[vegasboundplumber]

I am a construction worker from the midwest, and apparently the majority of the US work is in Vegas right now. So henceforth, I need to come to Vegas for the winter months to keep supporting my family at home.

My dilemma is this: My brain is fried from reading, and reading, and reading apartment listings **AND** the ratings associated with them on certain apartment rating website(s) and I have just about sent myself into information overload with trying to figure it out.

I have determined that I will either be living in Henderson, or Summerlin. Through research, and talking to anybody I have ever know that lived there, these would be the best options I think.

Rental costs are not really an issue, I know that I will spend more to live in a nicer/safer area, so can I really beleive that most of Henderson (ie - the eastern or SE areas) and the western parts of Summerlin will be fine for me??

I have kind of determind through the reading of listings that areas in and around major golf areas might be a bit better??

Sorry to ramble - I've got a month to get this figured out so I don't suspect my brain will get a repreive anytime soon.


Please help with thoughts or ideas.

Cheers

[QueenBean]

Having grown up in Las Vegas, I can honestly say that Henderson is the only place I would even consider living now. (most of "Las Vegas" isn't actually in the City of Las Vegas, it's in Clark County & their services are a mess)

I'd look for an apartment close to the beltway & you'll be golden.

Good Luck

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by QueenBean

Having grown up in Las Vegas, I can honestly say that Henderson is the only place I would even consider living now. (most of "Las Vegas" isn't actually in the City of Las Vegas, it's in Clark County & their services are a mess)

I'd look for an apartment close to the beltway & you'll be golden.

Good Luck

Nonsense. There are dozen of areas equivalent to Henderson. In the City of Las Vegas, City of NLV and Clark County.

Given your role would it not be more convenient to be located near your job? The great strength of Henderson or Summerlin is schools. I presume that is not a criteria of yours. So why would you pay a premium in cost and commute to live there?

There is some small differential in crime but it is not much of a deal if you stay out of the bad areas. And there are bad areas in Henderson as well. Likely where you find lots of apartments.

If you don't mind spending a little money go for a condo in a reasonable area. Cost you the same or a little less than the fancier Henderson or Summerlin places and give you a much better deal with less hassle. The only disadvantage is you may have to take a 3 month lease.

[radraja]

Unless you're bringing kids into the picture, it makes more sense to save money and live somewhere outside the borders of Summerlin (even just a few blocks away from the borders tend to be much cheaper, with no significant change in the safeness factor).

Henderson is typically cheaper than Summerlin though, so you should be able to find something reasonable within the borders.

[vegasboundplumber]

Thank you guys for your input. It really is tough trying to figure that city out, as I am probably like most non-res that have been there before, and didn't stray too far from the lights.

I am not bringing my wife or my 2 small kids (unfortunately). They will stay in MN to hold down the fort. (Speaking of MN - Do I bring my 'Minnesota Nice' with me, or check it at the border?) Something tells me I won't get very far with it there.

What is considered 'the beltway'? I am assuming it is a general term for the freeway loop skirting around LV.

Olecapt - You are correct that schools are a non-issue right now. As far as I could tell about the commute, it only looked to be about 25-35 minutes from Hend. to the strip. Correct?? And frankly a 3 month lease would be perfect, as there is an option to renew for another 3 if needed as opposed to breaking a 6 if I am able to go back home. I was not finding any rental condo's on any of the LV rental websites. Where to look?? I would love to find a SAFE, (emphasize SAFE for this midwestern boy) clean, quiet, small condo either highrise or flat that is closer to the strip. Assuming I would be working there, it's a no brainer. But the amount of info on the web these days makes it terribly hard to sort and find such a thing, and it is all overcast by the constant chatter of how 'unsafe' different parts of the city are.

And this whole thing with good areas -vs- bad areas, of course I am willing to pay a premium to hopefully pad the possibility that my truck won't get broken into, or I am not in a 'party' complex, or have to deal with people selling crack outside my window. That is why I figured on Henderson on one end or Summerlin on the other. There should be a map that you locals can write that would outline in detail the good and bad areas.

Thanks for everyone's help once again, and I will appreciate the info coming.


PS - Are the winter months there swimming weather, and would I just be screaming out-of-towner if I were in a pool during November??

[AA702]

PS - Are the winter months there swimming weather, and would I just be screaming out-of-towner if I were in a pool during November??

I have a few customers that use their pools year round, its kinda like part of the workout. People use their pools generally from March to Oct, but heat them in the winter months when they have company. I work all year round and it really doesnt slow down too much.

[radraja]

November is typically okay for swimming, as long as you heat your pool.

[gulfer]

From Minnesota to Vegas. Judging by your name I am assuming that you're a construction plummer vice a residential plummer. Do you have a job lined up or are you going to find work once you are there? I have read numerous threads regarding taking 2 to 3 months to find a job, although your skill may be quite different.
We all have our ways of doing things, but have you thought about possible just checking into the Sahara for a month while you're looking for work? Cost seems to be cheap, no utilities (but food could be a big deal). Craigs list has many rentals and so does the Las Vegas Review Journal.
I know I'd be leary about just heading out to get a job with nothing guaranteed. But I wish you the best of luck.

[XFILESMULDER]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Nonsense. There are dozen of areas equivalent to Henderson. In the City of Las Vegas, City of NLV and Clark County.

Given your role would it not be more convenient to be located near your job? The great strength of Henderson or Summerlin is schools. I presume that is not a criteria of yours. So why would you pay a premium in cost and commute to live there?

There is some small differential in crime but it is not much of a deal if you stay out of the bad areas. And there are bad areas in Henderson as well. Likely where you find lots of apartments.

If you don't mind spending a little money go for a condo in a reasonable area. Cost you the same or a little less than the fancier Henderson or Summerlin places and give you a much better deal with less hassle. The only disadvantage is you may have to take a 3 month lease.

olecapt your a Realtor who can't properly list your properties you sell correctly so your not the best to give advice. lol

[Chest Rockwell]

Way to go, Xfiles, crushing the spirit of helpfulness on this thread.

Living at the Sahara would run about $2000 a month at the very least. Probably not the best idea.

To the OP, you are hoping to come here to raise money to send home to your family, right? Your best bet would be to live close to the center of the city, where you would commute less and save money in gas, time and rent. I understand that you're worried about safety, but there are plenty of safe places to live that aren't in Henderson and Summerlin.

Honestly, most of the so called unsafe areas are populated by our friends from Mexico who are doing precisely what you hope to be doing - working here to send money to their families back home.

My advice would be to try to land a full time plumbing or apprentice job, and then advertise for sidework on Craigslist to do during your offtime. Being alone in Las Vegas is tough if you can't keep yourself busy working. Be careful of the lure of the casinos!