At the time of writing this, we’ve lived in Las Vegas—specifically the Summerlin area—for almost 6 months. While that may not seem like a long time, I’ve moved around quite a bit in my life, so I know what I’m looking for and what truly matters to me when settling down somewhere new.
When I was researching a potential move to Vegas, I came across a lot of negativity online:
👉 “The school system is terrible!”
👉 “It’s called Sin City for a reason!”
👉 “The water supply is drying up!”
While some of those concerns may hold some truth (like anywhere, really), I’m a firm believer that your experience is what you make of it. And so far? Ours has been amazing.
We chose to move to Summerlin because it checked a lot of boxes for our family:
✅ Close to nature
✅ Great food options
✅ Easily accessible
✅ Plenty of things to do—with and without kids
Here’s why I’m loving life in Las Vegas:
1. The Weather
Yes, the summers get hot—but if you’ve lived in any kind of desert before, you’ll know how to manage it. What surprised me most is that Vegas weather isn’t just heat. It gets cloudy, windy, and sometimes even cold! It even snowed briefly here in Summerlin—something I wasn’t expecting at all. There’s a real variety to the weather that I find refreshing.
2. Green Space Everywhere
Even though we’re in a desert, it doesn’t feel like one in Summerlin. There’s grass, mature trees, and a surprising amount of greenery. Add to that the fact that Summerlin alone has nearly 300 parks and over 150 miles of walking trails, and you’ll understand why we spend so much time outside.
We’re also at Red Rock Canyon several times a week—it’s less than 15 minutes away and definitely a sight to be seen!
3. Downtown Summerlin
This area is a total gem. From shops and restaurants to movie theaters and a weekly farmers market, there’s always something going on. It’s also home to the Las Vegas Ballpark, where a Triple-A baseball team plays—a great family outing!
The coffee shops around town are all fantastic. The only downside is having to choose from just one place when ever I want to get some coffee.
4. Proximity to the Strip
It’s close- but not too close. Summerlin is about a 25 min drive. It’s a perfect distance for when you want to enjoy a show, try a new restaurant, or have friends/family that come into town, but far enough away that it never interferes with daily life.
5. Surprisingly Family-Friendly
This one really surprised me. Summerlin has some great schools—and even more options if you’re open to private, charter, or magnet schools. There are also tons of activities for kids: gymnastics, soccer, dance, playgrounds—you name it. I never struggle to find something fun to do with the little ones.
6. No State Income Tax
This one’s pretty straightforward, but worth repeating: Nevada has no state income tax. That alone is a win.
7. 24/7 City = Convenience
Need something at 9 PM? No problem. I found myself at Urgent Care one evening, and because Las Vegas has multiple 24/7 pharmacies, I was able to get my prescription filled that same night. This kind of round-the-clock convenience isn’t something I realized I needed until I had it.
All in all, moving to Summerlin has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. It’s safe, scenic, convenient, and full of life—for both grownups and kids. Vegas may have a reputation, but I can confidently say: there’s way more to this city than meets the eye.
