In the fall of 2010, my husband, kids, dogs and I moved to Las Vegas. Once again, we headed off for a new life adventure. Las Vegas is the first place I have truly felt at home.
What do I love about living in Las Vegas?
Weather
I hate being cold, so the warmer winters and hot summers are one of my favorite things about living in Las Vegas. In the summer, I enjoy reading outside in the shade with a light breeze. A swim or lazy float in the pool is refreshing on the really hot days. Not often are plans cancelled for weather. Outdoor plans are more likely to be rescheduled due to wind than rain. Rainy days are more magical when they come less often. I do enjoy the sound of the rain on the tile roof top.
Location
The natural disaster threat is minimal. Earthquakes, but those are rare. No tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, severe thunderstorms or forest fires. Occasionally, the smoke from other wildfires gets stuck in our valley. I love that a short drive away there are mountains with trees and wildlife not found in the valley. There are lots of national and state parks in the area to visit. Our airport allows us to fly nonstop to most of the places we wish to visit. When we lived in South Dakota, a layover was required for all but a handful of destinations. I do not miss the stress of late departures and missed connecting flights!
Entertainment
There is always something to do in Las Vegas. Comedy show date nights, thrill rides, live performances, museums and exhibits are a few. Many establishments are open late or open 24 hours. The nearby national and state parks are great for day outings or weekend campouts. When in the tourist-heavy areas, people watching is fantastic!
People
People of all types call Las Vegas home. Meeting people from all different places with diverse life experiences is enriching. Through my children, I have met wonderful parents that I consider friends. Even now, I attend scout outings with my daughter’s best friend’s mother. The girls have known each other since kindergarten. During my years as a math teacher, I befriended teachers who share a passion for helping the youth in our city. I feel accepted, quirks and all, here in Las Vegas.
Picture collections
Downtown Las Vegas
Some of our favorite date night restaurants are located in Downtown Las Vegas. When we gamble downtown, my game of choice is Deuces Wilde video poker. A game of bingo can be a fun way to end the night. It is also a great location for a summer birthday celebration stay-cation!
Las Vegas Strip
When people think of Las Vegas, they normally picture the Las Vegas Strip. As a local, we do not venture there often. At least not when the large tourist crowds are out. It can be a fun place for to watch a show, enjoy an upscale dinner, splurge on lunch and the occasional stay-cation.
Local Attractions
There are many attractions in and around Las Vegas. When friends and family visit, it is common to go sight-seeing around Las Vegas. Beyond the Downtown and the Strip, there are many sights, museums and venues. Hoover Dam is a still an impressive engineering feat. The view from above the dam is breathtaking. Area 15 is a fun new venue.
Everyday life
For me, home is living in Las Vegas. I love the little things that make Las Vegas a unique city.