Las Vegas, Nevada, is famous for its casinos, nightlife, entertainment, fine dining, and tourism. With its limitless entertainment options and outdoor activities, exquisite fine dining and culinary experiences, and proximity to many national parks, this modern city is one of the most populated and renowned cities in the world. The city is known for its glitz and glamour, but it also has its fair share of downsides. In this article, we will explore both the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas.
Pros
- Lower cost of living
- Lots of entertainment
- Great nightlife
- Job opportunities
- Sunny weather
Cons
- Traffic congestion
- Extreme heat
- Influx of tourists
- Limited employment diversity
Pros of living in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has several benefits to offer, including:
1. Rent prices
In Las Vegas, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for an average rent of $1,299 per month, which is much lower and more affordable than many other metropolitan cities in the United States. The average rent for a studio apartment is $1,055 per month, while that for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,545 per month. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Downtown Las Vegas, Mira Villa, and Rancho Oakey. Elkhorn is the most affordable neighborhood, while Mira Villas is the most expensive neighborhood.
2. Entertainment
Las Vegas has endless entertainment options for all interests and ages in every corner of the city, and many regard it to be the Entertainment Capital of the World. While the Strip is known for its upscale casino hotels, there’s so much more to experience. Besides its Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay regularly hosts huge music concerts, sports competitions, and TV shows in its 12,000-seat entertainment complex. You can also enjoy live music and catch your favorite performers at the House of Blues Music Hall or Resorts World or watch spellbinding live shows at The Mirage, including its erupting volcano.
AREA15 offers a variety of attractions and virtual reality experiences. Thrill-seekers can attempt to ride the fastest rollercoaster on the Las Vegas Strip or the Fly LINQ Zipline. Other popular attractions include the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Some additional fun things to do include walking on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, kayaking to explore the Black Canyon wildlife, hiking the Valley of Fire, skydiving or flying over the Grand Canyon by helicopter, rafting on the Colorado River or Lake Mead, or visiting the Antelope Canyon.
3. Drinking and dining options
Las Vegas is home to some of the best world-class restaurants, such as Top of the World, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, and Bardot Brasserie. As a tourist hot spot, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Southwestern to oriental Korean, Chinese, and Thai delicacies. You can experience popular favorites in several celebrity chef kitchens and national food chains. You’ll also find some unique bars in Las Vegas, such as The Chandelier, SkyBar, and Minus 5 Ice Bar.
4. Job opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of living in Las Vegas is the job opportunities available. The city has a thriving tourism industry, which provides a wide range of employment opportunities. Whether you’re interested in working in hotels, restaurants, casinos, or entertainment venues, there are plenty of jobs available.
5. Weather
Las Vegas enjoys a warm climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The city is situated in the Mojave Desert, which means that it is dry and hot, with very little rain. If you love warm weather, Las Vegas is the perfect place to call home.
Cons of living in Las Vegas
Though there are plenty of upsides to living in Las Vegas, there are some potential disadvantages as well, such as:
1. Transportation
Although Las Vegas has a public transit system, the RTC, which connects Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson by bus, it’s typically unreliable and inefficient, with inconvenient timings. Popular taxi providers include Curb, Yellow Cab, and Desert Cab, among others. You can also rent a variety of luxury cars. While many ride-sharing providers exist, including Uber, Blacklane, Lyft, and limos, they’re expensive for everyday use. Many residents prefer to explore the city and the surrounding areas using their own car, especially for routine commutes.
Like any major city, Las Vegas has its fair share of traffic. The city is home to more than two million people, and the roads can get congested during peak hours. This can make commuting to work or running errands a frustrating experience.
2. Heat
While the warm weather can be a plus, it can also be a downside. Las Vegas is known for its scorching temperatures, which can reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities during the hottest months of the year. If you have a dog you may have extra difficulty walking them and taking them outdoors in the summer. Las Vegas is located in an arid region, which means that water shortages can be a concern. The city has implemented water conservation measures to address this issue, but residents still need to be mindful of their water usage, especially in the summer.
3. Tourists
Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, which means that the city can get very crowded during peak tourist season. This can make it difficult to navigate the city, and some locals find the crowds overwhelming.
4. Limited employment diversity
While there are many job opportunities in the tourism industry, there is a lack of diversity in other industries. This can make it difficult for people in certain fields to find employment opportunities in Las Vegas.
FAQs about living in Las Vegas
Here are some additional questions and answers to help you decide whether to move to Las Vegas:
Although the cost of living in Las Vegas is 3% higher than the national average, it’s comparatively much lower than other major cities across the United States. The cost of utilities can be high during the summer months, but on average, it’s lower than in other cities. Even though Las Vegas is an entertainment and tourism hot spot, costs associated with daily living, including groceries and dining at restaurants, are more affordable. Living in Las Vegas also exempts you from paying state income tax.
You can enjoy a far more reasonable cost of living in Las Vegas than in other major metropolitan cities across the U.S. Consumer prices including rent are considerably higher in other locations. For example, compared to Las Vegas, New York’s prices are 75.5% higher, Seattle’s prices are 41.9% higher, Boston’s prices are 41.5% higher, and Los Angeles’ prices are 34.9% higher. The cost of utilities, groceries, and dining at restaurants is also much lower in Las Vegas.
Some of the major cities close to Las Vegas include San Bernardino (181.7 miles), Riverside (195.6 miles), Anaheim (221.2 miles), Bakersfield (221.5 miles), and Los Angeles (224.4 miles).
The job market in Las Vegas is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, but there are also opportunities in healthcare, education, and technology. However, certain industries may be more limited in terms of job opportunities.
Final thoughts
Las Vegas has a lot to offer for entertainment, outdoor recreational activities, shopping, and dining among other unique experiences. Several celebrities, including pop stars, actors, musicians, and chefs, call Las Vegas home. With its warm weather, low cost of living, and mild traffic, renters can enjoy a pleasant and fun-filled stay in this global city. Discover the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas and find your ideal apartment today.
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