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Las Vegas Moving Guide

A blueprint of how to best prepare yourself for a move to an Ovation community.

LAS VEGAS MOVING GUIDE

Ovation makes it easy to stay informed on every exciting option and essential detail. Whether you’re searching for your perfect apartment home or are a current resident, find the answers you need here.

Once you are ready to find the perfect apartment in Las Vegas, we have compiled this comprehensive checklist of essential things you will want to consider when viewing different communities in person or virtually.

Determine your budget before starting your apartment search.
You need to know how much you can afford for an apartment and your average living expenses, like groceries and clothing. You should also plan for additional expenses such as your security deposit, pet deposits, pet rent, and apartment application fees. On average, as reported by KTNV Las Vegas, you can expect to pay around $110 for electricity, $72 for natural gas, $70 for water, $85 for cable, $60 for internet, and $14 for trash. However, some of these utilities may be included in your rent.

Do not forget to include moving costs and fees.
You will need to pay for a moving truck, moving supplies, movers, and possibly a storage unit. The typical cost, as reported by HomeAdvisor, to hire a local moving company runs between $903 and $2,478. However, long-distance moves can run significantly more and average between $2,600 and $6,900, depending on how far you are moving. DIY moves will cost much less if you want to save some money.

Do not forget overlapping expenses and renter’s insurance.
You need to finish paying any rent and utilities at your current residence. In addition, most Las Vegas luxury apartments will require you to obtain renter’s insurance with a specific amount of coverage before you can move in.

Review your credit score.
Most apartments for rent in the Las Vegas area will check your credit as part of the rental application process. If you have a lower score, check with the apartment community to see if you could still qualify with a higher deposit.

Otherwise, take steps to improve your credit score, such as:

  • Paying credit card and installment payments on time.
  • Settling collection accounts.
  • Avoid applying for new lines of credit.
  • Paying down your outstanding credit card debt to 30 percent or less of your available credit.

Make a list of your “must-have” amenities.
Take the time to determine what amenities you must have to help narrow down your apartment search. For example, if you want a fitness center or in-unit laundry, make sure these are on your list. Additionally, remember to include other amenities, like convenient access to nearby parks, shopping, dining, etc.

Inquire about what type of security is available.
You need to feel safe and secure in your apartment. Some communities offer gated access, onsite security guards, locked package delivery, and security cameras. You may also be able to find Las Vegas apartments with security systems you can activate and have monitored for added peace of mind. Many luxury apartments in Las Vegas, NV offer these amenities.

Ask what utilities are included with your monthly rent.
Some apartments will include certain utilities while others will not. There can also be “shared” utilities where everyone pays a percentage of the bill, like trash pickup or water service. Verify with the apartment leasing office before signing your lease, so there are no unexpected surprises later.

Verify the pet-friendly policies and fees.
Even when a community is listed as pet-friendly, they can have restrictions on the type of pet, breed, and size. They can also limit the number of pets allowed in your apartment. Additionally, there can be pet deposits and pet rent not included in the normal apartment rental rate.

Ask about parking policies.
Some communities can assign you specific numbered parking spaces. You can even find communities that offer covered parking and garages. However, there may be an additional charge for one of these spaces. You will also want to ask about vehicle limits and where visitors should park.

Find out if there is an onsite property manager.
Onsite property managers are often the main point of contact if you have questions, require maintenance, need to file a complaint, or have issues with any of your neighbors. Having someone onsite is better because you have someone familiar with the property and its residents.

Review your lease terms thoroughly before you sign it.
Reading through the lease and the fine print may seem time-consuming, but you will be glad you took the time to do so, should issues arise later. For example, you will know the process if you need to terminate your lease early, if you can sublease, or how to report damage to your apartment and who is responsible for that damage.

Following these tips when searching for luxury apartments in Las Vegas will help you find the best property that works for your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Whether you’re looking for a spacious unit to entertain friends and host guests, or a cozy retreat you and your loved ones can call home, Las Vegas has the apartment for you. Welcome to Las Vegas!

Before making the big move to a new city, it’s essential to factor in everything that makes that city unique. With a city like Las Vegas and its surrounding neighborhoods in Southern Nevada, there’s definitely plenty to do that may fit your lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at things to do in Las Vegas.

Local Events and Entertainment in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is widely known as “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Just about anything you’d want to see or experience can be done in Las Vegas. The city is home to some of the best concert venues, nightclubs, shows, pool parties, museums, and unique attractions. Many of these entertainment options are located on or near the famous Las Vegas Strip, so that’s something to consider when searching for an apartment in Las Vegas.

On a smaller scale, there’s also a variety of entertainment options for locals in the popular neighborhoods around Las Vegas, including Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas and South Las Vegas. There are countless local parks that regularly host family-friendly events, movie theaters, outdoor shopping and entertainment centers, water parks, and more.

At Ovation Property Management, our communities are ideally located in areas far enough away from the tourists yet close enough you can still visit the Strip, downtown, casinos, or catch a show at one of the numerous entertainment venues.

Some popular shows you will want to check out are any of the Cirque du Soleil shows, Blue Man Group, or other resident performers. In addition, Fremont Street offers access to free concerts throughout the year. The 4th of July celebration on the Strip is a must-see if you have never seen it before.

When you want to get away, you can visit Red Rock Canyon, and the Grand Canyon or take a riverboat down the Colorado River to get up close to the Hoover Dam. There are also plenty of sporting activities to keep you busy, like baseball, basketball, golfing, and skydiving. You could even take flying lessons and get your private pilot’s license.

Professional Sporting Events
Although many people associate Las Vegas with playing host to some of the biggest boxing, UFC, and car racing events from around the world, the city has also recently acquired its own professional sports teams for the first time ever. It’s an exciting time to be part of the city’s history as the fan bases for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces have dominated the local landscape.

Several Ovation properties are conveniently located near professional sports stadiums. You do not have to go downtown or to the Strip to enjoy catching a hockey game, football, or basketball. You do not even have to drive if you do not want to, as most of our communities are also nearby public transportation.

Outdoor Activities
Another lesser-known characteristic of Las Vegas is the abundance of outdoor activities for those who enjoy running, walking, hiking, biking, boating, and more. For hiking trails, Red Rock Canyon is just west of Summerlin and is a quick 20-minute drive from Las Vegas! You also have Lake Mead just outside of Henderson if you prefer water activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. If you’re looking for a quick walking or hiking trail, you can find several within Clark County limits, including Lone Mountain, Clark County Wetlands Park, and Sunrise Mountain.

Many of our communities and Las Vegas luxury apartments are ideally located near these venues and offer additional storage access, so taking up a new outdoor hobby, like hiking, camping, or kayaking, is easy. For example, our Viviani community offers picturesque mountain views of Red Rock Canyon, located a short distance from your home. Likewise, our Arzano community provides easy access to Duck Creek Trail, part of the Clark County Wetlands Park.

Dining and Shopping
Las Vegas has some of the best dining and shopping options in any city. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, nostalgic “Old Vegas” restaurants, dynamic contemporary cuisine, or authentic global plates, you’ll always find something to satisfy your craving at any time of day or night. Likewise, shopping isn’t taken lightly in Las Vegas. The options run from a luxury outdoor shopping center in downtown Summerlin to local boutique stores and art galleries in downtown Las Vegas.

One of the best things about calling one of our communities home is you have access to a wide range of cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, Japanese, Greek, Mexican, Hawaiian, and more. So whether you want to dine in, get it to-go, or have it delivered, you can always find something to eat whenever you do not want to cook. Or you can visit one of the nearby grocery stores and pick up food or have it delivered to take advantage of our outdoor BBQs.

Casinos and Gambling
Of course, we can’t talk about things to do in Las Vegas without mentioning casinos and gambling. Many locals don’t necessarily partake in these activities, but it’s a significant part of the city’s economy and iconic history. As a result, there’s always an abundance of service-centered jobs on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas, as well as at the many local casinos in surrounding Las Vegas neighborhoods. Also, casinos mean there’s never a shortage of things to do when people visit you in Las Vegas.

There are several neighborhoods in Las Vegas that are quiet, family-friendly, and easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Here are four neighborhoods to consider if you’re thinking about moving to Las Vegas:

Summerlin in West Las Vegas
From the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for outdoor enthusiasts, to the Downtown Summerlin shopping center for those who enjoy retail therapy, there's something for everyone in Summerlin, Las Vegas. The area also boasts a number of parks and community centers, providing ample opportunities for socializing and recreation. Plus, with its close proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, residents can easily enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.

Henderson in Southeast Las Vegas
Henderson is another excellent neighborhood to look into when considering relocating to Las Vegas. Henderson is a separate city from Las Vegas but is only about 15 minutes away from all the action and entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. However, you’ll find quiet and cozy neighborhoods in Henderson consisting of luxury apartments for rent, gated communities, and new construction.

South Las Vegas Neighborhoods
There are several luxury apartment buildings and communities in South Las Vegas that make it ideal for active professionals and families alike. Most of these complexes are gated and affordable and offer high-end amenities like resort-style pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, covered parking, and lush landscaping. They are conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, and top-rated schools, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a balance between work and leisure. Furthermore, the sense of community in these complexes is strong, with regular social events and activities for residents.

North Las Vegas Neighborhoods
Some areas of North Las Vegas offer a quiet and refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just a quick drive from downtown and other parts of Las Vegas, you’re never far away from dining, shopping, entertainment options, outdoor activities, and nearby hiking trails. Be sure to check out just north of Summerlin and west of Highway 95 when searching for a new home in Las Vegas.

K-12 Education in Las Vegas
The K-12 education system in Las Vegas consists of the Clark County School District (CCSD), including magnet schools and STEM programs, charter schools, private schools, and parochial schools. Depending on the neighborhood and your preference, you’ll find a variety of options for your family.

The public school system has room for improvement in Las Vegas; however, the Nevada Department of Education is working closely with the Governor’s Office and local education groups to implement these improvements. CCSD offers safe environments for students with after-school programs, community partnerships, an emphasis on enhancing academics, and additional services to help families support their children’s education.

Parents will also find opportunities for their children to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government, clubs, private tutoring, and programs to help develop social skills. Some of the highly ranked magnet schools in Las Vegas focus on teaching STEM academics, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to prepare students for the jobs of the future. If you’re considering moving to Las Vegas, learn more about education and schools in Las Vegas to see which neighborhoods have the best schools for your kids.

Higher Education in Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers bachelors and advanced degrees in various subjects, including a newly opened medical school for doctors in training. It is also one of the top hospitality schools in the country, bringing students from all over the world to study in this program. UNLV also plays a significant role in the culture of the city, with robust sports programs and a diverse student body.

Other public colleges in the area include the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and Nevada State College (NSC), which both offer associate and bachelor’s degrees focused on filling high-demand career paths, as well as prerequisite courses students can take before transferring to a bigger four-year university. These colleges are substantially more affordable than the University of Nevada system.

It’s no secret that Las Vegas can be hot, especially during summer, when temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees or more during the day. However, the other seasons in Las Vegas can be comparatively mild. Las Vegas is considered a “high desert” situated in the Mojave Desert area that stretches across most of the southwest region of the United States. This means Las Vegas can be hot and dry but cool down considerably between November and March.

Rain can be scarce in Las Vegas, with dry winds being a typical occurrence. However, the Southern Nevada region does experience a periodic summer “monsoon season” that involves heavy downpours that come on quickly and end just as fast. You can also expect some rain during the winter and spring seasons.

Typically, June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year, while December and January are generally the coolest. Weather in Las Vegas varies depending on the season, but you can expect sunny, clear skies throughout the year. Just be sure to keep your HVAC system in good working order before the hot summer months hit. You don’t want to get caught in the desert heat without air conditioning.

The cost of living in Las Vegas is considered low compared to other major cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, or Denver. According to PayScale, the earnings needed to maintain a current standard of living in Las Vegas is an average annual salary of $52,518. However, if you are moving from a larger city, like Chicago, you only need an annual salary of $42,295 to maintain your current standard of living.

Compared to the national average cost of living in the United States, Las Vegas is currently 4 percent higher than the national average. Other living costs vary as follows:

Food and Groceries
Las Vegas food prices are 9 percent higher than the national average. However, some items are cheaper, like a gallon of milk averages $2.41, and a dozen eggs average $1.71.

Utilities
Most people are surprised to discover utility costs in Vegas are 6 percent lower than the national average.

Healthcare
Obtaining healthcare services in Vegas is 2 percent lower than the national average.

Transportation
Transportation costs for gas and public transportation services are about 20 percent higher than the national average. However, many Vegas residents lower their costs by investing in fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric vehicles or purchasing monthly public transportation passes.

Depending on lifestyle choices, many residents enjoy disposable income to use for entertainment, dining, shopping, and other activities in Las Vegas. The service and hospitality industry provides a large percentage of the jobs in the Las Vegas area, followed by careers in trade, transportation, utilities, and business services, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rent in Las Vegas is generally reasonable, depending on the neighborhood and type of property you’re renting. Luxury apartments in Las Vegas are particularly affordable, and most residents find that they are able to have amenities they wouldn’t be able to afford in other midsize to large cities. Gated entry, covered parking, swimming pools, fitness centers, community clubhouses, and private balconies are all amenities you can find at a reasonable price at many of our Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson communities.

Before making the big move to Las Vegas, there are some things to consider about the city that could make or break your decision. Here are some factors to take into account:

Transportation
Getting around Vegas can be challenging when you do not own a car. While there are buses, taxis, and the monorail, getting around relying on public transportation does require planning extra time to reach your destination. Many people also utilize bicycles for shorter trips or to supplement public transit.

Traffic
You might think traffic would be an issue in Las Vegas, but driving from one place to another is usually easy. However, during peak hours, like in the morning and evenings, traffic can be heavier, like in any other major city with some congestion. Most traffic still moves along reasonably steadily to get to work or home. This is an advantage to consider when you are tired of spending hours getting to work or home afterward.

Employment Opportunities
One thing to remember about Las Vegas employment opportunities is that most of the workforce relies on the hospitality and tourism industries. According to Zippia, the top ten jobs in the Vegas area are:

  1. Cashiers
  2. Sales Associates
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Security Officers
  5. Servers
  6. Bartenders
  7. Assistant Managers
  8. Administrative Assistants
  9. Sales Representatives
  10. Receptionists

So, if you have experience in one of these fields, there are plenty of job opportunities. There are also specialty job fields, like professional chefs, performers, and travel consultants. Finding a job should not be too difficult, depending on your prior experience, education, and skills.

No State Income Tax
Nevada is one of the few states that has no state income tax. This means your income will go further since your net pay will be higher than in states with state income taxes. You could even take advantage of this perk and start your own small business.

Las Vegas Is Open 24 Hours a Day
Many places stay open 24 hours every day, even on major holidays. So, it is easy to find what you need no matter the time of day. While this is a real advantage, it can also be a lot to handle if you are “burning the candles at both ends.”

Las Vegas Gets Hot in the Summer
As mentioned earlier, Vegas weather is ideal most of the year. However, summers can be extremely hot and dry for several months since the city is in a desert. If you are not used to dry air and heat, you may want to give yourself time to adjust by spending summers indoors as much as possible, where it is cooler until you acclimate.

Other Las Vegas Resources
For other things that may help you decide whether or not to move to Las Vegas, here are some local resources to check out:

Las Vegas maps
Electric power and services
Natural gas services
Trash and recycling services
Water/Utilities
Las Vegas neighborhood services
Parks and Facilities
Permits and Licenses
Arts and Culture