You’re thinking about it. Or maybe you’ve already decided – it’s time to move to Las Vegas. We welcome you with open arms! And offer a couple things you should know about being a Las Vegas local.
#1 – You will not spend a ton of time on the Strip.
It is what Vegas is known for – the fabulous Las Vegas Strip! It might be what brought you to Las Vegas for the first time, so you can attest – it is fabulous! As a resident, however… you’ll quickly discover its known to be an expensive cluster of tourists, with a party vibe 24/7 that can feel superficial and exhausting. It may also be known as your place of employment, and if that’s the case, not likely to be all that enticing on your days off.
However, locals are often treated to special ticket prices to shows or dining deals (especially during the off season) that will lure locals to the mega-resorts. And with the increasing number of residencies by super-star status musicians like Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson and Keith Urban, book the babysitter because date nights might become more frequent. Also worth noting: both the Vegas Knights and the Raiders have their stadium homes parked adjacent to that stretch of neon, giving new meaning to tailgating before a game.
#2 – This entertainment mecca has creatives calling Vegas home.
Minus the current pandemic situation the world finds itself navigating, Las Vegas as the Entertainment Capitol of the World is well earned. From the get-go, the lure of the casinos brought visitors to Vegas, but the showrooms and entertainment kept them in the casino. Broadway shows have had residencies here over the years, and those shows brought an influx of amazing talent: singers, musicians, actors, dancers. They can’t perform without the technical talents of the stage crews, dressers, costumers, and house managers. Add to that the casino dealers (the good ones, like my mom, are a lot of fun!) and the Convention industry and hospitality industry, (hotels, dining, retail) – all part of the entertainment of Vegas. If you’re a professional in the hospitality, entertainment, event production or convention services, calling Vegas home is a logical choice, even if your primary business is conducted in expensive cities like LA and NY. Just ride out the pandemic like the rest of us and know this too shall pass – we can’t wait to get our creatives and hospitality pros back to work and welcoming guests!
#3 – Vegas is inexpensive
Beyond the Strip, living in Las Vegas is relatively inexpensive. The median home price in Las Vegas in May 2022 was $437,500. Thanks to tourism contributing a large portion of the state’s treasury, residents are free from state income tax, franchise tax, and corporate income tax. The cost of living is quite affordable, especially when compared to other major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and New York. If you are a business owner or thinking of starting a business, Vegas should be high on your list of desirable places to live. Check out this cost of living calculator from Bestplaces.net and compare.
#4 – The weather: Pros & Cons?
Vegas enjoys an abundance of sunny days, about 292 a year. If you don’t like the rain, Vegas is perfect for you – averaging less than 4” of a rain a year, most rainstorms blow in and out in a matter of minutes, and it may be the only one you see all year long. During the winter, the sun helps temperatures generally reach close to 60 degrees, a good time to visit, bike and hike the regional parks. However, this is a desert. The summers are hot, the winters are cold. No denying that. The average temperature during the summer can reach 110ºF and stay there for many weeks. Not gonna lie. That ‘dry heat’ Vegas is known for can feel like a hair dryer blowing on your face. Constantly. Thank goodness there is relatively no humidity at add to the mix.
Really, there are no seasons in Vegas. Its hot or its cold and there are about 3 weeks in-between of mild temps that we call “Spring and Fall”. Luckily there are few cities more prepared for the heat than Las Vegas – with massive air conditioning power, Vegas will draw visitors from other parts of the country experiencing heat waves. Odd, but true. Plan your outdoor activity and errands for early in the morning or later after the sun goes down. Be prepared: that energy bill will be really high in the summer months. Many residents are investing in solar panels to help with energy bills. After a year of residence in Las Vegas, the power company can start to average your payments across the whole year to help stabilize the costs.
#5 – “Only in Vegas” weirdness.
Las Vegas is a little weird, but you’ll get used to it. There are slot machines everywhere. You can eat out, do your grocery shopping and run other errands 24/7, you may have new neighbors every six months as Vegas is a transient city (and even life-long locals have a tendency to relocate to other parts of town every couple of years.) Allergy season is brutal, arm against the desert creepy-crawlers (invest immediately in pest control to keep scorpions, roaches and water bugs, and spiders away), and be prepared to have your guest room occupied frequently by friends who will want an excuse to visit Vegas. You may spend more time on the Strip after all…!
#6 – Vegas is a great place to raise a family.
Sin City happens to be a great place to raise a family – go figure! When you fly into our town, you will see a massive expanse of homes and communities stretching to the edges of the desert mountains surrounding the valley. And down the center will be a bright, colorful (and relatively small) blip called The Strip. With this much community, the Vegas Valley has tons of family-friendly places to play, shop, worship, entertain, hike and bike.
“But Nevada ranks at the bottom of the chart for education,” I hear you say. It is true, and there is much noise (and progress) being made to correct that. And there are many excellent schools within the city – public, charter, private, technical – that will fit the needs of your family. Having been a public elementary school teacher, I can help guide you to the perfect neighborhood for your family.
Ready to see what Las Vegas has to offer?
Let’s jump on a Zoom (or if you’re in town, let’s meet up for a margarita and guac) and chat. Let me introduce you to Las Vegas – we’ll find your perfect match together.
“Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.”
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
