Living in Las Vegas-yay or nay?

I'm chasing a promotion within the company I work for, but it would require me to relocate to Las Vegas. The promotion is substantial, and exactly what I want to be doing withing the company. I have no kids to worry about, and my wife is in favor of the move.

All that said, what am I getting myself into by moving to Las Vegas? Gambling does nothing for me, so the casinos hold no allure to me. I'd only go to the strip for food or a show, or to people watch. There is a plethora of things to do outside, what with Lake Mead and the mountains being so close, which I see as a big plus. However, Vegas has always seemed like a place you visit, not a place to live.

Anyone live (or lived) there? Any pointers?

 

Well it does have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country so you should be able to get a nice place cheap.

Never lived there but the thought does intrigue me.

 

I know a bunch of folks who live there and love it. There's more to it than The Strip, just like there's more to Orlando than the Magic Kingdom. Ok, that's not a great example, but there are lots of things to do there. There are a bunch of outdoor activities in the area, and the tourism aspect adds to it and gives a few more options.

I don't see a downside for you here.

 

Gambling might not be your thing but you might enjoy the shows.

 

It's hot as hell in summer...just in case you didn't realize that already. They have water issues in the summer as well.

Never lived there myself, but I've known a few people who have. My sister lived there and hated it. She said it's a fun place to visit but that it sucks to live there because of the oppressive heat and the fact that it was really hard to find a job (which doesn't seem to be your problem). She also said in her opinion, the place is full of assholes. YMMV.

Had a friend who lived there - he liked it ok but he said the school system absolutely sucks (again, doesn't seem to be an issue for you) and that was one of the biggest reasons he left. Should you decide to have children in the future, it might be something to keep in mind.

Known a couple of airmen who were stationed at Nellis - they loved it because of the night life. They were young and single, so it was appealing to them.

We live 6 hours away from Las Vegas. My husband is studying nursing and asked me what I thought about moving to Las Vegas if he landed a job there. I'm not down with the idea. Personally, I wouldn't move there for the above listed negative reasons.

Just my .02.

 

I visited for a long weekend.
I was glad to see it and enjoyed my 3 days but have no desire to go back.
Stifling heat, and an air-conditioning culture aren't for me, and the sight of people that can't afford it gambling away their precious savings makes me feel depressed.
I haven't been to Reno but that seems like a cool place to live in Nevada.

 

I always like Reno 10x more then Vegas. The whole area is dotted with historical sites and I always found the people to be more friendly in general.

 

thanks for all the input. Everything said mirrors what I've heard elsewhere. Right now I'm looking at lofts, and trying to find a cool & unique loft is really damn hard. I keep having to sift through a bunch of cookie cutter places. It's like trying to find a diamond in the rough. I've seen developments I'm interested in, but good god it's all but impossible to check pricing and availability.

 

Have you tried zillow.com to check listings?

 

It depends where you are moving from.

I spent the weekend before Labor Day there, and had a great time. But, I would have a big problem trying to live a 'cheap' lifestyle there.

The big problem and benefit is the tourist population. Since you have a relationship, it won't matter to you. But dating is pretty hard when you don't know if the other person will be flying 1500 miles the next day and just wanted some fun in Vegas. But the tourists pay the taxes, and help get enough people in one place for some great events and parties.

Are you planning to live by the strip? North Vegas? South Vegas?

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/aug/25/loneliest-road/

Here is the best article and best advice on this (the second half).

Vegas is what you make of it. There are some great things to do, some free and interesting events, and lots to see. But, the people are distant and the sense of community is not there.

I want to like Vegas. I really do. And I love it as a vacation/party place, and if you have lots of friends in the area it would be great. Halloween on the strip can't be beat. There are a lot of hot girls there to look at. However, I'm not sure I would want to live there as a single guy or as a couple for more than 2-3 years. I would feel like I had to go out almost every night (you are in Vegas, you're missing out), and you do feel lonely being among the crowds of happy people.

Four other things:

1. I still don't understand where people get so much money to gamble all night.

2. It is great for watching college or pro football.

3. Google maps makes the walking distances look a lot shorter than they really are. I usually always have leg injuries from walking so much after a weekend.

4. Since I boycott the stupid taxi companies there for preventing the monorail from connecting to the airport. I will take the rental car shuttle to their parking center, and then walk a little to 'The Deuce' bus terminal. If you don't have luggage or just a backpack, it will only be $2 instead of $20 for a taxi.

 

Almost daily.

 

Gyah, Vegas. Home of the sand people.

On the plus side, an ex of mine runs a swing club out there. So if you like swinging, there's a decent community.

 

Really a swing club? In Vegas? Sounds out of place.

 

You're not going to find too much unique places like lofts out there. The housing stock is too new. Vegas has a habit of replacing things that have earned character with things that have designed character. I've got several clients out there, and most of them live either outside of town or on the very fringes. There's one that lives downtown, but she's a 55 year old wild child.

Don't buy anything without seeing it first. There are great deals but there are also deals too good to be true.

 

these are what I'm looking at right now. I'll know next week if the job is mine or not, and if it is, I'm flying out to look at the condition of the branch before I accept the offer. I hope to be able to check out some places while I'm out there.

http://www.mylvcondosales.com/idx/mls-1165084-200_w_sahara_av_unit_809_las_vegas_nv_89102

http://www.altamontecito.com/home.asp

*note: this one autoplays music*
http://www.metreonlofts.com/

http://www.avanti-apts.com/

 

She doesn't mean the dancing kind, Tully. XD

 

I'm in tears over here...