Oft thought of as a vacation spot for soon-to-be newlyweds and high-rolling big shots, Las Vegas is actually a fantastic place to call home. The weather is warm year-round, with winter days rarely dropping below 50 degrees.
In Vegas, there’s no shortage of nightlife and entertainment, there is more land available to homeowners, and the surrounding landscape is a sight to see. As with any city, there are a few drawbacks—including a heavy population of tourists, blazing-hot summer months, and below-average educational ratings for K-12 schooling.
Not to mention, in any move, you have to declutter before you move and potentially start a new job search. Read on to explore the important things to consider before moving to Las Vegas to determine if this move is worth making.
Neighborhoods
First, get realistic—you probably aren’t moving into a multi-million-dollar penthouse on the Vegas Strip. More likely, you’ll settle on a neighborhood near the downtown or a suburb farther away.
Luckily, the greater Las Vegas area boasts many fantastic towns for young families, older couples, and singles alike! The neighborhood of Paradise includes the largest areas of the strip and gives you the closest experience to living downtown.
Winchester and North Las Vegas are a bit farther from the strip, but they’re both young and vibrant areas with excellent attractions and nightlife. Families might consider Whitney, Boulder City, Spring Valley, or Henderson—these towns feature above-average school systems, larger houses, parks and public spaces, and more relaxed lifestyles.
Cost of Living
Once you determine which area is best for you, you can get a clearer image of the cost of living. Luckily, the average cost of living across most of Las Vegas is akin to other cities.
Nevada features no income tax and boasts the lowest taxes in the country overall. Vegas tourism, specifically gambling, funds much of the state’s expenses, leaving you with more money in the bank.
Food and entertainment are on the pricier side, meaning a portion of your money will go to leisure funds and grocery shopping. Food, specifically, often comes from out of state, meaning prices are always high.
The median home cost in the Vegas area is over $330,000, while the average rent is around $1,200 monthly. Depending on your needs and preferences, a salary of $50,000 and above is perfectly fine for living comfortably in Vegas.
Environmental Factors
Living in the desert does come with its drawbacks, specifically in your home. You’ll be running your A/C units far more frequently, which drives utility bills up.
A damaged HVAC system might allow dry air to circulate through the house, potentially affecting wooden furniture and your physical well-being. It’s also important to consider Vegas’ hard water rating, which leads many homeowners to use water conditioners or install a reverse osmosis system.
Heatwaves are common in the middle of summer, and it’s easy to suffer from dehydration and heat stroke during these periods. Ultimately, humans need extra support to live in arid environments, and there are unique issues you’ll encounter when moving to Nevada.
Once you consider these factors before moving to Las Vegas, you can make a better decision for your future. As with any new place, there will be positives and negatives—find what fits your preferred lifestyle, and you can absolutely pursue those dreams in Nevada’s greatest city!