Living in Las Vegas: 5 Things I Love and 5 Things I Hate

Today I'm going to tell you the five things I love and the five things I hate about living in Las Vegas.

I moved to Las Vegas in April 2004, from New Jersey, with Citibank. That summer I ate mostly nothing but watermelon. It took me three years to adjust to the summer heat. Today my team and I at the Las Vegas Realty Team help people make the same move.

1. The sunshine. Most days of the year here have blue skies, and the sun makes most of us very happy. Compared to the rain and overcast weeks in New Jersey, I prefer seeing sunshine almost every day.
2. No state income tax. Nevada has no state income tax. That means more money in your pocket.
3. The entertainment. It's second to none. From shows on the Las Vegas Strip to concerts and dining, there's always something happening.
4. The housing. In my view, the housing market is still relatively affordable compared to other major cities, giving buyers more value for their money.
5. The outdoors. No hurricanes and no shoveling snow. And we're surrounded by natural beauty, with places like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just minutes away for hiking, biking and scenic views.

There is no perfect place on earth. Every city has its ups and downs.

1. The summer heat. Temperatures often soar well over 100 degrees for months at a time, which makes it hard to do things outdoors.
2. Traffic and construction. Rapid growth has brought heavier traffic and more crowded roads. Construction is everywhere you go.
3. Car insurance. It costs more here than in many other states. And the population keeps rising: Clark County has more than two million people.
4. Doing your homework on schools. The Clark County School District is one of the largest in the country, and there are magnet schools and private schools to choose from too. For school information and boundaries, go straight to the CCSD website.
5. Water and greenery. Living in the desert means being mindful of limited water. Some residents also miss the greenery and seasons found in other parts of the country.

Start with our relocating to Las Vegas page and our free Las Vegas relocation guide. Then browse Las Vegas neighborhoods, from Summerlin to Southwest Las Vegas. For questions about living in Las Vegas, contact us at 702-582-5788.