May 6, 2025

Moving Guides

Moving to Las Vegas? A Newcomer’s Guide to Setting Up in Sin City

If you’ve recently decided to make Las Vegas your new home, congratulations! While most people think of Las Vegas as just a vacation spot full of casinos and shows, locals know that living in Sin City offers so much more than the famous Strip. As your trusted moving partner, BMS Moving & Storage has helped countless families relocate to Las Vegas, and we’re excited to share our insider knowledge to help you settle in seamlessly.

Beyond the Bright Lights: Top Las Vegas Neighborhoods

Las Vegas offers diverse neighborhoods to suit any lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of some top areas to consider.

Summerlin

Located on the western edge of the city, Summerlin is a master-planned community known for its beautiful parks, golf courses, and proximity to Red Rock Canyon. Perfect for families and professionals seeking an upscale suburban feel with excellent schools and amenities.

Local tip: Visit Downtown Summerlin for outdoor shopping, dining, and community events throughout the year.

Henderson

Just southeast of Las Vegas, Henderson consistently ranks as one of Nevada’s safest cities. With master-planned communities like Anthem and Green Valley, it offers excellent schools, family-friendly parks, and a strong sense of community.

Local tip: Explore the scenic trails at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area for breathtaking desert vistas.

Spring Valley

West of the Strip, Spring Valley provides a more affordable option with a diverse mix of housing styles. Popular with young professionals and families, it offers a central location without the tourist crowds.

Local tip: The Chinatown district along Spring Mountain Road offers some of the city’s best authentic Asian restaurants.

Downtown Las Vegas

For those who prefer urban living, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) offers a vibrant arts scene, hip restaurants, and more affordable housing options. The Arts District and Fremont East are particularly popular with young professionals and creative types.

Local tip: First Friday art walks showcase local artists and feature food trucks, live music, and a festival atmosphere.

Lake Las Vegas

This luxury resort community offers waterfront living about 30 minutes from the Strip. With its Mediterranean-inspired village, golf courses, and water activities on the private lake, it’s perfect for those seeking a resort lifestyle year-round.

Local tip: The Village offers free summer concerts by the lake on weekend evenings.

Housing Market Insights

The Las Vegas housing market offers something for everyone, from luxury high-rises to family-friendly suburban homes. Here’s what you should know:

Affordability: Las Vegas remains more affordable than many major cities, with home prices averaging around $425,000.
New construction: Many neighborhoods feature newer homes due to the city’s recent growth.
Rental options: Apartment rentals average around $1,450 for a one-bedroom.
HOA communities: Many neighborhoods have HOAs that maintain community amenities but come with monthly fees.

Moving tip: Consider renting first to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a purchase.

Setting Up Your New Home

Utilities and Services

Getting your utilities set up quickly will make your transition smoother:

Electricity: NV Energy (702-402-5555)
Water: Las Vegas Valley Water District (702-870-4194)
Gas: Southwest Gas (877-860-6020)
Internet providers: Cox Communications, CenturyLink, and Spectrum
Waste management: Republic Services (702-735-5151)

Local tip: Due to the desert climate, expect higher summer electric bills for air conditioning. Many residents use budget billing to spread costs evenly throughout the year.

Nevada DMV and Registration

You’ll need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days of moving:

Visit the Nevada DMV website to make an appointment
Bring proof of identity, residency, and social security number
Pass a vision test
Pay the applicable fees

Moving tip: The DMV offers a “DMV in a Box” kiosk at many grocery stores for simple transactions without the long wait.

Climate Considerations

Las Vegas has a desert climate with distinct seasonal differences:

Summer (June-September): Expect temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
Winter (December-February): Mild days (50-60°F) but cooler nights (30-40°F). Occasionally dips below freezing, so protect sensitive plants.
Spring and Fall: The most pleasant seasons, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s—perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.

Local tip: Invest in good window coverings, especially for east and west-facing windows, to keep your home cooler in summer.

Getting Around Town

Understanding transportation options will help you navigate your new city:

Driving: Most residents rely on personal vehicles. Major highways include I-15, US-95, and the 215 Beltway.
Public transportation: The RTC provides bus service throughout the valley, including the Strip and Downtown Express (SDX).
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout the area.
Walking/biking: The city is expanding its trail system, but summer heat limits these options during the warmer months.

Local tip: Traffic around the Strip can be congested, especially during weekends and events. Use navigation apps to find alternate routes.

Employment Opportunities

While gaming and hospitality dominate the economy, Las Vegas offers diverse career options:

Hospitality and entertainment: MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts are major employers.
Healthcare: UMC, Sunrise Hospital, and HCA Healthcare offer medical positions.
Technology: The city is working to diversify with tech companies at the Innovation District downtown.
Education: UNLV, CSN, and the Clark County School District hire thousands of educators.
Government: City, county, and federal positions offer stable employment.

Moving tip: Start your job search before moving, as many hospitality positions require licensing through the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

The Las Vegas skyline.

Day-to-Day Living

Shopping and Essentials

Las Vegas offers plenty of options for everyday shopping:

Grocery stores: Smith’s, Albertsons, Vons, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods
Shopping centers: Downtown Summerlin, Town Square, Tivoli Village, and Galleria at Sunset
Membership clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club have multiple locations valley-wide
International markets: Greenland Supermarket, 99 Ranch Market, and Cardenas for specialty items

Local tip: Many grocery stores have slot machines at the entrance—a uniquely Vegas experience!

Healthcare Services

Las Vegas continues to expand its healthcare offerings:

Major hospitals: UMC, Sunrise Hospital, Southern Hills, Summerlin Hospital
Specialized care: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Urgent care: Multiple chains including CareNow and UMC Quick Care

Moving tip: Establish primary care as soon as possible, as many practices have waiting lists for new patients.

Finding Your Community

Building connections in your new city will help you feel at home:

Professional organizations: Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Urban Chamber, and industry-specific groups
Volunteer opportunities: Three Square Food Bank, Opportunity Village, and The Animal Foundation
Meetup groups: Find like-minded people through hiking clubs, book groups, and more
Religious organizations: Places of worship for all major faiths throughout the valley
Parent groups: Las Vegas Moms Groups on social media for family-friendly activities

Local tip: Visit the Springs Preserve for community events and to learn about local history and desert living.

Beyond the Strip: Local Favorites

Discover where locals go to enjoy Las Vegas away from the tourist crowds:

Outdoor Adventures

Red Rock Canyon: Just 20 minutes from downtown, offering world-class hiking and rock climbing
Mt. Charleston: Escape summer heat with temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler at this mountain retreat
Lake Mead: Perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports
Valley of Fire State Park: Dramatic red sandstone formations in Nevada’s oldest state park

Family-Friendly Activities

Springs Preserve: Botanical gardens, museums, and interactive exhibits about desert living
Discovery Children’s Museum: Three stories of interactive exhibits and learning spaces
Clark County Wetlands Park: Nature preserve with walking trails and wildlife viewing
Las Vegas Ballpark: Home of the Aviators minor league baseball team

Arts and Culture

Smith Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway shows, concerts, and performances
Arts District: Galleries, vintage shops, and creative businesses
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: Rotating exhibitions of world-class artwork
Neon Museum: Historic Las Vegas signs preserved in the “neon boneyard”

Local tip: Look for “locals specials” at shows and attractions, especially during slower tourism seasons.

Living Like a Local

Annual Events Worth Experiencing

Life is Beautiful: Downtown music and arts festival (September)
Great Vegas Festival of Beer: Craft beer celebration (April)
Summerlin Festival of Arts: Outdoor art festival (October)
Greek Food Festival: Cultural celebration with traditional food and entertainment (September)
Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival: Medieval-themed festival at Sunset Park (October)

Dining Beyond the Strip

Chinatown: Stretching along Spring Mountain Road with authentic Asian cuisine
Arts District: Hip restaurants and breweries in repurposed industrial spaces
Henderson: Upscale dining at The District and Green Valley Ranch
Downtown: Chef-driven concepts at Container Park and Fremont East

Local tip: Take advantage of happy hour specials, especially during weekdays—even upscale restaurants offer great deals.

Money Matters

Nevada offers some financial perks that make settling here advantageous:

No state income tax: Keep more of your paycheck
Lower property taxes: Compared to many states, Nevada property taxes are relatively low
Cost of living: Overall expenses are lower than in coastal cities
Entertainment value: Residents enjoy discounted or free access to many attractions

Moving tip: Update your banking, investment accounts, and insurance policies with your new Nevada address.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

Stay hydrated: The desert climate requires consistent water intake
Protect your skin: High UV index means sunscreen is necessary year-round
Adjust gradually: Give yourself time to acclimate to the climate and pace
Embrace local culture: Attend community events to understand your new home
Explore beyond the Strip: Make it a point to discover a new neighborhood or trail each weekend

Your Move to Las Vegas with BMS

At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand that relocating to Las Vegas is about more than just moving your belongings—it’s about starting a new chapter in your life. Our comprehensive moving services include: