The Ultimate Guide to Apartment Hunting in Las Vegas

Types of Rentals

The rentals available in Las Vegas range from apartments to townhomes to houses. Luxury apartments in Las Vegas and townhomes are typically excellent places to start if you’re new to Las Vegas because they offer additional amenities you might not find when renting a home. Depending on your needs and what you can afford, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and lifestyle. Let’s look at what types of Las Vegas rentals you can expect when considering a move to Southern Nevada.

At Ovation Property Management, we have 23 apartments for rent in Las Vegas to fit your specific needs in all the best neighborhoods. Our properties offer modern and stylish designs and convenient locations to major highways, parks, dining, shopping, and entertainment. In addition, many of our communities offer a range of amenities, such as in-unit laundry, state-of-the-art fitness centers, resort-style swimming pools, outdoor dining areas, clubhouses, and more. 

Number of Bedrooms

The most common apartments for rent in Las Vegas are one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. You’ll find these options in many Las Vegas neighborhoods, including luxury apartments Las Vegas Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and South Las Vegas.

One, two, and three-bedroom floor plans will vary from property to property, but you should always look for open, spacious, and comfortable apartments that offer convenience and accessibility. 

A one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas will typically be about 1,000 square feet. A two-bedroom may offer an additional 200 square feet to its floor plan for a 1,200-square-foot space, while a three-bedroom unit will average around 1,300 square feet.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas can range anywhere from $750 to $1200, depending on the neighborhood, size, and apartment complex. Frequently, renters can find a two-bedroom apartment at a comparable price to the one-bedroom (or just a little more), but with the added benefit of a guest room or office option. A three-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas may be in the $1,300 to $1,700 range and offer smart floor plans that maximize space for you and your family.

Suppose you are looking at luxury apartments in Las Vegas, Nevada. In that case, most people are surprised that the rental rates are not that much higher than regular apartments. Thirteen of our communities offer access to 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. For example, Elevate offers units with second-floor lofts, walk-in closets, nine-foot ceilings, Energy Star appliances, and ceiling fans. Of course, similar amenities are also available in our other communities. 

Types of Outdoor Amenities

Types of outdoor amenities to consider when searching for a luxury apartment in Las Vegas include:

• Swimming pool and spa
• Pet-friendly areas/dog parks
• Professional landscaping
• Community grill or BBQ
• Outdoor entertaining or dining area
• Outdoor fireplace retreat
• Covered parking

You should also consider community amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse and meeting space, a business center with WiFi, and gated entry when looking for the best luxury apartments in Las Vegas. Many properties will include these amenities in the price of rent. Luxury amenities are perfect ways to make your apartment feel more like home while being able to entertain guests and enjoy the Las Vegas sunshine.

Ovation Property Management offers these amenities and more at nearly every property. Some of our communities feature private poolside cabanas and one and two-car garages. You can even take advantage of onsite convenience stores at select properties. These added amenities further add value by providing you with everything you could need within walking distance of your apartment. 

Types of Indoor Amenities

When searching for the best Las Vegas luxury apartment for you, make sure you look for these top indoor amenities in your new apartment home. 

Spacious Kitchens

If you enjoy cooking, you need plenty of space to store pots, pans, cooking utensils, and dishes, like extended cabinet pantries. You also want the sufficient room to prepare meals without worrying about counter space. 

Kitchen Islands

Las Vegas apartments with kitchen islands provide added space to take care of your meal prep. Or you can use the space as a breakfast bar or for additional seating when entertaining friends and family as you prepare dinner. 

Newer Appliances

The appliances should fit the level of the apartment community. For example, many of our communities feature large refrigerators for plenty of food storage and stainless steel appliances with Energy Star features. 

In-Unit Washers and Dryers

Having a washer and dryer in your Las Vegas apartment is very convenient. You do not have to worry about taking time out of your day to head to the laundromat. Instead, you can do laundry when it fits your schedule. 

Expansive Closets

You need an apartment with sufficient storage for your clothing, holiday decorations, cleaning supplies, and other items. Most of our communities feature walk-in closets in the master bedroom and larger closets in the additional bedrooms to provide plenty of storage. 

Bright, Natural Lighting

Las Vegas residents enjoy sunny weather most of the year. The best way to enjoy this is with plenty of windows that offer natural lighting. Plus, the more natural light you have to brighten up your home, the fewer lights you need to turn on. All our Las Vegas luxury apartments for rent feature modern and stylish blinds, so you can easily control the amount of light and privacy. 

Private Balconies and Patios

Having an outdoor area to relax and unwind after work or when you have friends over is nice. You can also enjoy working on your sun tan or enjoying the fresh air while reading your favorite book.  

Built-in Desks

One feature many people want when searching for Las Vegas apartments for rent is a built-in desk in the home. Built-in desks further help utilize your available space. They also help you save money since you do not have to have another piece of furniture.  

So, consider which amenities are most important to you and prioritize those features when apartment-hunting in Las Vegas. Even if you don’t have a chance to visit Vegas in person, you should always do your due diligence and research apartment options online. You can also schedule a virtual tour and consultation with one of our Las Vegas property management representatives to help you find the best Las Vegas apartment to suit your needs.

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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!

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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.

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There are several safe 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

Summerlin is a gorgeous family-friendly neighborhood on the west side of Las Vegas that features luxury gated apartment complexes, condos, and homes, a variety of dining and shopping options, quiet streets, and several schools. Because the neighborhood is mainly communities, residents never see much crime or property damage in this area compared to more transient parts of the city. You’re also close to all the entertainment and recreation that Las Vegas has to offer.

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. These gated communities generally have around-the-clock security and limited entry, so you always feel safe at home.

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 place in Las Vegas for the safest neighborhoods in this area.

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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.

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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.

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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

Make Las Vegas Your New Home

Reviewing our Las Vegas apartment hunting guide and using our tips and considerations makes it easy to find the perfect apartment to suit your needs. At Ovation Property Management, we

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