Moving to Las Vegas. Tell me the Good and the Bad. (sales, apartment)

aboveordinary · 07-30-2019, 08:32 PM

I was just offered a job in education in Las Vegas (Not as a teacher). I just graduated with a Masters and am from Southern California.

I have done some research and have seen things about Las Vegas that makes me hesitant to move there. I don't plan on living there for the rest of my life. I plan only to get some experience and leave. Please let me know if any of this is true.

I am a young late 20s educated professional and I have heard that there is not much of a professional or college educated presence in Las Vegas.

I have also heard that:

There is no culture in Las Vegas.

That education is not looked at favorably in the city or the state as a whole.

There are not many things to do outside of casinos and bars.

There are very hot summers and cold winters. (I don't mind the heat, hate cold).

I have heard some good things such as low cost of living, 24/7 entertainment options, easy to navigate, and a diverse range of ethnic food options.

Please let me know the good and the bad of living in Las Vegas.

44inarow · 07-30-2019, 08:40 PM

I would say all of those downside things are untrue except for the "hot summers and cold winters" part. It doesn't get Northeast cold, but we got legitimate snow in February which actually led to the schools being closed for a day.

As far as your other points:

If you look past the Strip headliners, there are plenty of great shows in the resort corridor. The Smith Center has top-notch performances, as well.

I have never heard of or met anyone who's looked down at education. It's not necessarily something that someone you meet at a bar will be impressed by, per se (in the sense of "I have a masters" or "I work in education" is not going to be fawned over), but that's the case anywhere. Everyone I've known here values education or a solid work ethic, and both is even better. As someone with a doctorate, I haven't come across anyone who's impressed just by that; the relationships I've made are based on friendship and treating people other well, rather than the post-nominals I have. And I know plenty of people in hospitality and elsewhere who are actively pursuing degrees. In addition, I know a ton of people in hospitality who don't have advanced degrees, or haven't even been to college, but are incredibly passionate about and dedicated to the work they do, and to me that's just as admirable.

There are a ton of things to do besides casinos and bars, unless you mean "casinos" to include all activities that take place in a casino or casino-adjacent, like shows, performances, bowling, museums, etc.

Caltovegas · 07-30-2019, 09:19 PM

Airport is easy access. Come here and spend a few days and see if you like it. You can always move again if not your cup of tea after a few years?

JonathanLB · 07-30-2019, 10:19 PM

Not much to do?!? What could you possibly want to do that isn’t offered in the entertainment capital of the world?? You have hiking, sports, concerts, shows, swimming, great dining, everything imaginable a person could do in life is available in Vegas. I’ve lived in SoCal, it sucks, there’s definitely not anything better offered there sorry to tell you. I couldn’t wait to get out and I work in film! I still couldn’t handle it.

I always laugh about the “lack of culture” comments, because what people mention is opera, symphony, and theater - who in gods name in 2019 ever does ANY of that?! My social circle includes people of net worths between $10-500 million and not one of them - not one! - ever goes to plays or operas or symphonies. They golf, they go boating, they travel a lot, they attend high profile sports events, they aren’t pretentious clowns. I have no idea how anyone could even think in 2019 to define “culture” as boring crap everyone hates. I’m so glad not to know any of these kinds of people.

As for the rest of the good, cold to me is Los Angeles for the first 6 months of the year or Newport Beach all year around including summer. It’s rare for LA to get much above 70 for January - June and also December. It’s a much colder climate and I didn’t care for it one bit. I prefer the heat! So if you like warm weather, there you go. No income taxes. Not as many radical liberals. Far better quality of living for far less money. Bars don’t close at lame hours. Traffic is minimal. It’s paradise compared to LA!

aboveordinary · 07-30-2019, 11:14 PM

Thanks for the responses.

Based on your past posts Jonathan, you have barely lived in Las Vegas so not sure how much weight your opinions hold but thanks for chiming in.

08grad · 07-31-2019, 12:19 AM

I moved here from CA to work in education, right around your age. One thing I would point out is that this is the worst city I've ever dated in. Every woman I meet is either fat, has tattoos, excessive piercings, dyed hair, loaded with student loan debt, broke, or has slept with dozens of men already. Outside of dating, I find it hard to meet anyone my age, income, and education level here. If you do find good friends, make sure to keep them because this is a very flaky town.

I don't buy the lack of culture or things to do. Prior to the Golden Knights maybe, but the team gave the town something to follow and root for. My family came here from a hockey state and was stunned by the amount of support for the team around town. Decals on cars everywhere. That team is a huge part of the city's culture now. If you want to do something, simply leave the house. There are endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and you can take advantage of them year round outside of a few weeks in the summer. Golf is very accessible. Vegas has every amenity imaginable and keeps adding more each year.

Will you be a part of NV PERS in your position? Nevada's retirement system is significantly different than California. You don't contribute anything which is good, however if you leave before you are vested (5 years), you don't collect and you cannot access any of the employer contributions. Something to consider if you're thinking of Vegas as a stepping stone.

Cost of living is not low anymore. Just cheaper than California. This isn't a cold city. Yes, dining options are fantastic.

aboveordinary · 07-31-2019, 07:31 AM

08Grad thank you for your insight. I have noticed Golden Knights gear around town. I know the Raiders are coming but I am not sure they will have the same support. I hope the city puts money into education, not just sports teams.

I will have TIAA not the state system. Not sure if it works the same way.

FML157 · 07-31-2019, 08:04 AM

Cost of living is no longer low. Lots of transient people makes it hard to establish and maintain relationships. Tons of outdoor stuff (hiking, running, cycling, Motorsport, etc...). Most neighbors don't speak to each other. Good jobs can be hard to obtain depending on your occupation. More younger folks in the service industry than in 'professional' roles - which agrees with what you heard, that there isn't much of business professional scene.

boatpi · 07-31-2019, 08:17 AM

Two points on cost of living compared to LA. Housing prices are less than half, everything being equal. Rentals can be had for $1G for a very decent condo or apartment, more for new developments. Gas is around $3 a gallon, food prices about the same, eating out 20% less or more.

Figure no CA 10.75% income tax is history, sales tax around the same.

airics · 07-31-2019, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpi

Two points on cost of living compared to LA. Housing prices are less than half, everything being equal. Rentals can be had for $1G for a very decent condo or apartment, more for new developments. Gas is around $3 a gallon, food prices about the same, eating out 20% less or more.

Figure no CA 10.75% income tax is history, sales tax around the same.

and Electric (Nevada energy) is much cheaper if you go with the time of use program...