Thinking about moving to the Las Vegas Valley area? Want to know all the important things there is to know about Las Vegas “Sin City”? If so, you have found the right page. Enjoy reading and learning more about this amazing city and what it has to offer.
Las Vegas Population
Many people who live in Las Vegas moved from California. On average, the migrants from California make up roughly one-third of Las Vegas’ newcomers. These citizens have and continue to make essential contributions to Las Vegas, such as growth in home construction, landscaping, residential security, and manufacturing. According to the 2010 census, the population of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area has dramatically increased throughout the 20th and 21st centuries; it has risen by at least 41% per decade since 1960, when the population was only a mere 167,000. Between 1990 and 2000, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the entire United States. As a result, the 2010 census registered an estimated population of 1,951,269 and the projected population in 2020 is approximately 2,700,000.
Las Vegas History
In the 19th century, Las Vegas was once an important stop along the Old Spanish Trail. The oasis allowed Spanish traders to shorten their route to Los Angeles by following streams and resting at springs; the grave alternative was to travel through Death Valley. Rumors of a lush valley began to widely circulate in 1829 and as a result it generated lots of interest from potential settlers and travelers. In 1844, an explorer named John C. Fremont camped in the Las Vegas Valley and wrote about his time there. As a result, A.D. Hopkins of the Las Vegas Review Journal wrote in 1999, “…it was John C. Fremont who literally put Las Vegas on the map.”
The coming of the railroad in 1905 industrialized the area and an era of growth ensued. Furthermore, In the early 20th century, Nevada passed laws that allowed divorce after only six months of residency in the state. By 1931, the requirement was reduced to six weeks. As a result, Las Vegas gained a reputation as an easy place to get a divorce.
Population growth accelerated in the 1930s because of two monumental events in 1931. First, the Bureau of Reclamation began constructing the Boulder Dam (known today as the Hoover Dam) on the Colorado River. The second event was the beginning of a new era; The State of Nevada legalized gambling.
A major milestone in 1945 that spurred the casino-construction fever came to fruition when an infamous gangster named Bugsy Siegel created the most bombastic resort and casino that the world had ever seen: The Flamingo. Today, Las Vegas lays claim to six of the world’s 10 largest resort hotels and continues to grow.
Las Vegas Climate
Even though it is extremely hot in the summer, Las Vegas has one of the best climates in the United States. Las Vegas is known for its “dry” heat days because it has very low relative humidity when compared to the rest of the country. Low humidity is not the only benefit; the temperature stays warm throughout the whole night. Therefore for most of the year, everyone can enjoy a night out on The Strip without worrying about cold weather. Another appealing aspect of the climate is that Sin City also enjoys sunshine on approximately 298 days per year and a low average annual rainfall of 4.05 inches. Lastly, one of the best reasons to move to Las Vegas is that other than wildfires, it has not experienced any large-scale natural disasters for more than 150 years, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and major earthquakes.
Las Vegas Weather
Even though it is extremely hot in the summer, Las Vegas has one of the best climates in the United States. Las Vegas is known for its “dry” heat days because it has very low relative humidity when compared to the rest of the country. Low humidity is not the only benefit; the temperature stays warm throughout the whole night, so for most of the year, everyone can enjoy a night out on The Strip without worrying about cold weather. Another appealing aspect of the climate is that Sin City also enjoys sunshine on approximately 298 days per year and a low average annual rainfall of 4.05 inches. Lastly, one of the best reasons to move to Las Vegas is that other than wildfires, it has not experienced any large-scale natural disasters for more than 150 years, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and major earthquakes.
Companies Headquartered in Las Vegas
- Allegiant Air
- AMERCO
- Bally Technologies
- Boyd Gaming
- Carroll Shelby International
- Caesars Entertainment Corporation
- International Game Technology
- Las Vegas Sands
- MGM Resorts International
- National University
- Nevada Power Company
- NV Energy
- PC-Doctor
- Port of Subs
- Primaris Airlines
- Scenic Airlines
- Scolari’s Food and Drug
- Sierra Nevada Corporation
- NV Energy
- Skagen Designs
- Southwest Gas
- Terrible Herbst
- Wynn Resorts
- Xtra Airways
- Zappos
Jobs in Las Vegas
Declining unemployment, an expanding skilled-labor force, an exceptional tax structure, a pro-business environment, and a great climate have made Las Vegas a desirable place to relocate. The population explosion in the 80s and 90s resulted in great opportunities to open new businesses and create more jobs. Over the last decade, job diversity has expanded, with more focus away from the gaming industry.
Tourism generates nearly one-third of the state’s annual tax revenue. Therefore, business owners are not subject to corporate income tax, personal income tax, franchise tax, inventory tax, or unitary tax on the state level.
Las Vegas Transportation
Las Vegas is an important distribution and transportation center because it is centrally located in the southwest quadrant of the United States. Easy access to California, Arizona, and Utah have helped make Las Vegas a primary warehouse destination for several large corporations.
On the ground, an endless plethora of semi-trucks travel along the highways. The main highways that run through Las Vegas are I-15 between Utah and California and US 95 to get to and from Reno and down to Laughlin. Also there is, I-215 (which becomes CC 215), which is a beltway around the valley. Finally there is US 93, which travels south past the Hoover Dam to Arizona and north through the east side of the desolate valleys in central Nevada. It goes on for hundreds of miles all the way up to Elko in the north and ultimately to Idaho. Also, Limousine and taxi services are available at all times. Furthermore, the public bus service in the valley is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.
Attractions near Las Vegas
Some of the major attractions in or surrounding the Las Vegas area include the following:
MT. CHARLESTON
35 miles (56 km.) from Las Vegas, highest elevation 11,916 feet (3,632 meters), winter skiing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding. Tours available.
BONNIE SPRINGS & OLD NEVADA
An old western town in Red Rock Canyon 16 miles west of Las Vegas with a motel, shops, activities, petting zoo, riding stables and western shootouts.
DEATH VALLEY
135 miles (216 km.) from Las Vegas, 40 minutes by plane, lowest elevation on North American Continent at 280 feet below sea level (84.93 meters), Zabiske Point, 20
Mule Canyon, Scotty’s Castle, Badwater Basin and many other attractions. Tours available.
CALICO
This famous ghost town was born in 1881 and died in 1907. During that period, the town produced between $13 and $20 million in silver and $9 million in borax.
GRAND CANYON
About 300 miles (480 km.) from Las Vegas, 1 1/2 hour flight by plane. World-famous destination for hiking, camping, river rafting, backpacking, and honeymoons. Tours available.
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Closest point 25 miles (40 km.) from Las Vegas, more than 550 miles (800 km.) of shoreline, swimming, water skiing, camping, boating, fishing, marinas, tours available. Visitors totaled 10 million people in 1995.
HOOVER DAM
34 Miles (54.4 km.) from Las Vegas, 726 feet high (220.00 meters) from bedrock, wonder of the modern world, tours of the inside and outside of dam available; in July 1994, the 30 millionth visitor toured the dam since it opened. Visitors touring the dam totaled 279,205 in the first five months of 1994 and 712,130 in 1995. Black Canyon River Raft Tours available below dam.
SPRINGS PRESERVE
333 S. Valley View Blvd., between US95 and Alta Drive. 180 acre cultural and historical attraction which commemorates Las Vegas’ dynamic history.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
55 miles (88 km.) from Las Vegas, scenic landscapes of hidden canyons and unique rock formations, petroglyph and remains of ancient Indian civilization, Nevada Park Service visitors center, tours available. Visitors totaled 66,702 in the first five months of 1995 and 244,052 in 1994. There is an entrance fee.
SPRING MOUNTAIN RANCH
Located 20 miles west of Las Vegas off W. Charleston Blvd., the ranch was once owned by Howard Hughes. The grounds are open to the public for picnics, concerts and summer theatrical productions. Guided tours are available. For more information, call (702) 875-4141.
RED ROCK CANYON
15 miles (24 km.) west of Las Vegas, 3,000-foot (910 meters) escarpment produced by thrust fault, Bureau of Land Management visitors center, scenic area of rock formations and desert. Visitors totaled approximately 585,600 during the first five months of 1995 and approximately 900,000 in all of 1994.
Free Activities
Click the below picture of Fremont Street for 30 fun FREE things to do in the Las Vegas area.
Golf Courses
Click the picture below for a list of Las Vegas area golf courses.
Las Vegas Entertainment
Considering Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas has it all when it comes to things to do, places to eat, concerts, breweries. Just about anything a person could as for.
Whether it is hiking, shopping, eating, concerts, casinos, breweries, we have it all. Here are some links to some pages that may help you decide what to do along with a link to a page that shows some of our favorite local restaurants we have personally tried.
Weekly Las Vegas Local Event Lists
Map of the Las Vegas Strip
School Districts
The Clark County School District (CCSD) has always placed a strong emphasis on providing its students with a great education. Because of this, today, CCSD and its schools continue to win national recognition and awards.
As of 2017, by number of students, CCSD is the 6th largest school district in the United States. Furthermore, in terms of size, CCSD ranks 24th in the US at almost 7,900 square miles. If you took out all 17 of the top 25 largest school districts in Alaska, the first five largest districts in the US, would all be in Nevada. Furthermore, CCSD would be ranked 7th in size behind one district in Oregon. 351 schools are in CCSD: 216 elementary schools,
59 middle schools, 49 high schools, 19 alternative schools, and 8 special schools. CCSD is also the 2nd largest employer in the State of Nevada.
Children between the ages of six and 17 years are required by Nevada law to attend school. Under a new state law, to enter first grade, a child must either attend a state-approved kindergarten program or pass a development test. Picking the right school for your child is of utmost importance.
Highest Rated Schools in Las Vegas
Click on the picture below for the ranking of schools in the Las Vegas Valley.
Las Vegas Neighborhoods
- Anthem Country Club
- Anthem Highlands
- Ascaya
- Cadence
- Green Valley Ranch
- Henderson
- Inspirada
- Lake Las Vegas
- Madeira Canyon
- Red Rock Country Club
- Rhodes Ranch
- Seven Hills
- Skye Canyon
- Southern Highlands
- Summerlin
- Summerlin West
- Aliante (Sun City)
- Anthem (Sun City)
- MacDonald Ranch (Sun City)
Average Home Prices in Las Vegas
The median home value in Las Vegas is $274,100. Las Vegas home values have gone up 6.0% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 0.9% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in Las Vegas is $169, which is lower than the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise Metro average of $170. In Las Vegas the median rent price is $1,500, which is lower than the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise Metro median of $1,536.
