Consolidated "Living in / Moving to Las Vegas - Questions & Suggestions" thread
Dec 13, 2006, 1:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Boynton Beach, FL, USA
Posts: 720
Consolidated "Living in / Moving to Las Vegas - Questions & Suggestions" thread
I've tried searching here, but I'm not having much luck.
Are there any FlyerTalkers here who live in the Las Vegas area? My wife and I may be moving out there in a month or two. Can anyone comment on Las Vegas as a place to live?
We were also considering Phoenix, AZ, but it looks like Las Vegas might win out due to a more immediate employment opportunity there.
How spread out is the greater LV area? Can one easily work in Henderson and live on the other side of town? My wife is looking at a school in Henderson, and we've heard that's a nice area.
Any particular areas known to be more shady, expensive, reasonable, etc. for living?
We're looking forward to no more freezing!! ...or at least long, cold, endless winter.
...and especially escaping this small town and the midwest!!
Are there any FlyerTalkers here who live in the Las Vegas area? My wife and I may be moving out there in a month or two. Can anyone comment on Las Vegas as a place to live?
We were also considering Phoenix, AZ, but it looks like Las Vegas might win out due to a more immediate employment opportunity there.
How spread out is the greater LV area? Can one easily work in Henderson and live on the other side of town? My wife is looking at a school in Henderson, and we've heard that's a nice area.
Any particular areas known to be more shady, expensive, reasonable, etc. for living?
We're looking forward to no more freezing!! ...or at least long, cold, endless winter.
...and especially escaping this small town and the midwest!!
Last edited by TravelScholar; Dec 13, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Dec 13, 2006, 2:10 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 224
Couple of thoughts:
It has gotten down to 29 degrees at night a few times in the last weeks, so regarding that "no more freezing" concept, you might want to re-think that, but during the day, it is usually warm in the sun, and yes, the weather is a hell of a lot better than the Midwest!
Moving here - the heydays of cheap, brand new homes is pretty much over. There are still good deals to be had, but prices have soared in the last 6 years. The have stabilized somewhat, and you can still get a nice house for a fairly decent price. Rent on apartments has also soared...try looking into renting a house if you decide to stay - sometimes as cheap or cheaper than an apartment!
Neighborhoods - I live near Henderson and it certainly is a nice area here (the Southeast section of greater metropolitan Las Vegas) and yes, you can pretty much get around no matter. Depends of course on where you live and where you work. I personally find the entire Northwest area has grown far too fast, and it is a traffic nightmare in the rush hours getting to and from that part of town. They are upgrading the I-95, but it is still the main arterial, so if there is a major accident (which happens rather frequently) then you are stuck in traffic for hours.
The area around Downtown...a little north of it...is not an area I would particularly want to walk around at night, but for the most part, Las Vegas is relatively safe with few shady areas. Near UNLV there are some "iffy" areas as well, but it won't take you long to figure out what I am talking about - just drive around there and open your eyes.
Don't fall into the newbie trap and be overly concerned about living "near The Strip"...trust me, you will not be going to the Strip hardly at all once you live here...I know that sounds strange, but trust me on that one. Locals quickly find the other alternatives that are far better than The Strip when you want to go out on the town.
Las Vegas is a very transient town, so they are somewhat wary of newcomers. Even to get electricity and other utilities, you often need a note from your last provider that you paid your bills on time - otherwise you get stuck with huge deposits. Get your Nevada drivers licence ASAP - they don't have a very long grace period here, and it is important to have a Nevada ID when applying for jobs, apartments, utilities, etc etc. The DMV is no fun...so plan on bringing lunch, a good book and wasting the better part of a day...and be sure to have everything they need so you don't have to return for day two of that adventure!
I read that about 7000 people move to the Las Vegas area every month! But what they don't mention is that about 3000 move away every month...granted, that is a net gain of 4000 per month, but should give you an idea that Las Vegas is not the panacea everyone thinks it is. Quite a few people have problems adapting to the life style here - so my major bit of advice?
Don't burn bridges at home.
Some people like to stay at a budget suites first - check out the neighborhoods, compare rents and costs of homes, check out the job market, check out the cost of living, check out the traffic, and check out how well you can do living in this adult playground and resisting temptations. After a few weeks, when you have shopped at Walmart and eaten at Jack In The Box, and know the shortcuts to get to Target, well - then you might be more inclined to decide if this is the place for you.
If you have any more specific questions, my website has my email address - feel free to write me and I will try to help. I moved here in Feb of 1999 and love it here - but seriously, have also seen a lot of people come and go.
It has gotten down to 29 degrees at night a few times in the last weeks, so regarding that "no more freezing" concept, you might want to re-think that, but during the day, it is usually warm in the sun, and yes, the weather is a hell of a lot better than the Midwest!
Moving here - the heydays of cheap, brand new homes is pretty much over. There are still good deals to be had, but prices have soared in the last 6 years. The have stabilized somewhat, and you can still get a nice house for a fairly decent price. Rent on apartments has also soared...try looking into renting a house if you decide to stay - sometimes as cheap or cheaper than an apartment!
Neighborhoods - I live near Henderson and it certainly is a nice area here (the Southeast section of greater metropolitan Las Vegas) and yes, you can pretty much get around no matter. Depends of course on where you live and where you work. I personally find the entire Northwest area has grown far too fast, and it is a traffic nightmare in the rush hours getting to and from that part of town. They are upgrading the I-95, but it is still the main arterial, so if there is a major accident (which happens rather frequently) then you are stuck in traffic for hours.
The area around Downtown...a little north of it...is not an area I would particularly want to walk around at night, but for the most part, Las Vegas is relatively safe with few shady areas. Near UNLV there are some "iffy" areas as well, but it won't take you long to figure out what I am talking about - just drive around there and open your eyes.
Don't fall into the newbie trap and be overly concerned about living "near The Strip"...trust me, you will not be going to the Strip hardly at all once you live here...I know that sounds strange, but trust me on that one. Locals quickly find the other alternatives that are far better than The Strip when you want to go out on the town.
Las Vegas is a very transient town, so they are somewhat wary of newcomers. Even to get electricity and other utilities, you often need a note from your last provider that you paid your bills on time - otherwise you get stuck with huge deposits. Get your Nevada drivers licence ASAP - they don't have a very long grace period here, and it is important to have a Nevada ID when applying for jobs, apartments, utilities, etc etc. The DMV is no fun...so plan on bringing lunch, a good book and wasting the better part of a day...and be sure to have everything they need so you don't have to return for day two of that adventure!
I read that about 7000 people move to the Las Vegas area every month! But what they don't mention is that about 3000 move away every month...granted, that is a net gain of 4000 per month, but should give you an idea that Las Vegas is not the panacea everyone thinks it is. Quite a few people have problems adapting to the life style here - so my major bit of advice?
Don't burn bridges at home.
Some people like to stay at a budget suites first - check out the neighborhoods, compare rents and costs of homes, check out the job market, check out the cost of living, check out the traffic, and check out how well you can do living in this adult playground and resisting temptations. After a few weeks, when you have shopped at Walmart and eaten at Jack In The Box, and know the shortcuts to get to Target, well - then you might be more inclined to decide if this is the place for you.
If you have any more specific questions, my website has my email address - feel free to write me and I will try to help. I moved here in Feb of 1999 and love it here - but seriously, have also seen a lot of people come and go.
Dec 13, 2006, 4:38 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: IN and NV
Posts: 1,006
DMark has given you some very good advice.
I am somewhat familiar with Ft. Wayne and Las Vegas. I am a resident of Pahrump, NV - about an hour from LAS and also have property near Crown Point, IN.
I believe you will find the traffic to be an annoyance. There is much more traffic even on the side roads than you are used to in Ft. Wayne. Traffic in LAS is not as bad as Chicago - but pretty close. You can definitely drive from one end of the valley to the other every day for work but it may well take you 45 minutes or more each way. It makes your day much easier if you can live close to where you work. There is so much construction going on here (LAS) right now that you'd think it was Chicago.
Many of the apartment complexes have short month to month leases available to give you time to become accustomed to the area. You will pay a few bucks more a month this way but it will save you from locking in for a year in a complex you end up not liking. You will find information on some of them online and can have a place waiting for you when you arrive. Living near the 215 might make it easier for you to get around the city.
You do want to avoid the city of North Las Vegas. It is north of downtown off I-15. Also, as DMark mentioned, the area near UNLV is also not great. Actually I think that the farther away from the strip you get the better the neighborhoods become.
I hope you will like it as much as we do. It's definitely nicer than Indiana!
I am somewhat familiar with Ft. Wayne and Las Vegas. I am a resident of Pahrump, NV - about an hour from LAS and also have property near Crown Point, IN.
I believe you will find the traffic to be an annoyance. There is much more traffic even on the side roads than you are used to in Ft. Wayne. Traffic in LAS is not as bad as Chicago - but pretty close. You can definitely drive from one end of the valley to the other every day for work but it may well take you 45 minutes or more each way. It makes your day much easier if you can live close to where you work. There is so much construction going on here (LAS) right now that you'd think it was Chicago.
Many of the apartment complexes have short month to month leases available to give you time to become accustomed to the area. You will pay a few bucks more a month this way but it will save you from locking in for a year in a complex you end up not liking. You will find information on some of them online and can have a place waiting for you when you arrive. Living near the 215 might make it easier for you to get around the city.
You do want to avoid the city of North Las Vegas. It is north of downtown off I-15. Also, as DMark mentioned, the area near UNLV is also not great. Actually I think that the farther away from the strip you get the better the neighborhoods become.
I hope you will like it as much as we do. It's definitely nicer than Indiana!
Dec 13, 2006, 5:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 19
I moved to Las Vegas about 2 years ago,
the best part is McCarron Airport is
so easy to use as compared to other
city airports. Long term parking
is a reasonable $6/day and is only 2-3
minutes from the airport. I've never
had to wait long for a shuttle.
The biggest climate problem are the strong
winds in the spring blowing the
dust and sand in your eyes.
It does snow once a year which
is a big deal to see the golf
courses covered in snow.
Good Luck.
Mark
the best part is McCarron Airport is
so easy to use as compared to other
city airports. Long term parking
is a reasonable $6/day and is only 2-3
minutes from the airport. I've never
had to wait long for a shuttle.
The biggest climate problem are the strong
winds in the spring blowing the
dust and sand in your eyes.
It does snow once a year which
is a big deal to see the golf
courses covered in snow.
Good Luck.
Mark
Dec 13, 2006, 6:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sunny Place
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 1,655
Freezing temperatures are a normal part of Las Vegas weather...not usually the sustained periods of freezing that are common in the midwest, of course. Phoenix is definitely hotter. The Las Vegas community doesn't put a high value on education and stability. It does value hard work and innovation. A hustler and go-getter should do well, here.
Usually, I love Las Vegas...other times I'm extremely frustrated with it's issues. I moved here for the sunlight and cheap living. The sunlight is still plentiful...cheap living is little more scarce.
Usually, I love Las Vegas...other times I'm extremely frustrated with it's issues. I moved here for the sunlight and cheap living. The sunlight is still plentiful...cheap living is little more scarce.
Dec 13, 2006, 8:59 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Boynton Beach, FL, USA
Posts: 720
Thanks for all of the responses so far.
Perhaps I should clarify our perspective a bit. We're not really from Fort Wayne, IN. We moved here just under two years ago and both my wife and I hate it. We can't stand the midwest! I'm a big city guy. And, although I grew up in a small city in PA, I've always felt most at home in larger cities. I spent five years in Boston, and loved it there, except for the cold winters. I even found traffic to be less irritating in Boston than in Fort Wayne, since the driving skills seemed better there. My wife and I value good weather, good food, and good opportunity. It sounds like Las Vegas offers that, in spite of its shortcomings, but please do correct me if I'm wrong.
At the end of the day, I suppose we have a choice between LV and Phoenix. But please keep the responses coming!
Perhaps I should clarify our perspective a bit. We're not really from Fort Wayne, IN. We moved here just under two years ago and both my wife and I hate it. We can't stand the midwest! I'm a big city guy. And, although I grew up in a small city in PA, I've always felt most at home in larger cities. I spent five years in Boston, and loved it there, except for the cold winters. I even found traffic to be less irritating in Boston than in Fort Wayne, since the driving skills seemed better there. My wife and I value good weather, good food, and good opportunity. It sounds like Las Vegas offers that, in spite of its shortcomings, but please do correct me if I'm wrong.
At the end of the day, I suppose we have a choice between LV and Phoenix. But please keep the responses coming!
Dec 14, 2006, 12:26 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 224
I have lived in Chicago, NYC, Berlin Germany and Los Angeles...and now here. Las Vegas is the "smallest" city I have lived in in decades...people complain about traffic, but after living in LA, this seems like open road - although there are some ugly rush hour scenes, it's NOTHING like LA.
The nice thing about Las Vegas is that it still has the sort of small town/city atmosphere, but the big city lifestyle. Metropolitan Las Vegas (including Henderson and North Las Vegas, etc.) is about 2 million people right now (not including the average 250,000 tourists on The Strip on any given weekend), but it just doesn't seem like it. As soon as you get about 3-4 miles away from The Strip, Las Vegas turns into neighborhoods - each with a local's casino or two or three, each with new shopping areas and schools and movie theaters - in other words, you can probably live year round and not have to travel far from home to get almost everything you need.
But it is always nice to know that, if you want, you can drive 10-15 minutes and go see big name performers live on stage, or eat at a 4 star restaurant, or just go out at 3:00 AM and do some grocery shopping. That's when you know you aren't in a small town anymore.
Dec 14, 2006, 10:23 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 287
I have lived in Chicago, Tucson, and LV. I commuted from Tucson and LV to Chicago for my job, but right now we are living full time in LV. As to the LV v. Phoenix comparison, I've visited Phoenix a bunch, and I would give LV the nod for a couple of reasons, although Phoenix has its plusses. LV is less spread out than Phoenix, and still smaller. Phoenix is just killer hot in the summer; LV gets hot but not as bad. Although Phoenix does have major league sports, for other main stream entertainment, LV has it beat...there is not an act touring now that doesn't come thru here.
On the other hand, compared to a city like Boston or Chicago, LV has some downsides. There is not an established cultural scene, so theater, music, etc., lag. There are no established art museums or arts scene, although there are moves in that direction. There is not really a walkable traditional downtown.
On the upside, the weather is much better than the midwest or east. It is rarely even cloudy, and come Jan and Feb you will appreciate that. If you enjoy the outdoors or golf, you will find it very pleasant. Although there is traffic, it is, in my view, far less than in LA (agree with prior poster) or chicago. You are close to a lot of interesting things: Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, terrific national parks in Utah and Az., LA and San Diego. There is no state income tax in NV (there is in AZ).
As to areas to live in, the "nicest" areas are probably the two master planned communities of Green Valley and Summerlin, which are at opposite ends of the Valley. If your wife is going to work in Henderson, it would be a haul to live in Summerlin. Summerlin is also not convenient to the airport, which is one of the reasons we ended up in GV (which is part of Henderson).
From a real estate perspective, now is a good time to be looking for homes in the Valley. Although prices are a lot higher than they were five years ago, that upward acceleration has stopped, and there is a LOT on the market, and people are definitely willing to deal. However, if you think your stay here might be relatively short (less than two or three years) I would definitely consider renting; I do not think the housing market is going to recover very quickly. There are a fair number of apartments for rent, and there is a pretty large market in rental houses as well.
On the other hand, compared to a city like Boston or Chicago, LV has some downsides. There is not an established cultural scene, so theater, music, etc., lag. There are no established art museums or arts scene, although there are moves in that direction. There is not really a walkable traditional downtown.
On the upside, the weather is much better than the midwest or east. It is rarely even cloudy, and come Jan and Feb you will appreciate that. If you enjoy the outdoors or golf, you will find it very pleasant. Although there is traffic, it is, in my view, far less than in LA (agree with prior poster) or chicago. You are close to a lot of interesting things: Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, terrific national parks in Utah and Az., LA and San Diego. There is no state income tax in NV (there is in AZ).
As to areas to live in, the "nicest" areas are probably the two master planned communities of Green Valley and Summerlin, which are at opposite ends of the Valley. If your wife is going to work in Henderson, it would be a haul to live in Summerlin. Summerlin is also not convenient to the airport, which is one of the reasons we ended up in GV (which is part of Henderson).
From a real estate perspective, now is a good time to be looking for homes in the Valley. Although prices are a lot higher than they were five years ago, that upward acceleration has stopped, and there is a LOT on the market, and people are definitely willing to deal. However, if you think your stay here might be relatively short (less than two or three years) I would definitely consider renting; I do not think the housing market is going to recover very quickly. There are a fair number of apartments for rent, and there is a pretty large market in rental houses as well.
Dec 14, 2006, 7:03 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Manhattan NV
Programs: Hilton LTD, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LTTE, AA LTP, Avis PC, National EE, Seabourn DE
Posts: 3,030
Regarding DMV, my suggestion would be to take a drive to Pahrump or Boulder City to do your business. The Las Vegas locations can be pretty ugly.
Dec 14, 2006, 8:35 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Boynton Beach, FL, USA
Posts: 720
Dec 15, 2006, 7:25 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: IN and NV
Posts: 1,006
Dec 15, 2006, 9:41 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,367
OP: if you work on the east side of town you generally do not want to live on the west and vice verse. This is due to the pain of getting across the strip and I-15. We live about 11 miles for our offices and it takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour each way.
Summerlin, in the NW, is considered high brow, but if you work anywhere east of the strip your commute will be hell.
green valley and southern highlands are great options if you live south of Sahara. Silverado Ranch is another good area.
North LV has some areas that are ok and housing is cheaper. but it is spotty.
I would not live in Pahrump or Boulder City if I worked in LV, unless I could telecommute most of the time.
I has snowed once with acculumation since we've moved here. Our home is a bit higher elevation. If does get below freezing a few times each winter, but only for a few hours at most.
the DMV is crowded, but well organized. just take a book with you. There are some car dealers that are certified to register your car directly with the DMV, saving you the hassle of going to the DMV. One of the Honda dealers, for example, can give you plates and register your car.
Summerlin, in the NW, is considered high brow, but if you work anywhere east of the strip your commute will be hell.
green valley and southern highlands are great options if you live south of Sahara. Silverado Ranch is another good area.
North LV has some areas that are ok and housing is cheaper. but it is spotty.
I would not live in Pahrump or Boulder City if I worked in LV, unless I could telecommute most of the time.
I has snowed once with acculumation since we've moved here. Our home is a bit higher elevation. If does get below freezing a few times each winter, but only for a few hours at most.
the DMV is crowded, but well organized. just take a book with you. There are some car dealers that are certified to register your car directly with the DMV, saving you the hassle of going to the DMV. One of the Honda dealers, for example, can give you plates and register your car.