Vegas features an ultra-reasonable cost of living, with affordable prices on everything from housing to utilities to groceries as compared to most major cities across the nation. If you’re moving to Vegas from a high-cost city, prepare to be thrilled.

But, if you’re looking for work, beware. The service sector job market has suffered and wages are not great not to mention, the Clark County school district is not impressive. Oh, and yeah yeah, the humidity is non-existent but peak summer is brutal. Vegas can be unforgiving. There are plenty of “desert rats” around -- old, salty, bitter people. It’s not all fun and games.



Low cost of living and no sales tax.

LookyLOO Review of Las Vegas

The lifestyle elephant in the room is the idea that everyone in Vegas spends their time gambling. Given that the house always wins, that is statistically impossible. No one could afford to stay here if everyone gambled all the time. So, if you aren’t gambling all the time what do people do? For starters it may surprise some that Vegas is a huge city for families. Inexpensive real estate, no state income tax, warm weather, and exploding housing developments dedicated to serving families are pulling them in. 

Vegas is a bit odd though in that if you avoid the strip then it is much more like a huge suburb than anything else. If the lifestyle you seek is suburban, OR if you want to get into the gambling / tourist industry lifestyle then you’ll do fine here. If you’re looking for the “downtown” lifestyle of a conventional city not connected to gambling culture you have to work much harder to find it in Las Vegas. 

Check out the Vegas [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitlasvegas.com/shows-events/). There is really no city on the planet that can match the volume of activities.


Lifestyle 

Obviously the Travel/Tourism (including gambling) industry is a dominant employer in Vegas but the largest employers are actually in national defense. Nellis Air Force Base employs both military and civilian employees in the flying wing of the Air Force and the USAF Weapons School. There are also a large number of jobs in health and medicine. UNLV offers training in public health and has a big research lab component and this has attracted employers. Tech/IT has also grown in Vegas as companies from California have moved or started here for tax advantages. Ultimately though most move here to directly or indirectly work in the Tourism/Gambling industry.

The majority of the workforce here will need to work in person but you can also anticipate growth in population for those looking for inexpensive real estate who will work from home. This growth is likely to come from families from California looking for less expensive housing who are now full-time wfh’ers. 


Worklife 

Las Vegas is in the [**Clark County School District**](ccsd.net), often referred to as CCSD, by parents, teachers, and administrators. It's a huge district, the 6th largest in the country despite Vegas being much smaller than that by population. It receives just fair grades on the standardized ranking sites, receiving a [**"B" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/clark-county-school-district-nv/).

Large districts have a common theme, and CCSD is no exception. The public schools are fine at the elementary school level and get hit or miss in middle and high school. Many parents strive to get their little ones into magnet schools once they hit this stage. Alternatives include a significant charter school option or private schools. 

Higher-performing schools are a bit scattered with some density in the higher socio-economic neighborhoods on the western and southern sides of the city. A couple of the pearls in the district include:
-[**Advanced Technologies Academy**](atech.org) is a magnet in the center of Vegas and is the second-highest-ranked high school in the state, receiving an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/advanced-technologies-academy-las-vegas-nv/?map).  
-[**West Career & Technical Academy**](wctawranglers.com) is another high-performer in Las Vegas. It receives an [**"A" on niche.com**](wctawranglers.com) and is noted for its project-based learning and tech-immersive culture. 

Schools

Whether you’re a first time home buyer (because you couldn’t afford to get into the market in your hometown) or you want a 4 bedroom, 2,500 SF house in the low $300ks, a move to Vegas is an instant raise in the money you get to keep and the distance that it goes.


Home prices, low property taxes and affordability.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**powerhikeit**
Living in Vegas
1y ago
✭✭✭

Ignoring the Strip…

It’s like any large-ish city. There are super nice areas, nice areas, meh areas, and bad areas. Traffic sucks - but when it doesn’t, you can get anywhere relatively quickly. People supposedly ignore their neighbors (I know all of mine). The medical system is lacking. If you’re outdoorsy, you’ll likely never be bored. Some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere is nearby (Red Rock NCA and Valley of Fire). Food and shopping opportunities abound. Grocery stores have slot machines. It is fucking hot in the summer and the wind blows constantly in the winter. Roads are constantly under construction. The education system — all levels — is poor. Public services are better in some locales (Henderson) than others (City of Las Vegas). We’re 3-5 hours drive from world class skiing in the winter, Pacific beaches, and about 8 or 10 National Parks, Monuments, and Recreation Areas.

It is the best place to live? No. It is the worst? Also no.

For more reviews of what living in Las Vegas is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/las-vegas/reviews).


Beware July and August

Reviews of Las Vegas from Locals

**The Best Thing About Las Vegas?**  Low cost of living and no sales tax.

Vegas features an ultra-reasonable cost of living, with affordable prices on everything from housing to utilities to groceries as compared to most major cities across the nation. If you’re moving to Vegas from a high-cost city, prepare to be thrilled. 

But, if you’re looking for work, beware. The service sector job market has suffered and wages are not great not to mention, the Clark County school district is not impressive. 

The happiest people seem to be the ones who don’t have anything to do with the casino industry.


**The Worst Thing About Las Vegas?** July and August

Yeah yeah, the humidity is non-existent but peak summer is brutal. Vegas can be unforgiving. There are plenty of “desert rats” around -- old, salty, bitter people. It’s not all fun and games.

**How You Living?**

First of all, forget about The Strip. That’s for tourists. More and more people are streaming into a revitalized Downtown (much revitalized by Zappo’s and it’s founder.) Many locals live in Summerlin or 18b, a mix of nice housing and a variety of boutique and vintage shopping and restaurants. Otherwise, the more conservative dwellers go for planned communities like Henderson (with homes and condos and tennis courts) or upscale gated communities like Seven Hills or The Scotch 80s. Finally, if you’re really looking for seclusion (and a 30 degree drop in temps) check out Mount Charleston.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Home prices, low property taxes and affordability

Whether you’re a first time home buyer (because you couldn’t afford to get into the market in your hometown) or you want a 4 bedroom, 2,500 SF house in the low $300ks, a move to Vegas is an instant raise in the money you get to keep and the distance that it goes.


First of all, forget about The Strip. That’s for tourists. More and more people are streaming into a revitalized Downtown (much revitalized by Zappo’s and it’s founder.) Many locals live in Summerlin or 18b, a mix of nice housing and a variety of boutique and vintage shopping and restaurants. Otherwise, the more conservative dwellers go for planned communities like Henderson (with homes and condos and tennis courts) or upscale gated communities like Seven Hills or The Scotch 80s. Finally, if you’re really looking for seclusion (and a 30 degree drop in temps) check out Mount Charleston.

Neighborhoods

Probably the coolest place to live in Vegas is downtown in the Arts District. For those not in the know, Downtown is where the hot casinos were many decades ago before the newer casinos were built uptown, creating the modern “strip”. The Art Districts and downtown combine “old school cool” and contemporary city culture. There are plenty of newer apartment/condo options and plenty of bars/restaurants amidst the older casinos in the area. Interestingly there are also a number of new live/work/play buildings in the area that serve the growing community of people looking for the combination of apartment/loft  + wework style area + social culture in the building. One option outside of downtown is Summerlin. It’s a neighborhood and master-planned community in southwest Las Vegas that has its own commercial district and plenty of apartments and rentals. 
- Downtown (Arts District in particular)
- Summerlin
- Spring Valley
- Huntridge


Young Professionals

Downtown/Arts District

Henderson, while technically a suburb of Vegas, draws tons of families who work in Vegas. A big commercial district without the gambling/tourism bias you get a more classic city/commercial and suburb experience with inexpensive housing and good-sized yards. Tons of shops, restaurants and family amenities make it a fun choice as well. Summerlin has many of the same benefits as Henderson. It is suburban with great parks and inexpensive housing but also has tons of great coffee shops and some restaurant options. 
- Henderson
- Summerlin
- Spring Valley
- Southwest


Young Families

Henderson

Within neighborhoods like Summerlin are pockets of wealth where families of more means live. In Summerlin that area is The Ridges. It’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of Vegas with huge, fabulous homes and big yards and gated privacy. It’s located in the foothills of the the stunning Red Rock Conservation Area and has the best views in the Las Vegas valley.  

Southern Highlands is another beautiful neighborhood development in the foothills of Vegas. It surrounds the Southern Highlands Golf Club and has beautiful parks, trails and outdoor space. It has its own boutique shopping area with restaurants and coffee shops. Finally, it has some of the best public and private schools in the area and is near McCarran International and Henderson Executive Airports in case getting out of town quickly is one of your things. 
- The Ridges (Summerlin)
- Southern Highlands
- Summerlin North
- Tule Springs
- Sheep Mountain


Established Families

The Ridges

Las Vegas is a premier destination for retirees. Warm, dry heat, low taxes and generally low cost of living drive the growth. There are plenty of options here including neighborhoods like Spring Valley that appeal to retirees due to low crime rates, affordable housing and a close-knit community. 

The city also has a number of popular age-restricted communities. Ardiente, in North Las Vegas is a 55+ community with lots of the amenities retirees are looking for. A 20,000 square foot clubhouse with multiple pools and a beautiful fitness center that also hosts the myriad clubs community members can join. Ardiente also has multiple parks, including one for the doggos, and walking and biking trails with 20 different fitness stations along the path. 
- Spring Valley
- Henderson
- Macdonald Ranch
- Ardiente


Retirees

Spring Valley

Las Vegas

**powerhikeit**
Living in Vegas
1y ago
✭✭✭

Ignoring the Strip…

It’s like any large-ish city. There are super nice areas, nice areas, meh areas, and bad areas. Traffic sucks - but when it doesn’t, you can get anywhere relatively quickly. People supposedly ignore their neighbors (I know all of mine). The medical system is lacking. If you’re outdoorsy, you’ll likely never be bored. Some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere is nearby (Red Rock NCA and Valley of Fire). Food and shopping opportunities abound. Grocery stores have slot machines. It is fucking hot in the summer and the wind blows constantly in the winter. Roads are constantly under construction. The education system — all levels — is poor. Public services are better in some locales (Henderson) than others (City of Las Vegas). We’re 3-5 hours drive from world class skiing in the winter, Pacific beaches, and about 8 or 10 National Parks, Monuments, and Recreation Areas.

It is the best place to live? No. It is the worst? Also no.



**MooseyMan76**
Living in Vegas
1y ago
✭✭✭

I’ve been here three years - Pros:

relatively affordable housing - compared to other major cities

weather is enjoyable March through May and September through November

traffic is manageable - generally you can get from one side of town to the other in 30 minutes

good proximity to outdoor destinations like Red Rock, Lake Mead, Mt. Charleston, and Valley of Fire

great selection of restaurants and entertainment

centrally located for flights to California, Texas, AZ, OR, etc

no income taxes

Cons:

summers can be oppressively hot - you aren’t doing much outside unless it’s very early morning or late evening. And winters can be surprisingly cool/cold - for those expecting a year round warm oasis - uh, no. Lots of wind too.

many drivers do seem legitimately crazy - tons of speeding and borderline recklessness

I’ve had bad experiences getting medical care here - there seems to be a shortage of high quality medical professionals

job market is healthy but not tons of high wage STEM kind of jobs

I’m glad I moved here. I won’t stay forever but it has been a positive experience net-net.

**pusanggalla**
Living in Vegas
1y ago
✭✭✭

I live in the Sky Canyon area, which is a pretty nice area. We have lots of very nice parks for my 5-year-old son to enjoy. There are lots of bike trails and hiking trails nearby. The neighborhood is very nice and clean, and I like it a lot. I also really like that there are a lot of fun shows downtown and it's easy to find fun entertainment.

The biggest downside is that the cost of living is higher than I'm used to. My house cost more than it would if I bought pretty much anywhere else. Gasoline is about a dollar per gallon more expensive than my family in Utah pays, and my electric bill is double what I paid when I lived in other states. (retired military, so I've moved a lot and been in a lot of different states.)

**Majestic-Entrance-16**
Living in Vegas Area
9mo ago
✭✭✭✭✭

The mountains are ALWAYS beautiful.

The sunrises and sunsets are ALWAYS beautiful.

The tax structure at almost any level is better than almost any other state: property tax, income tax, business tax, property transfer tax, pension tax, etc.

It’s also really easy to live here. Maintenance on the things you own is much easier, for the most part, than other locations that experience extreme shifts in weather. Speaking of weather, we are comparatively well insulated against the devastating effects that significant storms can bring.

Las Vegas contributes significantly to the resources and amenities available throughout the City, County, and State. That’s a good feeling. Plenty of states experience a major drain on state resources and find it difficult to provide for everyone. While the state’s coffers aren’t exactly plentiful, it’s a good feeling to know there really are only a handful of municipalities that need to draw upon the funds.

Speaking of amenities, parks and trails and investment in recreation is really to be applauded in the Las Vegas area.

The community is diverse in almost every way. While our populace might not offer much diversity of education, we make up for it by contributing a massively diverse array of backgrounds.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Just The Right Amount Of Wrong

Looklyloo Score: 88

We're on it!