So, you’re considering moving to Las Vegas. Like any diligent adult, you want to make a list of the positives and negatives. We might be biased, but we consider ourselves Vegas experts. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas to help make your decision a little easier.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Las Vegas
Let’s get into all the details — good and bad.
The Weather
Imagine what the surface of the sun feels like. Las Vegas is hotter.
In the summer months, it’s not unusual for temperatures to hit 115 degrees. It’s hot and dry — so hot and dry, in fact, that you can’t really be outside unless you want to sizzle like bacon.
But…
While the hottest months are indeed tough to handle, that also means the rest of the year is incredibly pleasant. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures that make all sorts of outdoor activities possible.
If you want to go for a dip, there is no shortage of pools. If you want to go skiing, head up to Mt Charleston. It’s amazing how much things can change once you’ve driven 10 minutes up into the mountains.
Vegas weather might take some getting used to, but once you do, it’s hard to imagine it any other way. And even in the middle of summer, all you need to do is find a pool to cool off in. (Just don’t forget your SPF, or you’ll get a sunburn that’ll haunt your dreams.)
Our rating: pro/con, mostly pro!
The Entertainment
Fact: We’re the entertainment capital of the world (and the trade show capital of the world!). You will never (and we mean never) run out of shows to see or things to do. And we’re not just talking about what’s happening on the Strip. While this four-mile stretch of road is indeed jam-packed with incredible talent, neon lights, and endless spectacles, going off-Strip offers just as many opportunities to be wowed. Just ask any local: Comedy shows, musical performances, and all sorts of activities make it easy to have a good time no matter where you go.
So, whether you want to dress up for a night on the town with all the tourists, or go someplace that caters more to the locals, when it comes to Las Vegas pros and cons, this one is a no-brainer.
Our rating: pro
The Housing
Las Vegas is the perfect place to visit and an even better place to live. Houses, apartments, lofts, townhomes — we’ve got it all.
And every area of the city has something for everyone. If you want something with unique charm and an old-town feel, you’re going to love Downtown Las Vegas. The city of Henderson (which neighbors Las Vegas) is home to award-winning master-planned communities. Summerlin is booming with nonstop growth, epic opportunities in Mother Nature, and unparalleled education. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, set up shop on the Strip.
No matter what your budget is, what amenities you’re looking for, or the square footage you need, you’re guaranteed to find what you want here.
This is just a taste of what the city has to offer. But in terms of the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas, the housing opportunities are a definite upside.
Our rating: pro
The Convenience
You know you’re close to entertainment, but what else? Locals have a bit of an inside joke: No matter where you are in the city, you’re never more than 20 minutes from… anything.
Major highways, Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran), grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks, country clubs — you name it. Get in your car and head in any direction, and you’re going to stumble upon what you need sooner or later. And as our communities grow and expand, so too does the convenience factor.
The even cooler part, though, is that if you want to escape Vegas for a bit, that’s not hard to find either. Mt Charleston and Red Rock are easy to get to, and there’s no shortage of opportunities here to get lost in nature.
Las Vegas really and truly does have a little bit of everything, all within arm’s reach.
Our rating: pro
The Outdoors
Speaking of nature…
The fact that we’re the entertainment capital of the world — known for Cirque shows, gambling, and nightlife – often leads to the assumption that there’s not much else to do here. And certainly, there can’t be much in the way of nature, right? After all, this is the desert, right?
Wrong! This is merely a myth about living in Las Vegas.
Mt Charleston (also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area) encompasses over 60 miles of trails, most of which start at over 6,000 feet in elevation. It all culminates at Charleston Peak, a whopping 11,916 feet up above. Red Rock Canyon brings you 26 numbered hikes and trails. And the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, in total, spans 195,819 acres of the Mojave Desert.
Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead are the perfect places to cool down when the temperatures start to climb. Lone Mountain makes for the perfect hike. And if you really want a change of scenery, there are a number of road trips from Las Vegas that promise to transport you to another land. Utah, Arizona, and California are all a hop, skip, and jump away.
Don’t underestimate the city of sin! We’ve got a lot more going on here besides blackjack and cocktails.
Our rating: pro
There’s nowhere else on earth quite like Las Vegas, and understandably, that can be really intimidating. But take it from us: It’s hard not to fall in love with this city. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole family, in no time, you’ll be calling Vegas home sweet home.
Ready to build your life here? We can help. The real estate agents of the Brendan King Group know a thing or two about finding a home in Las Vegas. Contact us today and let’s talk about your dream home.