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Summerlin doesn't hold a candle to similar high end master planned communities in Scottsdale such as DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, etc. Plus it's just a bedroom community with not much else going on besides the rest of Las Vegas proper. Its only leg up is that it's WAY cheaper.
I was making a joke. I forgot that not everyone here goes to the Vegas board.
Over there, people think Summerlin is the be-all-end-all. It's a very nice area, don't get me wrong, but it's talked about like it is paradise on earth.
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I was making a joke. I forgot that not everyone here goes to the Vegas board.
Over there, people think Summerlin is the be-all-end-all. It's a very nice area, don't get me wrong, but it's talked about like it is paradise on earth.
Summerlin is comparable with anyarea in Phoenix including Scottsdale. The Phoenix superiority is juust local myth
not that Californians don't move to PHX, they definitely do, but culturally Vegas is more connected to SoCal. people moving to PHX from CA might be more likely to adapt to AZ whereas those in Vegas are probably waiting to get to CA in some ways, Vegas wants to be like CA. PHX wants to be like PHX.
My impression of PHX overall is its what a new settlement on the moon would look like its like the void left from people leaving Michigan, Ohio, Illinois (Where I've from and I've seen so many IL and other midwestern license plates here its hilarious and way more than I ever do in CA, and I ahve not seen any CA plates here yet besdies mine) but anyway its like this place is growing as that new moon settlement as people filter out of those areas and try to build a more 'ideal' civilization...but, its still the moon. So everyone is adapting to living on the moon.
That there is culvers here and I kinda figured I'd see some chicago themed restaurants right away is not a huge suprise, it is kind of nice in that it has touches of home for me. Eating at Culvers was nice last night (a WI chain) they don't have them in CA.
I do need to think on Vegas more seriously in that it would save me money from a tax perspective and could be socially rewarding in ways...always something to do where it would not feel awkward to be single (at least I think).
for me its not so much that it is closer to CA but that it is closer to some of the more northerly parts of the West, its a good hub to visit lots of central places. PHX is not bad though either, Vegas has a slight edge there in my mind while PHX is closer to some places I might like to visit.
As for people who argue that LA or whatever city is just as bad as Vegas...its just not true. In terms of being exposed to certain things, most people in CA do not live in Los Angeles but even still, I don't run into the type of 'in your face' kinds of things in LA that I do in Vegas.
The type of stuff on the strip doesn't bother me too much though (it would if I had kids, probably) what bothers me more is just that seedy side of things NOT on the strip lol. Especially when it comes to temporary housing... that could be a real barrier in Las Vegas if most of the monthly rentals are geared more toward a certain element.
I agree, the Phoenix metro is indeed a new/newer city, and a growing city. I also think while we get people moving here wanting to turn the Phoenix metro into something that they left behind, we have a good number of people who want to enjoy what it has to offer, not turn it into a clone of another city with the good and bad that encompasses. Certainly a bit more independence in AZ as a whole I think compared to many other parts of CA which I certainly like. Las Vegas might have some of that independence but I don't think as much, as you say it might be too CA cloned by now...hehehe.
That was a big component for us in moving to Phoenix as we like traveling and wanted a "central" western city to the places we like traveling too. Las Vegas is indeed more "central" to some northern parts of the west as you mention. All just a matter of what one wants to be closer too. Both cities I think are great jump off points to the beautiful scenery the west has to offer.
I'll ask that there too but figure the PHX and Vegas boards will have more input on this than the city boards (as PHX and Vegas are pretty close and people in both are likely to be familiar with both). Anyway... I have never lived in either but I am wondering if people think its a big difference to live in PHX vs. Vegas. Vegas seems a lot cheaper (well, not a lot, just less income tax and a little cheaper housing maybe or at least similar price but no state income tax).
It seems like PHX though is much more popular as a residential destination and I'm trying to put my finger on why...is it that Vegas is a real casino town, not family friendly as PHX? Is the weather actually very different?
I am considering both as places to have a home base while I look for my first home to buy (I don't know where yet but would like to get away from the CA rents at least temporarily in order to save a little and build my debt ratio back lol) I'm not sure if there is a big benefit to choosing PHX over Vegas for me, though I'm not opposed to either one long term, I just wonder if I could handle the heat and dryness long term in either place. I do like the idea of a swimming pool...
I get a much different vibe in Las Vegas. Not sure exactly what it is.
I prefer Phoenix and suburbs, and can live wherever I want at this point.
I'll ask that there too but figure the PHX and Vegas boards will have more input on this than the city boards (as PHX and Vegas are pretty close and people in both are likely to be familiar with both). Anyway... I have never lived in either but I am wondering if people think its a big difference to live in PHX vs. Vegas. Vegas seems a lot cheaper (well, not a lot, just less income tax and a little cheaper housing maybe or at least similar price but no state income tax).
Phoenix and Las Vegas are probably about equal as far as overall cost of living ... that is, less expensive than NY or CA, but not "cheap" in the big picture. Taxes might be a little lower in Nevada due to no state income tax, but I understand the sales tax is quite high there. Here's one thing you should know about Vegas which many people don't realize: the majority of the Strip is not even in the city of Las Vegas. Many of the famous resort hotels you've likely heard of (Caesar's Palace, Luxor, Venetian, Tropicana, etc.) are on unincorporated county land. It's primarily because they don't have to pay that extra city tax/property tax that they would otherwise. It's all about the money and the influence!
Other than the Strip, Phoenix and Las Vegas are pretty similar, but there are a few notable differences:
* Phoenix is slightly hotter in the summer (but not very much), and Vegas is colder in the winter. Vegas also receives less rain on average than Phoenix. Vegas also tends to be windier due to its higher desert location.
* Phoenix is a much larger city & metro area, and has more suburban areas than Vegas does. You won't find a multitude of suburbs anywhere near the size of Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, or Peoria in the Vegas area like you will in the Phoenix area.
* Phoenix & Vegas have an abundance of service level jobs, but Phoenix is a better place to look for corporate jobs, and more competitive wages. Phoenix is home to more Fortune 500 companies, even though the number is small compared to other cities our size.
* Vegas is much more touristy ... and in fact, that is their bread & butter. Without the casinos, resorts, and nightlife, there would be no tourism, and it would basically be a ghost town.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevek64
I agree, the Phoenix metro is indeed a new/newer city, and a growing city. I also think while we get people moving here wanting to turn the Phoenix metro into something that they left behind, we have a good number of people who want to enjoy what it has to offer, not turn it into a clone of another city with the good and bad that encompasses. Certainly a bit more independence in AZ as a whole I think compared to many other parts of CA which I certainly like. Las Vegas might have some of that independence but I don't think as much, as you say it might be too CA cloned by now...hehehe.
I don't think Vegas is "California cloned" at all. It might have influences from southern CA (like Phoenix does as well), but Vegas is a place that was meant to be independent from the typical American city due to its plethora of casinos and general decadence. Vegas has always been a place to escape & have a good time ... whereas most other cities are anything but that. Even L.A. doesn't have the nightlife and the adult playground type of atmosphere that Vegas is known for.
why do you think that Vegas would be a ghost town if not for the Casinos but Phoenix has clearly grown and continued to grow as a residential location? Especially if the weather is so similiar...
Is Phoenix "wetter" and "greener" enough that it is just a more "human" place to live than Vegas? That is something I'm really wondering, if its true that the weather plays into it then I might prefer Phoenix for the same reason other people do ...but the climates seem so similiar in terms of desert conditions to an outsider like me...it does seem like maybe there is some more natural water here, from the rivers? I feel compelled to go learn my Phoenix history now!
why do you think that Vegas would be a ghost town if not for the Casinos but Phoenix has clearly grown and continued to grow as a residential location? Especially if the weather is so similiar...
Maybe not a ghost town ... I admit I might have exaggerated a bit, but it would be a much smaller town if not for the casinos, resorts, and party atmosphere. Basically, that's what Vegas is known for, and little else. What other industry is there in Las Vegas? Very little. Phoenix could also do better as far as industry, but at least we have a larger variety of banking centers, electronics, and corporate type jobs. Both Phoenix and Vegas have similar climates, but when there is a lack of jobs available, the weather doesn't mean very much in the big picture. You can't make a living on sunshine (unless you're in the solar industry).
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgb123
Is Phoenix "wetter" and "greener" enough that it is just a more "human" place to live than Vegas? That is something I'm really wondering, if its true that the weather plays into it then I might prefer Phoenix for the same reason other people do ...but the climates seem so similiar in terms of desert conditions to an outsider like me...it does seem like maybe there is some more natural water here, from the rivers? I feel compelled to go learn my Phoenix history now!
Phoenix is a little wetter & greener than Vegas, but both places are in desert environments ... so don't expect Phoenix to be a lush forest. Keep in mind that Phoenix can be even hotter than Vegas in the summer months, but usually just by a few degrees ... so as far as being more "human", both cities aren't very comfortable to live in during the summer (especially if you don't like the heat).
this question is just so perplexing to me, this story helped put a few pieces together.
That is an interesting article, and much of it is true. One other thing came to mind after reading it (which gives us an advantage): Phoenix has all four major pro sports teams, but Vegas has none. Unfortunately for Vegas, it will likely never have pro sports, and will likely never host any Super Bowls. This is primarily due to the gambling, and the commissioners simply do not want gambling to mix with sports. Also, there likely wouldn't be enough support for pro sports in Vegas due to much of the revenue is from casinos and entertainment. Most tourists want to go to Vegas to gamble, cut loose, and have a good time ... not see a ball game.
I think both Phoenix and Vegas have reasons to be envious of one another. Where do a large number of Vegas visitors come from? Arizona & California. Phoenix might wish for the glitz, nightlife, tourism, and 24/7 activity that Vegas has. Vegas might wish for the pro sports teams, better corporate jobs, nicer suburbs, and a more real city type of atmosphere that Phoenix has.
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its like the void left from people leaving Michigan, Ohio, Illinois (Where I've from and I've seen so many IL and other midwestern license plates here its hilarious and way more than I ever do in CA, and I ahve not seen any CA plates here yet besdies mine) but anyway its like this place is growing as that new moon settlement as people filter out of those areas and try to build a more 'ideal' civilization...but, its still the moon. So everyone is adapting to living on the moon. 
