Thinking about moving to Vegas - thoughts?
Quote: billryanWhen I used to frequent the Emerald Island, I was surprised how sketchy the blocks around it were.
Hendertucky proper.
Quote: mcallister3200Hendertucky proper.
purty much. The whole Water Street area could use an enema/ do over. The street has some nice bones and a lot of potential.
Quote: EvenBobHad that in SoCal. Came from
the Midwest and never had
a problem. Sniffled and
snuffled the whole time I
lived in Santa Barbara.
Somebody mentioned property
crime in Vegas. It was that way
in SoCal. People wandering the
streets looking to steal from
cars and break into homes
to finance their drug habit.
This was 40 years ago, I can
only imagine what it's like now.
There used to be a YouTube channel called "Caught Behaving Badly" the guys visited a few parks, like the one by the Bay Bridge. Basically they said you leave anything in your car and they will do a smash and grab. Another time he showed people boosting laptops at SBUX if the owner left them on the table to use the restroom.
While muggings do not seem to be big, property crime in CA seems to be the thing.
I have to say, I agree with you Bob. Given a choice, I think Vegas is a bad one. A good alternative would be the Reno-Tahoe area.Quote: EvenBobI can't imagine living in Vegas
if my goal was not to go to
the casinos everyday. It's
such a depressing ugly place
why would you live there on
purpose for any other reason.
Quote: AZDuffmanThere used to be a YouTube channel called "Caught Behaving Badly" the guys visited a few parks, like the one by the Bay Bridge. Basically they said you leave anything in your car and they will do a smash and grab. Another time he showed people boosting laptops at SBUX if the owner left them on the table to use the restroom.
While muggings do not seem to be big, property crime in CA seems to be the thing.
Do you find youtube channels are more educational than reality tv shows?
Quote: billryanDo you find youtube channels are more educational than reality tv shows?
What kind of reality tv are you talking about? I don’t watch the silly ones like survivor. I do like ones along line of “Next Food Network Star” because that one for example you really get to see the thinking of picking someone to host a show.
Most YouTube I watch is some kind of informative. Learning about concrete casting today. The aforementioned “People Behaving Badly” was a SF news segment that showed how awful and self centered so many Bay Area residents are. Like people taking an Uber exit ramp to jump traffic to save literally a minute or do of commute time.
Quote: AxelWolfI have to say, I agree with you Bob. Given a choice, I think Vegas is a bad one. A good alternative would be the Reno-Tahoe area.
I for one prefer somewhere where it doesn't snow very much.
I LOVE the snow and the rain.Quote: ThatDonGuyI for one prefer somewhere where it doesn't snow very much.
Less than five miles away, as the crow flies, Bisbee got five inches, with some drifts knee-high. It's in the 70s today after an incredible wind storm overnight. Did I mention I hate snow. I do enjoy brisk weather, just not snow and deep freezes.
Quote: billryanI hate snow. Last week we got the first dusting of the year, and it was really nice seeing the snow-capped mountains in Mexico.
Less than five miles away, as the crow flies, Bisbee got five inches, with some drifts knee-high. It's in the 70s today after an incredible wind storm overnight. Did I mention I hate snow. I do enjoy brisk weather, just not snow and deep freezes.
I hate cold and snow and I am on my way to Montana. It is going to be a miserable week.
Quote: DRichI hate cold and snow and I am on my way to Montana. It is going to be a miserable week.
Fresh Bison steaks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote: billryanInvestors Business Daily had an article on Monday about how to get $100,000 a year out of a $1,000,000 nest egg. They offered several options and the worst came in around $60,0000 a year and the best was about $120,000.
This peaked my interest. Then I saw the article. Just says "earn $32,000 from social security and 6.8% from mutual funds". Pretty lazy.
No matter where a person lives, it is usually whatever they make of it. Las Vegas is no different. I like the weather and the cost of living is just right for me; the libraries and grocery stores are great; been able to find a couple great gyms, and another one that is only $8 per month; and that's on top of all the benefits of the casinos.
I like the comps of the casinos. If you know how to play the system, your Vegas life will be wonderful. Last time I was there, I had a really great time. Next one should be even better.Quote: TomGThis peaked my interest. Then I saw the article. Just says "earn $32,000 from social security and 6.8% from mutual funds". Pretty lazy.
No matter where a person lives, it is usually whatever they make of it. Las Vegas is no different. I like the weather and the cost of living is just right for me; the libraries and grocery stores are great; been able to find a couple great gyms, and another one that is only $8 per month; and that's on top of all the benefits of the casinos.
By the way, I hate snow. And I ran away from it in late 2019. I hope I will not be seeing any more snow for the rest of my life.
Quote: speedycrapI like the comps of the casinos.
Makes me think of another thing about where this conversation has gone with retirement and assets and income:
When someone retires, they have all the assets they saved from their working age. When it is a lot, like in this TDG example, interest can provide a lot of income. Plus no one lives forever, so it is ok to draw down the principal. Plus social security. Pensions are becoming more rare, but this example, proves they are not extinct. Plus it is still permissible to do work and earn money that way. And that is where Las Vegas does have some huge advantage for a certain type of idiot.
For those of us who know what to look for, we've all seen it a lot: old people paying the best video poker machines. A few hours most point multiplier days can be worth $100 or $200 per month, plus a lot of comped meals and a few hotel stays. Do it for longer, and at the higher level machines and it can earn more money and a cruise.
Quote: TomGMakes me think of another thing about where this conversation has gone with retirement and assets and income:
When someone retires, they have all the assets they saved from their working age. When it is a lot, like in this TDG example, interest can provide a lot of income. Plus no one lives forever, so it is ok to draw down the principal. Plus social security. Pensions are becoming more rare, but this example, proves they are not extinct. Plus it is still permissible to do work and earn money that way. And that is where Las Vegas does have some huge advantage for a certain type of idiot.
For those of us who know what to look for, we've all seen it a lot: old people paying the best video poker machines. A few hours most point multiplier days can be worth $100 or $200 per month, plus a lot of comped meals and a few hotel stays. Do it for longer, and at the higher level machines and it can earn more money and a cruise.
Well, Tom, you like to talk about retirement. When you retire, you have all the time in the world. A lot of retirees play VP/slot/table games/sports betting for killing time. Winning is important but not the most. If you are at a controlled loss rate, then treat it as entertainment. Comps/rebate/coupon are just gravy. Retirees are not Darkoz or Axelwolf. To D & A , those things are a way of making a living.
When I was in Vegas 2 and half years ago, I discovered what I would be able to live/experience life with slightly over US$1K/month. The US$1K was my own money. I am spending more now up north, but my level of joy and comfort are no comparison with Vegas. That was my first time in Vegas long term. Now, I have the experience under my belt, I will be able to explore better and have a bigger bang of my buck the next trip. I believe no one can spend US$1K anywhere in USA and have the same joy/comfort level as Vegas.
Quote: speedycrapWell, Tom, you like to talk about retirement. When you retire, you have all the time in the world. A lot of retirees play VP/slot/table games/sports betting for killing time.
With only a very basic analysis, and minimal exploitations, it is very much possible to earn $1 to $5 per hour on that stuff. Gain some experience and go a little bit deeper into the games, and can start earing a little more. Even things that are treated as a hobby or entertainment, can also be treated as income. Likewise, something that creates income can be treated as entertainment and not a profession or a way to make a living.
Quote: speedycrapI believe no one can spend US$1K anywhere in USA and have the same joy/comfort level as Vegas.
That is pretty cool if you can pull it off. I could live off $2,000 per month and consider that comfortable; $1,000 would be tough for me.
Would you explain a bit more please?Quote: TomGWith only a very basic analysis, and minimal exploitations, it is very much possible to earn $1 to $5 per hour on that stuff. Gain some experience and go a little bit deeper into the games, and can start earing a little more. Even things that are treated as a hobby or entertainment, can also be treated as income. Likewise, something that creates income can be treated as entertainment and not a profession or a way to make a living.
That is pretty cool if you can pull it off. I could live off $2,000 per month and consider that comfortable; $1,000 would be tough for me.
Quote: billryanDo you find youtube channels are more educational than reality tv shows?
All I watch is YT and Prime, Nflix, HBO. CBS All Access,
Haven't turned the TV on in months. YT is the greatest
gift of my lifetime, it's where the world is happening.
Quote: speedycrapWould you explain a bit more please?
A few examples:
Video Poker
step 1: Play this game, with this strategy: https://wizardofodds.com/games/video-poker/strategy/deuces-wild/full-pay/simple/
step 2: Earn over $4 per 500 hands on 25-cent machines.
step 3, optional: Move on to dollar machines and / or focus on point multipliers and comps.
Tables
step 1: Play this game, with this strategy: https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/card-counting/high-low/
step 2: Earn about $2 per hour with a $5 to $25 spread, plus comps.
step 3, optional: Earn $5 per hour with a $5 to $50 spread, or $12 per hour with a $5 to $75 spread.
Those examples show why I think Vegas can be a good place to retire to. As you already pointed out, other retirees (and non-retirees) are perfectly fine losing money at these things in the name of entertainment and killing time. Why not use them for the entertainment benefit and income benefit?
Quote: TomGA few examples:
Video Poker
step 1: Play this game, with this strategy: https://wizardofodds.com/games/video-poker/strategy/deuces-wild/full-pay/simple/
step 2: Earn over $4 per 500 hands on 25-cent machines.
step 3, optional: Move on to dollar machines and / or focus on point multipliers and comps.
Tables
step 1: Play this game, with this strategy: https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/card-counting/high-low/
step 2: Earn about $2 per hour with a $5 to $25 spread, plus comps.
step 3, optional: Earn $5 per hour with a $5 to $50 spread, or $12 per hour with a $5 to $75 spread.
Those examples show why I think Vegas can be a good place to retire to. As you already pointed out, other retirees (and non-retirees) are perfectly fine losing money at these things in the name of entertainment and killing time. Why not use them for the entertainment benefit and income benefit?
When I moved to Vegas I thought I could tolerate hours playing VP, but ultimately i just couldn’t enjoy it to play very long sessions. So, that part of the idea didn’t work for me in any meaningful result. So, that’s something to factor. It’s an individual thing of course.
Quote: EvenBobAll I watch is YT and Prime, Nflix, HBO. CBS All Access,
Haven't turned the TV on in months. YT is the greatest
gift of my lifetime, it's where the world is happening.
Good grief is it! I dropped Netflix since I watch YT far more. Latest thing is learning concrete casting. Bought a dog mold going to try that first. If it works out try to make it a paying hobby to side hustle. Stuff guy showed just 20 years ago would be "secrets of the trade" not people tell the world.
And casting looks simple but in a couple days I picked up years worth of tips and tricks. Some supplies coming eBay others I have to go to THD. Next week or two I cast and paint.
A plus side is locals can get fantastic deals on entertainment, and it is very easy to get free or very cheap meals.
I didn't deal with the mass transit system but it appears fairly weak.
Quote: billryanit is very easy to get free or very cheap meals.
The buffets proved to be a disguised bad deal for me. Other than stealing the food, I couldn't figure out any advantage. And no I didn't steal food, but eating my money's worth was a bad idea also.
Quote:I didn't deal with the mass transit system but it appears fairly weak.
Oh wow, I thought it was great compared to everywhere else I lived.
Quote: rxwineThe buffets proved to be a disguised bad deal for me. Other than stealing the food, I couldn't figure out any advantage.
Huge difference between on strip and off strip for the buffet value proposition. Stations/coast are often $8-$10, free coupons in mailers, Boyd used to be (maybe still) 40% off food using points. M used to have a regular promotion weekdays and South Point/Stations/coast would semi regularly have promotions where the buffet would cost roughly $1 in EV give or take the dollar. Some places (definitely south point) buffet comps very easy to come by on table games.
Plenty of places with graveyard cheap specials. Many people in LV, don’t even have to be an advantage player type, the kitchen is just a space to walk through on the way to the garage. Food as cheap or cheaper, tips excluded, being conscious of and taking advantage of the specials/promos.
Quote: rxwineThe buffets proved to be a disguised bad deal for me. Other than stealing the food, I couldn't figure out any advantage. And no I didn't steal food, but eating my money's worth was a bad idea also.
Oh wow, I thought it was great compared to everywhere else I lived.
I'm from NYC, so there is that.
I would guess I ate at buffets three or four times in the three years I lived there but ate out about three times a week.
The El Cortez Prime Rib came with a salad and I'd order a salad with the Emerald Island dinner special. Both are free for minimum play.
The Emerald Island gave you three meals a week free with 30,000 coins in each 90 days. They also give $10 cashback for your first $1,000 coin in several days a week. Play Deuces or Bonus Poker and you get paid in food for playing. There are another half dozen
casinos with similar offers. I mention those because the food was above average.
Quote: rxwineThe buffets proved to be a disguised bad deal for me. Other than stealing the food, I couldn't figure out any advantage.
There isn't any. Buffet food generally
sucks unless you go to the super
expensive ones and you get zero
bang for your buck. Last time I
was in Vegas I got 90% Mexican
take out food and ate it in my room
in front of the TV. This one place
had a football sized burrito that
you made yourself in that an
employee walked down a line of
ingredients and you told them
what you wanted in the burrito.
But then you get lazy and you do not want to do all those things you thought you wantent to do, once you have all the time in the world.Quote: speedycrapWell, Tom, you like to talk about retirement. When you retire, you have all the time in the world.
Quote: AZDuffmanGood grief is it! I dropped Netflix since I watch YT far more.
Up until I was 50 if I wanted to
know something I made lists
and hit the library and bookstore
once a week. Youtube is a dream
come true. I find whatever I want
instantly, my life is so much better
now. Before 2000 is horse and
buggy days compared to now.
We advance as a society by how
fast information is dispensed. I
haven't left the house since
before T-giving because of covee,
I have everything I need here.
Internet and Walmart delivers
groceries and liquor right to my
door. Even my scripts come in
the mail. Not worth going to
the casino, roulette only lets
3 people play at once. And they
never leave the table. I play at
Bovada instead,
I think the ‘trial’ of more than a month is a really good idea. A week or two covers the ‘warts’ of a place, that will get exposed over a longer period. Or cement your reason to move there.
Quote: mcallister3200Huge difference between on strip and off strip for the buffet value proposition. Stations/coast are often $8-$10, free coupons in mailers, Boyd used to be (maybe still) 40% off food using points. M used to have a regular promotion weekdays and South Point/Stations/coast would semi regularly have promotions where the buffet would cost roughly $1 in EV give or take the dollar. Some places (definitely south point) buffet comps very easy to come by on table games.
Plenty of places with graveyard cheap specials. Many people in LV, don’t even have to be an advantage player type, the kitchen is just a space to walk through on the way to the garage. Food as cheap or cheaper, tips excluded, being conscious of and taking advantage of the specials/promos.
I don't know what EvenBob and RXwine are talking about with their description of the non-strip buffets. I think they have seen the buffet scene from Vegas vacation movie too many times.
In my time living in Vegas, now 12th year (time flies), one of my favorite things has been the 'perk' of free meals. Up until covid came into our lives last March, I ate at a casino at least 6 days a week, and often more than once a day for all intensive purposes free of charge. The reason t wasn't 7 days is because usually once a week my mother will make a Sunday dinner or my brother will cook some steaks on the grill.
The buffets at places like Station and Boyd, South Point are fine. NO, they are not the $50-$60 strip buffets, but decent fresh good food. Just Presidential at Stations (not even Chairman) which is easy to obtain with just a little break even VP play, entitles you to 50% off when paying with points and if you earned your Presidential playing 10x point days, you will accumulate enough points to pay the half price for a whole year figuring 3 or 4 visits a week. And that is not even counting the free coupons in your mailer. And maybe the best part.....the shorter line.
In addition to the local places buffets, I like the cafes and coffee shops at lots of places (or did pre-covid),
I don't even count that as part of my AP income, but surely a significant savings to grocery shopping, cooking and eating at home, as I have been doing the last 10 months.
I can't wait to get back to the buffets!
Quote: kewlj
I can't wait to get back to the buffets!
Here is a little covid tidbit. Boyd changed the way the do free play in the last I don't know 4-5 months. It used to be free play was good at all properties. Now it is just at whatever is designated as your home property. Mine is Gold Coast.
So when I enter Gold Coast the temperature check stations at the entrances are manned by the ladies that used to cashier and serve me at the buffet. I always tell them, I can't wait to see them back at the buffet.
Quote: kewlj
I can't wait to get back to the buffets!
Whether you pay or not or receive a discount, it’s how locals learn how to avoid waiting in lines. Best way is to achieve a higher tier status through the casino players card as they have a dedicated line .
And if you move to Nevada, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. It’s the law and the fine is over a $1000 if you are caught. Out of state tags are plentiful in this state but in the event you get pulled over and the slightest hint that you are living here, you will receive the ticket and it’s up to you to battle it out in front of the judge.
Just imagine if we had YouTube as kids. I think we would be God's by now.Quote: EvenBobYoutube is a dream
come true.
Quote: kewljI don't know what EvenBob and RXwine are talking about with their description of the non-strip buffets. I think they have seen the buffet scene from Vegas vacation movie too many times.
Completely agree with everything you said.
Off strip breakfast is like $6 to $9. Even if someone doesn't eat a full day of calories and nutrition, that is still a good deal, for someone who only goes to the casino to eat. Pot of coffee, three egg omelet, fruit, whatever pastry or starch you want, parts of the salad bar are usually open, another three egg omelet. After tax and tip, it's not as cheap as eating at home, but definitely better than any other restaurant. Half-off coupons are easy for anyone to get. Play some games and either use points, and then it just becomes one of those things that can keep the Las Vegas cost of living down.
Quote: TomGCompletely agree with everything you said.
Off strip breakfast is like $6 to $9. Even if someone doesn't eat a full day of calories and nutrition, that is still a good deal, for someone who only goes to the casino to eat. Pot of coffee, three egg omelet, fruit, whatever pastry or starch you want, parts of the salad bar are usually open, another three egg omelet.
You know I actually eat healthier at the buffets. With breakfast I always have some fruit. With my lunch/dinner, usually early afternoon, I always have a salad and some vegetables. When I eat at home over the last year, no salad, few vegetable and only little but of fruit. Of course the desert station at the buffets is another matter.
Quote: kewljI don't know what EvenBob and RXwine are talking about with their description of the non-strip buffets. I think they have seen the buffet scene from Vegas vacation movie too many times.
I'm only talking about the buffets, not all the Vegas restaurants. Unlimited food wasn't a bargain even free. For my waistline. OTOH, even using comps just seemed like a waste if I didn't eat enough.
So, I just started avoiding them or giving those specific comps away.
(I did see the movie. But I also lived in Vegas for 12 years.)
Quote: rxwineI'm only talking about the buffets, not all the Vegas restaurants. Unlimited food wasn't a bargain even free. For my waistline.
Can always load up on salad. They're like $9 each at other restaurants, some around 300 kcal. Have like four of them and a diet coke and that's a good meal. Fruit for dessert.
Quote: kewljI don't know what EvenBob and RXwine are talking about with their description of the non-strip buffets. ),
It's crap food, usually over cooked
and prepared by kids in their 20's
who have little training. I went to
culinary school for a year, I am a
great cook and know crappy food
when I see it. There are millions
who think McD's and BK and
Chik Fillet is as good as it gets.
Sounds like buffets are all about
money to you, so you're missing
the point. It's all about food quality
to me.
This is what I made tonight. Sauteed
baby spinach and artichoke hearts
with butter, bacon, blue cheese,
muenster cheese, parmasan cheese,
red onions, and roasted sesame seeds
with a garlic olive oil dressing, served
warm. Fantastic.
I was looking at the condos in the area, and noticed that there are a couple of areas near the Strip where they tend to be cheaper:
(a) The NE corner of Flamingo and Koval;
(b) The area between Desert Inn and Flamingo, and between Paradise and Maryland.
A lot of the ones in the latter are below $250,000 for 2 bedroom.
Is there something about these areas that should be setting off alarms?
Quote: ThatDonGuyThought I would bump this, as I am another year closer to retirement...
I was looking at the condos in the area, and noticed that there are a couple of areas near the Strip where they tend to be cheaper:
(a) The NE corner of Flamingo and Koval;
(b) The area between Desert Inn and Flamingo, and between Paradise and Maryland.
A lot of the ones in the latter are below $250,000 for 2 bedroom.
Is there something about these areas that should be setting off alarms?
(a) are you talking about Meridian Condos? On the surface they are decent looking and seems ok, but there is a lot of crime and police activity in that complex. The prices have remained pretty stable at a time prices in Vegas have gone up considerably. That should tell you something.
(b) that area, north of Flamingo on the east side is not a good area at all. A lot of drugs and gangs and crime.
Really the whole eastside, east of the strip, all the way out to Boulder highway is not very good. maybe pockets of ok, but generally not good. You would be much better off on the westside of the strip, and the further west you go, the better.
Question for the WoV hive mind: I am getting a few TV commercials touting Del Webb "senior communities." Is one of those things worth looking into, or am I better off finding a house / condo / townhouse somewhere, given that I am alone?
Yes, Vegas is still near the top of my list of places to move to, and from what I have heard here, the best place to look seems to be Summerlin.
Quote: ThatDonGuyBumping this thread as "years from retirement" is now "months." There seems to be a bit of popularity with this sort of thread, between the numerous retirement and "The Villages" threads.
Question for the WoV hive mind: I am getting a few TV commercials touting Del Webb "senior communities." Is one of those things worth looking into, or am I better off finding a house / condo / townhouse somewhere, given that I am alone?
Yes, Vegas is still near the top of my list of places to move to, and from what I have heard here, the best place to look seems to be Summerlin.
link to original post
Check out the EB lifestyle, i.e, cats, posting, and cooking. If that is attractive to you, then go for it.
tuttigym
Quote: tuttigymQuote: ThatDonGuyBumping this thread as "years from retirement" is now "months." There seems to be a bit of popularity with this sort of thread, between the numerous retirement and "The Villages" threads.
Question for the WoV hive mind: I am getting a few TV commercials touting Del Webb "senior communities." Is one of those things worth looking into, or am I better off finding a house / condo / townhouse somewhere, given that I am alone?
Yes, Vegas is still near the top of my list of places to move to, and from what I have heard here, the best place to look seems to be Summerlin.
link to original post
Check out the EB lifestyle, i.e, cats, posting, and cooking. If that is attractive to you, then go for it.
tuttigym
link to original post
You left out the most important thing I do, roulette. Everyday, several times a day.
Just curious as to why Vegas is on top of your list? Hookers and blow? 😀Quote: ThatDonGuyBumping this thread as "years from retirement" is now "months." There seems to be a bit of popularity with this sort of thread, between the numerous retirement and "The Villages" threads.
Question for the WoV hive mind: I am getting a few TV commercials touting Del Webb "senior communities." Is one of those things worth looking into, or am I better off finding a house / condo / townhouse somewhere, given that I am alone?
Yes, Vegas is still near the top of my list of places to move to, and from what I have heard here, the best place to look seems to be Summerlin.
link to original post
Quote: EvenBobQuote: tuttigymQuote: ThatDonGuyBumping this thread as "years from retirement" is now "months." There seems to be a bit of popularity with this sort of thread, between the numerous retirement and "The Villages" threads.
Question for the WoV hive mind: I am getting a few TV commercials touting Del Webb "senior communities." Is one of those things worth looking into, or am I better off finding a house / condo / townhouse somewhere, given that I am alone?
Yes, Vegas is still near the top of my list of places to move to, and from what I have heard here, the best place to look seems to be Summerlin.
link to original post
Check out the EB lifestyle, i.e, cats, posting, and cooking. If that is attractive to you, then go for it.
tuttigym
link to original post
You left out the most important thing I do, roulette. Everyday, several times a day.
link to original post
More important than cats and litter boxes?
tuttigym
