Should I Move To Las Vegas?

I am from Las Vegas, born and raised.

The town has changed since my time there, but all in all, the schools were great, the fire and PD are top notch.

Just keep your "well in Cali we do it this way" mentality to yourself. I suggest this to anyone moving to another state, from any other state. Not saying you do, but if you do, leave it in Cali.

Hawaiian population in Vegas is pretty big, pretty serious melting pot.

A bunch to do.
 
When my parents retired they wanted to get away from the Wisconsin cold for 6 months of the year. They rented a 55+ condo part time from December through May in Laughlin, NV. for 15 years (Bullhead City, AZ. is just across the river from Laughlin). IMO this is exactly the type of place that you are looking for. I visited there almost every year. The weather was very pleasant during those months. It is a lot slower paced, less crowded, and more laid-back then LV but still has some of the excitement (with a touch of the night life), and it has some of the charm that LV lacks. I liked the place and highly recommend it. Visit and you will see what I mean. BTW, most of the condo owners actually live in California, so you won't experience the same level of rejection and hostility there that you will in LV.
 
Marrk said:
I enjoy this forum and the members here, so I thought I would throw this out there. Please feel free to comment.

I am giving serious consideration to moving to Las Vegas. Preferably Henderson or the Summerlin area. What I am seeking is a single-family house to rent in a 55+ community. I'm done with apartments, and, much to my own surprise, I think a 55+ community might work for me. I just want peace and quiet, and privacy. And a two-car garage.

I realize that for more than half the year I will be living in a climate that is only slightly cooler than the sun, but you can't have everything.

Please tell me what I should know, and don't hold back.

Thanks. :)
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California has hand an influence on the cost of living in LV. Traffic around the strip is always bad. It's always windy. Dust is ever present. The bottoms of your shoes turn black. The population is highly transient and the economy centers around the service industry. Natives become jaded and have a love/hate relationship with the tourists. The weather makes it difficult to live a healthy lifestyle.
 
We're also thinking about moving to Vegas. We love to vacation there. Love all the activities. Love the concerts and shows. Love the gambling. Love downtown Summerlin. It's only brutally hot a few months out of the year. Lots of bowling and golf. Great restaurants. Great locals spots.

Cons: The dry climate is brutal on my skin. Hate the itchiness. Healthcare and hospitals seem to be below average. We're not getting any younger and health issues are bound to arise. While there are lots of very nice people in Vegas, there seems to be enough undesirables to make me think again. Summerlin is very nice but it's a bit pricey there. Scorpions.
 
My in-laws live there and we spend quite some time there.

Pros: It is a big city. It is a melting pot, and you have all the amenities of large cities. Roads are excellent due to the dry climate, not snow or ice, so there are no potholes, etc. There are numerous ethnic restaurants off the strip.

Cons: It is, well, super hot, but you already know that. Winters can be cold, and you don't have anything to do in winter. There is a lot of transient population, and that comes with issues. Healthcare is subpar. That is something at that age to think about. My in-laws have a place in Colorado Springs too, and per their experience, healthcare is leaps and bounds better here.
 
I guess I would ask what your goals are? Is it out of CA or out of LA? Did you pull Vegas out of a hat or do you find it attractive?

If you want a quieter lifestyle and still like CA, I would suggest the North of SF Bay Area. We have a home in Petaluma, which is prue tranquility as compared to Silicon Valley, and perhaps even better weather. It's gotten more expensive housing-wise but the further north you go the cheaper housing gets.

I would seriously take a look. Good luck.
 
edyvw said:
My in-laws live there and we spend quite some time there.

Pros: It is a big city. It is a melting pot, and you have all the amenities of large cities. Roads are excellent due to the dry climate, not snow or ice, so there are no potholes, etc. There are numerous ethnic restaurants off the strip.

Cons: It is, well, super hot, but you already know that. Winters can be cold, and you don't have anything to do in winter. There is a lot of transient population, and that comes with issues. Healthcare is subpar. That is something at that age to think about. My in-laws have a place in Colorado Springs too, and per their experience, healthcare is leaps and bounds better here.
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I have heard that healthcare is not so great in Nevada. This is a concern.
 
JeffKeryk said:
I guess I would ask what your goals are? Is it out of CA or out of LA? Did you pull Vegas out of a hat or do you find it attractive?

If you want a quieter lifestyle and still like CA, I would suggest the North of SF Bay Area. We have a home in Petaluma, which is prue tranquility as compared to Silicon Valley, and perhaps even better weather. It's gotten more expensive housing-wise but the further north you go the cheaper housing gets.

I would seriously take a look. Good luck.
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I would love to stay in California. Petaluma would be a dream. But I can't afford the cost of living anywhere in CA. In fact, it seems like the whole U.S. is cooked in terms of affordable housing. It's tough out there.

I chose Las Vegas because 1) no state income tax, 2) abundant housing, 3) warm, dry climate, 4) I was gambling on the idea that everyone else would hate the heat as much as I do and would stay away, so I'd have a shot.
 
Marrk said:
Believe it or not, I was afraid of that. The last thing I want is to be surrounded by neighbors who spend all day watching me. I've been in that situation.
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Maybe watching you is worth the effort. I have very nosy neighbors. One actually put a ladder against my 12 foot high wall and apparently stuck his head over the top. Cuddles almost bit his head off and the guy had his layer write me a letter. He didn't know my wife was a prosecutor. Hilarious.
 
BMWTurboDzl said:
California has hand an influence on the cost of living in LV. Traffic around the strip is always bad. It's always windy. Dust is ever present. The bottoms of your shoes turn black. The population is highly transient and the economy centers around the service industry. Natives become jaded and have a love/hate relationship with the tourists. The weather makes it difficult to live a healthy lifestyle.
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I would not live anywhere near the Strip or the touristy parts. Not my interest.
 
vavavroom said:
Maybe watching you is worth the effort. I have very nosy neighbors. One actually put a ladder against my 12 foot high wall and apparently stuck his head over the top. Cuddles almost bit his head off and the guy had his layer write me a letter. He didn't know my wife was a prosecutor. Hilarious.
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Believe me. It's not worth the effort. I'm the most boring person in the world.
 
Marrk said:
I would love to stay in California. Petaluma would be a dream. But I can't afford the cost of living anywhere in CA. In fact, it seems like the whole U.S. is cooked in terms of affordable housing. It's tough out there.

I chose Las Vegas because 1) no state income tax, 2) abundant housing, 3) warm, dry climate, 4) I was gambling on the idea that everyone else would hate the heat as much as I do and would stay away, so I'd have a shot.
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I hear you; it's pretty crazy. You will land somewhere good! I would still check Northern CA. Good luck.

FYI I was in Petaluma today; it's getting crowded!
 
i have been to Vegas many time and when i go there spend very little time on the strip . been all over the Vegas valley. i have found its just like any other place with good and bad areas. Summerlin Henderson lone mountian area are the place i would pick to live. avoid the north as its close to the base and more crime ridden .

you could also consider mesquite . Close to Vegas for when you want to head in , but far enough that the city life is quieter
 
Marrk said:
I would love to stay in California. Petaluma would be a dream. But I can't afford the cost of living anywhere in CA. In fact, it seems like the whole U.S. is cooked in terms of affordable housing. It's tough out there.

I chose Las Vegas because 1) no state income tax, 2) abundant housing, 3) warm, dry climate, 4) I was gambling on the idea that everyone else would hate the heat as much as I do and would stay away, so I'd have a shot.
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Yeah, don't bet on that. I have a rental business and properties in Vegas. It is in high demand.
Vegas is a boom-and-bust city. When the economy is good, things are good; when the economy goes into recession, Vegas (Orlando, etc.) is the first city to feel it.
I have property in San Diego (I lived in it, now renting), and I will gladly take CA income tax over Vegas.
 
Grew up in Newhall, went to college in the LA area, joined the Air Force and subsequently lived in Sacramento, Ogden, Japan, Apple Valley, CA, the Florida Panhandle, Korea, and Oahu. Quasi retired to Placerville CA and after 2.5 years moved to Vegas for a job.
I can't say I've disliked anywhere I've lived, but I really retired about 8 years ago and am still in Vegas. I could afford to move back to Santa Clarita (Newhall), but my lifestyle would take a major hit - I'd have to give up on the philanthropy I am able to practice now and I'd have to live on a tight budget instead of doing what I'd like whenever I'd like.

Some truth in the concerns about medical. They used to say in order to get decent medical treatment in Vegas you had to go to McCarren International Airport. They don't say that anymore [since they renamed the airport]. All kidding aside, I recently spoke to a doctor I know socially about heading to LA for treatment for my wife. She threw cold water on that idea - apparently hospitals in Cali are innundated with recent designated political refugee arrivals. They have degraded to the point the best ones are no longer recommended.

If you or a spouse have gambling problems, Vegas isn't the place for you. If you have self control, it's an excellent place to live. Lots of activities, a great variety of restaurants, etc. The only problem I have is I haven't found an edible chicken fried steak in this town.
 
edyvw said:
My in-laws live there and we spend quite some time there.

Pros: It is a big city. It is a melting pot, and you have all the amenities of large cities. Roads are excellent due to the dry climate, not snow or ice, so there are no potholes, etc. There are numerous ethnic restaurants off the strip.

Cons: It is, well, super hot, but you already know that. Winters can be cold, and you don't have anything to do in winter. There is a lot of transient population, and that comes with issues. Healthcare is subpar. That is something at that age to think about. My in-laws have a place in Colorado Springs too, and per their experience, healthcare is leaps and bounds better here.
Click to expand...

Why is healthcare subpar ?

Long wait time to see a doctor / specialist ?

The quality of the doctors ?

Quality of Hospitals ?

Just wondering….
 
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