Discover why living in Las Vegas is a choice more people make every year, and how this metropolis attracts millions of visitors.
Welcome to the vibrant world of Las Vegas, Nevada! Las Vegas means The Meadows in English, an oasis in the desert.
According to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 38,823 million people visited Las Vegas in 2022.
I chose Las Vegas as my home 12 years ago when I moved from southern California. At that time, I was looking for a less expensive place to live with a pleasant quality of life.
I wanted to spend only a few hours driving on the freeway from one place and another and still have sunnier weather.
I came here and love this fantastic city in the Mojave desert!
You may have heard about the glitz and glamour of this desert oasis, but there’s more to Las Vegas than just glitzy attractions – it’s also home to a thriving arts scene, top-notch restaurants, and a diverse community.
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and just a stone’s throw away from national parks like the Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban excitement that leave a great impression on people who visits.
Are you contemplating the idea of visiting, investing, or perhaps moving to Las Vegas, NV? Let me show you what makes the metro area of Las Vegas so unique. So, dive in on this exciting journey together and unravel Las Vegas lifestyle.
The 14 Pros of Living in Las Vegas.
Here are the 14 advantages of living in Las Vegas.
1-You can choose among three cities instead of one.
One of the first things I learned about Las Vegas is that it is in a valley with the same name, in Clark County, the country’s most significant # 11 County.
The Las Vegas metro area comprises the top three large cities in Nevada, Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
The metro area of Las Vegas is home to 1,268,232 people according to the United States Census Bureau, QuickFacts as of July 2022:
- Las Vegas 656,274
- Henderson 331,415
- North Las Vegas 280,543
When moving to Las Vegas, you can choose one of these three cities to call it home.
2-A never-ending entertainment source.
Known as the world’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas Strip is a sparkling oasis of neon lights and towering skyscrapers emerging from the heart of the desert.
Along the 4.2 miles of a strip of land on the famous Las Vegas Boulevard are luxury and theme resorts, casinos, and world-class entertainment options.
As you stroll down Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be captivated by replica landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Egyptian Pyramid, and the beautiful fountain shows at the Bellagio.
The fabulous story of glitz and glamour started in Downtown Las Vegas, the city’s historic center, and the Fremont Street Experience is one of the most visited places. Neon Museum and Mobster Museum also are in Downtown Las Vegas.
3-Weather.
Las Vegas experiences a desert climate with abundant sunshine all year round, with more than 300 sunny days a year, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy warm, sunny weather.
The summers in Las Vegas can be intensely hot, with average maximum temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) from June to August. However, the city’s low humidity can make these high temperatures more bearable.
As the summer temperatures subside, autumn arrives with pleasant, warm days and cooler nights. Winters in Las Vegas are typically mild and brief, with daytime temperatures averaging around 60°F (15°C) and nighttime lows often dipping to around 40°F (4°C) from December to February. Spring sees a gradual rise in temperatures, with days warming to averages of 80°F (27°C) by May.
Despite the seasonal changes, keeping sunscreen and a hat handy when you’re out and about in sunny Las Vegas is always a good idea.
4-Housing and cost of living
Inflation is affecting families’ budgets across the country. Nevertheless, as you explore living in Las Vegas, one of the first things you’ll notice is that compared to the expensive neighboring state of California, the Las Vegas metro area is relatively affordable.
The median price for a single-family residence’s is $450,000, and $270,000 for a condo/townhome in September 2023.
A relatively low cost of living also extends to other aspects of life, such as utilities, groceries, and transportation, making it an attractive option for those interested in investing or moving to Las Vegas.
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5-Job market and business diversification
Las Vegas’ economy boasts a thriving job market, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment industries. In 2022, the leisure and hospitality sector employed over 25% of the city’s workforce.
However, the city’s economy diversifies. Growing industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are providing new opportunities for job seekers, experienced and young professionals, and for people willing to develop their entrepreneurial spirit.
Movie production is coming to Las Vegas in two locations: Summerlin and Southwest of Las Vegas, starting in 2025. Two big names in the industry, Sony and Disney, are the first film studios interested in taking advantage of the massive tax breaks included in Nevada’s senate bill 496, known as “The Film Bill,” to the studios that invest in filming here. It will bring more fabulous opportunities for creativity, employment, and industry diversification, benefiting the local community.
If you are living in Las Vegas and is interested in the real estate industry, check it out my previous post about real estate business ideas.
6-Top-notch dining scene.
As a Las Vegas metro area resident, you can access an impressive culinary scene that rivals any major city. Home to numerous world-class restaurants and celebrity chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck, Las Vegas offers diverse international cuisine options to satisfy any palate and budget around the valley.
7-No state income tax
One of the biggest financial perks of living in Las Vegas is the tax benefits. Nevada is one of the nine states in the Union with no personal income tax, meaning you are saving more money just for living here. The combined sales tax in the County is 8.38%.
Additionally, property taxes in Las Vegas are comparatively lower. There are 112 district tax areas in the County, and the cap for property tax rate in 2023 is a maximum of 3.0% of the assessed value for a homeowner-occupied property and 8.0% for commercial and business properties.
8-Harry Reid International Airport.
The International Airport of Las Vegas, LAS, ranked #7 in the 2022 report for the busiest airports in the United States by number of passengers, according to Wikipedia.com
A total of 51,708,887 people were deplaned and enplaned in 2022 through the airport that conveniently is just 7 minutes away from the Strip and connect you to everywhere in the States and around the world.
9-Outdoor activities and parks.
Las Vegas is surprisingly close to stunning natural attractions and outdoor recreation activities.
Can you visualize the breathtaking Grand Canyon?
Just a short drive away, you’ll find breathtaking national parks and recreation areas such as Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Mount Charleston, and Valley of Fire State Park. The mild winters make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
With such a wide array of parks offering different experiences, the Las Vegas metro area provides numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities, reconnect with nature, and experience the city beyond the neon lights of the Strip.
Floyd Lamb Park, which covers 680 acres, is a natural oasis with lush green areas, lakes, and wildlife in the middle of the desert.
Sunset Park, spanning over 325 acres, provides a plethora of activities.
Springs Preserve is a 180-acre park with botanical gardens, walking trails, and museums.
Wetlands Park. This 2,900-acre preserve is the largest park in the Clark County, Nevada, park system. While it might seem unexpected given its desert location, Las Vegas is home to a significant wetland ecosystem.
10-Local art scene
The people of Las Vegas Valley have been building a solid community that has the opportunity to enjoy different expressions of art. Residents and visitors can enjoy The Smith Center of Performing Arts, which is the residence of the Nevada Ballet. Opera Las Vegas and Las Vegas Philharmonic are nonprofit organizations promoting art in the valley.
11-Sports.
Las Vegas quickly becomes a hub for major league sports, solidifying its reputation as a global premier sports destination.
Currently, the city is the home to two professional teams, Hockey and Football, the Las Vegas Golden Knights since 2017 and the Las Vegas Raiders since 2020. The economic impact has undoubtedly been very significant, besides the fact that it is strengthening the local community.
The city’s residents embraced the Las Vegas Golden Knights as their own, forming a bond that deepened with each game. This bond became a legacy when the Las Vegas born team won the coveted Stanley Cup in June 2023 after six years in the National Hockey League, NHL.
The Nevada legislature 2023 approved the Athletics’ relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas and the construction of a 30,000-seat stadium in the current Tropicana Hotel. It is pending MLB approval to make Las Vegas the first city of its size to be home to three major professional teams.
Also, The city is a potential expansion site for Major League Soccer (MLS), which would bring another professional sports team and economic boost to the town.
Some areas of the Las Vegas strip are now under construction in preparation to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix on November 16-18, 2023. It will be the first Grand Prix in Las Vegas in over 40 years and promises to be a unique event.
Clark County entered into a contract with the Formula One organization to close the Strip to hold the race at night every year until 2032.
In addition, Las Vegas frequently hosts high-profile boxing matches and UFC events, the National Finals Rodeo, the Las Vegas Bowl, and the annual Las Vegas Marathon.
The city’s minor league baseball team, the Las Vegas Aviators, also has a dedicated stadium in the Summerlin area.
Moreover, the city boasts an expanding roster of sports events and teams with the addition of the Las Vegas Aces of the Women’s National Basketball Association, reflecting a growing recognition of women in professional sports.
12-Shopping.
Shopping is another way Las Vegas ensures an unforgettable experience for its residents and visitors. Shopping in Las Vegas is a famous, diverse, exciting experience.
Las Vegas offers a shopping scene that caters to every taste and budget.
- Luxury stores and high-end designer boutiques in complexes like:
- The Shops at Crystals in the Aria CityCenter
- The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
- The Grand Canal shops at The Venetian
- The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
- The shops at Mandalay Bay
- Shopping malls in neighborhoods as:
- Downtown Summerlin
- The District at Green Valley
- Town Square Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Outlet Malls:
- Premium Outlets North
- Premium Outlet South
13-Retirement destination
For all the advantages we’ve already commented about living in Las Vegas, retiring to this metropolis is a fantastic choice.
Las Vegas Valley has excellent retirement communities for 55+ people full of amenities to make the golden years of life more enjoyable, according to your budget and lifestyle.
14-Wedding Capital of the World
Known also as the “Wedding Capital of the World,” Las Vegas uniquely appeals to couples looking to tie the knot. Each year, over 80,000 marriage licenses are issued in the County, with people coming from all corners of the globe to say their “I dos” in this vibrant city.
7 cons of living in Las Vegas
No city is perfect, and Las Vegas is no exception.
1-Summer heat.
One of the most notable aspects of living in Las Vegas is the scorching temperature in the summer. The hottest month is typically July, with an average high of around 106°F (41°C).
From June to August, you must adapt to the sweltering climate and manage your energy consumption wisely to stay relaxed and comfortable.
2-Water scarcity.
Due to its desert location, Las Vegas Valley faces ongoing water scarcity issues. The Las Vegas metro area’s primary water source, the Colorado River, has been under strain in recent years, leading to conservation efforts and potential restrictions. As a resident, you must be mindful of water usage and support local initiatives to preserve this precious resource.
3-Gambling and substance abuse.
Living in a city associated with gambling comes with its downsides. The prevalence of gambling and substance abuse can impact the community. However, Las Vegas also has numerous support resources, including counseling centers and community organizations, to help those in need.
4-Homelessness.
Las Vegas metro area grapples with homelessness. It is a persistent problem, exacerbated by economic instability, lack of affordable housing, and related to substance abuse and gambling addiction.
Despise these social issues, the metro area of las Vegas continues to strive towards solutions that aim to provide more support and resources for its residents.
5-Crowd streets and traffic.
You can inevitably experience large crowds and traffic congestion, especially on weekends and during major events at the famous Las Vegas Strip and vicinities. As a local, you’ll need to develop strategies to navigate the city during peak times to avoid the hassle.
6-Construction sites everywhere
When you drive around the metro area of Las Vegas, you get used to seeing several construction sites everywhere, at any time of the year.
7-Public Education
While living in Las Vegas, you may need help with the quality of public education handled by the Clark county school district.
In 2022, Nevada ranked 48th out of 50 states in education quality.
However, many locals, organizations, and officials are actively working towards enhancing Las Vegas schools in this area. You can contribute to and benefit from these ongoing efforts as a resident.
Bottom line
Your priorities and preferences are essential when you analyze the benefits and drawbacks of living in Las Vegas. While the city may not be perfect, it offers a unique lifestyle, boundless opportunities, and countless experiences you will not find elsewhere.
The sunshine, entrepreneurial and business opportunities, dazzling lights, thriving job market, and diverse community, among others, make it the metro area of Las Vegas a great place to call home. So come and explore Las Vegas and experience all the wonders it has to offer!
