[ajams22]

Hey all,

So as I've said in a past post, I'll be moving to Las Vegas in June for an apprenticeship/hopefully job after I graduate college, and I'm really excited for it.

I'm planning a trip down your way at the end of March to meet the people I'll be working for, as well as to further check out the area and city aside from what I've already seen in the past.

My main question is: for a prospective mover, what would you recommend I see on my visit? I've visited in the past and have seen the Strip, and I'll be meeting with a friend who will be in town at the same time, so I'll get plenty of exposure with that. But aside the touristy stuff, what kinds of things would you recommend I see in order to get a "real" feel for the city?

I was already thinking of looking around the area of the city I'll be living, the kinds of amenities and services that are around the apartment complex, but after that I kind of hit a block.

[ScoopLV]

This question has been asked several times. I wish the answers would get stuck on our pinned "moving to Las Vegas" thread.

Here is my strategy:

1) Don't visit casinos. It is probable that they will at least lose some of their allure shortly after your move. The Strip, Downtown and the locals' casinos are a fantasyland where people pay to get their ego stroked. That isn't Las Vegas, unless you're employed doing that sort of thing (and it sounds like you aren't.)

2) Pick a few areas that interest you and drive around. Do not try to see the entire valley. It's a lot larger than many imagine. If I was doing this, I'd check out Spring Valley, Green Valley and Sunrise Manor. (I dislike Summerlin and always have.) You can get on Realtor.com (or another real estate site) and check these areas out right now. Even if you're not buying, it's good to know what your rent/housing dollar buys. Hop on Google maps and see whats in the area.

3) If at all possible, stay somewhere that has a kitchen and act as much as possible like you do when you're NOT on vacation. Pay attention to the other shoppers in the grocery store. Do your normal routine, to the extent possible. Just do so here.

4) Keep in mind that you are visiting during one of the most pleasant months of the year. Summer is around the corner. And you're not really a local until you've scorched yourself getting into your car in July.

5) As far as I'm concerned, dollar for dollar there is no real difference between any Las Vegas neighborhood. (You can't compare the nice sections of town to the crappy sections.) Most of the middle-class neighborhoods look like they were whacked with a clone stick. Most of the upper-class neighborhoods ALSO look like they were whacked with a clone stick. If you love the tan stucco and red tile look, you're going to love it here. Furthermore, most of the commercial areas in these neighborhoods ALSO look like they were whacked with a clone stick. Every major corner has a gas station, a crap chain restaurant, fast food, payday loan companies, and a Roberto's taco shop. While Mom and Pop brick and mortars exist here, this town places a high value on homogeneity.

If you find yourself agreeing with the above, then the strategy becomes to find a place that offers the most convenience -- close to work but still having whatever amenities you need. For most newcomers, that usually means Spring Valley. But I don't know where you'll be working so I don't have a specific suggestion.

[EA]

Hey now, there are some dark brown houses too.

[ajams22]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

This question has been asked several times. I wish the answers would get stuck on our pinned "moving to Las Vegas" thread.

Here is my strategy:

1) Don't visit casinos. It is probable that they will at least lose some of their allure shortly after your move. The Strip, Downtown and the locals' casinos are a fantasyland where people pay to get their ego stroked. That isn't Las Vegas, unless you're employed doing that sort of thing (and it sounds like you aren't.)

2) Pick a few areas that interest you and drive around. Do not try to see the entire valley. It's a lot larger than many imagine. If I was doing this, I'd check out Spring Valley, Green Valley and Sunrise Manor. (I dislike Summerlin and always have.) You can get on Realtor.com (or another real estate site) and check these areas out right now. Even if you're not buying, it's good to know what your rent/housing dollar buys. Hop on Google maps and see whats in the area.

3) If at all possible, stay somewhere that has a kitchen and act as much as possible like you do when you're NOT on vacation. Pay attention to the other shoppers in the grocery store. Do your normal routine, to the extent possible. Just do so here.

4) Keep in mind that you are visiting during one of the most pleasant months of the year. Summer is around the corner. And you're not really a local until you've scorched yourself getting into your car in July.

5) As far as I'm concerned, dollar for dollar there is no real difference between any Las Vegas neighborhood. (You can't compare the nice sections of town to the crappy sections.) Most of the middle-class neighborhoods look like they were whacked with a clone stick. Most of the upper-class neighborhoods ALSO look like they were whacked with a clone stick. If you love the tan stucco and red tile look, you're going to love it here. Furthermore, most of the commercial areas in these neighborhoods ALSO look like they were whacked with a clone stick. Every major corner has a gas station, a crap chain restaurant, fast food, payday loan companies, and a Roberto's taco shop. While Mom and Pop brick and mortars exist here, this town places a high value on homogeneity.

If you find yourself agreeing with the above, then the strategy becomes to find a place that offers the most convenience -- close to work but still having whatever amenities you need. For most newcomers, that usually means Spring Valley. But I don't know where you'll be working so I don't have a specific suggestion.

Thanks for the advice. I've noticed your posts come off as a tough pill to swallow for some, but luckily I'm not someone who wears rose colored glasses and I'm aware of the drawbacks of Las Vegas as well

I feel the same way about my hometown sometimes. It's a beautiful place to live but dang some people act as if it's some kind of nirvana. I think it's important to not completely HATE where you live, but you also shouldn't be on the other end of the spectrum and ignore any flaws either

[GinaWeenie]

A greta way to get a feel for the city is ride the city bus!

[lxvepeace]

I'm in the same boat as well. I'm moving in late May. I'm hoping my visit in April helps me to narrow down things for me.

[Dibbels81]

Definitely check out some of the nice outdoorsy stuff if you'll have access to a car--Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, Lake Mead, etc. It's my favorite part of living here, hookers aside.

[blu-eric]

I moved to Vegas 6 months ago.
So far I love it here. I would say do as much research as possible.
I live in Centennial Hills area (north of Summerlin) My area is pretty new but a distance from the strip.

Close and around the strip is shady area. Especially north vegas. (Lot's of crime)

[ajams22]

Ended up getting an AirBnB with a friend who will be down there at the same time as me; not only was it cheaper than a hotel, but like ScoopLV said, it'll help me get a better idea of what living there is like since we'll probably cook our own meals mostly (since we're frugal).

My (boy)friend-ish that lives down there is going to take me around to show me stuff locals do, as well as Keyhole Canyon and Red Rock Canyon. I might also offer dinner if he drives me out to the Hoover Dam too

Thanks for the responses everyone! Bought my plane ticket yesterday so I'm looking forward to seeing more of what the locals do other than the Strip (even though I'll spend a little time there since my friend who I'm sharing the AirBnB with has never been to LV).

[oeccscclhjhn]

If you have specific addresses where you are thinking of living, start there and make ever increasing circles outward on weekdays and weekends, with your windows open, keeping an eye out for graffiti, clunkers in yards sitting on blocks, and see if you really want to live there.

Visit local establishments and strike up conversations on living in the area.

Subscribe to alertid and keep an eye out for crime in and around the area.

Subscribe to the local paper and read about what the local issues are.