Las Vegas
Ranked 4th best city in Nevada
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Great for
- Parks & Recreation
- Lack of Traffic
- Eating Out
- Internet Access
- Medical Facilities
Not great for
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Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
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Reviews
Las Vegas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"More than just nightlife"
NIGHTLIFE
Obviously, this is the main reason people go to Las Vegas—for the party and gambling scene, as well as the anonymity that the huge crowds afford. I don’t think I need to say too much about this, as everyone is already familiar with Vegas’ most famous attractions. My only suggestions are:
--Definitely get a hotel on or close to the strip, or you’ll have to taxi everywhere and that will cost just as much as the extra expense of a hotel right in the middle of all the action.
--The blocks are HUGE so if something looks close on a map (only 4 blocks away!) it’s MUCH farther than you think
--If you have a lot of women in your group, walk around during the day and look for promoters (young men in nice suits handing out flyers). They will put you on their guest list, which means free entrance and/or a shorter line. Then, show up EARLY. Otherwise your guest passes are useless.
--Traffic at night is totally stop and go. Rush hour has a completely different meaning here. So if you’re catching a cab to the other end of the strip, give yourself a lot more time than you think you’ll need to get there.
SPORTS & CONVENTIONS
Besides the gambling, shows, and nightlife, Vegas is known as a big sports competition destination. The NCAA WCC (West coast conference) Basketball competition is usually held here. When I was there most recently there was a huge soccer tournament with hundreds of teams, all ages, from all over the country. There was also a gymnastics convention.
Vegas is popular for conventions overall, not just sports. This is probably due to the large amount of venue space to rent and the availability of accommodations.
LIVING HERE:
One word: cheap. Depending on the neighborhood, you can rent an entire 1 bedroom house for $600/month, or a 2 or 3 bedroom house for $750/month. Since the biggest industry in Vegas is obviously tourism, low rent is important because most of those service jobs aren’t high paying. The catch? A lot of the homes are in mobile home parks.
This is a little insight into the reality that is Vegas—as soon as you step off the strip, the range of incomes, particularly low-income households, is very apparent. The glitzy streets are replaced with cracked pavement, empty lots, and broken sidewalks. The fountains and valet parking make way for mobile home parks. There are very few locals that actually get rich in Vegas, most people are just working service jobs trying to get by like the rest of us.
That being said, the friends I do have that live in Vegas say one reason they stay is they love the tight community of locals.
Another reason people love living here is the beauty of the natural surroundings:
OUTDOOR RECREATION:
If you’re sick of the strip and want the complete opposite, Vegas has some beautiful outdoor rec sites within an hour’s drive.
If you get your timing right, there are some great day hiking options. In the winter the trails can be snow covered (but still possible with the right gear, and stunningly gorgeous), and in the summer, you have to REALLY be able to handle your heat because there’s very little shade in a lot of areas. Rock climbing is also big here. Carry over a gallon of water for a day hike. The two closest areas are Red Rock Canyon (30 min drive, busy, accessible) and Sloan Canyon (45-60 min, rough road, not busy) National Conservation areas. Sloan Canyon also has a pretty cool petroglyph site (ancient rock art).
Besides those two, there is lots of recreation on the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the east, on the border with Arizona. The bottom of Lake Mead is where the famous Hoover Dam is, another popular tourist destination. Plenty to enjoy in nature here, outside of the smoke-filled casinos!
Obviously, this is the main reason people go to Las Vegas—for the party and gambling scene, as well as the anonymity that the huge crowds afford. I don’t think I need to say too much about this, as everyone is already familiar with Vegas’ most famous attractions. My only suggestions are:
--Definitely get a hotel on or close to the strip, or you’ll have to taxi everywhere and that will cost just as much as the extra expense of a hotel right in the middle of all the action.
--The blocks are HUGE so if something looks close on a map (only 4 blocks away!) it’s MUCH farther than you think
--If you have a lot of women in your group, walk around during the day and look for promoters (young men in nice suits handing out flyers). They will put you on their guest list, which means free entrance and/or a shorter line. Then, show up EARLY. Otherwise your guest passes are useless.
--Traffic at night is totally stop and go. Rush hour has a completely different meaning here. So if you’re catching a cab to the other end of the strip, give yourself a lot more time than you think you’ll need to get there.
SPORTS & CONVENTIONS
Besides the gambling, shows, and nightlife, Vegas is known as a big sports competition destination. The NCAA WCC (West coast conference) Basketball competition is usually held here. When I was there most recently there was a huge soccer tournament with hundreds of teams, all ages, from all over the country. There was also a gymnastics convention.
Vegas is popular for conventions overall, not just sports. This is probably due to the large amount of venue space to rent and the availability of accommodations.
LIVING HERE:
One word: cheap. Depending on the neighborhood, you can rent an entire 1 bedroom house for $600/month, or a 2 or 3 bedroom house for $750/month. Since the biggest industry in Vegas is obviously tourism, low rent is important because most of those service jobs aren’t high paying. The catch? A lot of the homes are in mobile home parks.
This is a little insight into the reality that is Vegas—as soon as you step off the strip, the range of incomes, particularly low-income households, is very apparent. The glitzy streets are replaced with cracked pavement, empty lots, and broken sidewalks. The fountains and valet parking make way for mobile home parks. There are very few locals that actually get rich in Vegas, most people are just working service jobs trying to get by like the rest of us.
That being said, the friends I do have that live in Vegas say one reason they stay is they love the tight community of locals.
Another reason people love living here is the beauty of the natural surroundings:
OUTDOOR RECREATION:
If you’re sick of the strip and want the complete opposite, Vegas has some beautiful outdoor rec sites within an hour’s drive.
If you get your timing right, there are some great day hiking options. In the winter the trails can be snow covered (but still possible with the right gear, and stunningly gorgeous), and in the summer, you have to REALLY be able to handle your heat because there’s very little shade in a lot of areas. Rock climbing is also big here. Carry over a gallon of water for a day hike. The two closest areas are Red Rock Canyon (30 min drive, busy, accessible) and Sloan Canyon (45-60 min, rough road, not busy) National Conservation areas. Sloan Canyon also has a pretty cool petroglyph site (ancient rock art).
Besides those two, there is lots of recreation on the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the east, on the border with Arizona. The bottom of Lake Mead is where the famous Hoover Dam is, another popular tourist destination. Plenty to enjoy in nature here, outside of the smoke-filled casinos!
Pros
- Close to nature
- Nightlife
- Low Priced Homes
Cons
- Run down neighborhoods
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Trendy & Stylish
Las Vegas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Got Spirit?"
I've lived in many places and yes including the highly proclaimed San Diego, and I always end up back in Vegas. My husband and I've been lured to other states with big money job offers, at the end we always feel empty because we miss our people in Las Vegas.
One thing many would not know is that we have here a huge spiritual community, I practice Native American spirituality and yes! We do sweat lodge here! (That's how we receive the New Year, while most party) and when and elder Hopi came to visit, to share a message; he did it from the Temple of Shaolin in Spring Mountain and lots of other faiths and church members were there as well!
That's how we roll, same way we don't judge how you choose to have fun in our city, we are a tight community. My kid plays on the street all day, like we used to! Every person that comes through my door is a dear friend, never missed 1st Friday and bring your kids during the day/1st weekend.
One thing many would not know is that we have here a huge spiritual community, I practice Native American spirituality and yes! We do sweat lodge here! (That's how we receive the New Year, while most party) and when and elder Hopi came to visit, to share a message; he did it from the Temple of Shaolin in Spring Mountain and lots of other faiths and church members were there as well!
That's how we roll, same way we don't judge how you choose to have fun in our city, we are a tight community. My kid plays on the street all day, like we used to! Every person that comes through my door is a dear friend, never missed 1st Friday and bring your kids during the day/1st weekend.
Pros
- Low Priced Homes
Cons
- Bidding wars for them
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Las Vegas
"It Vegas Baby!"
Yes that's right >> Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities on this planet!
Yes that's right >> Las Vegas is on sale today!
I live here for 21+ years originally born and raised in the hussel and bussel of NYC. I love NY {just like the song}....but is cost less to live in LV and we have no state income taxes to boot.
Yes that's right >> Las Vegas is on sale today!
I live here for 21+ years originally born and raised in the hussel and bussel of NYC. I love NY {just like the song}....but is cost less to live in LV and we have no state income taxes to boot.
Pros
- Low Priced Homes
Cons
- Bidding wars for them
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Las Vegas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"What's not good about Lost Wages (Las Vegas)"
What is not good? 1. Jobs are being lost by the thousands. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. 2. The Heat in the summer. If you want to burst into flames as soon as you walk out the door, if you want a/c bills in the hundreds and if you want to live in the a/c 24/7 then this is your place. It is NOT recommended for people who are heat sensitive. 3. The dirt. If you like a clean house, you have to keep your windows closed at all time. This place is dirty, no way around it. 4. Bugs. Yes, they do exist here. Fleas are not a problem as for some reason they don't like the climate. I have several pets, no fleas whatsoever. Brown Recluse Spiders and Black Widow Spiders are plentiful so if your agoraphobic, get therapy :-) 5. The traffic...Horrendous especially on the strip. Your best bet? Walk. Yes, I live here. Yes, I hate it and Yes, I'm planning on getting out one of these days.
Las Vegas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
"Las Vegas for kids?"
My husband and I recently took a trip to Vegas and we were nice enough to leave the kids at home(thank you mom!!). Before heading out, we read review after review about people complaining about this or that because their kids weren't happy. I have one question. WHY would anyone willingly take their kids to vacation in Vegas. After seeing some of what I saw, that has got to be one of the most irresponsible things a parent could do!
As a grownup, Las Vegas has its fun places. I love the casinos(except for seeing the 3 year old sitting there waiting for dad to get back as he chased the other child down the way), walking the strip was great(or would have been except for the child standing their holding the hooker cards with the big fake boobs on them) and the restaurant we ate at that first day was good too(or would have been if they had had chicken mcnuggets for the boy at the table across the way).
I would suggest to all that if you want a place to take the kids, do NOT choose Vegas. That would make everything a lot more pleasant for those who want to go to a place for grownups. Just because one hotel has a spongebob ride does not mean the child under 4'8 can even ride it! Nor can 6 month old infants play skeeball! And just because you want to gamble does not mean you can take a stroller into the casino and leave your infant sitting on the carpeted walkway so you can avoid being reprimanded by security! If you MUST take children on your wild holiday, might I suggest someplace more appropriate! Do your homework and pay attention! No wonder the locals can't stand tourists! Geez!
Apart from the ignorant parents and the poor kids, Las Vegas is great! I could have truly enjoyed myself if some parents thought about the kids before they thought about themselves, but overall I had a fantastic trip! We are planning on taking another one there next year when the kids go back to grandma's for a visit! We will be finding the most kid unfriendly hotel in the area!
As a grownup, Las Vegas has its fun places. I love the casinos(except for seeing the 3 year old sitting there waiting for dad to get back as he chased the other child down the way), walking the strip was great(or would have been except for the child standing their holding the hooker cards with the big fake boobs on them) and the restaurant we ate at that first day was good too(or would have been if they had had chicken mcnuggets for the boy at the table across the way).
I would suggest to all that if you want a place to take the kids, do NOT choose Vegas. That would make everything a lot more pleasant for those who want to go to a place for grownups. Just because one hotel has a spongebob ride does not mean the child under 4'8 can even ride it! Nor can 6 month old infants play skeeball! And just because you want to gamble does not mean you can take a stroller into the casino and leave your infant sitting on the carpeted walkway so you can avoid being reprimanded by security! If you MUST take children on your wild holiday, might I suggest someplace more appropriate! Do your homework and pay attention! No wonder the locals can't stand tourists! Geez!
Apart from the ignorant parents and the poor kids, Las Vegas is great! I could have truly enjoyed myself if some parents thought about the kids before they thought about themselves, but overall I had a fantastic trip! We are planning on taking another one there next year when the kids go back to grandma's for a visit! We will be finding the most kid unfriendly hotel in the area!
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
Las Vegas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"If you dont care about a "soul" then you will love this city."
Lets make one thing clear - this city has everything you would ever want if you were building a city. In that regard, the place is truly top notch - period. That said, like many things that are fabricated versus natural, this city has absolutely no soul whatsoever. Look at the casinos for god sakes - they are all named and themed after other places in the world, Paris, Luxor, the Venetian, Bellagio - the list goes on and on. Well I have been to all those places, Las Vegas is a pale representation of any of them.
Bottom line, if you are into value, and dont care about things like culture, Las Vegas is the city for you - you will love it. However, if you care about things like authenticity, character, substance, sincerity, etc. best advised you look elsewhere...
Bottom line, if you are into value, and dont care about things like culture, Las Vegas is the city for you - you will love it. However, if you care about things like authenticity, character, substance, sincerity, etc. best advised you look elsewhere...
Twex
I am going to have to concur with this assessment. Las Vegas, easy to survive... but don't call it a city; it is a really long block.
2yrs+
StudebakerMan
I was born here, and its not the place it was.
Starting in the late 80's it became the dumping grounds for southern California's problems.
Have a problem? I'll bet the root cause is a person from "Kali"
Starting in the late 80's it became the dumping grounds for southern California's problems.
Have a problem? I'll bet the root cause is a person from "Kali"
2yrs+
CommunityMan
This is an interesting perspective. What has brought a lot of Californians to Nevada? Employment opportunities? Lower cost of living?
2yrs+
StudebakerMan
both.
until the meltdown it went something like this:
get in trouble, sell your S. Ca. house for much bucks, move to Vegas or Phoenix buy cheap house and get job. Start getting in trouble all over.
along with this trend came the shift in gang bangers who would come to Vegas to chill. They get in real trouble in S. CA, and run to an Auntie or uncle's here in Vegas, until things calm down.
But they don't chill, they just start their bullshit out here.
Ask people their stories, you find broad patterns that will match my observations.
until the meltdown it went something like this:
get in trouble, sell your S. Ca. house for much bucks, move to Vegas or Phoenix buy cheap house and get job. Start getting in trouble all over.
along with this trend came the shift in gang bangers who would come to Vegas to chill. They get in real trouble in S. CA, and run to an Auntie or uncle's here in Vegas, until things calm down.
But they don't chill, they just start their bullshit out here.
Ask people their stories, you find broad patterns that will match my observations.
2yrs+
CommunityMan
I hear you! I've never been to Vegas but I can understand the kinds of social patterns you're talking about here.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
Las Vegas
"Another really great area"
West Sahara is close to the Stratosphere hotel and casino. That is almost at the north end of the Strip. At any time during the day, you will find many people walking to and from various hotels and casinos. The traffic at times can be quite unbearable but if you like to people watch, it passes the time and it really isn't so bad.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
