Reasons NOT to Move to Las Vegas NV
Everyone loves the idea of Las Vegas… until they live here. Today, we’re exposing the top reasons why Las Vegas might not be the paradise it’s made out to be, you be the judge.
1. Extreme Climate
Summers in Las Vegas are hot. Summers get hot starting in June, with July usually being the hot month. Our summers average around 104 degrees. It is DRY heat, so it helps a little bit that we don’t have high humidity. During the summer months, we change things up to be outdoors earlier. We usually walk our dogs earlier in the morning around 6:30 am, before it gets too hot. After our walks, we will sit in our backyard and enjoy the morning and a cup of coffee. When we are in the backyard in the afternoons we stay in the shade or cool off by swimming in the pool.
Spots like Lake Mead and water parks such as Cowabunga Bay are popular for beating the heat. Indoor activities become the go-to during the summer. Gyms, restaurants and shopping malls are favorite escapes from the sun.
The heat also affects our energy costs. Running the air conditioner all day to keep the house cool can get pricey, and we notice it in our monthly bills during the summer. Thankfully, many new homes have energy-efficient features to help manage these costs. For older homes, installing energy-efficient windows and adding extra insulation in the attic can really help with cooling costs. Creating more shade in your backyard with a pergola and some well-placed trees can help you to enjoy the outdoor space more comfortably.
Water scarcity is a big issue here in Las Vegas too. We’ve all had to become more mindful of water conservation. My husband and I are in the process of replacing our front yard grass with desert landscaping. We have been in contact with the Water company as there is a rebate to do so. This can make a big difference to water bills. Overall Las Vegas has been very proactive in water conservation efforts. In fact, Las Vegas greatly reduced its water use over the last 10 years even as our population has continued to during that same time. Overall, Nevada is very efficient with water use and one of the smaller allocations from the Colorado River.
Overall, adapting to life in the desert has its challenges, but there are ways to make it more manageable and enjoyable.
2. Cost of Living and inflation
I’ve seen how the cost of living here has been creeping up, although it’s still more affordable than places like California. Housing prices have increased over the last 10 years. Like many other areas, we have also seen utilities, groceries and other expenses increase due to inflation.
Although our cost of living has increased, Nevada does NOT have a state income tax which does help to offset some of the overall cost of living.
Staying informed about local market trends and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you find the best deals and make informed decisions. Our market has fluctuated with Covid, Interest rates increasing and decreasing and supply and demand. Generally, a 6-month supply of inventory or less is considered a seller’s market. We currently have a 3-month supply of inventory, and we are in a seller’s market. After the market crash in 2008, values bottomed out in 2011 and we have seen prices somewhat increase since then. However, as interest rates increased last year, we saw homes sitting on the market longer and days on the market increase. We did see some price reductions through the end of last year. Our market picked up again early this year with the anticipation that interest rates will go down. However, over the last month our market has slowed slightly again, and we are just starting to see homes sit on the market a little longer. As our market changes quickly here, it’s important that you work with a real estate agent that studies the market and is knowledgeable about what is happening in our Las Vegas Market. Having been a real estate agent for 28 years, I am in the trenches, so I see the changes happening before they are reported or even updated with the statistics. I am happy to help you with your real estate goals!
3. Tourist Traffic Congestion
We all know that Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world! We had over 40 million visitors to Las Vegas last year. The Strip is always buzzing with activity, which can lead to significant traffic congestion and crowded public spaces. Tourists come all year round to visit our Las Vegas Strip.
For us residents, this means dealing with heavy traffic, especially during holidays like the 4th of July or New Years eve or when we have special events like National Finals Rodeo, Sporting Events and Music Festivals. The congestion can make daily commutes longer and more frustrating, and navigating around popular areas can be a real hassle. It’s something you must factor into your routine, whether it’s allowing extra time for your drive or finding alternate routes to avoid the busiest areas.
This high volume of tourists can impact on our quality of life, as the constant crowds can make it difficult to enjoy certain parts of the city. We often choose to visit local spots off the Strip or plan outings during less busy times to avoid the rush.
My strategy is to stay informed about major events happening in the city. Knowing when conventions, concerts, or big sports events are scheduled can help with extra time for driving across town or with plans for busy restaurants. I use my google maps whenever driving to appointments even when I know how to get there easily. This just helps me plan the best route to avoid traffic.
Despite these challenges, living in Las Vegas has its perks, and with a bit of planning, you can navigate around the tourist traffic and still enjoy all the city has to offer.
4. Transient Population
Many people move in and out of Las Vegas due to job opportunities, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment industries, as well as seasonal work and retirees looking for a change. This constant flux can make it challenging to build lasting relationships and maintain a sense of community.
I live in a neighborhood that offers get together and activities to meet neighbors. This helps create stronger community ties through local events, neighborhood associations, and social media groups. Many of the retirement communities have club houses with classes and activities. They offer clubs and other ways for neighbors to become friends. I recommend defining what is important to you as you look at neighborhoods and areas to buy.
5. Limited Education Opportunities
Another challenge in Las Vegas faces is our education system. As our population has continued to grow, our school system is fighting to keep up with the increase in students. Schools here often deal with overcrowding, which can negatively impact the quality of education and student performance. Some areas have newer schools and others have older schools that are crowded.
There are a few solutions being explored to address these issues. For one, the district is working on building new schools and expanding existing ones to alleviate overcrowding. There’s also a push for increased funding and better allocation of resources to improve educational outcomes. Some communities are advocating for more charter and private schools as alternatives to public education, providing parents with more choices. Additionally, improving teacher recruitment and retention through better salaries and support can help boost the overall quality of education. Collaboration between local businesses, government, and educational institutions is crucial to create a more robust education system in Las Vegas.
6. Job Market Concentration
Everyone knows about the Las Vegas Strip and many people assume that the only jobs are at Casinos! Las Vegas economy is heavily concentrated in the hospitality and gaming industries. Our reliance on tourism and entertainment means that we could be vulnerable to downturns in these industries. There has been a big push to diversify the job market and create more opportunities and several initiatives are underway. Las Vegas is investing in tech and healthcare industries to attract businesses and talent in these fields. We have several medical schools including the UNLV medical school and Touro University where my son works. By broadening the economic base, Las Vegas offers a wider array of job opportunities and has become more resilient to industry-specific fluctuations.
7. Gambling and Social Issues
Las Vegas is known for its casinos, and while that’s exciting, it can bring up issues like addiction and financial stress for some people. With all the gambling around it can be a worry for some families. I have friends that love to go to the Casinos and gamble every weekend. They don’t have kids and are older. They enjoy gambling for entertainment, and it doesn’t affect them personally. I also know other families that have struggled with gambling addiction. We also know clients and friends that have had trouble with addiction and gambling issues
The good news is there are a lot of support systems here. There are programs that help people with gambling addiction, offering counseling and support groups. Plus, the city has rules in place to promote responsible gambling.
For families, there are plenty of neighborhoods far from the Strip that offer a more traditional, family-friendly vibe and activities.
So, while gambling is a big part of the city, there are ways to manage it and enjoy all the other great things Las Vegas has to offer.
8. Natural Disaster Risks
Finally, is our Natural Disaster Risks. Living in Las Vegas, like any other region, comes with its own set of natural disaster risks that residents should be aware of. During the summer months, Las Vegas experiences a monsoon season, typically from July to September. This brings intense thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. Flash flooding is a significant concern, as desert soil cannot absorb water quickly, leading to rapid runoff and potential water accumulation in low-lying areas. The city has created washes and flood channels to hold water and help with the flooding. Some streets still become flooded, and it is recommended to avoid these areas when raining. In fact, we have billboards that say, turn around and don’t drown. Avoid streets with water flooding and monitoring weather forecasts and alerts, particularly during high wind and monsoon seasons.
Another concern is earthquakes. Although not as common as in some other parts of the country, Nevada does experience seismic activity. Las Vegas is situated near several fault lines, and while major earthquakes are infrequent, they are possible and could potentially cause damage. Be aware of where the fault lines are when considering areas to buy a home.
Despite these risks, Las Vegas offers a vibrant and diverse community with many amenities and attractions, making it a desirable place to live for many people.
I hope this overview of the challenges in Las Vegas, from natural disasters to economic factors, helps you make informed decisions about buying property here. Remember, I’m here to assist you every step of the way!
