So, you’re thinking about making the move to Las Vegas? Before you start packing your bags and daydreaming about 300+ days of sunshine, there are a few things you really need to know—things most real estate agents conveniently leave out. I’m not here to scare you off (I love this city!), but I do want to give you a more realistic look at what life here actually feels like, day in and day out.
Whether you’re relocating from California, the Midwest, or anywhere else, here’s the truth about living in Las Vegas—and how to find the right agent to guide you through it.
Yes, the Summers Are Brutal (Like… Actually Brutal)
Let’s start with the most obvious and most underestimated factor: the heat. Everyone loves to talk about the sunshine—and trust me, I do too—but Las Vegas summers are next level. We’re talking 115°, 118°, even a record 120° this past August.
Sure, it’s a dry heat. But that doesn’t mean you won’t feel like your skin is sizzling the second you step outside. It’s not just about feeling hot—it impacts your entire lifestyle. For example:
- Walking your dog in the middle of the day? Not happening.
- Taking the kids to the park? Only if it’s early morning or after sundown.
- Getting into your car? Might need oven mitts. (Seriously.)
It also means higher utility bills—and not just in summer. AC runs full-blast for months, and in winter, desert nights get cold enough that your heater is working overtime too.
The Real Cost of Living—It’s Not as Low as You Think
Yes, Vegas is still more affordable than LA or the Bay Area, but let’s not pretend it’s cheap anymore. The influx of out-of-state residents has pushed costs up across the board.
Here are some eye-openers:
- Groceries are surprisingly expensive—Las Vegas ranks among the highest in the country.
- Gas prices are above the national average.
- Utility bills can run hundreds of dollars a month, even with solar panels.
- HOA fees are common and can increase without much notice. Mine jumped from $340 to $370 in just one year.
- The median home price has nearly doubled since 2018, rising from $275,000 to around $480,000. In areas like Summerlin or parts of Henderson, it’s even higher.
If you’re moving here for affordability alone, it’s important to be realistic about your expectations.
What About Work?
If you work remotely, Las Vegas is honestly a dream. The airport is close to just about everything, super easy to navigate, and offers direct flights to almost every major city in the U.S. (and beyond). Add in no state income tax, and it’s a win.
But if you’re planning to find a job after you move here, keep this in mind:
- The gaming and hospitality industry is directly and indirectly responsible for 27% of Nevada’s workforce so we’re heavily reliant on tourism to maintain a booming economy.
- While sectors like healthcare, construction, sports, and logistics are growing, it takes time for those job markets to mature.
- Vegas has a boom-and-bust reputation. When the national economy slows, it hits here fast and hard. (Remember the 2008 housing crash? Vegas was one of the worst-hit cities in the country.)
So, if you’re not already set up with a job—or if you’re dependent on a stable economy—factor in some financial cushion.
Infrastructure Is Catching Up—But Slowly
With the rapid growth in population over the last five years, Vegas is still playing catch-up in several key areas:
- Traffic is no longer the breeze it once was. That “no rush hour” thing? Not so true anymore.
- Construction is everywhere—especially around big events like Formula 1 or New Year’s. It’s great that they’re expanding the roads, but expect delays.
- Healthcare has not kept pace with population growth. Nevada ranks low in physicians per capita, and it can take a while to get in with a specialist.
- Schools are dealing with rising student-teacher ratios. If you’re moving with kids, you’ll definitely want to dig into school ratings and resources.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent (Hint: Ask These Questions)
I’m a firm believer that the agent you work with can make or break your experience—not just during the transaction, but in helping you figure out if this move truly makes sense for your lifestyle.
Here are a few powerful questions to ask any agent you’re thinking about working with:
- How many transactions have you done in the past 12 months?
This tells you whether the agent is active and in tune with the current market—not just riding on past experience. The market changes fast in Las Vegas, so it’s important to have an agent that has their finger of the pulse of what’s happening right now. - How do you help your clients decide where to live in Las Vegas?
You want someone who listens to your lifestyle needs and doesn’t just push you toward whatever listings are convenient for the agent. This is also a test to see how well the agent listens to your needs. - What do most people regret not knowing before they moved here?
A great agent will be honest and share real insights—like everything you just read above. If their answer feels canned or sugar-coated, move on.
And most importantly: make sure you vibe with them. You’re going to be working closely for several months, and trust matters more than people realize.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a vibrant, exciting place to live—but it’s not for everyone. The extreme weather, rising costs, and dependency on a few key industries can all be major factors. But for the right person, it can also be an amazing city that offers freedom, flexibility, and a strong sense of possibility.
If you’re thinking about moving to Las Vegas and you want an honest, transparent conversation about whether it’s the right move for you, I’m here for it. Reach out anytime—text, call, or email—and I’ll help you figure out if this is truly the right next chapter. (702-271-0650 / olga@morenogrp.com)
And if you’d like to stay in the loop about everything happening in Las Vegas—from market updates to neighborhood spotlights to local news—sign up for my newsletter 👉 https://olgamorenorealestate.com/#newsletter.
Talk soon,
Olga Moreno
