Hello tPFers!
An opportunity for promotion at work as come up, except I would have to relocate to Las Vegas. I have been there a few times before as a tourist
so I know what "the strip" has to offer, but I'm curious about the city from the POV of its residents.
There is one guy in my department that transfered here FROM Vegas and he didn't care for the city (he was married and had young kids at the time) but I would like to here opinions from people of all walks of life. I
Anyone care to share their thoughts?
I don't live in Las Vegas, so take this with a grain of salt...
Honestly, Las Vegas is what you make it - just like any other city.
It has some of the best food in the US, the recreation opportunities abound, the cost of living is affordable, and other than the middle of summer, the climate is excellent.
I have been looking at a vacation property in Las Vegas for the past couple of years with the intention of spending 2-3 weeks at a time every few months or so. This is my goal for my 50th birthday.
I can't speak of all of the neighbourhoods but I know the Summerlin area quite well and I'm starting to enjoy Henderson/Anthem a bit more too. Both would be excellent choices.
Home prices are still quite affordable but I'm afraid I'm not well-versed on state income tax stuff.
What do you like to do?
What kind of commute would you be looking at?
McCarran is a great airport and you can fly to literally every city in the US from there for pretty cheap.
There are so many things to do in Las Vegas that you could not visit the strip for months and you'd still be left with a list of fun stuff.
Do you like the Arts? The new (or maybe it's not THAT new anymore) Smith Center is awesome. I saw Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo there last spring. It's a beautiful building. There are a few performing arts centers throughout the valley.
Life isn't all about shopping but there is some great shopping in Las Vegas as well.
You're broke this month? Head down to the strip for some free entertainment. Stagette girls in their tube-top-as-skirt teetering in their sky high platforms are always worth a giggle. Walk through the conservatory in the Bellagio. You'll never be bored. I know "real locals" don't go to the strip - I live in a resort town too and I rarely head into the touristy part of town on weekends or US/CDN holidays.
You like nature? Good. There's lots of it. Check out (and get a membership) to the Springs Preserve. I have one and I'm not even a resident but it's a nice quiet place away from the city.
I don't know, kansas, what's holding you back?
I hope this wasn't too jumbled, I was just writing it all down as it was coming into my head. I have more stuff to write but I'm gonna save it.