Welcome to Las Vegas, a city that offers much more than just its world-famous Strip. Las Vegas has all the same luxury and nightlife as other cities like Los Angeles or New York, just without the expensive price tag.
If you think Las Vegas is solely party-central, you’re wrong. There are lots of family-friendly neighborhoods and close-knit communities like Henderson and Summerlin located just outside downtown. Dive into the expert’s guide and find out if Las Vegas is your next home.
1. Cost of Living in Las Vegas
Living in Las Vegas comes with its own set of perks: affordable housing. In contrast to the sky-high costs in cities like Los Angeles or New York, Vegas offers everything from sleek condos on the Strip to spacious suburban homes and cozy apartments, all without breaking the bank. Plus, Las Vegas has many new developments underway that should get you excited about living there.
The overall cost of living here aligns nicely with the national average. Groceries offer good value with a variety of supermarkets and farmers’ markets.
Utility costs are generally standard, though expect your electricity bill to climb during those steamy summer months. Healthcare is another area where Vegas scores well, providing a wide range of services at costs that won’t send you reeling if you have some sort of health insurance.
It’s worth noting, though, that your lifestyle choices can make or break your expenses. Vegas’s glamour can tempt you with high-end dining and entertainment, bumping up your spending, but it also is filled with economically friendly dining spots and free or low-cost activities.
So whether you’re saving or splurging, Las Vegas offers a lifestyle that can adapt to your budget, letting you enjoy the city’s vibrant scene without necessarily gambling away your savings.
2. Surrounding Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
1. Summerlin
Nestled west of Section Seven, Summerlin stands out as an upscale community that combines a modern atmosphere with the convenience of city living. Those relocating to Las Vegas will find Summerlin’s 400-acre shopping center a major draw, featuring a broad array of retail stores and good eats.
The neighborhood offers luxurious apartments built with lush landscaping, swimming pools, and modern appliances. Summerlin is particularly appealing to young families starting out, thanks to its well-rounded amenities and strong community feel. Whether it’s for shopping, dining, or enjoying a leisurely lifestyle, Summerlin offers a vibrant yet peaceful setting ideal for making a home.
2. Henderson
Often hailed as one of Nevada’s top neighborhoods due to its amazing quality of life, Henderson strikes a perfect balance between suburbia and hustle and bustle. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 80 miles of trails tailored for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and more. It’s almost like adventure is always at your doorstep.
Residents enjoy a diverse array of housing options from cozy single-family homes and townhomes to luxurious high-rise apartments, many of which offer stunning mountain views.
Henderson’s proximity to Vegas means you’re never far from the city’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment, yet you can easily retreat to quieter, nature-filled surroundings. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor lifestyle or a serene place to call home near the excitement of Las Vegas, Henderson offers a dynamic living experience that caters to a variety of preferences and lifestyles.
3. Section Seven
Here you’ll find a mix of single-family homes and apartments, all within easy reach of local restaurants. This area combines comfort and affordability, with reasonably priced apartments that have modern amenities. This city delivers a unique urban vibe, while still giving off slower-paced vibes.
4. Peccole Ranch
Peccole Ranch offers residents an urban-suburban mix, with most residents renting their homes instead of owning them. Peccole Ranch features 284 acres of common areas, including parks, playgrounds, pickleball courts, and many more. Many young professionals set down their roots here for a while because of the great job opportunities this city has to offer.
5. Rancho Oakey
Rancho Oakey is the perfect spot for those moving to Las Vegas seeking excitement but preferring a more laid-back alternative to Downtown. For a change of pace, you can easily slip away to the nearby Springs Preserve, where 180 acres of museums, botanical gardens, and outdoor exhibits offer a tranquil escape from the city’s constant buzz.
6. Downtown Vegas
This neighborhood is rapidly gaining popularity with the younger crowd, featuring high-rise apartments and doorstep access to local attractions like the Container Park and Downtown Las Vegas Event Center. Living in this area eliminates the need for a commute and there’s always something to do, keeping the excitement high.
3. Attractions in Las Vegas
Of course, the Las Vegas Strip is a must-see. You’ll be able to explore world-class resorts, and luxurious dining, and catch some live shows and performances you can’t see anywhere else on Earth. The city is also home to a booming art scene with many museums, galleries, and theatres around the city.
If you’re more into the outdoors than indoors, Las Vegas has world-renowned wonders like Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire State Park. There’s lots to do outdoors, whether it be hiking, golfing, or even boating. Just make sure to bring water and watch the temperature!
4. The Job Market
Las Vegas boasts a vibrant job market, offering diverse opportunities across many industries. The city’s iconic entertainment scene fuels jobs in show production, event management, and the performing arts. While the job market is dynamic and growing, competition can be fierce, especially in tourism-dependent sectors.
To stand out, networking in the Sin City is crucial. For those eager to dive into this lively market, understanding specific industry demands and necessary qualifications is essential for tapping into Las Vegas’s potential for career advancement.
Las Vegas has seen some massive growth in the healthcare, finance, and technology sectors specifically, in the surrounding areas of Las Vegas.
5. Weather
Las Vegas is known for its desert climate, featuring scorching summers with temperatures often soaring above 100°F (38°C), while winters remain mild, generally hovering in the 50s and 60s°F (10-20°C).
During the intense summer heat, it’s important to stay hydrated and aware of your surroundings. Also, the city occasionally experiences haboobs, which are wind and dust storms that can impair visibility and affect driving conditions.
While largely shielded from severe natural disasters like earthquakes, Las Vegas is prone to flash floods during heavy rains, so it’s wise to stay alert to weather advisories and have an emergency plan ready.
6. Transportation
Public transportation in Las Vegas is run by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), which boasts a comprehensive bus system spanning the entire valley.
This network includes routes along the bustling Las Vegas Strip and downtown, equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and bike racks to enhance your commute.
For a speedy trip down the Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail connects major hotspots with quick, scenic rides, ideal for both tourists and locals. Additionally, for those seeking flexibility, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, offering a personalized travel experience across the city.
7. Tax Rates in Las Vegas
Living in Las Vegas comes with the sweet perk of no state income tax. Yep, you heard that right, Nevada lets you keep more of your paycheck. But keep in mind, it’s not a tax-free free-for-all; you’ll still encounter sales taxes and property taxes. Sales tax comes in at around 8.38%.
Consulting a tax professional or checking in with local tax authorities can provide you with tailored advice to navigate these waters efficiently. This can help you fully leverage the financial benefits of Sin City living.
Should You Move to Las Vegas?
Nevada truly stands out as a fantastic place to call home, boasting a unique blend of affordability and modern amenities that are hard to find elsewhere. If you can handle the heat during summer, you’ll find this state has a lot to offer.
Nevada offers a diverse range of environments to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or a slower-paced lifestyle. So if you’re seeking a place where variety meets value, Nevada might just be your perfect match.
