell I would have left your 25 years ago before the boom started. Furniture has changed ! !
I was in Las Vegas decades ago for a few months. It really is beautiful and fascinating. The winter’s great, but the summer’s awful. And the stars seem so far away and small. You CAN see them in Vegas, maybe not downtown, though.
I don’t know if it’s still the way it was. It was so long ago. But some 30 years ago, you could walk into a casino and buy a steak sandwich and fries for one dollar! I bought breakfast with a quarter. And drinks are free in a casino, not just alcoholic, but also orange juice for free!
I thought public transportation was going to get better. Just before I left Las Vegas, they said on the news they were going to upgrad public transportation.
Great comments! I’ve been in LV since 2008. Back then I was single, had just graduated from USC and didn’t know what I was doing with my life. No responsibilities, etc.
Flash forward to now, I have a family (wife and two small kids). One kid is a hair on the Autism Spectrum and is “twice exceptional” (meaning he has a genius level IQ but also because he is on the spectrum and thinks differently, has challenges with behavior/socially in school). He is at a charter school here in LV (Doral) and is in 2nd grade. We are considering moving back to CA mainly to get him exposed to “better schools” – but to your point, I’m not sure how much of that is perception vs reality.
Involved parents are so key. We go back and forth on this (daily). It’s frustrating. When I go to the charter school I’m honestly underwhelmed by the curriculum and can see how it contributes to behavior issues with “gifted” kids being bored. Gifted really is a form of special needs and is as much a curse as a blessing. I’ve also noticed a shift in Vegas that started about 5 years ago when I think LV was at its peak.
The cost of living argument isn’t what it used to be as it’s become much more expensive to live here thanks to the influx of Californians (it seems my entire Summerlin neighborhood is full of SoCal transplants who moved here within the past 5 years). The scenery here is both beautiful and depressing, so much blah browns. My aging parents are in San Diego, I’d be hesitant to move further East for that reason.
Otherwise Florida may be on the table. We thought about San Diego but aren’t sure it’s worth the headache (cost, politics, congestion, etc). LV has yet to diversify its economy away from hospitality/gambling, which means when recessions come (hello 2023) we get crushed here. The healthcare system is a joke, we go to LA for anything important.
It’s 2022 and most moderate to low income people have been priced out. I moved here in 1988 and now finding myself needing to move because it’s just to expensive, not just housing.
My electric bill has almost tripled, my rental house has been sold and finding anything decent and affordable is out of the question.
My food bill for example has gone from$400. A month to $ 750. not including water or cleaning supplies etc..
As far as racial tension it has never been an issue for me and that’s saying something for a dark skinned American these days.
Schools are not great and my family had some issues there but not from white Americans.
I am really up set, disappointed that I find myself searching for an affordable, safe place for all my family when there is no where else I would rather be.
I love planet Las Vegas and resent that I can no longer afford to live here.
So very true and I’m also African American I moved here in 2019 and now I have to leave because I can no longer afford to live in Las Vegas!!!! I love Las Vegas if I do decide to stay I would have to end up moving to a not so great area in downtown Las Vegas if I decide to live and stay here longer..
Absolutely correct. The cost of living has sky rocketed out of control. Just a few examples. In 2019 my rent for a 2 bdrm, 1 bath, 850 soft apt was $650. Four yrs later the same apt is $1600. Management does want to fix anything and those Apts don’t have security, washer/driers, dishwashers, nothing.
And, whatever happened to customer service in this town? Las Vegas used to be all about customer service. Not anymore. In fact, I’ve noticed employees to be down right rude and unapologetic. That is IF you can get them to put their phones down long enough to do their job.
Las Vegas is great if you like gambling, eating and a night life. However, it’s certainly changed through all my 27 years here. Las Vegas’s cost of living is actually higher than many other states. Housing is not cheap. I know someone renting a 600 sq ft apt for $1600. In addition, many places are constantly raising the rent. The average speed on the highway is 80 mph, even on the slow lane. They are constantly building, in the midst of a water shortage. Water bills will probably be increasing in the near future. Nice to live here for a little while, but it has grown into a bustling city ready to burst at the seams.
thank you for a great to point no bs article i am young 70ish, my husband a great guy at 62 very heathy. want to retire in vegas. we are non drinkers, non smokers or big gamblers. I worry if our hidden demons would surface; , nonetheless, how much trouble could an older woman get into.
Lol, you’d be suprised!
Being Life Long Orgoinian’s Far PNW Born and Raised Gay couple of 25 years. Is La Vegas and the area a Friendly place for us to Longterm retire at?
“How often it rains”… it doesn’t. We used to get monsoon rains in the summer but now it’s going hundreds of days without a measurable rainfall. And maybe a light dusting of snow once every 8-10 years.
For those people talking about “High” HOAs… it’s kind of relative. For example I moved here from Washington DC. My HOA for my TOWNHOUSE was $422/mo. Here we have a great 4000sqft home in a subdivision, and my HOA is $22/mo. I’m also a realtor, very few HOAs have fees higher or equal to where I came from. I’d say “LOW HOAs” are more of a pro than high HOAs being listen as a con.
To be fair, I think most places where one lives today will “lack that community charm”……People in an apartment or townhome complex stick to themselves and don’t bother with new neighbors…think this is true in most US cities – large or small
The days are long gone when you move into the neighborhood and someone rings your doorbell with a cake or pie and says “Welcome new neighbor, here’s a delicious pastry for you & yours to enjoy”
Me and the wife are considering to move here. Like everywhere else, research research and research before we do anything big move like that. You have an enjoyable article and thanks for your input. It would be nice to add more about weather like how often it rains, winter if it snows heavily, etc.
I really Njoyed reading your pros and cons of Las Vegas, Can’t wait until I retire and relocate there.
True facts, Jorge! Green Valley is one of the nicest places to live but I get you on the HOA & Taxes!
I’ve lived in Las Vegas since 1993.
I went from being homeless at age 26 with $400 in my pocket and sleeping in my car for the first three months I lived here to owning a $700,000 home, becoming a registered nurse, getting married and having two wonderful children. That is 29 years of living here. I’ve seen dramatic changes since being here. The most dramatic is the cost of living has skyrocketed. Las Vegas up until about five years ago actually was an extremely inexpensive city to live. I do not partake in any of the casinos. I live in the far Northwest part of town near Centennial Hills which is 20 minutes at least to get to Las Vegas Boulevard. When I come home to my neighborhood it doesn’t even seem like you live in Las Vegas because it’s a suburb far away from all the tourist attractions. It’s extremely hot in the summer and it’s only getting worse. Before I could wait until the middle of May to turn on my air condition, it is now April 9th and my air conditioning and has been on for 2 weeks already. Now for the next five months I’ll be paying $600 a month to cool my 3200 square foot house.
Supposedly the healthcare here is very poor. I am an RN and work in a major trauma center. I’m in my early 50s and I have not seen the negative effects of poor health care as I am healthy. Only time will tell with this one.
But from what I can see, Healthcare is definitely 10 to 15 years behind in Las Vegas compared to other major cities.
Another area of concern is the Clark County School District. It is supposedly the worst in the nation. I don’t know how that’s possible? Look at the poor areas of Mississippi and Louisiana etc., there’s no way our schools are worse than those areas.
Having said that, I have two children, both boys. One is 25 and the other is 20. The 25-year old graduated with high honors from UNLV. It cost about $30,000 total for him to graduate and he’s now working for the justice department as a computer scientist making $100k.He had an excellent education and he went to a magnet school here, The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts which was an amazing performing arts School. (My son played the cello).
My youngest son was valedictorian of Arbor View High School. He is going to the same UNLV School studying computer science and he will also graduate with high honors. This child, luckily, is on a completely free ride because he was valedictorian. So I guess the school district is only what you put into it.
You cannot expect to send your kids to school in the morning and have them come home educated.
It does not work like that. You have to put a lot of work into it yourself. I worked a lot with my children when they were young. ( many many hours per week).
I wanted to move out of Las Vegas for years. Every time I talk to my wife about it there is always an excuse why she cannot leave.
My wife’s excuses, lol, are as follows:
Wait until the kids are done with elementary school then it was Middle School, then it was high school, then it was college and now it is let’s retire first. She loves it here. She loves the hot weather. It just seems like it’s getting so overcrowded here and with global warming it’s getting really really hot. And every empty spec of desert that you see they just keep building more shopping centers, warehouses and residential houses. And don’t forget Lake Mead is almost dried up compared to when I first moved here in 1993. What is Las Vegas going to do when there’s no water left? Are we going to bring water in from somewhere else? We will be paying 10 times the amount for water than we pay now.
Dave
Great information. No better place to get the real deal than from the locals!
Perfect article for me , I lived in queen Anne next to lake union for 27 years. But after my separation from my wife and retired on one income I had to move to green valley, Henderson. Eventhough my condo was paid off, high hoa and taxes. Been here 2 and a half years. To be honest it breaks my heart and if I was still married I would have never come . Fortunately I get to travel alot in the summer. I would love to have a positive attitude like you do on living here . Let’s not forget the water shortage is very serious.
sehr gut zusammengefasst:) danke muss in der schule ein referat über las vegas halten.ich heiße übrigens genauso wie du:)
this was a nice read and covers a lot of google searches i have done to answer individual questions great article.
I recently read your article providing an honest look at living in Las Vegas, and wanted to thank you for the candid perspective. As someone who has considered relocating to Vegas, I appreciated getting an authentic view of the pros and cons, beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip.
You did a great job balancing the positive aspects of Las Vegas, like the booming job market and no state income tax, with the real challenges like the extreme summer heat and crowded tourist areas. I particularly liked your insights around finding community and meeting people outside of the casinos and nightlife scene. As a family with young kids, we want to make sure we could build connections in family-friendly neighborhoods.
The cost of living analysis was also incredibly helpful, as affordability is a major factor in our relocation decision. Understanding what we could realistically expect to pay for housing, groceries, utilities, etc. will allow us to make an informed choice. I also appreciated the tips on the best school districts, as education for our children is top priority.
While Vegas may not be for everyone, I found your article provided an honest look at both the advantages and tradeoffs of living there. Your advice around visiting first before committing to a move was especially practical. Thank you for taking the time to create such an authentic and thoughtful resource. Articles like this are invaluable for life’s big decisions.