Many people who plan to move to Las Vegas, who have never spent any quality time here before, typically come look to rent for 6-12 months so they can get the lay of the land. I completely understand this game plan, makes perfect sense… Being a true Las Vegas native of 54 years, I wanted to write something that I thought could be of value to anyone considering moving here to Vegas from a housing perspective.

  • One of the quickest things you will learn when you move here to Vegas, is you want a home that faces North/South (if possible)… Homes that face East/West get blasted by the sun and during the summer it can be brutal! Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, certain types of mature landscaping, other properties, hills/mountains or commercial properties in certain areas can help block the sun. But for the most part you want to stay away from East/North facing… And if I had to pick out of East or North facing home, I would go with the morning son to the East.. Not as intense!

  • One the draw backs of Las Vegas (depending on who you are talking to) is we only have 2 seasons… Summer and winter! We have a few weeks (days sometimes) of Spring & Fall… For many people they love it because there is literally no down time in Las Vegas. We do not get snowed in, we do not get 3-5 days of rain. We do not see many floods like we used to in the 80’s & 90’s since the city has invested billions of dollars in flood control around the city. Vegas residents escape to the mountains (Red Rock Canyon, Mnt Charleston & Kyle Canyon) when the temp hits 115 during the summer OR they jump into their pool. If you are going to buy a home with out a pool, my suggestion would be to make sure you have access to one. A community pool or a neighborhood clubhouse that has one. When I have clients who want a pool but their budget does not allow it at the time of purchase, I will recommend finding a home that has a lot that would allow a future building of one. To me the winters in Vegas are glorious! That is the time we get out and play golf and hang out at the parks. Go bike riding and hiking.

  • Us locals avoid certain roads during major conventions/events… One of the greatest construction projects in LV history (in my opinion) is the building of the 215 freeway! I-215 opened up the valley and overnight gave access to the outer edges of the city. I urge many of my clients moving to Vegas to keep their searches along the 215 freeway from the South, around the West to the North… I call it the “C” because on the map it looks like a “C”… A block of the South (Henderson, Silverado Ranch, So Highlands, Mountains Edge) and to the West block (Rhodes Ranch, Summerlin, The Lakes, Desert Shores) and finally up to the North block (Providence, Skye Canyon, Tule Springs, Iron Mnt Ranch & Aliante). The main highways have had some extensive expansion projects completed the last 10 years so traffic has gotten MUCH better but The I-95 and I-15 at the heart of the city can get highly congested during rush hours and when there are certain events, conventions in town. Taking the 215 around the outer perimeter can be much easier. And a short cut that most newbies do not know about, if you want to get from the west side to the east side from Summerlin as an example… Jump on Desert inn Rd… There is a fly over across the strip…

  • Locals avoid the strip like the plague! We cringe when we have to go down to the strip for an event or for dinner… Friends visiting always want to go to the strip! UGGHH! We prefer the local spots found in Summerlin & Henderson… One of the local hotel operators (Station Casinos) is where we head for dining, entertainment or gaming! Most of these billion dollar hotels (Red Rock Casino, The Durango & Green Valley Station) have bowling alleys, movie theaters and 5 star dining!

  • I am always asked every day… What is the best part of Las Vegas… I obviously have my own opinions on the matter! After living her my entire 54 year life, the following information is 100% my opinion and not based off of anything else! 24 years as a licensed real estate agent and having owned the largest Masonry company here in town for 10 years I have stepped foot in every part of the valley… My favorite is Summerlin…. My 2nd fav area is a toss up… Most people either like Summerlin or Henderson. There are 2 different parts of Henderson. I call them old Henderson and New Henderson. My 2nd favorite is not Henderson. It is the Northwest part of the valley. I personally love the areas of the NW that have custom half acre lots! But Skye Canyon is also amazing! Providence! My 3rd favorite would be Southern Highlands and 4th New Henderson. New Henderson is the areas in between Valle Verde and Eastern and everything South of the 215 freeway… There are some amazing areas of Green Valley North of the 215 as well…

If you are considering moving to Las Vegas or have any questions about the process of buying a home or looking into a rental… I am here to help! Call/text me anytime 702-218-4585 or visit me on my website www.darylhannarealtor.com