ALmost 20 years ago, I was the guy looking for information on what it was like to live in Las Vegas as we put together plans for the big move. Our first attempt, well let’s just say it didn’t go too well. We thought it was going to be easy, all the information we found made it seem like they were just giving jobs away – so our first attempt ended up turning into a vacation as took in the best the Las Vegas strip had to offer and shoved our faces full of buffet food!
But the allure of Las Vegas had us; six months later we did things the right way. We poured over information on the internet, I studied everything I could about starting a business and networking in Las Vegas, found a house on Craigslist, and drove 1750 miles to start our lives in Sin City. So if you are wondering how accurate this article is; trust me, we are real Las Vegas locals who know the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Here is what we will Cover in this Moving Guide:
If you are thinking about moving here and want a real local’s perspective of what the city is like, what to avoid, and what it really takes to be successful here in the valley, then here is what it’s really like living in Las Vegas.
Why Sin City? What is it like living in Las Vegas
Let me start off by saying; there are a couple of different cities:
- The one glamorized by the media and Hollywood – most of what you see, and what they are trying to sell you is complete bullshit!
- The one you see as a tourist – hanging out, drinking, and partying on the Strip or in Downtown Las Vegas.
- The Red-Light district, Strip Clubs, and stuff people hope stays in Vegas! While some things are overblown by the media – you can’t actually do anything you want here, some things are illegal – there is a seedy underbelly to the city. Some people come here just for it, some people get trapped in it and wish they never moved here, and some people realize that bad shit happens in every city in America, it’s just a little easier to find it here.
- And the City you see as a local – this is where it all comes together. Because here you get a little bit of everything mentioned above, combined with an actual city that is just like any other city in the country. Yes, there is a Vegas beyond the strip!
A word of warning: If you have an addictive personality, or have any sort of problems, i.e., drinking, gambling, or any other vices, this probably isn’t the city for you! But if you can control yourself, want to live in a 24/7 town where there is always something to do, then read on!
The real Las Vegas: Life beyond the Strip
Yes, we actually do hang out quite a bit on the strip. There are some locals who shun it like the plague, but that never made any sense to me. Why move to the city, and then constantly complain about the one thing that started it all and was probably the motivating factor that brought you here? Damn, California snobs!
Now that my Rant is out of the way, there is more to the city than the Strip!
There are many more benefits to living in Las Vegas than most people realize. Contrary to popular belief, there are tons of housing communities that are nowhere near the infamous Strip. There are also thousands of employment opportunities; ones that don’t involve taking off your clothes or working in the casino industry! Sin City is not all about Sin – it is actually a great place to live, explore the great outdoors, start a career, and yes, even raise a family.
Cost of Living in Vegas: Housing, Employment and Making Money
Let’s start with housing. If you’re moving from a rural area like the Midwest, the cost of living in Las Vegas won’t feel like a big jump. But if you’re coming from a major urban area (especially on the coasts), you’ll likely see real savings on housing, groceries, utilities, and more—though it’s not as dramatic as it was a few years ago.
The median sale price for a single-family home in the Las Vegas area is currently around $470,000 (based on January 2026 data from Las Vegas Realtors and multiple sources, flat from December 2025 but down about 3.1% from January 2025). This is below the all-time high of around $489,000 set in late 2025. Condos and townhomes are lower, with a median around $284,000 (down 3.2% year-over-year). For comparison, nearby states like California often see medians well over $700,000–$1M+, while Colorado and Utah range from $400,000–$800,000+ depending on the area.
Rent has cooled a bit too. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,250–$1,300 per month, and two-bedrooms are about $1,500–$1,550 (based on February 2026 data from Apartments.com, RentCafe, Zillow, and others). These figures are still below the national average in many cases, though they’ve risen over the past few years before stabilizing or dipping slightly.
Overall cost of living in Las Vegas is roughly in line with or slightly below/above the national average—sources vary from 2–5% lower to 3–10% higher depending on the index (e.g., housing and utilities pull it up a bit, while groceries and healthcare can be lower). It’s significantly cheaper than California (often 15–20% less overall) and other high-cost neighbors.
Nevada remains one of only nine states with no state income tax on wages or salaries (confirmed for 2026—no changes). That means more take-home pay if you’re working here—Yep, we don’t penalize you for working and trying to get ahead!
Working in Las Vegas: What kind of Job are there in Vegas?
Although there are plenty of employment opportunities in the casinos and hospitality sector (dealers, restaurant workers, bartenders, hotel management, showroom staff, etc.), these aren’t the only—or even the top—jobs in Las Vegas. Despite the common perception that everyone works on the Strip, hospitality roles don’t rank in the top 10 occupations by employment or highest-paying fields in the metro area.
The economy is diversifying beyond tourism and gaming. Healthcare, technology, logistics, construction, and advanced manufacturing are growing fast, with strong demand in medical roles, tech/IT, and operations. Hospitality still employs a huge chunk (about 1 in 4 jobs in Clark County), but other sectors are adding positions and offering more stability.
Top Occupations and Growing Fields Recent data (from BLS May 2024 OEWS, DETR projections, and local reports through early 2026) shows the largest employment categories include food prep/serving, office support, transportation/material moving, and sales. Highest-paying and in-demand roles often fall in healthcare, management, and tech.
Examples of top/high-demand occupations (based on employment size, growth projections, and pay):
- Healthcare roles: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, medical technicians.
- Management/Professional: General and operations managers, IT project managers, software developers, computer/information systems managers, marketing managers, financial managers.
- Construction/Trade: Construction workers, laborers, equipment operators (driven by infrastructure, housing, and projects like new venues).
- Other strong areas: Logistics/warehouse (freight/stock movers, truck drivers), education-related (teachers in certain specialties), and emerging tech/logistics/manufacturing jobs.
Highest-paying jobs often include anesthesiologists, physicians/specialists, nurse practitioners (up to $140k+), pharmacists, veterinarians, and executives.
Jobs Where You Can Make a Difference (and Find Openings) There’s ongoing shortages in key public-service fields, making it easier to land work if those interest you:
- Teachers (especially elementary, special education, math/science, and related areas—Clark County School District has designated critical labor shortages through June 2026 for many teaching and support roles).
- Nurses (registered nurses, school nurses, and healthcare pros—healthcare has driven much of recent job growth).
- Therapists (occupational, physical, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals).
These areas often have hiring incentives and less competition due to demand.
Hospitality and Tips Don’t overlook hospitality if it fits—bartending, dealing, serving, or casino roles can boost income significantly through tips (often doubling or more base pay in good spots). Entrepreneurs can thrive too, with opportunities in tourism-related businesses, events, or side hustles.
Job Market Reality Check The Las Vegas metro unemployment rate was around 5.2–5.3% at the end of 2025 (second-highest among large U.S. metros, per BLS/DETR), higher than the national average (~4.3%). Tourism/hospitality saw some losses recently due to visitation dips, but healthcare and diversification are helping stabilize things. Median household income is roughly $70,000–$74,000, and no state income tax means more take-home pay.
Starting a business in Las Vegas, Nevada is straightforward and business-friendly, thanks to Nevada’s advantages like no state corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and strong support for startups (Las Vegas ranks highly for business formation and growth).
Overall: Vegas has diverse jobs beyond the Strip—plentiful in healthcare/tech/construction if you have skills, plus solid hospitality options with tip potential. The market is competitive in some areas, but shortages in teaching/nursing/therapy make those fields strong entry points. If you’re job hunting, check DETR, BLS, or sites like Indeed/ZipRecruiter for current listings.
Jobs where you can make a difference:
There is a shortage of teachers, nurses, and therapists (occupational, speech and physical) right now, so if those careers are of interest, Las Vegas is a great place to live, and you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a job in those fields.
Culture and Things to Do for Vegas Locals
Yes, there are things to do here that don’t involve sitting at a slot machine. In fact, we have a growing art and music scene, and there are literally thousands of things you can do and see here 24/7!
Culinary Capital of the World!
Okay, so I may be stretching that a bit – I do miss the hell out of some good Chicago pizza and roast beef sandwiches, but other than that we have one of the most diverse food scenes in the country. Vegas is quickly becoming a culinary landmark, and I could seriously see us being the Culinary Capital very soon.
Many of the fine restaurants that can be found in the most romantic and exciting cities in the world are now opening locations in Las Vegas. Some examples include Nobu, Border Grill, Hell’s Kitchen, Mesa Grill, and Joel Robuchon. But if fine dining isn’t your thing, don’t worry we have hundreds of dive bars, happy hour spots – both regular and late-night – and off-strip restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world.
Arts and Entertainment in Las Vegas
If being a foodie is not your cup of tea, then there are plenty of other cultural delights in the City of Las Vegas.
The Bellagio Hotel has a museum of fine art that exhibits work from the likes of Warhol, Monet, and Picasso. The Bellagio also hosts the botanical gardens where works of art are created out of the plants and flowers and the theme changes depending on the season or holiday. If your artistic tastes run toward the more eclectic, then there is a downtown art district that has some fantastic galleries with local artists displaying their wares. This area also has some great funky boutiques, and the type of restaurants that are the least known but have the best food – and usually at great prices.
We recommend checking our First Friday, a monthly art festival that features local artists, music, and food.
24/7 entertainment and the Top Acts in the World!
The entertainment in Las Vegas is something that most people already know about, but it goes far beyond the showgirls with feather boas. Amazing entertainers grace the Las Vegas stages during long term residencies and for annual appearances. Lady Gaga, Barbara Streisand, Justin Bieber, Luciano Pavarotti have all performed on the strip.
And if you’re not into POP acts, don’t worry; I hate that shit too. Pretty much every band in the world comes here to play at some point throughout the year. We’ve seen more of our favorite bands here in Las Vegas than anywhere else. We even have the largest Rodeo in the world, Honky Tonks and country bars – bet you didn’t know Vegas started out as a cowboy town!
Award Shows, Broadway Acts, and Fine Art
Las Vegas has also become home to many of the top awards shows, including the ACM Awards, so you can see your favorites perform, earn accolades, or you may even run into them in the restaurants or shops.
Magicians, dancers, and comedians are also a huge draw to the showrooms. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is an architecturally beautiful building that houses Broadway style musicals, plays and other types of entertainment.
Many of the shows and activities (and even some of the hotels) offer discounts to locals to be sure to ask about that option when buying tickets online, over the phone or in person.
Outdoor Lifestyle
This surprises a lot of people moving here—Vegas is actually a great spot for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers, with tons of options just minutes from the city. The desert heat makes summer tough for intense activity (temps often 100°F+), but spring, fall, and winter are ideal, and the elevation changes give you cooler escapes year-round.
Nearby Adventures Right Outside the City
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (adjacent to Red Rock): Shaded picnic areas, hiking trails, historic ranch buildings (once owned by Howard Hughes), and wildlife spotting. It’s a chill oasis for family outings or relaxed days.
- Summer Bonus at Spring Mountain Ranch The Super Summer Theatre runs outdoor shows under the stars (June–September). Bring blankets, chairs, snacks—gates open early, shows start around 8 PM. The 2026 season includes big musicals like Newsies (June), 1776 (July), Andrews Brothers (August), and Come From Away (September). Tickets are affordable (around $15–$30 historically), and it’s a fun, low-key way to enjoy the cooler evenings.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (about 20–30 minutes west): Iconic red rock formations, a 13-mile scenic drive loop (timed entry reservations often needed), over 30 hiking trails for all levels (from easy walks to challenging climbs), rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. It’s one of the most popular spots—millions visit yearly. Bring water, sunscreen, and check BLM site for fees/passes. Great for picnics, sunrise hikes, or sunset views.
Mountains Mount Charleston (Lee Canyon area, ~45–60 minutes north): Over 60 miles of hiking trails in pine forests, but winter brings snow—skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Lee Canyon Ski Resort (currently open with good base in mid-February 2026, 5/5 lifts running, machine-groomed runs). Snow play areas (like Foxtail/Old Mill) open when conditions allow (need ~12 inches for some). Check GoMtCharleston.com for road conditions, closures, and webcams—high winds/storms can hit even if Vegas is clear.
Fishing around Las Vegas offers solid options for locals and visitors, with Lake Mead (30–45 minutes east) as the top spot for striped bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and catfish—stripers bite well on anchovies or jigs, and shore fishing or guided boat charters from places like Boulder Beach or Willow Beach are popular year-round. In-city community ponds (Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park, Veterans Memorial, Floyd Lamb) get regular rainbow trout stockings from NDOW and are great for casual shore fishing with PowerBait or spinners. Farther out, Lake Mohave provides clear-water action for bass and trout, while smaller spots like Cold Creek Pond near Mount Charleston deliver peaceful trout fishing.
Weird Things Like Ghost Towns Around Las Vegas: Vegas might seem all neon and casinos, but the surrounding desert is packed with eerie, abandoned ghost towns—remnants of old mining booms that went bust, perfect for day trips if you like history, photography, or just creepy vibes. Nevada has over 600 ghost towns total, and several are within easy reach (30 min to 2 hours drive). Most are free to explore (bring water, good shoes, and check road conditions—some dirt roads need a high-clearance vehicle).
So many things to do within 4 – 6 hours of Vegas!
Las Vegas locals also have an easy 4 to 6-hour drive to California to enjoy the beaches and amusement parks. And the best part? So many people flock to Las Vegas for vacations that you are generally traveling in the opposite direction of the gridlock traffic when you venture in and out of town.
Check out our favorite Day Trips and Getaways.
Weather and Climate in Las Vegas
There’s no getting around it, while some people love the weather, the heat can be a bit for some to take. That being said, and it probably sounds weird to someone who doesn’t live here, even on those 110 degree days it’s a dry heat, and you do get used to it pretty quickly!
Average Temperature
We have some huge swings here in the valley; in the winter (December through Mid-February) we can get into the single digits – most of the time it hovers between 30-60 degrees, and in the summer we can get heat that exceeds 110 degrees – usually in June, July, and August.
Hottest Month: July (106 F / 41 C)
Coldest Month: January (34 F / 1 C)
Rainfall
What’s that? During an average year, we get under 5 inches of rain, but when it does rain, we do experience flash floods in certain parts of the valley. That being said, what the hell is rain?
Pollen and Allergies
While some people move here to get away from allergies, some people can get hard. Unfortunately, many invasive plants were planted in communities throughout the desert that never should have been here; those plants do cause problems. Mulberry is prevalent in most Las Vegas neighborhoods, and 90 percent of the allergy-suffering population is allergic to the plant.
Raising kids in Las Vegas
Locals constantly meet people who say, “I would never raise my children in Las Vegas.” Las Vegans will tell you “I would never raise my kids in South Carolina or San Diego.”
Vegas gets a bad rap as Sin City, but the truth is that there are just as many unfortunate incidents of crime that happen in other states and cities as Las Vegas. There are wonderful family communities, churches, and schools that allow for a family to live and thrive in Las Vegas.
Going to College in Vegas
As a city that is growing rapidly, the opportunities for building a business, getting a good education and living a modest lifestyle are very high. Speaking of education, UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas) is ranked as one of the best universities for veterans by The Military Times.
The university’s hotel college was named number one for its hospitality and leisure management program. And U.S. News and World Report have UNLV ranked as the second most ethnically diverse college.
Top Colleges in Las Vegas:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas: UNLV is one of the top public research universities, and offers over 390 majors, minors, and certificates.
- Nevada State College: Nevada State College is a comprehensive four-year college with a commitment to educating 4,900+ students for success in the real world. They offer a selection of more than 50 majors and minors.
- College of Southern Nevada: CSN is the largest and most ethnically diverse community college in Nevada. CSN is a fully accredited institution offering over 180 degrees and certificates in more than 70 academic programs—with 24 degrees and certificates available entirely online.
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality: Just blocks away from the strip, on the campus of UNLV, is one of the top hospitality schools in the world, the Harrah College of Hospitality. They are known specifically for their Gaming Management, Meeting & Events Management, Restaurant Management, and PGA Golf Management programs.
The bad side of living in Sin City
So many “pros” to living in Las Vegas but there must be some “cons,” right? Well, I told you I wasn’t going to bullshit you so yes there are cons – and ex-cons to be exact.
There are nine prisons in Nevada, not including local jails and detention centers. Las Vegas does have easier access to some vices than other cities. Gambling, alcohol, drugs, and prostitution are all issues that plague some residents. Homelessness is also an issue in Las Vegas, especially in North Las Vegas and in the older downtown areas.
These are not things that are only found in Las Vegas, of course. However, sin city does have an abundance of people who are looking for these types of distractions. The working environment in Las Vegas can also be somewhat of a downfall.
While the casinos, bars, restaurants, and stores provide lots of work opportunities, many of them are open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Employees can work shifts at all hours of the day and night and on weekends and holidays. The 24-hour nature of the city is a plus when it comes to the convenience of going where you want at any time, but it can be a burden when it comes to working hours.
It does get hot as hell!
The final “con” to living in Las Vegas is quite simply, the HEAT. People with allergies and some older people move to Las Vegas specifically for the warm and dry environment, but the truth is that during the summer months, it can be downright impossible to leave the house. The heat is unbearable and difficult for people with some health problems, those that take certain medications and small children.
No one can live without air conditioning in their homes or cars, and no one leaves the house without a bottle of water and a can of sunscreen. Many residents will say they could not survive without a pool. In the summer months, a pool that is not heated can get as high as 95 degrees just from the sun shining down on it. That brings up one more plus, no need to spend the money to heat your pool. And with the housing costs being so reasonable, adding the cost of a pool to your home will not break the bank.
Winter is sometimes non-existent in Las Vegas, so if you are someone who enjoys a white Christmas, then you are in the wrong place. The average low temperatures in Las Vegas is 58 degrees in January and December, and those are the coldest months. There is a running joke that there are no seasons in Las Vegas because spring and fall have very similar temperatures, winter is not very cold, and summer is incredibly hot. So, no changing of the leaves or snowmen in your future if you live in Las Vegas.
Moving to Las Vegas
Utilities and Essential Services
Gas Services
Southwest Gas – Start or Move Service – 877-860-6020
Power Services
Nevada Energy – New Customer Guide – (702) 402-5555
Trash Services
Republic Services – (702) 735-5151
Water Service
Las Vegas Valley Water District – 702-870-4194
Las Vegas Cable Companies
- Cox Cable – New Service, Cox Move Service – 702-463-7904
- Century Link – Prism TV – 1-877-916-7369
- Dish – 1-800-333-3474
- Xfinity – (Comcast) – 1-800-934-6489
- DIRECTV – 855-493-3473
Phone and Internet Services
- Cox – New Service, Move Service – 702-463-7904
- AT&T – 1-800-288-8783
- Xfinity – (Comcast) – 1-800-934-6489
- Century Link – 1-877-916-7369?
Mail Setup
Forwarding through USPS (United States Postal Services)
So do you make the move?
Overall, there are more good reasons to live in Las Vegas than there are bad reasons to stay away. If you are looking for a city that can be great for singles or families and provides some excitement when you want a night out on the town, Las Vegas is the city for you.
When I moved here, it took a little bit to figure out where to go and how to make the most of the city. That was one of the main reasons I started this site; we wanted to be a resource for Las Vegas locals and those moving to the city. If you are looking to meet new people, network with the right people to advance your business or career, or simply want to know what is going on in town, please check out our events calendar. From business networking events and conventions to what bands are playing, what festivals are in town, and what family-friendly events are happening, it’s all there!
We want you to feel welcome, and we want you to make the most out of living in one of the best places to live in the world.
