enjoying the las vegas valley's unique location
The city’s nightlife and legendary status as the “entertainment capital of the world,” are well recognized. While that is a major draw for visitors, residents note other factors that set this region apart, mainly access to a great quality of life expressed through recreation and outdoor activities. As you establish your new life in Las Vegas, you’ll begin to explore the wide range of adventures that await your discovery. In this chapter, you’ll be introduced to the best of Las Vegas and the region – including events, sports, recreation, performance and visual arts, golf, attractions, youth organizations, religious affiliations and volunteer opportunities.

The entertainment capital of the world is not a term that Las Vegas takes lightly. However it is one that is far too frequently taken only at face value. One must be careful to not let the glitter and glamour of the Strip become blinding, for they will miss all of the charm that truly defines Las Vegas. 

Las Vegas is a city that embraces the arts, both performing and visual. It is a community that appreciates spectator sports and nurtures burgeoning sports teams. It is home to a people who share a love of the great outdoors and recognize the beauty embodied by the desert. Yet, most importantly, Las Vegas is a community that cares for itself. Home to dozens of non-profit organizations and charities Las Vegas is indeed a beautiful place to call home.

Friedrich Nietzsche said “without music life would be a mistake.” Well, make no mistake – there is certainly music in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Philharmonic serenades Las Vegans with an impressive variety of concerts throughout the year. Las Vegas is also home to the Vegoose Festival, which welcomes some of the biggest names in rock and roll, country and pop music once a year to the Sam Boyd Stadium. All summer long, Lake Las Vegas is home to many musical performances, including the weekly “Jazz on the Lake” concerts. Indeed, the musical underbelly of Las Vegas is strong. Residents are spoiled by the abundance, variety and availability of performing arts throughout the city.

Newcomers to Las Vegas who are passionate about ballet will be pleased to know that the city is home to the Nevada Ballet Theater. The theater houses a world renowned ballet company that commits to unmatched artistic standards. Theatrical “can’t miss” performances are also hosted at the outdoor Super Summer Theater at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Here attendees can appreciate performing arts in a lush and serene setting.

While the Louvre may be home to the world’s most extensive collection of artwork, Las Vegas is also home to an ample selection of fine arts. The Bellagio Las Vegas Resort features a fine art gallery that displays the works of renowned artists. Many other Las Vegas mega-resorts have also shifted gears and are now focusing on providing their clientele with a holistic experience that often includes museum displays and impressive exhibitions.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is the home of the “Rebels” athletic program. The program features an impressive football team and men’s basketball team, both of which are huge community attractions. Not to be discounted are the women’s volleyball and tennis teams as well as the men’s swimming and diving team each of which hold the same honor of division champions.

Speed demons and car lovers alike feel right at home at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway which hosts several NASCAR races as well as drag and formula racing. For a more hands-on experience, take the wheel at one of Las Vegas indoor kart racing tracts, such as Pole Position Raceway. If your need for speed is still not quenched then venture to the Stratophere Las Vegas Resort and ride one of their heart-pounding amusement park style rides.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Las Vegas’ climate affords countless opportunities to experience a wide array of recreational activities. While some other areas may be geographically limited in the variety of outdoor activities possible, Las Vegas is one of those rare places where you can truly do it all. Year-round hiking, biking and camping is attributed to the 300 plus days of sunshine and moderate temperatures enjoyed by Las Vegans. Waterskiing at Lake Mead is a favorite summer pastime while snow skiing at Mount Charleston in the winter is a true delight.

When it comes to golf, Las Vegas is way above par. With more than 60 courses located in the city, and its nearby surrounding areas, golfers can escape into paradise from tee-time until dusk. If that just wasn’t enough, Las Vegas’ Angel Park Golf has a 12-hole course that remains open at night. However, the ultimate title of golfer’s paradise belongs to the Lake Las Vegas Resort. Lake Las Vegas has all of the nuances of a true “golf destination” and is located only 17 miles from the Las Vegas strip.

What makes Las Vegas such a beautiful place to call home relies not only on the quality of life but also on the quality of the people who live there. By volunteering for a charity or non-profit organization you have the chance to positively impact the lives of others in your community. For many residents in Las Vegas this has become a way of life. Organizations like The Boys and Girls Club, The Ronald McDonald House, Civitans and The American Cancer Society are all flourishing in Las Vegas. If there is a cause that is dear to your heart, Las Vegas offers ample ways for you to become involved and realize how rewarding life in the Entertainment Capital of the World can be!