Sin City is one of the entertainment capitals of the world, with stunning outdoor destinations, countless nightlife attractions, and vibrant festivals. While it offers a dynamic lifestyle, some may be deterred by the high traffic and limited job diversity. Here are the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas!
Pros of Living in Las Vegas
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There are a lot of things to appreciate about living in Las Vegas. The city boasts tons of things to do, incredible outdoor recreation, and impressive affordability for its size and location. Check out some of the best things Las Vegas has to offer!
Pro: Affordable Desert Living
When you think of Las Vegas, you might picture luxury amenities and expensive attractions—but contrary to popular belief, the city is actually an affordable place to live! Living in Sin City comes with no state income tax and low property taxes, making it easy to carve out a comfortable lifestyle. In addition, Las Vegas’ cost of living is equal to the Nevada state average and significantly lower than several other major U.S. cities. The State of Nevada has plenty of financial assistance programs for residents in need, including free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers. With a median home price of $412,500, which is slightly below the national median, you can find your desert villa without breaking the bank.
Pro: Mild Winters
If you’re no fan of frigid weather, Las Vegas is a great place to relax during chilly seasons. With an average of 0.3 inches of snowfall per year and winter temperatures typically ranging between 38 and 67 degrees, you can safely enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about freezing conditions. The city also boasts exceptionally low humidity, so you won’t have to worry about rainy days or icy roads. When the weather cools down, you can ice skate on the Las Vegas Strip and enjoy seasonal food and beverages at The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool. Chill out with interactive ice sculptures and specialty cocktails at the minus5 Ice Bar. Or check out the impressive holiday display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens from mid-November through early January.
Pro: Vibrant Outdoor Recreation
While Las Vegas is no stranger to big city glitz and glamour, it also has no shortage of outdoor spaces to stretch your legs. Hike the trails, attend family-friendly events like Trail Talk Tuesday and The Canyon Club, and take in desert views at Red Rock Canyon. Enjoy picnicking, cycling, and sightseeing just under an hour from Downtown Vegas at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area—or see the historic Hoover Dam from below by kayaking through Black Canyon with Desert Adventures! Walk through a beautiful Las Vegas botanical garden featuring Mojave Desert-adapted plants and vegetables, and immerse yourself in educational exhibits in the Origen Museum at Springs Preserve. Relax in a lush oasis brimming with native wildlife, vegetation, and vast mountain views at Floyd Lamb Park. Or go off-roading with ATVs, UTVs, and dune buggies through the rocky sandstone outcroppings of the largest Nevada state park, Valley of Fire State Park, with Sunbuggy Fun Rentals.
Pro: Full of Fun-Filled Areas
The city’s claim to fame is being the Entertainment Capital of the World—and no wonder! Known as the beating heart of Sin City, the iconic Las Vegas Strip offers tons of fun activities for visitors and residents alike, with many casinos providing multiple entertainment options on Las Vegas Blvd. Watch the Fountains of Bellagio display over 1,000 colorful water-spraying jets to dance in time with music at the Bellagio. Walk through a mesmerizing glass tunnel displaying over 2,000 aquatic animals—including stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and more—at the Shark Reef Aquarium. Take an enchanting ride down Vegas’ Grand Canal, weaving through bridges, balconies, and local shops on the Venetian Gondola. Enjoy drinks and craft cocktails while taking in 360-degree views of the Vegas skyline on the largest observation wheel in the United States, the High Roller. Head over to Fremont Street and see the music and video-corresponding show on the ceiling, pose with a Vegas Show Girl or character imitators like Captain America or Captain Jack Sparrow, and concert-hop to a new show on each block. Ascend over 1,000 feet for a newly remodeled observation deck, heart-pounding leaps from SkyJump, and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides like Big Shot at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. When you’re ready for cooler temps, just head inside any of Fremont Street’s several souvenir shops, casinos, and restaurants!
Pro: Stunning Art & Culture
Home to immersive installations and beautiful art districts, Sin City is a must-see locale for vibrant art and culture. Walk through augmented reality experiences and browse a collection of enchanting rides and restaurants at AREA15. Shop for spoof products like Whale Song Deodorant, Nut-Free Salted Peanuts, and Who Told You This Was Butter? in the perspective-shifting hallways of Meow Wolf Omega Mart, an interactive art installation. Visit the 18b Arts District to experience over 30 modern galleries and community venues like Saturation Gallery, Apex Artistry, and Compulsion Studio at The Arts Factory. Explore Cold War pop culture with rotating exhibits and authentic artifacts, and experience a simulated atomic blast at the Atomic Museum. See over 250 iconic flashing signs and attend the immersive audiovisual show Brilliant! in The Neon Museum. Or get tickets for lively performances of Broadway classics like Beetlejuice, Les Misérables, and Chicago at The Smith Center.
Pro: Attractive Festivals & Events
Since the city is a prime spot for celebrations, there’s no shortage of festivals in Las Vegas all year round! Turn up for a two-day concert with amazing performances from headliners like the Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, and Kelly Clarkson—at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Get nostalgic while attending the When We Were Young Festival, featuring top emo and punk bands from the 2000s, like Green Day, Pierce The Veil, and blink-182. Head to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for full-size carnival rides and live performances at the largest electronic dance music (EDM) festival in North America, the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Experience everything Downtown Vegas has to offer with show-stopping music, side-splitting comedy shows, world-class vendors, and more at the Life Is Beautiful Festival. Sample great bites and beverages from nationally-recognized guest brewers and Vegas’ most renowned local breweries—such as Able Baker, CraftHaus, and Astronomy Aleworks—at the Great Vegas Beer Festival. Select from specialty food vendors, participate in an eating contest, or ride carnival attractions at Las Vegas’ top food festival, the Great American Foodie Fest. Or celebrate Las Vegas’ diverse community of LGBTQ+ families, couples, and singles with events like Las Vegas PRIDE OUTside hikes, Pride Family Bingo, and the Las Vegas Pride Night Parade through Las Vegas PRIDE.
Pro: Vegas Sports
One of the great things about Las Vegas is its number of professional teams for fans of every sport to root for! See the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) slide across the ice, pass the puck, and score goals at T-Mobile Stadium. Stand up for the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) draining three-pointers and dunking at Michelob Ultra Arena. Cheer for the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) as they make plays and score touchdowns on the turf of Allegiant Stadium. Watch the Las Vegas Aviators (MiLB) load the bases and slide into home at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Support the Las Vegas Ramblers (NVA) as they spike the ball over the net by watching them on ESPN3. Or shout encouragement from the bleachers of historical Cashman Field as the Las Vegas Lights (USL) make passes and score goals.
Pro: Renowned Local Food
Vegas is a true foodie paradise thanks to a blend of famous establishments, high-quality dining, and world-renowned eats. Stop by eat. to enjoy one of the best breakfasts in Las Vegas like savory Breakfast Burritos, Chilaquiles, and Bagel Sandwiches from Chef Natalie. Indulge in French cuisine for brunch in Las Vegas with Beef Wellington, French Toast, and a Chocolate Macaron from Bardot Brasserie. Enjoy delicious Italian food amid Las Vegas’ scenic Art District with Spinach Risotto, Little Gem Salad, and Burrata Sourdough Bread from Esther’s Kitchen. Taste modern cuisine steeped in tradition with meals like Harissa Octopus, Pan Seared Pacific Halibut, and Lebanese Potato Salad from Sparrow + Wolf. Step into a Michelin-Star restaurant for some of the best Chinese food in Las Vegas with classics like Poached Maine Lobster, Duck Shu Mei, and Braised Pork Belly at Wing Lei. Or drink refreshing cocktails paired with Las Vegas seafood like Uni Oyster Ikura, Amberjack Crudo, and Whitefish Carpaccio from Other Mama.
Pro: Top-Tier Nightlife
Las Vegas is one of the best party cities in the U.S., offering countless nightlife opportunities. Get down at a Latin-inspired dance club featuring DJs, salsa bands, and a full bar at La Jolla Nightclub—grab signature drinks while listening to big-name DJs at one of the top-rated Las Vegas nightclubs, XS Nightclub. Nerd out over your favorite fandoms with trivia nights, movie nights, and cosplay parties while sipping drinks at Millennium FANDOM BAR. Listen to local musicians outdoors while participating in throwback events like Recess Sundays and Down & Derby Skate Parties at Gold Spike. Reserve a luxury suite for you and your friends to perform hit songs and dine on Korean-inspired eats at KAMU Ultra Karaoke. Be amazed while attending one of the mind-altering Las Vegas magic shows all around the city starring master illusionists like Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, and Shin Lim. Or game the night away at some of the best places to gamble in Las Vegas with high-stakes blackjack, poker, slots, and more.
Cons of Living in Las Vegas
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Although Las Vegas is a central hub for amazing activities and wonderful attractions, there are areas still evolving such as its education opportunities and infrastructure. Here are five cons of living in Las Vegas.
Con: Limited Education Options
Due to Vegas’ adult-oriented culture, the city doesn’t have as many high-quality education opportunities available for children. Though Las Vegas ranks particularly low for K-12 school quality, there are still dozens of suitable colleges and universities in or around the city for those looking to pursue higher education. Choose from several accredited graduate and undergraduate degrees, Cool Classes with real-world applications, and hands-on Experiential Learning courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Earn certifications in 11 different areas of study—including Biological & Physical Sciences, Education, and Hospitality & Culinary Arts—on the College of Southern Nevada‘s Charleston campus. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing by first progressing through programs like Licensed Practical Nursing and Medical Assistant Training at Las Vegas College. Or train for jobs in fields like business administration, healthcare administration, paralegal services, and criminal justice at a trade school in Las Vegas, Northwest Career College.
Con: Narrow Job Market
Although there are a number of available careers, Nevada still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation at 5.4%. Since much of Las Vegas’ economy consists of key industries in tourism, entertainment, and hospitality, it’s also more difficult to find jobs in STEM fields like technology or medicine. When moving to Las Vegas, be mindful of the job market and research suitable occupations in your industry. Work to provide reliable customer service, prepare meals, or coordinate events at a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest companies in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International. Assist with hotel operations, casino operations, and financial accounting at Caesars Entertainment. Chip away at large-scale construction projects at the PENTA Building Group. Educate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders at one of Nevada’s largest employers, the Clark County School District. Or supply energy assistance to Nevada residents as a technician, senior analyst, or engineer at NV Energy.
Con: Desert Temperatures
Situated within the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas’ hot and dry climate is not for the faint of heart. It’s the second-hottest city in America, with average temperatures ranging between 37 and 104 degrees throughout the year. Las Vegas also receives an average of just over four inches of rainfall per year, making it one of the driest cities in America. Due to these conditions, the city often reaches dangerously high temperatures and is especially susceptible to heat waves and droughts. Plus, the city occasionally faces earthquakes, which demand proper precautions to stay safe. That said, the city’s average of 294 sunny days per year mean that residents can enjoy outdoor recreation all year round.
Con: Heavy Traffic
Roads in Las Vegas, as in many other major cities, are prone to congestion—especially at major crossings and tourist destinations near the Strip and Downtown. This traffic contributes to the city’s higher rate of car accidents when compared to the national average. Las Vegas also has a relatively weak transit score and residents are fairly reliant on their cars, especially those who don’t live near downtown. That said, residents in high-traffic areas can still take advantage of transit services in Las Vegas, including taxis, shuttles, and trams from RTC Southern Nevada. For travel along the Strip, you can board the Las Vegas Monorail. If you’re looking for affordable transportation, Las Vegas’ public bus, The Deuce, provides an inexpensive way to move from major resorts, casinos, and attractions along the Vegas Strip to Downtown Vegas. There’s also the free shuttle service, the Downtown Loop, which stops by popular attractions like the Mob Museum, Bonneville Transit Center, or STRAT Tower. And if you’re looking to travel outside of the city or have guests visit you from out of town, you can find local taxis and airport shuttles running to and from the Harry Reid International Airport.
Con: Limited Family-Friendly Areas
The many casinos, bars, and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip are considered hot spots for adult nightlife and recreation, making finding family-friendly activities difficult. That said, there are still ways to enjoy family things to do in Vegas. Ride on featured coasters like the Canyon Blaster and El Loco, or test your rock climbing skills at the Xtreme Zone at Circus Circus’ Adventuredome. Experience high-octane fun driving go-karts or playing arcade games with your kids at the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix. Spread your wings and teach your children to fly with simulated skydiving and free-falling at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Learn together by visiting themed nature exhibits like Water World, Eco City, and Patents Pending at the Discovery Children’s Museum. Sit down for kid-friendly shows in Las Vegas like ones performed by Cirque du Soleil, which combine pyrotechnics, martial arts, and gymnastics displays. Or taste delicious chocolate sweets while touring interactive shops with candy dispensers at Hershey’s Chocolate World or M&M’s Las Vegas.
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This post was originally published on 03/15/2018, and last revised on 10/23/2023 with updated information.
