Most people who live outside of Nevada, and even those away from the Las Vegas area, associate the city with one thing. They mostly only imagine the Las Vegas Strip and the images related to this one part of Vegas. But, while the area isn’t necessarily bad and does offer lots of entertainment capital, many other things are going on in Las Vegas. Some of these are excellent and make living in the city limits worth it, but other facets of the Vegas area aren’t as great.
Vegas Might Be Right For You
Like all significant metropolitan areas, there are pros and cons to living in the Las Vegas Valley. Las Vegas locals know that it isn’t the perfect place for everyone, but it is ideal for many people. You just have to know the realities and decide if it’s a major city that fits your lifestyle.
Benefits Of Living In Las Vegas
There are many reasons to move to Vegas, and some of them are elements you wouldn’t even think about. Here are some significant positives about the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas:
- Access to the outdoors: While many people think only about the city area, Vegas is close to many outdoor recreation areas. It might sit in the middle of a desert, but many natural wonders are only a few hours away. Lake Mead is only around half an hour away, and there are many National Parks within a few hours’ drive. You can access Zion National Park, Death Valley National Park, and the Grand Canyon with very little effort. And, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. You’re also not far from Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and other big cities.
- Tons of activities: Most people don’t live right near the Las Vegas Strip, but there’s no denying that there are some exciting activities to do there. Some people love the nightlife scene, which can be a draw. But, even if these clubs and casinos don’t interest you, the city area provides constant access to major shopping centers, high-concept restaurants, and one-of-a-kind concerts and performances. So, even if you only venture to that area of the city occasionally, you’ll be able to enjoy world class entertainment when you want to. After all, not many people can attend shoes like Cirque du Soleil whenever they want.
- Generally good weather: This point is complex because the summer heat is a major con. It does get extremely hot in the middle of summer, but the weather is a good thing for the rest of the year. Las Vegas residents don’t have to endure harsh winters with icy roads and shoveling snow. You’ll be able to spend time outside for many months and explore the area without worrying about the cold.
Downsides To Living In Las Vegas
In many ways, Las Vegas is a desert oasis, and there are so many fascinating facts about the area’s culture and history. It’s also a rather diverse city which is another pro.
But, Vegas might not be for everyone. There are some negatives about the place that may dissuade some people from calling it home.
Here are some of the major cons to living in Las Vegas:
- Lack of excellent public transportation: Getting around without a car is a benefit, and sometimes a necessity. But, while Vegas does have a bus system, it doesn’t have a consistent, easily accessible public transit system. So, you’ll likely need to have a reliable car, and you’ll also want to make sure that the vehicle has air conditioning.
- Problems with public education: If you do have children, Las Vegas might not be the perfect city for you. Unfortunately, Nevada is often ranked as one of the worst states in the country regarding public schools. So, you’ll want to think about alternative options, which aren’t always reasonable for many people. So, if you want the best public schools for your kids, Las Vegas schools might not be ideal.
- Summer heat: Even people who have visited Vegas in the summer know how hot and miserable it feels. Some people love the desert heat and don’t mind it, but many people can’t stand to be outside at all in the middle of the summer. While most indoor areas are air-conditioned, the heat is something to consider. And, if you love the turn of the seasons, Vegas doesn’t have much of this.
What About The Las Vegas Economy?
One of the main questions people have when moving to a new area is “how good is the economy?” Overall, there are many good things about the Vegas economy. While the cost of living has gone up in many places, it’s still better in Vegas than in many other major cities. Plus, there is no state income tax in Nevada. This fact is a big draw for many people, but keep in mind you’ll still have to pay sales tax. Finally, it’s easy to sell a house here right now, and real estate is booming.
Because Vegas has a large airport that acts as a hub to many of the Western states, it’s also easy to get around. Many businesses headquarter in Las Vegas, and there are also many conferences held around the city. So, if you’re thinking about starting a business here, there are many opportunities.
How To Start Living In Las Vegas
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of living in Sin City and decided you want to make a move, there are many ways to get started.
Or, on the other hand, maybe you’ve decided Vegas isn’t working for you anymore and want to sell your home. If you need help selling your house, the experts at Sell Your House Fast Las Vegas are here to help. We can also discuss real estate options with you if you’re looking to move to a new part of the city or move here for the first time.