Vegas a good place to move to from Lose Angeles

[Ivaylo Chaprazov]

My girlfriend and I plan on selling our 2 properties and finance brand new construction house in Vegas. Our idea is to pay cash and live mortagge free with the idea of saving some money. I work in corporate IT home office while my girlfirend is starting her own music production company. We just don't know much about Vegas but going in 2 weeks to meet a realtor, see some properties, and get familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods. We are a bit unsure whether Vegas is a good place to invest in a property and to live for a few years. Recently I have seen on social media many slating Vegas for not being what it used to be. Lots of people saying Strips is pretty quiet, lacking tourists, and has become a sketchy place with homeless, etc. I would appreciate if someone has any insights and would like to share/advise. Thanks!

[Bill B.]

Airport traffic hit another record in 2024. Las Vegas tourist hit a new record in 2024. Housing prices increased 5.9% in 2024. If you’ve paid for a strip hotel room in the last year you know the hotels don’t think traffic is down. 

So yes, your friend is wrong about the traffic. But that doesn’t matter. Since neither you or your girlfriend work in the tourist industry’s, nor should you plan to live in the strip. 

All you care is your house will be 40% cheaper, your insurance, gas, property insurance the same. You’ll lose the 10% state income tax, you’ll eliminate the traffic, and assuming you and your friends don’t bring it with you. You’ll escape the INSANE politics and policies that have ruined California. 

So your personal life will be cheaper, less regulated, less taxed, and less wasted in traffic. That should be all that matters. 

Ps. Because of the property tax caps you should at least consider a 2-4 year old home as you could easily save 20% or more on your property taxes for as long as you own the property. 

Pps. If you ever plan to do any STR you'll need a property with a casita or located in North Las Vegas or Henderson to avoid the Las Vegas rule requiring occupying a primwry home while renting it out STR.