[naterdecater]

Hi all:

I'm considering Las Vegas as a possible relocation place in the near future. A little about me: I was born and raised in Idaho, but moved away 20+ years ago to Portland, but my job took me to San Francisco and the Reno-Tahoe area during that time. I moved back to Twin Falls, Idaho in early 2007 to help care for my parents; they have both now passed away, with my Mom passing recently.

About me: I'm a 45 year old gay male, but being gay doesn't define me, its just part of who I am. Some people are defined by their gayness; I am me first and sexuality follows. My chosen profession is a paralegal and (not to sound like I'm bragging, but...) I've never had any problem obtaining and keeping a job. Now that I've said that, I'll have a problem next time

Questions: Twin Falls and Idaho, for that matter, are not for me. Being in a "blue" state for so long, it's been culture shock coming back here. What are your opinions of the following: (1) me moving to Las Vegas (2) me moving there and being an openly gay man . . . keeping in mind that I've lived in B.F. Idaho for the last 2 years and had no problem . . . (3) me relative to job prospects in the current economic struggle (4) what your opinion is/are of the best areas to rent at this time, which would be 4 me, no pets and a basic 1 bdrm with central air (necessity), most amenities, etc. and (5) anything you might want to advise me of before I take the plunge.

Regarding $$, I don't have to work immediately or even in the first year I'm there, but I don't want to dip that much into my savings either unless I have to. This is the time to take a chance and having funds makes it all that much easier.

Bottom line is that I want to make an informed decision and, of course, fly down, rent a car and explore the area, but I don't want to waste time exploring anything that, had I asked, I wouldn't even look into. Also any advice on good/bad law firms/lawyers and anything on that subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your replies.

Nate

[KonaKat]

It would be my bet that the legal field would still have promise. I worked in the legal industry for several years (leaving in 2004) so I knew a lot of attorneys, the courts, related industries such as collections, etc. Everything else will fall into place with proper planning, if you have a decent job.

The problem is getting an offer without actually living there. Vegas has always been a transient city so some employers are understandably leery of hiring anyone who isn't at least a resident yet.

You might try some of the headhunters who specialize in legal jobs. Don't overlook court careers either.

I do not think your personal preferences are a negative either. There are all kinds of folks in Vegas. A higher percentage of flakes but nonetheless, a lot of people just like you and me.

Good luck!

[naterdecater]

Thanks Konakat. I planned on setting up interviews with headhunters, temp agencies and the like when I visit. I appreciate the feedback.

[olecapt]

In my opinion you will catch more problems for being 45 than for being gay.

This is not a place where anyone really cares about your sexual orientation.

In general paralegals do well. In fact you may actually be able to get hired without living here. The job is on the borderline. Any lower you got to live here to get hired. Any higher and you don't.

So give it a try. I don't think however that you will find it difficult to find emplyment. May take a month or two but that class of job is easier than many. It is a specialty that is in relatively short supply.

there are any number of places where you can live comfortably. Decide where you will end up working and then pick a place. Much of the lawyering is in the downtown area. And you can actually live there if you wish. In fact you can pick up a loft for $1200 or so a month in the high rises.

[naterdecater]

Thanks Olecapt. That's good to know.

[VegasMomof3]

Good luck. What I've noticed people pretty much keep to themselves here. I think you'll be fine.

[nwlv]

The job market is horrible right now. NV was "Blue" in 2008; but that may be the last time. After the Voters realize what a complete fraud Harry Reed's TARP, Stimulus, and Housing Plans are--he will be doing something he is more qualified to do like shoveling cow pies.

[RedRockAAAA]

Right before the world ends, people will lose their prejudices.

Until then, Las Vegas is a good place for you as you describe yourself. Don't listen to the naysayers or you'll miss a good opportunity. Welcome.

[Jade456]

You'd probably like Green Valley. Its nice community, plenty of parks, shopping etc. You always see people out biking, jogging, walking their dogs, etc.