One of the first things I noticed when I moved from Las Vegas to New York City in 2005 is how much New Yorkers love their city. Living in New York City means having to adapt to a reduced way of life (smaller home, crowded lifestyle, less money spent on luxuries, including travel) and a daily battle with costs. Yet 95% of the residents enjoy living there and my guess is that half of them wouldn’t live anywhere else.
It was quite a contrast from Las Vegas, where many residents (yes, a minority, but still quite a number) aren’t enamored with living in the valley.
Why not?
I’m neither a psychologist nor anthropologist, but I do have a few pet theories as to why some folks living in a low-cost, low-tax, medium-crime, no-winter, entertainment capital of the world aren’t thrilled about it.
For one, many residents moved here to get away from somewhere. A fellow Realtor told me years ago, “You should move to a place, not from a place.” We have Californians who moved here to escape a high cost of living and high taxes, and Midwesterners escaping snow. In other words, their decision wasn’t motivated by a desire to move to Las Vegas as much as a need to get away from their current residence. Some are looking for a personal or professional second chance. When I took an unofficial poll among residents who like living in Las Vegas about why they moved here, they told me it was because of something unique that the city had to offer: a chance to begin (or further) a career in the gaming/hospitality industry, an interesting job transfer, or to join friends or family — not to get away from somewhere else.
The negatives of living in Las Vegas aren’t well known outside the city. When I told my friends that I was moving to New York in 2005, they all asked me if I could afford it and if I was sure I’d like living in such a crowded town “filled with liberals.” I and everyone else knew what I was getting into. However, in Las Vegas, few outsiders are aware of any of the downsides until they arrive. Decisions to move to Las Vegas are frequently based on vacation visits and if you haven’t gathered this already, life on the Strip is very different than life elsewhere in the valley.
Although the situation tends to improve the longer you live here, a strong sense of community is lacking in Las Vegas. Almost everyone here lives in either a house (with a walled backyard) or a condo/apartment with an outdoor entrance and private balcony/patio, almost all built in the last 30 years and spread farther and farther throughout the valley. I know my neighbors less here than I did in New York or Cleveland. Most of my friends (and most of everyone else’s friends) come from work and professional connections, which is not always the best place to build personal relationships. It’s one reason that both churches and Meetup groups flourish in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is a hard city to leave, even if you want to. If you live in New York City and hate it, you can leave very quickly. A New York job on your resume will open doors anywhere (especially in financial or marketing careers), plus wherever you move is cheaper than NYC. The hard part is moving into the city, not leaving. Conversely, moving to Las Vegas is rather simple, but leaving can be difficult. A new book titled Stigma Cities — The Reputation and History of Birmingham, San Francisco and Las Vegas discusses the prejudices other parts of America have against Las Vegas. Many people think that residents (especially those wanting to leave) have gambling issues or just couldn’t make it in a town that attracts “mediocrity.” To finalize my point, compare these two slogans: “If you can make it there [NYC], you’ll make it anywhere” to “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”
The reason for this blog (and especially this post) is not to bitch about life in Las Vegas or to discourage anyone from moving here, but to clearly state what a Las Vegas lifestyle is like, how to take advantage of the positives, and to address the negatives head on.
I like it here. I’d probably like living elsewhere and may consider it someday, but it’ll be because I want to live there, not because I want to leave Las Vegas.
By the way, this website is running a poll about the reasons people want or don’t want to move to Las Vegas, or like or don’t like living here if they already do. Click here if you’re like to vote. The results, which should be quite instructive, will be revealed on Wednesday December 29.
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There was a whole movie (and novel) about the subject of Leaving Las Vegas.
I know quite a few people who never intended to stay in Vegas when they moved there. They were planning to make their stash and get out–whether it was a lucrative job with the casinos, being an advantage player, or just a mundane job coupled with a low cost of living that would enable them to fatten up the ol’ bank account. All of those people are still in Vegas, and most of them don’t want to be. Quite a few of them wound up paying the “casino tax” and thus, their bank accounts stayed where they were–or shrank. Many of them found that while they had made money, moving back to someplace more desirable would cost more than they thought.
I was part of that crowd. However, I ran screaming just before the recession hit. I saw too many people becoming Vegas addicts, their mental and physical health rapidly deteriorating. I’ve kept track of them over the years since then. A dozen of them are dead–even though none of them would be over 60 now.
I think this score-and-get-out mentality is one thing that keeps Vegas from having any sense of community. People aren’t committed to the place. For that matter, neither are the city authorities–in many newly built neighborhoods, it’s taken a decade or more before such basic amenities as sidewalks, never mind parks and schools, to be installed. Case in point–what is it, $1.5 billion to build a foobaw stadium that will host a maximum of what, ten games a year? While Vegas schools struggle desperately with swelling class sizes due to underfunding? A freeway to nowhere to serve the fat cats in Summerlin, but no money to fix streets in poor neighborhoods that are full of potholes?
Vegas may be a city, but it isn’t a community. And that’s where the problem lies. It’s not that great a place to live if you’re surrounded by people, yet, all by yourself.
Yes, Las Vegas is a godforsaken place if I ever saw one. It is surely the Devil’s playground. Unless they are really wealthy and can live in the best areas of this town, decent people are probably scared most of the time. I also believe a lot of people here aren’t friendly because they are “into things” and they don’t want other people knowing it.
I’m so afraid my male relative has gotten addicted to this town. He’s single and he’s a bit secretive. I know he would never do crimes. He’s not a criminal mind, but he’s probably doing things with women here. When people act secretive, they have things to hide. That’s okay. He knows right from wrong and it’s his life to live. If I get the chance to leave Nevada, I’m going! I’m praying every single day for that to happen.
So many good points by both of you. Being a 14-year resident here certainly gives you some perspective about this city’s absurdities and pleasures. As noted there are obvious benefits and more obvious negatives. Until the state stops kissing the casino’s derriér and starts directing more funds into education this city won’t be able to call itself one of true elite places to live.
Would like to hear from other LVAers especially Jean Scott about moving and living in LV.
This article is informative, but others complained of lousy health services, both normal and seniors.
What are your opinions?
I’m a gambler, so have been coming to Las Vegas for decades, from the SF Bay Area. For a time, 2 or 3 times a month! I’ve met a lot of really nice people who live in LV but they’ve told me that they don’t really speak to their neighbors and don’t really like the people living in their city. I couldn’t figure out this seeming contradiction! I came to the conclusion that they were just isolating themselves out of fear, that maybe their neighbor may have a gambling, drinking or other problem. Their afraid of having their neighbor begging them for money all the time or something? There’s some validity to that but not enough I think. I’ve also found that there are some really great Christian churches in Las Vegas ( You have to be selective though as anywhere else.) , which much of the San Francisco area really lacks. More Las Vegans should take advantage of that.
The schools comment above is interesting. I’ve been subscribing to the Review Journal online since January, and according to several of its writers, Clark County has been pouring $$$ after $$$ into schools without results for years. An Uber driver in Vegas also said the same thing – money pours into schools with no improvement. But perhaps some of the problem with schools is also stated above – the lack of a sense of community. Where I live, pride in the community drives school success. Without pride or a sense of community, schools will flounder? Just a guess.
I look forward to future blogs, as I may one day be a resident.
Tommy
Is nobody going to mention Vegas is literally hell on earth, this fucking heat is not worth living.
I don’t like the desert, plain and simple. I don’t even care about the Red Rocks landscape. Lol. You can find red rocks in other states, as well. Personally, I would choose Arizona over Nevada to live, especially if one has a family to raise. However, many “adults” don’t have peace of mind and they need continual entertainment and detrimental vices to get through each day. Hence, Las Vegas.
I moved to Vegas from England. I absolutely love the weather, even the heat doesn’t get to me too much. Winter is amazing with snowboarding 1 hour away and plenty of outdoor activities. For me this was a dream place coming from hideous weather year round in the UK. HOWEVER, people here do not talk what so ever. I have three neighbors, that would never say hello. The fourth is from California and is very friendly. People are so separated here which is strange. Meeting new people is next to impossible. I personally have high energy and always treat people well. No matter how you approach people here they are likely to look straight through you next time you see them. Unless they can see a way they can benefit them from a monetary angle. Pre COVID I travel 24/7 and that kept the issue at bay as I don’t stay here too long. Just get in and get out. I will be moving to Florida or California after here as people are much friendlier. I have also met other people briefly that have had all the same issues I experience. It’s a shame as I think it’s got a lot to offer as a place to live. Perhaps people just don’t realize how fortunate they are to live here. First question is always “why did you move here” from the angle of… why on earth would you pick here? I love this place, shame that the people are shit.
Lol. When people ask questions like, “Why are you here,” I think they are likely “stuck.” They are probably people who would prefer to be living somewhere else, but they have no way to escape. I always got asked that question when I lived in a southern state for a short time.
People in the South especially seem to be insecure and threatened by strangers who come from big, popular cities and places out west. I could feel it again and again from complete strangers. You can’t even mind your own business. People come to your front door, etc. I was harassed in my apartment for no reason. They can sometimes look at you and tell you’re from somewhere else. Also, I noticed that when they find out you’re from out west, they seem to want to let you know how “hip” or smart they are, like they think you look might be looking down on them or believe they are backwards bumpkin folks. They try too hard.
Ugh!
I don’t have time for that foolishness.
I love vegas just because of fooooddddd <3
I think las vegas is a good place to live. speacily for food lovers <3
That is true, but there is MUCH more to life than food and eating. In Sin City, food can so easily become just “one more addiction” that you’re then going to be fighting for the remainder of your life. Looking around me here, I see it’s the unfortunate case for so many… not just here, but all over the country.
In Las Vegas, plenty of retired seniors don’t cook meals. They purchase crappy processed foods. They also sit on their rears at casinos and gamble all morning. Then, at noontime or so, they’re off to one of the in-house restaurants or buffets. After that, it’s back to the games they go…. EVERY DAY. And they look so overweight, unhealthy and out-of-shape. They can barely walk.
No thanks.
Las vegas is a good place to live. Some of the famous restaurants of US are located in las vegas. Here you can find the best family restaurants in las vegas https://dinnerrestaurantsnearme.com/best-family-restaurants-in-las-vegas/ . I ordered the food and i am satisfy with it <3
Thank me later 🙂
The author of this article makes a great point about why Vegas is so undesirable. The author is right, there is absolutely no community here. Every neighborhood has these ugly ass retaining walls and it drives me crazy!!!!!!!!! like who the fuck does that? It’s almost as if they don’t want anyone else moving here… I swear I haven’t seen my neighbors in like six months. So many people who visit here say, “Oh I would love to live in Vegas!” Uh huh, sure you would. In my opinion, Vegas is one of these places that you either love or hate. There is no in between. Unfortunately, I hate it here and Im so glad my husband and I are relocating. Vegas may be good to visit but not for me to live.
Jessica,
There isn’t going to be community here because Las Vegas attracts too many low-life people from all over the place. Lots of people coming in here from bad situations, too… from inner cities to the poorest southern communities. People without education. People from crime-ridden cities and gangsters with their women. Illegals who are drug abusers who also sell drugs. Sex workers and people running away from traumatic situations in other states. Educated people who get good jobs, but they are gamblers and greedy and they steal from the less fortunate. They have no scruples! It’s all those “types” in every race of people in Sin City.
Also, many people come to Las Vegas for a vacation and say, “Oh my gosh, Las Vegas is so much fun! I love it here!” And on just that, they decide they have to move here. That is the DUMBEST thing people can do!
As long as Las Vegas continues to grow the service industry, it will continue to remain a DUMP. Las Vegas doesn’t want to ever stop being the entertainment capital of the world.
Las Vegas needs many, many more good jobs that attract ethical, capable people and give them a reason to stay here long-term. This place needs higher standards for its citizens. When more decent folks are attracted to this city for good, stable jobs, the schools and everything else will improve. It’s not going to happen as long as it’s known as Sin City. Decent people generally don’t want to live, work and raise children in a sinful city.
My husband and I just moved to Vegas a few months ago. I have lived in a lot of cities…DC, Baltimore, LA, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville FL, and a small city in West Virginia when I was in college so I’m used to moving to new places and I adapt pretty quickly and get into a routine, meet new friends, and enjoy everything my new city has to offer. Vegas has been the absolute opposite. The traffic here rivals Los Angeles and the DC metro area and it’s impossible to get anywhere in less than 35-40 minutes unless it’s right down the street. No one here is even remotely friendly or sociable. The nicest person I met was a retiree from Pittsburgh, go figure. The cost of living seems to have gone up significantly since we first started planning our move but I see no benefit to the amount of money spent. It’s been 4 months and I’m mentally and physically exhausted with this city. Pittsburgh was never my top choice of cities but that’s where I’m going back to because of the reasonable cost of living, friendly people, a huge sense of community, and it’s easy to travel because you save so much money on housing. I don’t feel like Vegas defeated me, I feel like Vegas defeated itself by not investing in the communities and focusing solely on tourism. I can’t imagine I’ll be wanting to come back here to even visit after living here. At least I’ll never wonder “what if”. But Vegas just isn’t the city for me.
I believe there is an overall lack of “trust” in Las Vegas. For good reason, imo. And this place is also known for being “transient.” Probably because of the overwhelming service industry, most people cannot dig their heels in and feel any type of security or feeling of longevity. The schools suck and, to me, the job market is terrible.
I came to Nevada with a family member to look after another family member who died not long after we arrived here. It was totally unexpected and depressing. It was not my choice, but I was open to trying to like this place.
I left two jobs. One was a hostile environment because of the women employed there. Those insecure women were from other states, like the South, Detroit, Florida, etc. Insecure types. I don’t think I lasted even a month. It was in North Las Vegas. The other job, the “top dog” who was “well known” in a certain public field in Las Vegas, and a married man, was starting his “sexual harassment moves.” So, I left pretty quickly. It wasn’t any kind of dream job, but I would have stayed longer if he hadn’t started being trouble.
I am originally from Orange County, California, born and raised. I’ve been in Southern Nevada (Henderson) for a total of 12 years and I TRULY DESPISE Nevada and wish I never moved here. I lived in a southern state and Arizona for short periods. I was not happy in those places, either. I hate the South and would never choose to go anywhere back there again. Arizona was not horrible, but still not for me. I don’t really like the desert landscape or the dust storms that no one ever warns you about.
Anyway, I have not been successful in Nevada. No sense of community. People here have too many vices and are into the rah-rah lifestyle. That’s not me. I could tell you so much. The crimes, especially during the recession, completely turned me off. I have never in my life seen so many disgusting crimes that people here have committed. And I’ve worked in the criminal field before. Nevada has been the WORST I’ve ever seen. In fact, I believe the devil is definitely busier in this place. But it seems most people here don’t wish to see it. They go on with their partying, gambling, overeating, shows, vices and myriads of distractions. They don’t want to know about the bad things.
I pray that God will miraculously make a way for me to return to California. Every friend I have is in California. I always thought I would eventually leave California for a cheaper place to live, but now I appreciate California more than I ever did.
In my opinion, Las Vegas will NEVER amount to much as long as it reigns as Sin City. The “sin” is the problem. Not to be too preachy, but it’s one of those things in life that tricks people into thinking it’s all exciting and fun, but at the same, it’s doing a lot of damage.
So much customer service industry SUCKS! All these stupid jobs with zero stability. No one cares enough to bring about truly positive change. I was here in Nevada throughout the recession and it is clear that this place will never be like California or other major states/cities. Nevada is only great for entertainment. And “the powers” want it to remain that way.
The school system is in the toilet. What kind of life are the kids being prepared for if they are not receiving a good education. And the education of many children sucks because their parents suck. Many people move to Las Vegas without anything. They pack up their broken-down cars with their belongings and just “drive” here. Women arrive with kids and “useless” boyfriends who stay at home to babysit. She’s trying to get a low-paying job in a hotel-casino. They are barely getting by and need assistance immediately.
Something major has to be done in Las Vegas to improve the lives of young people. There will be consequences.
People come to Las Vegas and take a nosedive. Things can turn really bad and people start drinking, drugging and everything else that is detrimental to their well-being.
I’d also like to say that if I were a woman interested in dating men, I would NEVER look in Las Vegas! UGH! You’d better find your guy in another state first. But even if you do that, BEWARE! If he moves here, he can easily get “sucked into” doing what so many other men here do.
In Las Vegas, “sleaze” is a disease. It is rampant… and, imo, it is “accepted” here. Many men love Las Vegas because of the sleaze industry. Many wealthy married men with families fly into Las Vegas from conservative states like Wyoming and Idaho and they are “regular partakers.”
And the ones who live here… well, there isn’t much hope for them at all. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, college instructors, policemen, firemen, elected officials–you name it! I’ve never seen so many highly educated and professional men who are doing so many shady sexual behaviors without batting an eye. They get caught and it is “business as usual.” Their wives remain by their sides, even when they are going to court. Lol.
ONLY in Las Vegas was I ever followed by a complete stranger. I had left a grocery store and someone was trying to follow me home. I was completely in shock! I believe my Lord God protected me, because I would have gone straight home and not noticed anything. While stopped at a light, I believe he caused me to think “Oh, let me go to the bank.” When I left my lane and made a quick, sharp veer to make a right turn, I noticed the car behind me made the exact, same “startled” move. When I saw the car in my rearview mirror, I immediately became suspicious. The windows were too tinted to see anyone. I was certain a male was following me. So, I slowly drove through a nice neighborhood and the car followed me everywhere.
I wasn’t about to go home, so I drove toward my bank and made a smart move from a lane near a freeway that could go either straight or turn left. The person obviously didn’t know which way I was going. I went straight, but the person turned. I drove into a shopping center area and to my bank. I parked and sat there. Suddenly, the other car reappeared and also drove up near the bank. I was stretching my neck, trying to see who was in that car. Finally, a woman around approx. age 65 exited the vehicle, glancing in my direction and looking “totally caught.” I was onto her, so she got out of the car and pretended she was there to enter the bank. I immediately drove home.
That woman may have been completely harmless–BUT STILL, to try to follow me to my home!!! Someone I don’t know from Adam.
Another thing noticed. During COVID, I highly suspect that many of the men in Las Vegas were losing their minds because the “sex industry” was negatively affected and they couldn’t get their jollies with women like they were used to. They were like addicts looking for a fix. I really noticed it in grocery stores early in the mornings. I was always telling my friends about how strange the men in Las Vegas were acting during the pandemic.
I do not feel safe in Las Vegas. Thank God I’m not a totally alone female here. I still live with a male relative. I don’t want to remain “stuck” here. I think it is a bad place for seniors. There are too many unethical, dangerous people living in this spaghetti bowl. I believe people often come to Las Vegas to deliberately do wrong things. Or, they’ve already committed crimes in other states and move to Las Vegas to HIDE.
Is there anything in Las Vegas that I like? Yes. That I have a few nice Walmarts I can shop at. They are not nearly as crowded as the ones in California. It’s a more peaceful shoppingnexperience for me. Also, I enjoy going to movie theaters here. They are continually remodeled and updated, with clean bathrooms.
I adore Mexican food. It’s my favorite. But I do not eat out very often. I am highly disappointed with what the Henderson, Nevada area has to offer. There is much, much better Mexican “fast food” in Arizona. It’s hard to believe. In Nevada, you have to drive down to the Strip area and enter a casino or to the other side of the 15 freeway. Are you kidding me?
Except for an occasional trip to South Point Casino to watch a movie, I avoid the Strip at ALL costs. There is really nothing there that I want. I’ve already seen enough of the Las Vegas lifestyle and I don’t gamble any money.
Similar to what someone else wrote, if I leave Nevada, I don’t think I will ever return… even for a visit or a vacation. I am truly “over and done” with this state.