Greater Expectations
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1/15/2021
I moved here from Southern California about 6 months ago...like everyone else. I lucked out blindly choosing to live in a community called "Providence" and not North Las Vegas or some other questionable place for newbies cause let me tell you, there are definitely areas to stay away from. Just general places that have a vibe to them. At first, it was noticeably cheaper, but then the novelty starts to wear off when it doesn't seem to really make that big of a difference. Without question, rent and homes are more affordable - but that's coming from California, so not many places wouldn't be in comparison. I moved here for VA Healthcare/specialty care services and it happened to be somewhere I could afford to live on my own - so win win, right? Not really. I'm sure Covid is a factor in a lot of things, but I recently went looking to purchase a townhouse on a VA loan, thinking my mortgage would be cheaper than rent. Here's the thing about these developed neighborhoods in Vegas...Skye Canyon, Providence, Centennial Hills, Lone Mountain...they have regular HOA's, and then on top of that (some of them) have separate neighborhood/community HOA's. So you could be paying easily over $200 a month in bs HOA fees if you're not well-informed. Then, there's getting around. I'll admit I'm a typical aggressive California driver, but I'm a defensive one, and I'm not intentionally rude about it ever. But if a CA driver in particular ever pisses you off and you're a native to the local area, it's likely because of the roads. It still trips me out from time to time, but trying to figure out what is or isn't a lane, or whether my turn off the freeway is really merging with on-coming traffic, is insanity. Like, what city developer felt it was safe and okay to design the infrastructure that way? Two things I really love are the people are super nice. At least in my experience...and the landscape. The mountains and the sunsets are amazing. Not impressed with apartment living...even paying above average rates in a nicer area on the 3rd floor. I don't know if it's the times we live in or what but it's like no one respects other people or the fact that it's a communal living situation. Oh! If you're coming from Los Angeles, no traffic. Probably won't stick around...
Cristine | Las Vegas, NV