Living in Vegas
Henderson is much easier to get to the strip and summerlin the 95 can be an absolute nightmare. It really will depend on where you land, where you first live. I swear by Henderson and can't imagine ever living anywhere else and yet the summerlin people swear by it and won't consider living anywhere else.
Its weird :)
Perhaps you should consider pricing and if you want to buy or rent? That could be a good place to start but give yourself the option of seeing both sides. Just give yourself that option.
If you do decide to make the movie, welcome to the desert :)
Price Range? Kids/wife?Quote: gts4everI'm considering applying for a position within my company which would require me to relocate, pretty close to the strip. Any pros/cons/words of wisdom regarding Vegas as a place to live?
2-3 bedroom condo. Safe neighbourhood.Quote: AxelWolfPrice Range? Kids/wife?
Most people are afraid to live here if they gamble. I really think if you are a Pro its essential to spend a ton of time here and AC.Quote: soxfanThe Las Vegas is nice to visit but I sure wouldn't wanna live there, hey hey.
Vegas is not as nice because of the heat and the lack of scenery and water. You can't spend very much time outside for many months. There are a lot of nice community's but I would rather be in the Pacific North West or possibly near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe. I went back to Washington and was thinking of staying, I was back in Vegas in less then 1 year. I would love to just spend summers there.
Quote: AxelWolf
Vegas is not as nice because of the heat and the lack of scenery and water. You can't spend very much time outside for many months.
I'd rather say you can spend time outside every month of the year here.
Herdertucky is probably cheaper than Summerlin.
If you're unsure if you want to commit, or aren't able to find a place when you get here, you can always stay in an extended stay hotel. It is a little bit more expensive than renting a place, but it shouldn't take more than 2-3 months to find a place to live. One near the strip is on Paradise (near Hard Rock casino) but it's kinda sketchy. There's one in Henderson on Boulder highway that I'd recommend (lived there for a few months), on Boulder Highway and Russel Road.
There are several condo complexes south / east of the strip as well as neighborhoods (houses). It's close enough to the strip (maybe 10-15 minutes depending on traffic), but also far enough away to avoid all the unwanted malarky.
The weather is something you either gotta get used to or just be fine with it. I've never had any trouble with heat (I actually prefer it, oddly enough), even though I grew up elsewhere.
If you're an AP, great place to live.
If you're a gambler or have addictive tendencies / etc., it might not be a wise decision to move here. So proceed with caution.
Quote: gts4everI'm considering applying for a position within my company which would require me to relocate, pretty close to the strip. Any pros/cons/words of wisdom regarding Vegas as a place to live?
I would strongly consider the "old Vegas" neighborhood bounded by Sahara, Charleston, Rancho, and Valley View. Classic older houses with big lots. The Spanish Oaks neighborhood is really nice and guard gated. The best part is you'll be minutes from the Strip.
If you want to be out in the suburbs, between Henderson and Summerlin, my vote is naturally for Summerlin.
I would suggest to be very careful of Homeowner Associations. LV was making headlines with their over charging and looting.
Much better if condo owners are dwellers not remote landlords. Renters never have the money or desire to keep a place maintained.
He said close to the strip. If he is talking about living in a condo on the strip or within a block or two, that certainly isn't ideal for any kind of family situation. It can be appealing to a younger single guy, but the appeal of being right there in the center of it all, with all the drunks, and clubs, and noise, does wear off. I lived in a high rise condo a block off the strip my first 2 and a half years here in Vegas.
The second thing I want to say is Vegas is full of pockets of good areas and bad areas and sometimes they aren't separated by all that much. And sometimes you can't tell just by looking. There are some decent looking neighborhoods that are high crime, drug areas. I would take the time, to learn a little about the areas before any kind of purchase.
Those cheaper end extended stay places aren't a good idea. I am talking about the Seigel suites all over town, The Budget suites in a few location, the sportmans at Trop and Boulder and actually just about any of them along boulder. In addition to a large homeless population, Vegas has a very large transient population, low income people, mostly on some kind of government program, that just bounce around between these places. Because of low move-in specials and requirements and no credit checks, it is cheaper to move on to the next place after a month or two than pay full rent. these places are all populated by alcoholics, drug users and such. The whole boulder highway corridor, right upto and including Russell (which someone mentioned) is a dangerous area. There have been several murders just in the last week, like the guy found in his car at sportmans (Trop and Boulder) with a bullet in his head. Was also a report on the local news of a gang of men in a black SUV, pulling up next to older residents on foot and clubbing them with a baseball bat and robbing them. That was more in the Arizona Charlies to Flamingo/boulder area.
Someone mentioned the Holiday Royal suites on Paradise, across from the Hard Rock Casino. That one seems a little better than the rest, IMO. My playing partner lived there for about 3 months, when he first moved here in 2011, until we decided to reside together. Although there was some 'transient element' there as well, there was also a large element of casino workers and snowbird population. Snowbird's being folks that come from the Midwest and east for 4-6 months over the winter months. Usually older, retired folks.
I would surely agree that anyone should avoid these places. Since the OP wants a 2 or 3 BR condo I assume there is more than just himself. Most of those places are single occupancy. Siegel runs everyone thru the police computer and cops show up for ANY outstanding warrant. Your place will not be locked or guarded while you are being booked, nor will your pets be taken care of.Quote: kewljThose cheaper end extended stay places aren't a good idea. I am talking about the Seigel suites all over town, The Budget suites in a few location, the sportmans at Trop and Boulder and actually just about any of them along boulder.
Steer clear of places like that.
Quote: FleaStiffI would surely agree that anyone should avoid these places. Since the OP wants a 2 or 3 BR condo I assume there is more than just himself. Most of those places are single occupancy. Siegel runs everyone thru the police computer and cops show up for ANY outstanding warrant. Your place will not be locked or guarded while you are being booked, nor will your pets be taken care of.
Steer clear of places like that.
Why don't they do a background check BEFORE they rent to you? lol
I don't see where the OP said anything about a 2/3 bedroom condo (Unless I missed it). I think that was someone else speculating.
* living in Rhodes Ranch and working in Hughes Center (that is, close to the strip), the EB215-NB15-EB Spring Mtn trip has never been all that congested except when there's been a wreck. Having looked at Summerlin I'm not sure how that trip would be but I think EB Pkwy-EB95-SB15 trip would be more congested than what I'm used to.
* Getting out at the end of the day is much more congested, esp. the SB15-WB215 corner ... I take a slightly different route, not 'cause it's faster, but 'cause it's less congested/stressful.
* I've been here only about 2 years and I've only lived in Rhodes Ranch that whole time, but having been here that long, I am going to move to Summerlin over Henderson. I can't explain why and it's not as if Henderson is bad by any stretch. I guess I would just call it "snob appeal." I like the Tivoli/Boca area for restaurants/bars, daily neighborhood retail, and shopping better.
* Daily neighborhood retail (groceries, dry cleaners, etc.) is not great near the strip. There is a "other side of the tracks" dynamic surrounding the strip moreso than any other neighborhood, IMHO.
* Again, IMHO, gambling is gambling is gambling. I think all new-locals have stars in their eyes their rookie years here, and it is fun - I personally don't disembrace the strip as much as some locals - but it does get old. I don't even see slots/VP/table games any more, whether it be at casinos, gas stations, grocery stores, etc.
My $0.02.
Quote: WizardI would strongly consider the "old Vegas" neighborhood bounded by Sahara, Charleston, Rancho, and Valley View. Classic older houses with big lots. The Spanish Oaks neighborhood is really nice and guard gated. The best part is you'll be minutes from the Strip.
If you want to be out in the suburbs, between Henderson and Summerlin, my vote is naturally for Summerlin.
Oooohh, yeah, nice. Scotch 80 is a little pricey for me but lots of celebs live there, if I read The Sunday correctly.
I have lived the last 20 years in the Green Valley area of Henderson and am very comfortable there. For me it is mostly about convenience. i refuse to be more than a 15 minute commute to my office. As much as I like the area I live, if I had a new job in the northwest part of town I would move to Summerlin immediately.
They first get your money , then they fax your id info to Metro. They don't care what Metro does but they probably make more money if you get arrested. Certainly Metro likes the program.Quote: kewljWhy don't they do a background check BEFORE they rent to you?
Quote: AxelWolfI went back to Washington and was thinking of staying, I was back in Vegas in less then 1 year. I would love to just spend summers there.
This would rank pretty highly on the list of theoretical dream lives for me. Winters in Vegas; summers in PNW; shoulder seasons play it by ear.
Quote: speedycrapQuote: AxelWolfPrice Range? Kids/wife?
2-3 bedroom condo. Safe neighbourhood.
Anyone else a little confused that this wasn't the OP answering the question?
I am sorry, I confused you guys. I am curious about living a Vegas.Quote: AcesAndEightsAnyone else a little confused that this wasn't the OP answering the question?
Quote: AcesAndEightsAnyone else a little confused that this wasn't the OP answering the question?
I was confused enough when he originally did it that I checked both posters to see if the OP had somehow messed up accounts, but did not see a correlation, so let it be. Thought it was kind of funny, actually, and again today that folks are now noticing.
Quote: beachbumbabsI'd like to hear specifically about downtown; there is a lot in the media the last couple of years about Zappos leading a redevelopment effort that concentrates on encouraging urban living there and rebuilding a more upscale community. Is that happening or hype?
Who cares about the OP, I'm interested in moving to Vegas but I'm 6 years away from a posible decision but Downtown does interest me due to Zappos.
Any development gonig on for housing and aparments downtown?
Quote: djatcI live near the strip and wouldn't live here if I didn't gamble. I would like to be somewhere far in Henderson.
Come on over DJ....no better place to live than Hendertucky!!! :)
Quote: MrWarmthYeah, so much of what will work for you depends on you. The only things I might add are:
* living in Rhodes Ranch and working in Hughes Center (that is, close to the strip), the EB215-NB15-EB Spring Mtn trip has never been all that congested except when there's been a wreck. Having looked at Summerlin I'm not sure how that trip would be but I think EB Pkwy-EB95-SB15 trip would be more congested than what I'm used to.
* Getting out at the end of the day is much more congested, esp. the SB15-WB215 corner ... I take a slightly different route, not 'cause it's faster, but 'cause it's less congested/stressful.
* I've been here only about 2 years and I've only lived in Rhodes Ranch that whole time, but having been here that long, I am going to move to Summerlin over Henderson. I can't explain why and it's not as if Henderson is bad by any stretch. I guess I would just call it "snob appeal." I like the Tivoli/Boca area for restaurants/bars, daily neighborhood retail, and shopping better.
* Daily neighborhood retail (groceries, dry cleaners, etc.) is not great near the strip. There is a "other side of the tracks" dynamic surrounding the strip moreso than any other neighborhood, IMHO.
* Again, IMHO, gambling is gambling is gambling. I think all new-locals have stars in their eyes their rookie years here, and it is fun - I personally don't disembrace the strip as much as some locals - but it does get old. I don't even see slots/VP/table games any more, whether it be at casinos, gas stations, grocery stores, etc.
My $0.02.
Are you a golfer or is there another reason you decided on Rhodes? We play there at least once a week when I'm in town.
Hope this question is ok, but can anyone recommend a good realtor in that area? Respond on a pm would be good.
Also the extended stay near Boulder was mentioned as being ok then I think it was mentioned it was sketchy. I may be interested in something as was said for a month or three while looking for a permanent place.
I'm inclined toward 55 plus community, no stairs. Quiet enough to sleep once in a while would be great too, low crime etc.
Quote: TomspurAre you a golfer or is there another reason you decided on Rhodes? We play there at least once a week when I'm in town.
Hehe, no, there was very little thinking involved. Basically, I had about 4 weeks to make all arrangements so rather than shop for an apartment, I called a regional manager I know, gave her some basic parameters, and left it up to her. I figured I could live anywhere for a few months. I took the place sight unseen.
Quote: MrWarmthHehe, no, there was very little thinking involved. Basically, I had about 4 weeks to make all arrangements so rather than shop for an apartment, I called a regional manager I know, gave her some basic parameters, and left it up to her. I figured I could live anywhere for a few months. I took the place sight unseen.
Having said that, Rhodes is a nice subdivision to live in. There are many strip malls down Durango and the HOA does a good job of taking care of the property itself.
You could have landed in much worse places, that's for sure. The only problem is I have never really fallen in love with the South/Southwest. It seems too "cookie cuttry" for my liking. You do have the luxury of having on of only two waterparks in the valley pretty close by don't you?
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0427264,-115.2882323,2440m/data=!3m1!1e3
I live here and I haven't found anywhere else in Vegas I wished I moved instead.
If you can afford a 2 million to 5 million home, Spanish Trail is nice, I have heard.
The nicest homes are near "Spanish Heights Drive."
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0953889,-115.2850774,1214m/data=!3m1!1e3
Just west of "Spanish Trail"
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0949708,-115.2620952,4940m/data=!3m1!1e3
My real estate agent has some awesome data showing all kinds of information.
This also conveys information about cultural diversity for those who aren't intimately familiar with the area that might be important.
http://www.coopercenter.org/demographics/Racial-Dot-Map
The area where I live is more mixed culturally, and I like it that way as I moved from a very mixed culture area of California. Many areas in Vegas are more culturally homogeneous.
Quote: TomspurHaving said that, Rhodes is a nice subdivision to live in. There are many strip malls down Durango and the HOA does a good job of taking care of the property itself.
You could have landed in much worse places, that's for sure. The only problem is I have never really fallen in love with the South/Southwest. It seems too "cookie cuttry" for my liking. You do have the luxury of having on of only two waterparks in the valley pretty close by don't you?
Yeah, I run by it all the time, it's only about 1/2 mile away from me. Kind of funny to see all the parking drama last season!
Rhodes isn't bad by any stretch, it's just kind of nondescript to me. BAR is right there, neighborhood retail is certainly more than satisfactory, and it's safe enough if not completely so. But besides its overwhelming average-ness, it just seems far away from everything. Work commutes are what they are. But for entertainment, Red Rock, Strip, Downtown, GVR and surroundings are just a pain.
Quote: MrWarmthYeah, I run by it all the time, it's only about 1/2 mile away from me. Kind of funny to see all the parking drama last season!
Rhodes isn't bad by any stretch, it's just kind of nondescript to me. BAR is right there, neighborhood retail is certainly more than satisfactory, and it's safe enough if not completely so. But besides its overwhelming average-ness, it just seems far away from everything. Work commutes are what they are. But for entertainment, Red Rock, Strip, Downtown, GVR and surroundings are just a pain.
I live close to GVR and i just love the 215. I almost exclusively use it to get around to where I need to go, that and the 515 merging with the 95 in the east. I can't stand the 15 especially close to Sahara which is a nightmare, oh and the Spaghetti bowl :)
Vegas is just my kind of town to live in. Wide open spaces, golf year round, loads of activities such as bars, restaurants, movies, shopping, shows, casinos, Lake Mead is great for a day every now and then, hiking, camping, bike riding, water parks. It really has everything I want in a city tbh.
Also, if you crave the ocean which I sometimes do, I would much rather drive to San Diego or Del Mar and hang out there than any beaches on the East Coast. (Not including Miami)
To the OP and anyone else thinking about coming here but have reservations, don't, it is a tremendous place to live with loads to do. Just don't expect to make too many friends for life. The people here are a little bit strange :)
I picked Rhodes mostly for proximity to IGT, I must admit. And I commute further to the new office which is Dean Martina and Warm Springs area now.
Quote: DRichFor most people it will come down to price, convenience, and safety.
I have lived the last 20 years in the Green Valley area of Henderson and am very comfortable there. For me it is mostly about convenience. i refuse to be more than a 15 minute commute to my office. As much as I like the area I live, if I had a new job in the northwest part of town I would move to Summerlin immediately.
I lived in Henderson near Eastern and Horizon Ridge about a decade ago; I worked across the street from Bally (on Bermuda) so the commute was pretty straightforward. Where to live really depends on where you work and what you want to be doing with your time.
For what it's worth, if you live in Summerlin and commute to the vicinity of the Strip or to any of the offices just south of the Airport, you'll be driving directly into the sun on both your morning and evening commutes (assuming you work days). I know someone who calls these commuters "the squinties." Naturally he lives in Henderson.
Quote: MathExtremistI lived in Henderson near Eastern and Horizon Ridge about a decade ago; I worked across the street from Bally (on Bermuda) so the commute was pretty straightforward. Where to live really depends on where you work and what you want to be doing with your time.
For what it's worth, if you live in Summerlin and commute to the vicinity of the Strip or to any of the offices just south of the Airport, you'll be driving directly into the sun on both your morning and evening commutes (assuming you work days). I know someone who calls these commuters "the squinties." Naturally he lives in Henderson.
I had never heard of that term but I love it :)
Quote: AxelWolfPrice Range? Kids/wife?
Looking to rent. Somewhere in the $1k per month range. Currently a lone wolf...
Quote: FleaStiffFor some people the long summer heat eventually leads to a situation where it is simply too hot to even consider a BBQ on your patio or even leaving the air conditioning to use the pool. It just gets to some people after awhile.
Herdertucky is probably cheaper than Summerlin.
I've been in Vegas in July several times with many 100+ degree days. Honestly, I would take that any day over the heavy, muggy 95 degree heat waves in NY. Also I don't know if there's any science behind this, but if I walk around over here without a shirt for a couple of hours I'll wind up pink and have a terrible sunburn for weeks. Last year I spent several hours in the pool at Rehab and barely got a tan. The heat feels soothing and comforting, like being back in the womb. Maybe the pollution amplifies the UV rays, I dunno.
Quote: RS
If you're an AP, great place to live.
If you're a gambler or have addictive tendencies / etc., it might not be a wise decision to move here. So proceed with caution.
I was expecting this advice and certainly agree. If I take a good hard look at myself I would have to admit I do have a bit of an addictive personality. I honestly do not think this will be an issue for me. I love gambling, but I love it because I'm with my friends, drinking and having a good time while we're doing it. I currently play a game (PGP) with far from the best edge available to me because it's the game I have the most fun playing. If anything this would be my opportunity to do some scouting, look for a nice bj game....
Can I say 100% I know I won't gravitate towards degenerate gambling? I guess no I cant with 100% certainty. But I'm a big boy and if I screw up I'll suffer the consequences. When it comes down to it, I won't let a chance at doing something that could potentially make me much happier slip away because I didn't trust myself to act like an adult. I haven't decided yet, but if I stay put, it won't be because of this.
Quote: WizardI would strongly consider the "old Vegas" neighborhood bounded by Sahara, Charleston, Rancho, and Valley View. Classic older houses with big lots. The Spanish Oaks neighborhood is really nice and guard gated. The best part is you'll be minutes from the Strip.
If you want to be out in the suburbs, between Henderson and Summerlin, my vote is naturally for Summerlin.
Guest appearance from the Wizard! I don't know if I'm the only one, but in my mind you are somewhat of a celebrity. A few years ago one of the Admins was giving out some old Wizard "memorabilia". I don't know about anyone else, but I jumped on the opportunity and am now the proud owner of an old dirty Wizard of Odds business card. And couldn't be happier.
All niceties aside, thanks very much for the input.
Quote: kewljI hesitate to respond because the OP was so vague in his remarks and hasn't responded to the questions about his situation, age, family etc, but I do have a couple things I want to add.
Sorry for the tardiness. As I mentioned I just got in from work. I left the initial post vague to get some off the cuff responses.
I'm 28 and single. Have a bunch of family and friends here which is the only reason I'm considering staying.
My situation is that I'm looking to rent at first, hopefully build up some savings over the next few years and would like to purchase when able.
Quote: kewljHe said close to the strip. If he is talking about living in a condo on the strip or within a block or two, that certainly isn't ideal for any kind of family situation. It can be appealing to a younger single guy, but the appeal of being right there in the center of it all, with all the drunks, and clubs, and noise, does wear off. I lived in a high rise condo a block off the strip my first 2 and a half years here in Vegas.
The second thing I want to say is Vegas is full of pockets of good areas and bad areas and sometimes they aren't separated by all that much. And sometimes you can't tell just by looking. There are some decent looking neighborhoods that are high crime, drug areas. I would take the time, to learn a little about the areas before any kind of purchase.
Those cheaper end extended stay places aren't a good idea. I am talking about the Seigel suites all over town, The Budget suites in a few location, the sportmans at Trop and Boulder and actually just about any of them along boulder. In addition to a large homeless population, Vegas has a very large transient population, low income people, mostly on some kind of government program, that just bounce around between these places. Because of low move-in specials and requirements and no credit checks, it is cheaper to move on to the next place after a month or two than pay full rent. these places are all populated by alcoholics, drug users and such. The whole boulder highway corridor, right upto and including Russell (which someone mentioned) is a dangerous area. There have been several murders just in the last week, like the guy found in his car at sportmans (Trop and Boulder) with a bullet in his head. Was also a report on the local news of a gang of men in a black SUV, pulling up next to older residents on foot and clubbing them with a baseball bat and robbing them. That was more in the Arizona Charlies to Flamingo/boulder area.
Someone mentioned the Holiday Royal suites on Paradise, across from the Hard Rock Casino. That one seems a little better than the rest, IMO. My playing partner lived there for about 3 months, when he first moved here in 2011, until we decided to reside together. Although there was some 'transient element' there as well, there was also a large element of casino workers and snowbird population. Snowbird's being folks that come from the Midwest and east for 4-6 months over the winter months. Usually older, retired folks.
Appreciate the input. Doesn't sound like an extended stay hotel/motel is really for me.
Quote: kewlj
I don't see where the OP said anything about a 2/3 bedroom condo (Unless I missed it). I think that was someone else speculating.
Yup, that was someone else. Currently I have a studio appt. And I'm fine with it. I have a big ass TV, a bed, and a computer, that's (basically) it. 1 BR would be fine, even another studio. I wouldn't mind if it was a little bigger than my current one though.
Quote: beachbumbabsI was confused enough when he originally did it that I checked both posters to see if the OP had somehow messed up accounts, but did not see a correlation, so let it be. Thought it was kind of funny, actually, and again today that folks are now noticing.
No one was more flabbergasted than me.
