About half the people moving to 89183 are coming from California. It makes sense — no state income tax, homes for half the price, and it's a four-hour drive back to visit. But there are things that will surprise you, both good and bad. Here's the unfiltered version.
The Good Surprises
Your paycheck goes further immediately. No California state income tax (which was probably 6-13% of your income) means you get an instant raise. On a $100K salary, that's roughly $6,000-$10,000 more per year in your pocket. Before you even factor in cheaper housing. Home prices feel surreal. If you're coming from LA, San Diego, or the Bay Area, seeing a 2,000 sq ft home with a two-car garage for $415K feels like a glitch in the matrix. In California, that buys you a condo in a mediocre neighborhood. Here, it buys a real house with a yard. The commute disappears. If you were spending 45-90 minutes each way on a California freeway, prepare to have your life back. Most commutes in the Las Vegas valley are 15-25 minutes. The traffic exists but it's nothing compared to the 405 or the 101. People are friendly. This sounds generic but Californians consistently mention it. There's a directness and warmth to Las Vegas locals that feels different from coastal cities. Maybe it's the small-town-in-a-big-city vibe. Maybe it's the sunshine. Either way, making friends is easier.The Adjustments
Summer is harder than you think. Even if you've experienced California heat (Inland Empire, Central Valley), Las Vegas summer is a different animal. When it's 115°F, you can't really be outside between 11am and 5pm. Your car's steering wheel will literally burn you. Activities revolve around AC. Most Californians adjust within one summer, but that first one is rough. The landscape takes getting used to. If you're coming from coastal California or the Bay Area, the desert can feel bleak at first. Brown mountains, gravel yards, very few trees. It takes a while to appreciate desert beauty on its own terms. Once you do — the sunsets, the wide-open skies, the mountain views — you start to get it. But the first month might feel like you moved to Mars. You will miss the ocean. This is non-negotiable. Las Vegas has Lake Mead and some reservoirs, but it's not the same. The closest beach is a 4-hour drive to San Diego or a 5-hour drive to Santa Monica. Most ex-Californians make 3-4 beach trips a year and it's enough. But if the ocean is a daily part of your life, that's a real loss. Food is different. California has possibly the best food scene in the country — fresh produce, diverse cuisines, farm-to-table everything. Las Vegas has the Strip restaurants (which are world-class) and a growing local scene, but everyday food in the suburbs is more chains and strip mall spots. You'll miss your favorite taco truck. You'll miss cheap sushi. You'll adjust, but it takes time. The schools aren't California-level. Nevada consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in education. That said, 89183 is a bright spot with an average school rating of 8/10 and Pinecrest Academy at 10/10. But if you're coming from a top California school district, do your research on specific schools before choosing where to live.The Things Nobody Warns You About
Hard water. Las Vegas has incredibly hard water. It leaves white mineral deposits on everything — faucets, shower doors, dishes. Get a water softener immediately. Not a maybe. Immediately. Allergies might get worse. The desert has its own allergens — ragweed, desert sage, and dust. If you have allergies, the first year might be rough as your body adjusts to a completely different environment. You'll become a homebody in summer. Californians who love hiking, running, and outdoor activities are shocked by how indoor-oriented life becomes from June through August. The good news: October through April is incredible outdoor weather. Registration and taxes. Get a Nevada driver's license and register your car within 30 days of establishing residency. Nevada has no state income tax but it does have higher sales tax (8.375% in Clark County). Property taxes are lower than California, though. Your California friends will visit. A lot. You're now the friend with the Vegas house. Expect visitors, especially during March Madness, EDC, and football season. This is mostly a positive — your social life stays active and you become everyone's favorite friend.The Financial Math
Here's a rough comparison for a family earning $120K:
California (say, Riverside):- State income tax: ~$7,200/year
- Home ($550K, 30-yr at 6.5%): ~$3,475/month
- Property tax (1.1%): ~$504/month
- Total housing + tax burden: ~$51,550/year
- State income tax: $0
- Home ($415K, 30-yr at 6.5%): ~$2,623/month
- Property tax (0.6%): ~$207/month
- Total housing + tax burden: ~$33,960/year
That's real money. Over 10 years, it's $175,000+ before accounting for investment returns on the savings.
The Bottom Line
Moving from California to 89183 is almost always a smart financial move. The quality of life tradeoffs — losing the ocean, dealing with hotter summers, adapting to a different food scene — are real but manageable for most people.
The Californians who are happiest here are the ones who embrace Las Vegas for what it is instead of constantly comparing it to what they left. This isn't California. It's not trying to be. And once you stop expecting it to be, you'll probably love it.