10 Things You Need To Know About Moving To Las Vegas

By: Kristen Riffle May 5, 2023

Las Vegas has long been known as the entertainment capital of the world, but there is so much more to this city than just the bright lights and casinos. Las Vegas is a great place to live, work, and play. If you're considering a move, keep these ten things in mind to make your transition to this vibrant city as smooth as possible.  

1. Low Taxes: One of the biggest perks of living in Las Vegas is the low tax structure. There is no state income tax and property taxes are relatively low compared to other major cities.  According to the Tax Foundation, Nevada has one of the most favorable tax environments in the United States. The state does not have a personal income tax or a corporate income tax. This means that residents and businesses are able to keep more of their income, which can be a significant advantage when compared to other states with high income tax rates. In addition, Nevada has a relatively low sales tax rate of 6.85%, which is lower than the national average. The state also has a favorable property tax climate, with an effective property tax rate of just 0.71%, which is the third-lowest in the country. This can be particularly advantageous for homeowners, as it means that they are able to save a significant amount of money on property taxes. Overall, the low tax rates in Nevada can make it an attractive place for businesses and individuals looking to save money on their taxes.

2. You Need a Car: While it is technically possible to live in Las Vegas without a car, it can be quite challenging and inconvenient, especially if you plan on exploring the city. Las Vegas is a spread-out city with limited public transportation options, making it difficult to get around efficiently without a car. Many of the popular attractions, such as Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston, are only accessible by car, and without one, you may miss out on all that Las Vegas has to offer. Additionally, the desert climate can make walking or biking long distances uncomfortable or even dangerous during the hot summer months. Unless you plan on living and working in close proximity to the Strip and don't plan on venturing out too often, having a car in Las Vegas is highly recommended for optimal mobility and convenience.

3. Great for Families: Las Vegas can actually be a great place to raise a family, according to the Review-Journal. With the area's affordable cost of living, it is possible for families to enjoy the city's numerous amenities and still stay on budget. Las Vegas offers plenty of family-friendly activities and events, including amusement parks, zoos, water parks, and nature parks. In addition, there are many master-planned communities that cater specifically to families with children, offering amenities like community swimming pools, playgrounds, and parks. Las Vegas also has a thriving sports community, with multiple professional sports teams and youth leagues available. With all these offerings, it's no wonder that many families have found Las Vegas to be a great place to call home.

4. School System Has Options: While the public school system in Las Vegas may not have the best reputation across the entire valley, Nevada offers a range of school options for families moving to Las Vegas. For example, magnet schools provide specialized learning environments, including STEM-focused programs and performing arts schools. Career academies offer students hands-on experience in a particular field, such as aviation or health sciences. In addition to public schools, there are also private schools to choose from, including some of the top-rated schools in the country. Families can also take advantage of online learning options or home schooling programs. Overall, there are many different options to meet the educational needs of families moving to Las Vegas.

5. So Many Outdoor Activities: Las Vegas may be located in the desert, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do outdoors. Red Rock Canyon is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing, with trails for all levels of experience. The Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour outside of Las Vegas, is a stunning area with red sandstone formations, hiking trails, and camping areas. Mount Charleston is another popular spot, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking in the summer. For those looking to beat the heat, there are also several water parks in the area, including Wet’n’Wild and Cowabunga Bay. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Las Vegas has something to offer for everyone.

6. Las Vegas Sports Teams Are Here: Las Vegas has recently emerged as a top sports destination, with the addition of professional sports teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, the Las Vegas Aces, and the Vegas Golden Knights. The arrival of these teams has brought a new level of excitement and enthusiasm to the city, with fans of all ages showing their support for their favorite players and teams. The Raiders, who moved to Las Vegas in 2020, have been playing at the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium, which has quickly become one of the most impressive stadiums in the league. Additionally, Las Vegas will soon add another major league team to its roster, as the city has been working on adding a Major League Baseball franchise. This latest addition to the city's sports scene is expected to be a major draw for fans of America's pastime, and will no doubt help solidify Las Vegas' reputation as a premier sports destination.

7. You Can Live Near Water: Believe it or not, Las Vegas has several bodies of water, including Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, The Lakes, and Desert Shores. If you love being near the water, Las Vegas has plenty of options. Some of these areas have waterfront living options available as we speak. 

8. Slot Machines In Gas Stations: Las Vegas is known for its gaming, and you can even gamble at gas stations and grocery stores! Gaming revenue is an important part of the city and state's economy. The city's gaming revenue makes up more than an estimated 40% of its general fund, which goes towards community services such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, and parks and recreation. In addition, the article highlights that the revenue from slot machines in convenience stores and grocery stores also helps to create jobs and support small businesses. Overall, while gambling may not be for everyone, it's clear that it plays a significant role in the community and economy of Las Vegas.

9. Las Vegas Is More Than Just the Strip: One of the communities that exemplifies this is Summerlin, a master-planned community that offers residents a high quality of life. It is located just 20 minutes away from the Strip, but it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Summerlin has a lot to offer, including parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and top-notch golf courses. One of the popular attractions is Downtown Summerlin, a 1.6 million square-foot shopping center that offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The center has over 125 stores, including fashion boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and a movie theater. The community also boasts some of the best golf courses in the area, including TPC Summerlin, Bear's Best Golf Club, and the Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock.

In addition to Summerlin, there are many other neighborhoods in Las Vegas that offer a high quality of life. The city has a diverse range of shopping and dining options, from luxury shopping centers like The Forum Shops at Caesars and The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian to local boutiques and restaurants that offer a unique taste of Las Vegas. There are also many beautiful parks throughout the city, including Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Floyd Lamb State Park, that offer residents a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. So, while the Strip may be the most well-known part of Las Vegas, the city has much more to offer beyond its glitz and glamour.

10. Find A Realtor Who Is A People Connector: When moving to a new city, it's important to have a good realtor who can help you navigate the local real estate market. In Las Vegas, this is especially true given the city's unique characteristics and the variety of neighborhoods and communities. A good realtor should be a people connector who has a vast network of contacts to recommend trustworthy professionals and services that can help you with everything from legal assistance to cleaning services. This is important because Las Vegas is a rapidly growing city, and finding the right service provider can be challenging for newcomers.

In addition to helping you find the right professionals and services, a good realtor in Las Vegas can also help you understand the different neighborhoods and communities. They can provide insights into schools, parks, shopping centers, dining options, and other amenities that are important to you. By having a good understanding of what you're looking for, a realtor can help you find the perfect home in a location that fits your needs and preferences. Overall, a good realtor can be a valuable asset when relocating to Las Vegas, helping you navigate the city and its unique real estate market with ease.

If you are considering a move to Las Vegas, it can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With the city's low taxes, family-friendly communities, diverse school options, abundance of outdoor activities, and now professional sports teams, it's easy to see why more and more people are choosing to call Vegas home. However, navigating the real estate market can be a challenge, and that's why finding a good realtor is crucial. A trusted agent who is a people connector can help make the transition smoother by providing valuable connections to a variety of trusted professionals. If you have any questions about moving to Las Vegas or would like assistance in finding your dream home, don't hesitate to reach out or fill out the form below. Our team is ready to help you make your move to Las Vegas a success.