Alethea

We'll be moving to North Las Vegas this June. Any helpful hints or suggestions? Any places to meet people, make friends?

jbee

Welcome to Vegas! It's a great place to live, but can be a little weird at first. The main thing is that you're no longer a tourist. If you try to live here and still do all the things tourists do, it can make life difficult. Also, friends from all over will suddenly want to come visit you (and crash in your guest room) on a regular basis. What's better than a free room in Vegas? It can be fun, but tiring, to have friends in town all the time. Just remind them that you DO have a life past the strip- they'll understand.

As for making friends, that also is a bit tricky. Vegas is a very fluid town when it comes to people. Even people who live here are constantly moving in, out, and around the town. I've been here since '99 and I've moved 5 times. Surprisingly, that seems to be pretty common among people I know.

The main places we've found to make friends are church, in our community, and work. There's also a lot of special interest clubs, play groups for children and dog parks. All of those are good places to network with people that have similiar interests. There are also nightclubs, bars, and casinos that cater to locals, so those are other places to find people who live here. Hope this helps! Feel free to email me if you want any additional information: [email protected] Good luck with the move!

Amanda

Leona

My husband and I had been considering retiring to LV but have since discounted it. One of the negatives we encountered was the transiency. Why did you feel the need to move 5 times in as many years?

vegaslocal

Gotta get in on this one.

Everyone talks and talks about how people here are "transient", as if that's bad or different from other large cities. I have lived here since 1995 and I moved here from another city, so I guess that makes me "transient".

I have also lived in Los Angeles, Denver, and Houston, each for about 8 years. During that time, many people I knew moved in and out of those cities. Are those cities full of "transients"?

It's true that with a booming economy there is a large population of folks in the construction industry. I suppose as projects begin and end, there are people like that who move to where they can find their next job. I don't know that that makes our population much different from any other.

Things that suck about Las Vegas -

*June, July, and August
*Traffic

Things that are great about Las Vegas -
*You get to "go to Vegas" anytime you want.
*September through May
*Not draining the swimming pool
*Not wearing a heavy coat all year
*No "last call"
*The best dining and entertainment in the world.
*Hiking Red Rock Canyon
*Boating at the lake
*Picnicking at Mount Charleston
*Camping at Zion
*Skiing at Brianhead
*All the concert tours come here.
*Watching the Californians sit in traffic to leave town on Sunday and saying "I'm glad that's not me."

Living in Las Vegas is what you make it. If you are outgoing and friendly, you will have friends. If you are introverted, you will be lonely. If you stay in the air-conditioning all summer, you will go stir crazy. If you get outdoors on summer mornings you will relax. If you hate gambling and casinos, you will despise Las Vegas. If you let go of a $20 bill now and again without worrying, you will have a great time.

Welcome to Las Vegas!

travelinwifey

A transient is a person that is living someplace for a week and gone the next.
Transient: 1.not lasting long, short lived 2.Passing through a place with only a brief stay

My advice would be to purchase a home ASAP. The housing market is going through thr roof. Houses have gone up in value (my house at least 30%) in the past year. My parents home has gone up 40%. Get in now before Las Vegas housing becomes like California.

You may actually end up doing very little related to the Las Vegas Strip. People are amazed by just how large and well developed Las Vegas really is.

Healthcare: Lots of hospitals but many good physicians have left because of skyrocketing medical malpractice premiums. You will still be able to find a good doctor but don't be surprised if it takes more than a month to get in to see a good one.

Some people do have problems making good friends here. Single friends of mine can find it hard because to them it seems like everyone is paired up (they moved from Los Angeles). I never really noticed it before.

In general, it is very easy to travel from LV with lots of nonstop flights. Traffic can be bad but perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find a job near home. Prepare for DMV sticker shock. Love the hot weather. Good luck!

Perki

Being a Life-Long Las Vegas 38 years next month I have to put my 2-cents worth in on this. Vegas isn't for everyone, if you have a vice it will be worse in this town - be it gambling, drinking, drugs, sex - whatever because they are all easily accessible anytime all the time. I have had friends and co-workers fall thru the cracks with addictions, some have been able to come out OK others have moved.

Having gone away to college for 2 years in New Mexico and traveling extensively I feel I can say with confidence, This town is just like living anywhere else, we just have a really famous street The Strip. I NEVER go on the Strip unless I have friends in town, I barely even know it is here cause it doesn't factor into my daily life at all. I am a Construction Secretary (schools & collegs) and my husband is a Manager for a musical equipment retail chain store so we have no connection whatsoever with Hotels. Any place is going to be what you make of it, if you smile and talk with people you will make friends if not it will be harder. As noted before, the summer months are hot, but all cars and buildings are air-conditioned so the most you will be out in the elements is the walk to and from your car. The great thing about the summer months that I enjoy is that even at 10pm it is still 80 out so when there are concerts in the parks or at the outside venues at the hotels it is wonderful, no dragging around sweaters or sweatshirts like in California. The traffic has gotten bad over the years due to all the people moving here, but still not as bad as LA or Denver even. This area has so much to offer and is still somewhat affordable compared to other cities of our size that it makes it very attractable and that is why people are moving here...I certainly have never wanted to move anywhere else!

malvado

You didn't mention where you are moving from, but moving to a "transient" town, you'll surely come across people from your hometown which is great common ground... Especially if you're from Southern California.

travleis

I have a close friend who moved to LV 8 years ago (long time by LV standards) who I visit regularly (but I don't sleep on his floor (jbee)).

His summary is exactly the same as jbee's.
He likes living in LV for many reasons (cited above) but his biggest frustration is the transience factor. This is not an imagined phenomenon, and vegaslocal, LV is among the most transient of all US cities. Phoenix is close. This makes it harder for people to find a sense of community and permanence. Even in the gated communities well off the Strip home turnover rates are much higher than in cities like Chicago, Boston, Portland, etc. True, migration rates have increased nationwide, but places like LV attract far more people "looking for something they're not finding elsewhere" than other cities. The transient types are most often either people who think the excitement of the city will fill a void in their lives (long term it won't) or work-related transfers (who are often moved again later).

The best places to find more rooted people seem to be clubs, community organizations and churches.
But the old 'you get what you give' advice offered by vegaslocal is certainly true. It's harder to establish close friendships in a town like LV, but without effort, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

jbee

Great responses! It's awesome to hear from other Vegas locals.

Leona - I tend to like change, so many of the moves were based on that. The last 2 were because of the hot real estate market - which is pretty common. It's really easy to "upgrade" when the houses appreciate so quickly. Plus, we're pretty young, so we're still getting settled in where we want to stay.

travelis- Your comment made me laugh! It reminds me of when my entire family came down. They all brought their inflateable matresses because we didn't have any extra beds. It's so much fun, but not when I have to crawl over everyone in the morning for work!

I just want to mention as well that I don't gamble, drink, and hardly ever go to the strip. Just because you live here doesn't mean you have to participate in the "perceived" lifestyle of a local (not that there's anything wrong with any activities mentioned above). But we enjoy the fluidity of Vegas as a whole. We also take advantage of all the restaurants, culture, and art that the town has to offer. As travelis said - Vegas is what you make it. Find your own niche and you'll love it!

Leona

I don't know about anyone else, but I am having the HARDest time posting today.

I want to qualify my earlier remarks. While I agree with vegaslocal & other posters on some of the pros & cons noted, there are more important criteria when planning for retirement. Among other things, healthcare is a big issue and a number one priority.

Las Vegas is and will continue to be my favorite playground, but as a retirement venue, it falls far short of many other places.

tudorprincess

We have also been contemplating a move to Las Vegas next year when our son graduates. So far all the information your giving goes along with what we're thinking.
My question is this, do you have a pest problem? I'm mostly concerned about tarantulas or scopions coming into the home. I think I'd have to pack up and move if I saw one of those hairy spiders in my house.

jbee

tudor - The biggest problem we've had in Vegas has been ants. In fact, we just got rid of them in our house yesterday. We do have spiders, but the most common poisonous one I've seen is the black widow- not too bad because they mostly stay outside. I've never even seen a tarantula or scorpion, but they say they're out there.

After all the bad stuff about bugs, here's the good one- NO MOSQUITOS!!! It's sooo nice, and you don't even notice they're not there until you go somewhere that has them. Then, you notice that's what has been missing!

Basically, if you want to move to Vegas, don't let bugs stop you. There's pest control companies in town that can help keep creepie crawlies out of your house. The pests are no better or worse than anywhere else I've lived.

Scarlett

How cool! The Yankee and I still play with that idea, although I hate to think of what would happen with a casino so close
Transients! LOL, I lived in NYC, talk about transient! Now I am in Florida, talk about transient ~
I will be following this thread, with interest, maybe we will be next

sludick

jbee, you made me chuckle with the advice about spiders and other bugs. We live in Central Florida, and you would not BELIEVE the myriads of buglife we have here, supersized! BTW, our mosquitos are also enormous, sure you don't want me to ship some your way?? Plus, more varieties of ants than I ever imagined (I grew up in San Francisco area). All this has led some some creepy encounters and hilarious bug stories. So, you are absolutely correct, keep the number of a pest control company handy, and no worries. The real problem is human-sized "pests," who love to visit their friends so close to Disney and the beaches. That's when we roll out our bug stories (told with a straight face, if possible)...and once in a while, have given access to a palmetto bug or two, just to discourage over-long visits...

vegaslocal

On the whole 'transient' thing- it occured to me that I don't work in one of the hotels, and am not in an entry-level position. Perhaps that is why I don't know any people who are transient types. My neighbors on both sides and across the street have all been there since I moved in in 1995, so maybe I'm just not paying attention. There are a lot of rentals in my neighborhood come to think of it. Hmmmm.

As far as bugs go, black widows and roaches are the two that freak me out in my backyard. (They don't seem to come inside.) But I just mix up some Orth-Klor in my sprayer and give the patio and pool equipment a good dose once a month in the summer. Works on the ants too.

Under things that stink about Las Vegas, I would have to add health care. When I have to have an xray or a blood test, I can plan on spending at least 1 1/2 hours waiting to be seen.

While we're on the subject of waiting...the DMV was a joy when I moved here. I was in and out in 30 minutes with a new driver's license and new plates. I spent almost three hours waiting to renew my driver's license last year. That stinks too.

Still I'll trade all that for the fact that there are no mosquitos! And no ticks either!

jbee

sludick - I'd have to say that on the whole, Vegas is definitely more bug free than most places. Oh, and I'll pass on your offer for mosquitos, unless they're big enough to put on a leash! It's the dry heat and lack or water that keeps the bugs away. My brother spent a few years in the Guam area and told me the cockroaches were so big, if you threw your shoe at them, they would turn around and throw it back. Gotta love the bugs who thrive in humidity!

Scarlett- You're always welcome in Vegas. We definitely need more courteous and well-mannered people and town... You and the Yankee should pull up again and come on over!

Since we've had the "things that stink" list about Vegas added to, I have just one: court. NEVER get a speeding (or any other kind of violation) ticket in this town if you can avoid it. I once spend 7 hours just waiting to get a date to see a judge.

I have 1 last one for the great list as well: sunshine. It hardly ever rains more than 2 days in a row, and after a few years, 120 degrees isn't so bad... Honestly! Now, anything less than 90 is cool. I hope you've gotten some good information, Alethea!

Scarlett

sludick, I am learning about the Florida wildlife these days
You are sooo right, NYC bugs were manageable, the spiders I have seen here caused Pup to reconsider living here ((&))
Thank you, very much, jbee, it is already under consideration~

blondiepopo

I'm interested in moving to Las Vegas also. I'm a nurse and wondering about employment. Also, where is a good part of town to buy a house? I've been to Vegas twice and going to be there Mother's Day. Is it possible to get a new home for less than $170,000? Is Mesquite cheaper? I have also thought about Phoenix. I want to move in the Southwest within a couple hours of the ocean. That is one reason why Las Vegas appeals to me. It's very hard to pick out a city. Always before, I've had no choice about where I wanted to live, and now that I do, it's actually harder to decide.

Alethea

Thank you guys SO much! I guess I could've given you a little more information...I'm 24 & my fiance' is 27 - we'll be getting married next month & moving to LV a couple wks after we return from our honeymoon. I guess it's good for us that LV is transient 'cause we're kind of transient people, I s'pose. Originally we're both from southern california (imagine that), but we've lived in Pittsburgh, PA for the last 3 years. We were offered an exceptional oppurtunity (in real estate, of course! lol), so we're packing up and moving out. I'm absolutely NOT looking forward to the heat (I'd much rather be in a foot of snow!), or the crumby health care. I am very excited about living somewhere new again though. Thanks so much for your replies, everyone's been very helpful!

travelinwifey

Aletha, the health care from physicians is good, just that you may have to wait to see a good one. Also, if you have a choice don't go for HPN health insurance, or if you must get Sierra Choice (a division of HPN that allows you to choose your md).

Blondiepopo, there are plenty of very well paying jobs for nurses in LV, they are in demand with good sign on bonuses. You should still be able to find a new house for $170k, but they will be in the far outskirts of town, 30-40 mins from the strip or Henderson.