Living in Las Vegas: Here’s What It’s Really Like to Call Sin City Home

From the resorts to the casinos, the bright lights to the fine dining, Las Vegas is the best vacation spot to let loose and have a good time. Sure, it’s fun to visit, but is Las Vegas a good place to live? You might be surprised to learn that living in Las Vegas comes with tons of perks for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. 

Las Vegas at a Glance

• Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert in Clark County, on the southern corner of Nevada near the borders of California and Arizona.
• Las Vegas is around 142 square miles in size.
• The city’s population is roughly 661,000.
• The median age in Las Vegas is about 38 years old.
• Vegas is currently the 24th most populous city in the entire country.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the top 14 things you should know about living in Las Vegas.

1. The Cost of Living in Las Vegas May Surprise You.

Sometimes when people ask “Is Vegas a good place to live,” they really mean “Is Vegas an affordable place to live?” There is all that gambling, after all. But thanks to the perks of having no state income tax and low property taxes, the cost of living in Las Vegas can actually be lower than in other major cities. To put it in perspective, the cost of living in Las Vegas is 110.6 (the average cost of living in the U.S. is 100), but the cost of living in New York is 172.5 — a whopping 62 percent more expensive. And Los Angeles? That’s around 51 percent more expensive! 

2. You Should Know the Pros and Cons of Living in Las Vegas.

Pros of Living in Las Vegas

• There’s a Solid Food Scene.
Since the city attracts such a high number of tourists each year, you can find world-class restaurants on just about every block. A lot of the popular restaurants in Las Vegas originated in bigger cities like New York.
• There Are Plenty of Outdoor Activities.
If you love outdoor adventures, Vegas living is right up your alley. With stunning spots, like Red Rock, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River nearby, you’ll never find yourself struggling to find a hiking spot.
• The Winters Are Mild.
Life in Las Vegas doesn’t require a winter wardrobe. Since the city is situated in the desert, Vegas winters are very mild. Say goodbye to worrying about icy roads and scraping your windshield every morning.
• It’s the Entertainment Capital of the Country.
There’s a reason why many consider Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. Day or night, you’ll find something fun to do.

Cons of Living in Las Vegas

• There’s an Influx of Tourists.
Las Vegas saw almost 41 million tourists in 2023 alone — approximately two million more than the year prior. The strip area can get overcrowded, and many parts of town give off a strong tourist feel. (On the plus side, your friends will want to visit!)
• Utilities Are More Expensive.
While the cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than other big cities, live-in utilities are a little more expensive due to the year-round high temperatures. For example, the average cost for utilities in Vegas is 9 percent higher than in L.A.
• Summers Are Hot — Like Really Hot.
While the cooler months are manageable in Las Vegas, the warmer months in summer can easily reach temperatures of 100 degrees or more. The dry heat of the desert makes it essential to remain hydrated.
• It Could Be Tough Dealing With Vices.
With 24/7 access to activities like gambling and drinking, it’s easy for residents to overindulge when living in Vegas.

Las Vegas features a number of master-planned communities, like Summerlin (pictured), with easy access to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
(Source: Summerlin via Facebook) 

3. The Las Vegas Housing Market Has Plenty of Options.

Homes in Las Vegas are being produced by some of the top builders in the country, and there are a wide variety to choose from. Whether you’re wanting to live in a single-family home, multi-family complex, or even a townhome, you’ll be able to find it. The average home value in Las Vegas is around $426,000, which is lower than in a lot of other major U.S. cities. And the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas is around $1,450.

4. There Are a Number of Great Communities in Las Vegas. 

What part of Las Vegas is best to live in? Fortunately, there’s more than one strong option! Many top Las Vegas areas are perfect for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Some of our favorites include Summerlin, Anthem, and Spring Valley.

Summerlin

One of the largest communities in Las Vegas, Summerlin is located right next to Red Rock Canyon. Some of its most notable residents have included Floyd Mayweather, Carlos Santana, and David Copperfield.

Despite being farther from the Strip than other neighborhoods, this master-planned community still offers a variety of living perks. Its scenic location and mature, tree-lined streets make it an ideal place for many to live.

Spring Valley

The Spring Valley community is situated west of the Las Vegas Strip. It features a wide variety of housing types and boasts a diverse population full of young professionals. 

Due to its distinct character and the fact that it isn't a master-planned community, many people flock to Spring Valley. It also comes with a great dining scene and plenty of entertainment options.

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, Windmill Campus, is one of the area’s top schools.
(Source: CASLV - Windmill Campus via Facebook)

5. Public Schools in Las Vegas Are Above Average. 

According to Niche, some of the top-ranked (and A+-rated) public schools in the Las Vegas area include:

• Advanced Technologies Academy
• Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Tamarus
• Pinecrest Academy St. Rose
• Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Windmill
• Pinecrest Academy Horizon
• West Career & Technical Academy

6. Las Vegas Sports Teams Abound.

The Las Vegas area is home to various professional and collegiate sports teams. Some of these include: 

• The NFL's Raiders
• The NHL's Vegas Golden Knights
• The WNBA's Aces

(Bonus Tip: There’s even been talk about an NBA team developing in Las Vegas!)

7. The Las Vegas Climate Doesn’t Include Cooler Temps.

If you're not fond of cold weather, then you’re going to love living in Las Vegas. The city's subtropical desert climate is mostly clear and dry throughout the year, with only mild winters and sweltering summers. It has an average of almost 300 sunny days per year and only gets around five inches of rain annually.

July is the hottest month in Las Vegas, with an average temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The month with the lowest temperature is January, which can range from 38 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The Crime Rate in Las Vegas Shouldn’t Be Ignored.

Many people want to know, “Is Las Vegas safe to live in?” The short answer is yes. Although Las Vegas is considered relatively safe, as with any city, some areas are still prone to crime. That’s why NeighborhoodScout says it’s safer than just 7 percent of other cities. The city has implemented strict laws and deployed more police officers at night, though, to ensure the safety of its residents.

9. The Job Market in Las Vegas Is Booming.

Las Vegas boasts a diversified economy, with the leisure and hospitality industries being the main drivers of the city’s service sector (surprised?). The tourism, gaming, and entertainment industries in Las Vegas contribute over 315,000 jobs to Nevada. Living in Vegas doesn’t mean necessarily working in a casino, though. Other businesses, such as healthcare and information technology, support the local economy. Some of the leading companies in Las Vegas include Johnson Electric, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment.

Living in Las Vegas means getting access to fine dining establishments, like Sparrow + Wolf.
(Source: Sparrow + Wolf via Facebook)

11. The Vegas Parties Really Start When the Sun Goes Down. 

From cocktails at high-end lounges to dance clubs and casinos, the fun really gets going when the sun goes down for many while living in Las Vegas. Here are some standouts.

Best Vegas Bars & Lounges 

In Vegas, there are so many bars that it can be hard to find just one that's right for you. From high-end establishments in town to casual diners and dives, there's something fun for everybody. Some of our favorites include:

• Skyfall Lounge
• The Golden Tiki
• Juliet Cocktail Room
• Peppermill Fireside Lounge

Best Vegas Nightclubs

Of course, Las Vegas living means always being in close proximity of a good time — and a late night. Vegas is the place to go for all your party needs. It has plenty of options for everyone, including celebrity DJs and the extravagant spectacles on the Strip. Check out some of the top nightclubs in the city:

• Foundation Room
• Hakkasan
• TAO Nightclub
• Marquee

12. Las Vegas Transportation Is Available Day and Night.

Most likely, you’re going to need your car if you’re considering living in Las Vegas. Although, if you want to wait a while before securing a new vehicle, you can get from one point to another by bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. And while it might not be the most reliable transportation in the city, the RTC provides bus routes that run along the Strip and Downtown. The best part? These services operate 24 hours a day. 

Seven Magic Mountains is a public land art installation from renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.
(Source: Rudi Nockewel via Pixabay)

13. There Are Definitely Fun Activities Outside of the Strip. 

Sure, most tourists stay near the area's various casinos and shopping districts, but you can certainly enjoy plenty of non-Strip fun things to do in Las Vegas, as well. For starters, be sure to visit:

• The Neon Museum
• Seven Magic Mountains
• Area 15

14. You Can’t Help But Love the Natural Scenery Around Vegas. 

Las Vegas is surrounded by a host of gorgeous natural attractions, which include lakes, conservation areas, and national parks. Whether you’re in the mood for biking, hiking, driving, or even rock climbing, you’ll be able to easily explore the area.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is worth a visit due to its beautiful views, various hiking trails, and campsites. And if you’re not in the mood to walk, you can take a drive through the canyon itself.

Cottonwood Canyon

This park features picnic shelters, paved paths, and grassy areas. It's an ideal place for running, walking, and more.

Floyd Lamb Park

Located in Tule Springs, Floyd Lamb Park offers everything from mountain views to water activities. It features picnic areas, plenty of wildlife, and a way for you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Moving to Las Vegas? PODS Is Your Best Bet.

With the many perks living in Las Vegas has to offer, it's no surprise that so many new residents are flocking there each year. The hardest part? Actually getting there. Simplify the process by renting a portable moving container from PODS. A moving and storage container will be delivered to your driveway, where it can be loaded on your own schedule. PODS can also connect you with local packing and loading services to help with some of that heavy lifting. And once you’re ready to hit the road, your container will be picked up and transported to your dream Las Vegas home for you! Viva Las Vegas!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, the monthly rental price in Las Vegas was rounded to the nearest $25 and the average home value in Las Vegas was rounded to the nearest $100.