Las Vegas…so much more than slot machines and high-rollers

As one of the most famous cities in the world, Las Vegas is equal parts tourist attraction, desert oasis and rising center for new culture (artificial though it may sometimes be). Call it an escape, a trap, an excuse; no matter what, you’ll always find Vegas fascinating.

The city is best known for the four-mile long Strip, where ancient Egypt, Paris and New York all convene, but there’s much more to this mythic, over-the-top metropolis.

In the last several years, Vegas has done its best to get away from its reputation as “Sin City,” and though the promise of instant riches and assorted adult delights still tempt even the most buttoned-up travelers, there are several innocent ways to live here. Non-gaming industries offer options; high-tech and educational companies as well as medical research facilities are moving in, causing people to take a closer look at the largest city in Nevada.

Among the communities here, Boulder City is casino-free, while Henderson is Vegas’ well-established little sister. Lake Mead and Lone Mountain offer great outdoor adventures like hiking and boating, and Lake Las Vegas and Summerlin make resort-style living a year-long reality.

Most towns in the area offer a good mix of relatively affordable custom homes, gated communities and high-rise condos, considering their proximity to one of the country’s largest and most compelling cities. And, you’ll never complain about a lack of something to do, because area nightlife (including some of the nation’s hottest restaurants) rules here.

Despite the wide range of lifestyles, it’s not likely that The Strip and surrounding areas will shed the Disneyland-for-Grown-ups vibe anytime soon. After all, the tourism industry is the largest contributor to the economy (not, as some may think, marriage license taxes and fees).

Las Vegas, like the population of the Bellagio on any given night, is varied, compelling and more than a little enlightening.

Apartments for rent in Las Vegas