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They're both very different metros. But it sounds like you prefer Portland.
From what I understand, the cost of living in Vegas has inflated a lot in recent years. I don't think it's quite on par with Phoenix, but I know it's definitely much higher than it was a couple years ago. Portland, while still expensive, has cooled off a bit. I look on Zillow regularly, and the housing costs haven't changed much since I moved here around 18 months ago.
Also, not sure what industry you're in, but wages in Portland are higher than Vegas pretty much across the board. As you said, the Portland area has more jobs so more employment opportunities.
You can hike in Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon, Valley of the Fire, hot springs along the Colorado River are beautiful. In the summer, you can hike up on Mt. Charleston, which is forested.
These responses are hilarious - it’s like a compilation from a Fox News viewing party. You’ll notice no one is actually giving any specific or detailed reasons on why Portland is so bad, it’s just “Portland is scary because Fox News said so“.
If you can afford it, Portland is the no brainer choice here. It is nearby some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. It’s walkable, vibrant, has moderate weather year round, and is extremely water secure (kind of important!). Vegas is too hot, crime-ridden, and sprawl infested for how much it costs. People that are not from there will say the climate is great, but they have no idea what it’s like to actually live in a desert environment and experience extreme heat for months on end. There’s also the poor air quality and the fact that the city’s 50 year water availability plan accounts for legally binding contracts for water that likely won’t exist.
Vegas is about the last place in the West that I'd want to live...
between the dry, desolate terrain, the broiling summers,
and the economy being based on nonproductive, superficial activities.
(Although ny789987 is right that there are places
to go hiking not far from Vegas).
But , OP, you say you like both places.
So....
You could live in Portland and take occasional
trips to Vegas... probably in the winter.
I think that would be easier to do than
living in Vegas and vacationing in Portland.
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