Expats and new arrivals moving to Las Vegas will be welcomed by a city where there is always something new to see, eat, or do. Situated in the state of Nevada, Sin City may be the party capital of America, but its suburbs are also home to plenty of families living normal lives away from the glare of the city's famous Strip.

Living in Las Vegas as an expat

While living close to the Las Vegas Boulevard allows easy access to entertainment and eating establishments, there's a big difference between just visiting and actually having to live next door to all that activity. Suburban living can be found in many areas outside the big city, whether in the form of freestanding family houses or exclusive communities with luxury homes.

Although Las Vegas is traditionally known for its gaming, hospitality, service and tourism industries, there has been a push to create jobs and to attract companies in other fields such as the clean and renewable industries. Las Vegas also offers many opportunities for IT, healthcare and local government professionals.

Cost of living in Las Vegas

The cost of living in Vegas is slightly above the national average, but it depends on one's lifestyle, location and preferences. New residents who want to live centrally and like to eat out frequently and paint the town red will need a healthy income to sustain that sort of lifestyle in Vegas. On the other hand, those residents who choose to live on the outskirts of Sin City and limit their spending on the Strip can live comfortably on a modest budget.

Families and children in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located in the Clark County School District, which is one of the largest in the US. In addition, there are many excellent private schools and colleges available.

Despite its desert location, Las Vegas has several great parks such as Sunset Park, Desert Breeze Park and Wetlands Park. For awe-inspiring views, residents can't pass up the chance to spend time at the Red Rock Canyon National and the Valley of Fire State Park. Go hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just for a picnic with the family.  

Climate in Las Vegas

Located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas has hot, dry summers and mild winters, with plenty of sunshine all year round. In the height of summer, the mercury often soars above 100°F (38°C). Winters are cooler and bring winds and cold nights, with daytime highs of around 60°F (16°C) and chilly nights averaging 40°F (4°C).

New arrivals moving to Las Vegas will discover that the city is more than just about parties, casinos and winning big. It offers so much diversity and, more often than not, unexpected experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas has hot, dry summers and mild winters, with plenty of sunshine all year round. The weather in Las Vegas is influenced by a subtropical hot desert climate. 

In the height of summer, during July and August, the mercury often soars above 100°F (38°C). Winters (December to February) are cooler and bring winds and cold nights, with daytime highs of around 60°F (16°C) and chilly nights averaging 40°F (4°C). 

What little rain there is usually falls in winter, between January and March. In summer there are sometimes late afternoon thunderstorms that move in from Mexico.

Las Vegas has its fair share of nicknames. Harking back to its days of illicit speakeasies and casinos, it was dubbed 'Sin City', but it's also known as the 'neon capital of the world' and the 'entertainment capital of the world'. So it goes without saying that Vegas offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty to see and do, and visitors and locals alike rarely have cause to be bored.

Shopping in Las Vegas

Shoppers will be in seventh heaven in Vegas. Though quite pricey in general, the variety is endless and there are bargains to be had if shoppers know where to look. 

The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace are not to be missed, even if just for a spot of window shopping. Self-styled as 'The Shopping Wonder of the World', the Forum Shops consists of approximately 160 stores to browse, including top-end designer stores.

Meanwhile, The Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood are quite the experience. Shoppers can take in live entertainment, drinks, and food while they get in their retail therapy at more than 150 shops. 

And lastly, the Grand Canal Shoppes will have shoppers feeling like they've set foot in Venice. Over 500,000 square feet, the mall even has a man-made river running through it on which shoppers can take a gondola ride. The mall also hosts live entertainment daily.

Nightlife and entertainment in Las Vegas

For the best nightlife in Vegas, the Strip is undoubtedly the place to be. The Las Vegas Strip's lavish lounges and extravagant clubs and casinos are world famous for good reason, and revellers often continue partying throughout the night and into the next day. Dress codes of smart casual are enforced in clubs and lounges on the Strip, especially for men, which means no baseball caps, sneakers or open-toed shoes. 

New residents of Vegas may be shocked at the prices of drinks and food at many of these venues, and may decide to limit their partying to special occasions. The best restaurants are also located on The Strip, many of which convert into nightclubs after dinner service.

Sports and outdoor activities in Las Vegas

Beyond shopping and nightlife, Vegas still has plenty to offer outdoors enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Adventurous new arrivals could write a whole bucket list with items such as bungee jumping off the top of the famous STRAT Hotel, hiking in the Valley of Fire, kayaking the Colorado River, golfing at Angel Park, cycling around Red Rock Canyon, zip-lining in Bootleg Canyon, taking a boat cruise on Lake Mead, racing a dune buggy in the desert, and even skiing and snowboarding near Mount Charleston – yes, it snows in the desert. In fact, 'nevada' is the Spanish word for 'snow-capped', and the mountains around Vegas get plenty of it.

Sports fans will be happy to know that Vegas is home to plenty of professional sports teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights who play in the National Hockey League, and the famous Raiders NFL team that relocated to Vegas from Oakland in 2020.

Attractions in Las Vegas

Fountains of Bellagio

Immortalised in several Hollywood blockbusters, these 'dancing' waters are one of the most popular attractions on the Strip. The lake in front of the Bellagio resort houses more than 1,200 geysers, all of which erupt into spectacular fountains every half hour in time to various popular songs. Best of all? Unlike many attractions in Vegas, it's free.

Caesars Palace

One can't talk about Las Vegas attractions without mentioning the iconic Caesars Palace. Also a backdrop in many Hollywood films, and memorably the lodgings of the hapless crew of The Hangover, Caesars is one of the first stops for many visiting the Strip. New residents of Vegas can see a concert in the Colosseum, browse the Forum Shops, dabble in a little poker or roulette, or take a dip in the famous Garden of the Gods pool.

Park Theater

The last few years have seen a trend emerge where big-name musicians, bands, comedians and other entertainers set up shop in one of Las Vegas' venues for extended periods instead of performing just one night. Park Theater is one such venue where the likes of Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Cher and others have entertained for a while. New residents of Vegas will therefore have plenty of time to check out their favourite acts. Park Theater seats 5,200 and VIP seating includes dedicated cocktail service. 

FlowRider at Planet Hollywood

One for the whole family, the FlowRider at the Scene Pool Deck on Planet Hollywood's rooftop is a wave simulator that attracts both novices looking for some fun and seasoned surfers and boarders. If mom and dad don't feel like taking part in the action, they can kick back in the resort pool and drink in the stunning views.

The Mob Museum

Fans of The Godfather, GoodFellas and The Sopranos will relish a visit to the Mob Museum. The museum chronicles the history of organised crime in Las Vegas and the wider US and its various battles with law enforcement. It houses some fascinating exhibits sure to blow the minds of even the most avid mafia aficionados. Visitors can also visit the museum's underground speakeasy and on-site crime lab.

Red Rock Canyon

New arrivals in Vegas who enjoy the outdoors also have plenty to look forward to. Hikers, climbers and mountain bikers all flock to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which boasts several mountains, canyons and gullies, as well as many hiking and biking trails. Climbers love scaling the red cliffs of the area, and many of the country's best boulderers test their mettle here.

Annual events in Las Vegas

Vegas Uncork'd (April/May)

One for the gourmands, this festival is one of the best on the culinary calendar. Vegas residents and visitors from all over are treated to tastings, banquets, workshops and other foodie delights. The festival is a veritable who's who of celebrity chefs.

Electric Daisy Carnival (May)

Usually held on the third weekend in May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this EDM spectacle attracts more than half a million people to Sin City for three days. The festival includes a series of concerts and sets by some of the world's best DJs.

World Series of Poker (June)

One can't live in Vegas and not attend at least one World Series of Poker events. Held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino on famous Flamingo Road, the competition attracts high-stakes gamblers and celebrities competing for jaw-dropping purses. Besides the World Championship Event, there are daily games with buy-ins ranging from USD 1 to 250,000. But for those who would just like to look on as others win (and lose) big, it's free to spectate.  

Life is Beautiful Festival (September)

At the Life is Beautiful Festival there's something for everyone to enjoy. Famous bands grace the festival's seven stages in downtown Las Vegas, there are demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a speaker series, art displays, and much more. It's a fantastic way to get acquainted with Vegas and its residents, and new arrivals in the city will be made to feel right at home with the festival's friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.

New Year’s Eve (December)

The Strip is the place to be on New Year's Eve as fireworks, pyrotechnics, music shows and all manner of parties bring in the new year. The whole Strip is cordoned off, meaning the city's traffic is a nightmare on NYE, but this shouldn't hold back those who plan to go big.

Like many other large cities, getting from A to B in Las Vegas can be stressful and time consuming. That said, Las Vegas is mostly organised in a grid-like pattern and therefore isn't too hard to navigate. The city is also home to a fairly comprehensive network of bus routes, though other forms of public transport are limited. 

---

Public transport in Las Vegas

Buses

Run by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), the bus system in Las Vegas is affordable and highly developed. Service is provided along residential and downtown routes, including the Strip. There are also express services as well as special services during sporting and concert events. 

Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail is an elevated train system primarily intended for tourists. It serves the Strip, with seven stations between the MGM Grand and SLS Las Vegas. Trains arrive every four to eight minutes, and service begins daily at 7am, and runs until midnight, 2am or 3am depending on the day.

Useful links

• For more on bus schedules and routes, check out the RTC.
• Visit the Las Vegas Monorail to learn more about fares and passes. 

---

Taxis in Las Vegas

Cab fares in Las Vegas can get expensive, depending on the distance to the destination and the traffic conditions. They can be useful for short distances when walking isn't a viable option. Note that taxis can't be hailed on the street in Las Vegas – they may only pick people up at a set address.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Lyft are also available and can be used to summon a cab to one's location within minutes.

---

Driving in Las Vegas

Apart from high volumes of traffic, driving in Las Vegas is fairly easy. The city's structure makes navigating a simple task, and newcomers should find their way around with little trouble once they've settled in.

Expats with a valid licence from another country may legally drive in Nevada until their licence expires or until they are officially resident in the state. An international driver's permit is not required. Once they become residents, expats will need to acquire a local licence from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Expats from Canada, Taiwan and US territories who are over 21 may simply exchange their foreign driving licence for a local licence. Others may be required to take written and practical tests. 

Useful links

• For more on obtaining a driving licence in Las Vegas, check out the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).