Your EZ Guide to Moving to Las Vegas

Las Vegas lures the imagination with its brilliant 24/7 sparkle and promise of abundance. But beyond all its razzle-dazzle and vacation fun, is it a good place to live? For those considering making “Sin City” a place to live, being a resident is much different than visiting as a tourist. 

Sure, living in one of the most iconic cities in the US means you’ll be surrounded by endless entertainment and opportunities. However, away from the glittering Strip awaits quiet neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and outdoor activities. Life as a local is much different than a weekend as a tourist. Here’s what to know about moving to Las Vegas.

Cost of Living

We know Las Vegas’s reputation for high-rolling entertainment and casinos. That steady tourist flow stimulates the local economy, but it also pushes up the average costs of all goods and services. So does the city’s steady population expansion. Las Vegas now has over 650,000 residents. Now, add in the desert environment, where many goods must be brought in from our major cities because they can’t be grown or produced nearby.

Those elements make living costs 10% more expensive than the national average. However, what you’ll actually spend varies depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in. This chart gives an idea of how different budget items stack up.

As you can see, Las Vegas housing costs may be higher than the national average, but it is more affordable than the Nevada median. In June 2024, the single-family median home price was $525,000, while the condo market was at $289,900. The actual cost of housing depends on where you buy in Las Vegas.

Transportation does run higher than state averages. However, there are ways to save on transportation depending on what you like to do and how close you are to The Strip. And, you’ll find some cost savings in health care. 

Another big bonus: no state income tax! That’s more savings for your pocket right there. 

Your actual cost of living will end up depending on your specific lifestyle. If you eat out frequently and plan to make the most of all that local entertainment, your expenses may be higher.

Weather

The climate could be a pro or con of living in Las Vegas, depending on your point of view. Las Vegas grew smack in the middle of a desert. It should be no surprise that temperatures soar well above 100°F (38°C) in the summer. Extreme heat is part of living in Las Vegas.

What you may be unprepared for are the cooler winters. January average lows are 28F—that’s below freezing! And temperatures can swing fast. A winter day may hit 60F, but temperatures plummet as the sun sets. It’s the same in the summer; nights can cool dramatically from daytime highs.

And how about that rain? Sure, May and June average zero days of rain, but it does occasionally happen. It’s a big deal when it does. You’ll hear people say locals don’t know how to drive in the rain.

The winter months could have the most rainfall, but it never lasts long. July to September is “monsoon season,” when short but heavy rains can bring traffic to a standstill. Still, the monthly averages are under an inch.

The desert lifestyle also means low humidity. Some people don’t mind the dry heat, but for others, it can aggravate some health issues like asthma or nasal congestion.

Entertainment Beyond the Strip 

The Las Vegas Strip is famous for its casinos, shows, and nightlife. Those attractions are fun; as a Las Vegas local, they’ll always be there. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show or a UFC match whenever it suits your schedule. 

But there’s more to the city than gambling tables and endless performance acts. Here a few highlights of the local parks, museums, and outdoor recreation areas around Las Vegas:

Outdoor Recreation

· Over 50 golf courses with year-round play. The options include municipal, public, and private country club courses. The Shadow Creek Golf Club and Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort are among the highest rated.

· Red Rock Canyon is a prized outdoor activity destination with hiking trails and rock climbing. This scenic location has some incredible rock formations and dramatic vistas. The Calico Basin Hiking Trail is one of the most popular routes. Remember to check the weather and bring plenty of water. 

· Lake Las Vegas is the closest waterfront to the city. The massive reservoir has a marina for boating, with activities from yacht cruises to flyboard lessons. SouthShore Country Club has golfing while the trails connect into the Terazza Park.

· Lake Mead is a further drive, but the reservoir is a favorite for fishing and boating. The Hoover Dam formed this massive body of water and is an impressive attraction. Lake Mead is about 24 miles from Las Vegas. 

· Like winter skiing? Mount Charleston is about a 30-45-minute drive away.

· The City of Las Vegas has dozens of parks inside its city limits. Floyd Lamb Park in North Las Vegas is one special outdoor preserve. It has a natural spring-fed lake forming an oasis. A historic ranch inside the park demonstrates the early Las Vegas lifestyle.

Additionally, Las Vegas has four beautiful national parks, including the Grand Canyon. Your recreational activities range from biking trails to camping to world-class entertainment. 

Arts and Culture

· The Las Vegas Museum of Natural History is a cool way to explore Nevada’s history. See some interesting fossils, including many from sites around the state.

· The Arts Factory sits central in the Las Vegas Arts District. Interact directly with the artists at Preview Thursdays or First Fridays, both popular attractions. Inside and around it are art galleries and studios to check out.

· AREA15 is not the “secret” air base but a new entertainment arts district with funky places to eat, dine, shop, and explore. 

· Fremont Street is the original Strip. Come for the live music and street entertainment, and stay for the delicious dining establishments and block party vibe

· Kids will love the interactive DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, spanning three floors and with a water play area.

· Professional sports teams to root for: the NFL Raiders, WNBA Las Vegas Aces, and the NHL Golden Knights.

Eating Out in Las Vegas

From celebrity chef restaurants to casual eateries, come hungry to living in Las Vegas. The city has dining establishments from some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and Thomas Keller. 

In addition to the fine dining options, other restaurants offer a more casual dining experience but still with top-notch cuisine. The Las Vegas food scene is also famous for its buffets. These all-you-can-eat feasts offer a wide variety of dishes, from prime rib and seafood to sushi and desserts. Popular buffets in Las Vegas include the Bellagio Buffet, the Wynn Buffet, and the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.

No matter your taste or budget, you’re sure to find restaurants to your liking in Las Vegas’s dining scene.

Getting Around Las Vegas

If you plan to move to the Las Vegas suburbs, a car is a near-must. The downside is that Las Vegas vehicle traffic gets congested, especially around the Strip and during peak times. If you’re commuting during rush hour, be prepared for delays on Interstate 15. 

It’s easy to get around with public transportation anywhere near the Strip. The Monorail runs the entire length and drops you at key attractions in minutes. The city also has free trams, the SDX bus, and the Deuce Bus. So park and ride anytime you want to bet on the tables or catch a show.

Diverse Community

One of the pros of living in Las Vegas is the people. Residents and visitors come from from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds. Embrace the diversity and explore the city’s myriad cultural events, festivals, and cuisines. This melting pot of traditions is part of what makes Las Vegas such a fantastic city!

Great Places to Live

As the city expanded, it developed some fantastic Las Vegas neighborhoods. Developers have catered to all preferences and lifestyles. Retiring? Find active adult neighborhoods packed with amenities like golf and swimming. Prioritizing security? Lots of gated communities will make you feel safer. Like the suburbs? Plenty of those have quiet subdivisions, excellent schools, and shopping centers. 

Think of Las Vegas as a giant circle with The Strip running up its middle. To the east are classic Vegas neighborhoods with cool midcentury homes. Nellis Air Force Base and Tule Springs are situated in North Las Vegas. Look to the west for top master-planned communities like Summerlin and Southern Highlands. These are some of the largest communities in Las Vegas and are packed with all you need for a well-rounded life: great schools, grocery stores, and offices.

Find Lake Las Vegas to the east. Popular communities such as Green Valley Ranch and Anthem, with their golf courses and walking trails, are in the south. 

Of course, you can also live within walking distance of Las Vegas’s most famous attractions. High-rise condominiums give stunning views and convenience to the glitzy parts of town. You’ll always have plenty of entertainment options living near The Strip or downtown Las Vegas.

Other options for living in Las Vegas are the suburbs. Spring Valley has a convenient location, while beautiful views of the conservation area are found in Henderson. Many of these are family-friendly neighborhoods.

Finding Work in Las Vegas

The hospitality industry is definitely front and center. The Las Vegas economy is about 20% tourism-driven. Job seekers will find a wide range of hospitality work, from managing resort desks to valeting cars. 

But another major field is construction. Las Vegas is the nation’s fifth-fastest-growing city. You can see it with your own eyes. Locals call the orange construction cranes the city’s “official bird” because buildings are under work everywhere. 

Southern Nevada’s job market also has an extensive healthcare and social assistance segment. After all, all those people need access to medical care. However, the local school district and government are also the top employers by size. 

So, while hospitality has multiple job opportunities, there are diverse careers available in Las Vegas.

Get Educated

Good news for families heading to Las Vegas: the education system is well-ranked and home to some of Nevada’s best schools. Clark County School District is massive, serving 300,000 students. To put it in perspective, that’s about 64% of all the students in Nevada. It’s also one of the largest districts in the United States.

Quality education is delivered through a combination of 34 magnet programs, eight career and technical academies, and specialty programs like AP and IB. The district has 373 schools, 233 of which are elementary schools.

The University of Nevada–Las Vegas (UNLV) is the largest higher education provider. With over 75 undergraduate degree programs and 150 graduate programs, UNLV is a top-rated public urban research center. It holds the Carnegie Foundation’s highest recognition for Advancement in Teaching–R1. Around 30,000 students enroll each year. 

Nevada State University, the College of Southern Nevada, and the Arizona College of Nursing also offer higher education options.

Finding Healthcare 

Healthcare access is catching up as Las Vegas has grown quickly. To meet the demand for qualified healthcare professionals, UNLV opened a medical school to train medical professionals. New hospitals and medical care centers are being built along with the growing city. 

For the state, Clark County ranked fourth in health outcomes out of all Nevada counties. 

Tips for New Las Vegas Residents

Drink Lots of Water: It’s a dry climate, and you will dehydrate faster than you think. Especially in your first few months, drink more water than you think you will need. There’s a reason so many people carry around water bottles. 

Wear Your Sunscreen: Don’t underestimate the sun. Those 300 and counting days of sunshine and intense desert sunlight mean your exposure is high. Make sunscreen and SPF-rated lip balm a part of your routine. 

Gaming Culture: While gambling is a significant part of the city’s culture, remember that it’s not the only form of entertainment. Don’t feel pressured to take part if it’s not your thing.

Responsible Drinking: Las Vegas’s drinking laws are lenient, but remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Basements: Most Las Vegas homes do not have basements. The hard-packed soil and rock base are not ideal for deep digging. The need for heavy equipment makes it expensive. 

“The Spaghetti Bowl:” It’s not a place to eat, but to avoid! The nickname refers to the twisting merger of I-15, I-515-, US 93, and US 95. It is best to steer away from it during rush hour.

Nevada Resident Discount: Some city attractions and public transportation routes lower the prices for state residents. So before you book that Mandalay Bay Shark experience, check to see if being a Nevada local can save you some money. 

The Tourists

[Fact box: 40.8 million people visited Las Vegas in 2023, to the tune of over 3 million people a month.]

People visiting Las Vegas is a fact of life. Perhaps you were one yourself, and that’s why you’re moving to Las Vegas. You fell in love on visits. 

Now, the coin is flipped. Over 40 million tourists pass through the city that never sleeps each year. Dealing with the crowds and throngs will become a reality anytime you want to go to any tourist-driven part of town. Most residents avoid going around the Strip or airport. Some track when big conventions and conferences are coming so they know which roads to stay clear of.

Just know you’re not the only one when you head into town for a game at Allegiant Stadium or a show at MGM Resorts International.

Moving to Las Vegas

The idea of living in Las Vegas sounds exciting. And let’s be real, it is. As a local, you can now visit all the popular attractions at your leisure and as often as you want. Away from the casinos, you have all you need for a well-rounded life. Explore Las Vegas with a local real estate agent and see why it’s a great place to buy a home.