Las Vegas, best known for its glamorous and glitzy nightlife, is an international gambling mecca. The city’s tolerance for the adult entertainment found in its casino-hotels has earned it the name ‘Sin City’.
Beyond the bling of the Strip, however, you’ll find green belts and park settings scattered throughout valley neighbourhoods with walking trails, bike paths, playgrounds and tennis courts, water features, rock-climbing walls, lakes and ponds ripe for fishing.
Family-centric activities can be found just about anywhere. These, coupled with Vegas’ open vistas, blue skies, the night-time views provided by the lights on the Strip, its dry summer heat and warm evenings, deliver a positive city living experience.
The face of Vegas is changing, however. Nevada’s biggest city crouches in a dry basin in the sparsely populated Mojave Desert. The 22-million-gallon Bellagio fountain, the blue canals inside the Venetian hotel and the city's prolific golf courses have long sat at odds with the surrounding desert environment.
In a bid to make the city more sustainable, the authorities have imposed prohibitive water rates, water use permits and water waste fines. These have triggered a trend among residents to rip up their lawns in favour of desert plants, and in extreme cases, to empty their swimming pools. Just as local property prices are soaring, so too, is the ground temperature…
What is special or unique about your city?
More than 37 million people visit Las Vegas each year. It is one of the world's favourite tourist destinations and an internationally renowned city for gambling, shopping, and entertainment; it is referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World. Las Vegas brings together a combination of unique assets, including a pro-business economy, warm and friendly people, exceptional entertainment options, plentiful educational resources, sophisticated cuisine and access to open spaces that provide limitless opportunities for all to experience. The city's image has made Las Vegas a popular location for films and television programs and is home to over 1,800,000 people.
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
By far, the most common comments are related to the size of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Most expats and visitors have only seen Las Vegas in films and TV shows that highlight the wonderful lights and hotels along the Strip.
Are these impressions likely to change?
It is possible, with regard to the different types of people living in Las Vegas, the outdoor activities the city has to offer, and the economic climate.
What is the local language?
English is the local language.
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
Because of the diverse nature of Las Vegas and surrounding areas, and the acceptance of other customs and values, it is very difficult to offend the locals, but using certain hand gestures (displaying your middle finger) can be considered offensive.
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
Winter and spring months are cool with daytime temperatures ranging between late 20’s to early 30’s degrees Celsius (C). The summer and autumn bring warmer temperatures which can reach well into the 40 degree C mark, with little to no humidity.
Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
With the diverse nature of residents and communities, Las Vegas has the resources to suit the needs of almost anyone. The Las Vegas area is a great place to live, work and play.