In late 2020, Nevada was the third fastest-growing state in America. Almost 50,000 have moved in between 2019 and last year, swelling the already 3.1 million-strong population by 1.5 percent.
So what’s the attraction to moving to Las Vegas? Many people have come from neighboring California, where real estate prices and the cost of living are spiraling out of control. In Las Vegas, by contrast, housing and rent costs are relatively low, employment is steady, there are no state taxes, and it’s always sunny.
Still, all that doesn’t answer precisely why Sin City is top of people’s settlement lists when seeking greener pastures. Read on to find out what Las Vegas has to offer new residents.
1. It Gets Hot… And Surprisingly Cold
Even if you’ve skipped across the border from Cali, you’re going to find Las Vegas hot. However, the dry heat is more bearable because of the Mojave desert climate than the sticky tropical air of, say, Florida.
Sure, you’ll need to slather on the sunscreen because that sun is scorching, but if you’re in the shade, you won’t be dripping with sweat.
On the flip side, how cold it gets is one of the astonishing things to know before moving to Las Vegas. The temperature can really plunge in the winter.
While the midday averages the 60s or 70s, it can dip down to the 40s in the early morning. You’re unlikely to see snow, though.
2. You Won’t Spend Much Time on the Strip
If you’ve ever vacationed in Las Vegas, you probably spent all your time on its famous tourist corridor, The Strip. It’s that glittery area of Las Vegas Boulevard filled with mega-resorts and casinos.
If you were thinking you’d spend all your time then, hitting the jackpot after jackpot, think again. When you move to Las Vegas, you’ll likely only end up on this famous stretch when hosting friends and family from out of town.
Most locals seldom visit this area because it’s too expensive and too crowded. You’ll be able to find everything you need in your neighborhood for more affordable prices. Unless, of course, you’re on The Strip to see a world-class show.
3. There’s No State Tax
If you’re heading to Las Vegas from a high tax state, you’re going to love this one. There’s no state tax or pretty much any taxes, for that matter. The only thing you’ll need to fork out for is a minimal sales tax if you head outside of Las Vegas into other parts of Nevada.
This helps to lower the living costs in the city. And on that note, you’ve probably been wondering: “I’m considering moving my family to Las Vegas. What is the housing market like?”
There’s more good news! Though the average salary is right around the median for the United States, rent and house prices are a little over half the price of pricey spots like LA or San Francisco. Expect mortgage payments for townhouses, condos, and family homes to be a bit more than rent you’d pay on the same property.
Before you pack your bags, spend some time on real estate websites like this one here to get an idea of what’s available to rent or buy.
4. It’s Easy to Get Around… If You Drive
When it comes to what to know before moving to Las Vegas, transport is an important area to explore. If you don’t have a driver’s license already, it’s time to start learning.
While there is public transport in the city, it’s not that reliable. Plus, the city sprawls across multiple neighborhoods and suburbs. You’re going to need to own a car to get around.
The bonus is that the congestion is relatively mild, especially when compared to other car-centric American cities like Houston or LA. If you’re determined to get by without driving, you’ll need to live on The Strip or in Downtown Las Vegas.
5. There Are a Lot of Tourism Jobs
If you’re moving to Las Vegas without a job, it’s probably a good idea to consider working in the city’s vibrant tourism industry. Around 300,000 people are employed in the hospitality industry, with health care and city administration jobs not far behind.
And that’s not surprising given the large number of casinos, hotels, and entertainments venues in Las Vegas. Other industries are moving into Nevada, too, with aerospace and IT companies setting up shop in Southern Nevada in particular.
And as the city grows, so does the housing market; the number of construction jobs is also rising.
6. Love Sport? You’re Spoiled for Choice
There are over 70 (yes, you read that right) golf courses in Las Vegas. So plenty of places to perfect your swing. There are youth baseball teams for your kids and many sports complexes with everything from indoor soccer fields to ice skating rinks.
If watching sports more your thing, you’re spoiled for choice there, too. A new NHL team called the Vegas Golden Knights practices at the T-Mobile Arena, and you can catch the WNBA Las Vegas Aces at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
7. There’s a Surprising Amount of Nature
If you love to escape into the wild every weekend, Las Vegas is close to all kinds of natural wonders.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Valley of Fire State Park are just a short drive from the city. There are various well-maintained trails and hikes through moon-like terrain dotted with giant cacti.
If you prefer to dip your toes on a hot day, head to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Or drive just 30 minutes, and you’re mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, or skiing at Mt. Charleston.
And don’t forget that the world-leading sights like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam are mere hours away.
I’m Packing My Bags and Moving to Las Vegas
Are you convinced about moving to Las Vegas yet?
The sun, the natural wonders surprisingly close by, the golf courses, and, of course, some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the world. Not to mention the affordable cost of living and cheaper real estate. What’s not to love about the City of Second Chances?
If you’re looking for more information on what it’s like to live in America’s greatest cities, check out the other articles on our blog.
