When people think about Las Vegas, they tend to think about those quick weekend getaways with friends, an entertainment-packed weeklong trip with your spouse, or even a honeymoon destination. However, Las Vegas is much more than a city for tourists and is home to more than 644,000 residents in the city proper, which makes it the most populous city in the whole state of Nevada. In terms of the country, it is ranked as the 31st most populous city. If you were to take a look at the Las Vegas metropolitan area, then it’s got a population of more than two million.

The city has been working really hard at updating its image and proving to people that it’s about so much more than just gambling, dining, and shopping and that it’s even a great place to settle down. There’s been a real push to create a more family-friendly and inclusive environment, so it’s no longer just about those looking for a party weekend.

Perhaps you’ve been following the growth and trends in Las Vegas, and you’ve made the decision that it’s the right place for you to move to in order to study. There’s no doubt you’re very excited about the decision you’ve made, but before you get too ahead of yourself, here are some tips that can come in extremely handy as you make this transition.

No Need to Attend a Campus In-Person

Just because you’re moving to Las Vegas to study and further your education, it doesn’t mean you have to actually attend one of the area’s schools. There is no reason to choose the path of on-campus student life if that’s not what you’re after. Today, there are so many well-known and highly respected online universities that provide you with some of the most sought after and in-demand degrees out there.

While these online options are great for those who don’t want to have to commit to attending school in-person, they are also idea for those who are already working in their field and looking to advance their career. Let’s say, for example, you are currently a practicing registered nurse who has just moved to Las Vegas, but you’re really hoping to take your career to that next level. The nursing leadership courses from Baylor University Online, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Nurse Leadership program, can help you advance your career. You can keep working in Las Vegas while doing all your studies online as there is never a need to attend campus in-person.

Suddenly, that need to choose accommodation close to school no longer exist, which means you can focus on living close to work or any other preferences you have, such as residing in the entertainment capital of the world.

Educate Yourself About the Climate

Another tip is to familiarize yourself with the Las Vegas climate so you know what to expect. Las Vegas is a subtropical, hot, desert climate that is very dry and gets lots of sunshine. On average, it enjoys more than 300 days’ worth of sunshine a year, so this is the opposite of a rainy city. For those who love heat, expect the temperature to rise up to 120 degrees in the summer, with average winter highs of the low 60s.

Despite those lovely, hot days, what comes as a surprise to many is how cool it can get at night. Because it is a desert climate, it can get down to around the freezing mark in the evenings, but don’t expect to see any snow here.

People often talk about the fact it is a “dry heat” in Las Vegas, which is also true. There is no humidity, which makes those hot days much more tolerable and enjoyable for many people.

Enjoy Reasonably Priced Accommodation

Considering Las Vegas is a city and a popular one at that, rent comes in at a very affordable price in relation to other big cities across the country. On average, it is about $960/month to rent a one-bedroom apartment. There’s also a good selection of townhouses, condos, and houses to choose from, so variety isn’t a problem here.

And it’s not just housing that is affordable in Las Vegas – even things such as utilities and groceries are all very reasonably priced.

What About Employment Opportunities?

Of course, a big factor to consider when you relocate to a new city is what kind of job you will be able to find. If you’re just looking for a job to keep the bills paid while you’re working on your studies, then the tourism industry is likely your best bet. Much of the jobs in the city are either in the tourism industry or support the tourism industry in some way.

The national hourly wage here is $20.33, which is lower than the national average of $23.23, but don’t forget the cost of living is quite reasonable. The fact that the state of Nevada doesn’t collect any state tax also helps to make things more affordable even with a lower hourly wage.

Public Transportation is Less than Ideal

If your plan had been to rely on public transportation to get you around all of Las Vegas, including the suburban regions, you’re going to want to think again. Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for having a spectacular public transport system. Most prefer to get around by car as it is easier and faster.

If you do plan on using a car to get around, it will probably give you some relief to know that traffic here isn’t anything like big cities like Boston, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. Sure, there is a “rush-hour,” but it’s very manageable and isn’t a true gridlock situation. The only place that traffic comes to an absolute standstill on a regular basis is on The Strip.

The Strip isn’t Where It’s at for Locals

If you figure you’ll be able to meet locals by hanging out on the Strip, you’ll likely be very disappointed. The Strip is typically seen as a place just for tourists. It’s busy, loud, extremely expensive, and just very touristy in general. Locals much prefer to frequent the areas of Town Square, Downtown Vegas, and Downtown Summerlin. Each of these areas offers dining, shopping, and entertainment without that tourist vibe.

So, while there is nothing wrong with exploring the Strip and seeing what it’s all about, if you’re looking to meet others who live and work in Las Vegas, it just isn’t the place to do so.

Get Out and Enjoy the Natural Beauty

Moving to Las Vegas to study also means you’ll be surrounded by some of the most natural beauty in all of the country. You’d be remiss to stay indoors and not explore. As for the most noteworthy places to visit, they would include Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreational Area, the Hoover Dam, and Lee Canyon. Each of these areas are also known for a variety of activities such as biking trails, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, jet skiing, skiing (at Mt. Charleston), and more.

It’s a great way to connect with nature and get out of the hustle bustle of city life without having to travel far.

What About Local Attractions?

Perhaps you’re more about local attractions and activities in your free time. If that’s the case, Las Vegas certainly won’t disappoint. Visit such attractions as the Springs Preserve, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a Cirque Du Soleil show, or sporting events. Right now, the city is home to the NHL team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and soon it will also be home to the NFL Oakland Raiders, who will be relocating to Las Vegas.

If you’re up for a driving trip, there are plenty of short day trips all within reach of Las Vegas. These include: San Francisco (eight hours), Reno (seven hours), Yosemite National Park (seven hours), Tijuana, Mexico (five hours), Phoenix (five hours), Los Angeles (four hours), Grand Canyon National Park (four hours), and Death Valley National Park (two hours).

For those looking to travel further to either other towns and cities in the United States or internationally, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas just so happens to be the 8th more popular airport in all of the country. It’s not uncommon to find some great rates on airfare out of McCarran, so you’ve got plenty of options before you.

Las Vegas – An Incredible City to Call Home

Choosing to pack up your belongings and relocate to a whole other city, and potentially a whole other state, while you study and further your education is bound to be exciting and even a little bit scary. There are plenty of unknowns, and at the end of the day, all you can do is cross your fingers and hope you’ve made the right decision. When it comes to moving to Las Vegas to study, the good news is that there are so many pros, including a reasonable cost of living, plenty to do and see, and friendly and welcoming locals.