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A Brief History of Las Vegas
Las Vegas was founded by ranchers and railroad workers in the early 1900s, but it was mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky who shaped it into the casino- and nightclub-filled town that attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, you’re at least familiar with The Las Vegas Strip, with its rows of casinos, hotels, and other forms of entertainment. But the larger metropolitan area, called Las Vegas Valley, spans 600 square miles and consists of the four largest cities in Nevada: Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, and Henderson.
Vegas with much of its reputation on mobsters, prostitution, and gambling in the early years has made a Las Vegas what it is today. A corporate gambling playground with entertainment and some of the best food you can eat.
Las Vegas is often looked at as a transient city because people move here for a work assignment or contract then leave. This is common with most people that have to relocate here for work. Plus on top of that, you need to bring your family with you. But if you’re moving here you’ll find that most people are helpful and will give the best advice if a conversation ensues.
Living in Las Vegas is Just Like Any Other City
It has schools, churches, local hangouts, casinos, recreational parks, fitness centers, hockey arenas, malls, entertainment and more. Living in the right neighborhood can be a key factor when moving to Las Vegas. What fits your lifestyle and budget is simply economics that can determine what geolocation is right for your living space.
Las Vegas has been expanding from its housing sprawl ever since the economy picked up in 2014. This has led people to come to Las Vegas and start a new chapter in their lives to see what Vegas has to offer.
Las Vegas Can Turn Your Vices
If you have any strong vices and a minimal amount of control. You will find that Las Vegas has a way to amp it up with temptation all around you. It’s easy to get caught up in any lifestyle here and you find yourself losing some self-control with a vice. Be aware of this and you’ll have a greater chance of control. The latter part would be losing control and taking things to far here. The number one culprit is gambling. It can creep up on you the first few spins of a roulette or slot machine. There have to be boundaries set when deciding to wager your hard-earned money. The moral of the story is to control your impulses when living in Las Vegas. It may get the best of you.
Cost of Living in Las Vegas
The cost of living in Las Vegas is pretty modest. There is no State Tax in Nevada. However, there are ways the state of Nevada likes to nickel and dime you. You will have to have permits to work in Las Vegas. Especially in the hospitality industry. Other permits or licenses are state-regulated things like Uber or Lyft requirements, food handlers card, sheriffs card, and TAM Card. But, for the most part, Las Vegas is a much affordable place to live because of the lower cost of living.
Related Article: Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Look Forward to Sunny Skys in Las Vegas
The typical Las Vegas weather is seasonal. We have spring, summer, fall, and winter just not the snow. Or so we thought.
But for the most part, Las Vegas has a temperate winter and summer. The best months of weather here is from April to June and September to November. The temps are pretty nice in these months. Summer can be hot so be prepared for the heat. Temps can reach a staggering 112 and above. This last for a couple of months and by the time October comes it starts to cool off with more comfortable conditions.
Las Vegas has some of the sunniest days out of any state. You can expect that you’ll see the clear sky’s on most days in Las Vegas. The rainy season is in summer and winter here. Showers pop up and give Las Vegas a little rain to sip on. Monsoon season is no different. These bring the most rain in the valley and in some cases can flood the streets.
Will Las Vegas Run Out of Water?
Vegas running out of water is not an issue so far. Water levels have risen in the past few months of 2019. Lake Mead is where we get out water from. It flows from the High Rockies down to the Colorado River. And so far the water has been flowing very good this year that it has brought up Lake Meads water level in a positive direction.
Related: Will Las Vegas Run Out of Water?
Transportation in Las Vegas
The most economical way to get around in Las Vegas is with rideshare Uber or Lyft. The taxies can be expensive and the bus system does not reach certain areas in Las Vegas. Long wait times can be a hindrance in getting around in Las Vegas.
Crime Rate in Las Vegas
Most people think Las Vegas is riddled with crime. But, I have to tell you that Las Vegas is no different than any other city in America. It has it’s a fair share of petty theft and robberies. Don’t let this deter you from moving to Las Vegas. Anywhere where you have a large population of people you’re going to have crime. The best way to keep yourself from becoming a victim is to be vigilant of your surroundings and who is in your circle of friends. Be aware of your neighborhood and notice things that don’t fit in. You should do this everywhere no matter if you’re on vacation or looking to move here in Las Vegas. Your gut will tell you if it’s the right neighborhood to live in if you’re concerned about crime and safety.
Favorable Places to Live in Las Vegas
A lot of places in Las Vegas are pretty normal living. Most neighborhoods are clean and safe. Some areas to be wary of in Las Vegas would be the North East side of town. This can be a rough neighborhood. The most favorable places to live in Las Vegas are Henderson, Summerlin, South West, and Centennial Hills, Rhodes Ranch and Skye Canyon. These areas are the most favorable area to begin looking for a place to live in Las Vegas. There are more good neighborhoods than bad ones.
Seven Hills Area
Seven Hills is an upscale planned community located just south of Las Vegas, in Henderson, Nevada. There are around 2,500 homes and condos, as well as the Rio Secco championship-level golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, parks, and walking paths that include beautiful views of the city. To get a sense of whether this neighborhood would fit your lifestyle and budget.
18b / The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas
Founded in 1998 to encourage the fledgling Las Vegas art scene, the 18b has grown beyond the original 18-block area for which it was named. Not only is there a ton of vintage clothing boutiques, art galleries, salons, antique stores, and restaurants, but the neighborhood also offers plenty of nice places to live. The Arts district is clean and well kept. Expect no surprises here as you can walk from shop to shop and see all the cool eclectic works from days past.
Las Vegas Job Market
Due to the abundance of hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, job seekers can find plenty of opportunities within the hospitality industry. And, according to the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, technology, global trade, health care, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services are also thriving at the moment.
The average monthly salary, after taxes, is around $3,000.
Outdoor Recreation
And for those who would like to get away from the gaming tables and enjoy the outdoors for a while, Lake Las Vegas is just 40 minutes away, in Henderson, and Red Rock Canyon, in Summerlin, offers horseback riding, bouldering, hiking, mountain climbing, and more.
I hope this article helps you in wondering what it’s like to live in Las Vegas. Most people that live here take advantage of all the entertainment, professional sports, and shows Las Vegas has to offer. Recreational areas can be found for those off-the-strip adventures you may be looking for. Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Kyle Canyon Ski Area and many other hiking trails to romp around on.