 
Las Vegas In GeneralFigures released in October, 1995 by the Census Bureau show Las Vegas population jumped 26 percent between 1990 and 1994, making it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation.Money Magazine, in its September 1995 issue, ranked Las Vegas as number nine up from 43 last year as one of the best places to live. "Las Vegas is transforming itself from the U.S. gaming capital to a mecca for young ambitious families who may never set foot in a casino."
ClimateLas Vegas has a low annual humidity with 310 days of sunshine (85%) and a low average rainfall of just 4.13 inches.Following are the daily maximum and minimum temperatures by month:
HistoryThe first settlement in Las Vegas (which is Spanish for "The Meadows") was recorded back in the early 1850s when the Mormon church, headed by Brigham Young, sent a mission of 30 men to construct a fort and teach agriculture to the Indians. Las Vegas became a city in 1905 when the railroad announced this city was to be a major division point. Prior to legalized gambling in 1931, Las Vegas was developing as an agricultural area. Las Vegas' fame as a resort area became prominent after World War II.LocationLas Vegas is nestled in a valley at the southern tip of Nevada. Located in the Great Basin, it is 290 miles northeast of Los Angeles, 378 miles northwest of Phoenix, 675 miles southeast of San Francisco and 447 miles south of Reno.Las Vegas is within easy reach of such attractions as: the Grand Canyon in Arizona; Death Valley; Disneyland; Knotts Berry Farm; Hollywood; the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks in Utah.
Las Vegas is the County Seat of Clark County. The official airport elevation of the city is 2,174 feet. PopulationLatest statistics list 1.1 million people in the Las Vegas Valley and 1.4 million in Clark County.*Median age: 41.2** Ethnic Diversity
* Clark County Comprehensive Planning ResidenceState law requires persons to reside in the state continuously for six weeks to establish residence for divorce. New residents may register to vote after 30 days. Legal age is 21 for gambling and purchasing liquor, 18 in all other matters.Tax StructureClark County assesses a 7% sales and use tax, exempting food for home consumption and prescribed medical goods.
Las Vegas' favorable tax climate makes it an ideal place for living, working and operating a business. It's no surprise that Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation with a metropolitan population of 1.1 million. CommunicationsTwo daily newspapers serve Las Vegas:
Time ZoneLas Vegas is on Pacific Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time.TRANSPORTATIONLocalLas Vegas Citizens Area Transit (CAT) services the residential routes of Las Vegas and Henderson in addition to the "Strip." Taxi service is available 24 hours.
By Rail: Union Pacific has daily switching, piggyback service and Amtrak passenger service. By Highway: The major arteries include Interstate 15 N/S to Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Diego. U.S. 95 N/S to Reno and U.S. 93 S to Phoenix and Tucson. Employment and IndustrySouthern Nevada is emerging as one of the dynamic business centers in the Southwest, with strong economic and employment growth.Nevada has also been rated high for having the most favorable entrepreneurial climate in the nation. Las Vegas' total labor force now stands at approximately 539,900 with 504,400 employed. The current unemployment rate is 6.4%. The outlook for 1997 is for job growth between a 4-5% range. As the area continues to grow the outlook for economic activity is overwhelmingly optimistic. For employment information, write to: Nevada State Employment Services Greatest Job PotentialLas Vegas industries with the greatest job potential include: construction, durable and non-durable goods, manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade, education, housing, transportation, medical services and public administration.Major IndustriesTourism and conventions are the major industries in Las Vegas. 14.4 million visitors and 1.5 million convention delegates visited Las Vegas through the first six months of 1995.Health CardsHealth Cards are mandatory for the following positions:
Clark County Health District Sheriff's CardIt is mandatory in the State of Nevada to have a Sheriff's Card if you are working in a gaming industry. You cannot obtain a Sheriff's Card until you are gainfully employed. You must get a referral from your new employer. Fee: $20 - three year issuance.Sheriff's Cards Techniques of Alcohol Management Card (TAM)Nevada law for those requiring a TAM card is as follows: Anyone who sells, serves, gives away, moves around or makes a major decision regarding alcohol must have a valid TAM card. Security officers must also have a TAM card.Procedure to obtain a TAM card is very simple. You must attend a four-hour class, pass a simple test and pay $18 - five year issuance. TAM of Southern Nevada Federal EmploymentOver 10,000 Southern Nevadans work for the federal government or federal contractors, primarily at Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test Site. New industries, including warehousing and distribution centers, have discovered Nevada's favorable tax climate and are relocating here. For details write:Nevada Development Authority 
EducationThe Clark County School District is the nation's 10th largest with 184 schools teaching approximately 168,000 students. CCSD operates 127 elementary schools, 27 middle schools, 24 high schools and five special schools, with more educational facilities planned. A number of special programs and services are offered, ranging from assistance for handicapped and retarded children to bilingual programs and classes for the academically talented. For more information write:School District Administration Building Immunization RequirementsState Law requires immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, rubella and rubella.The Clark County Health Department, 625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89127, offers these immunizations free with proof of age. Immunizations are required for school registration. Contact: Clark County School District Vocational TrainingVocational training is offered at the Southern Nevada Vocational Technical Center.Southern Nevada Vocational Technical Center State Colleges & UniversitiesLas Vegas is home to the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).Located on a 335-acre site, UNLV offers more than 120 degree programs to approximately 19,769 undergraduate and graduate students. UNLV offers quality education to a diverse student body. Community College of Southern Nevada has an enrollment of 24,350 students. With three campuses
and 45 outreach centers, the college serves as an educational focal point for four counties which
covers 42,000 square miles.
HousingThe real estate market in Las Vegas is booming due to population growth. The average cost of a pre-existing three-bedroom home is approximately $132,992. Two-bedroom condominiums average $78,000.Home Ownership
Type of Dwelling*
*1995 Las Vegas Perspective Survey LifestyleAn average of 310 days of sunshine is one of the contributing factors in making Las Vegas such an attractive place to live. Combine this with the area's many scenic wonders, dazzling nightlife, fantastic restaurants, all-you-can-eat buffets and unlimited recreational opportunities, and it's no wonder that Las Vegas' lifestyle is hard to beat.Residents can take part in a vibrant cultural life including the Nevada Symphony Orchestra's Classical concerts and outdoor Picnic Pops concerts, Nevada's only professional ballet company, the Nevada Dance Theatre art galleries and numerous museums.
Southern Nevada is also home to number of state and national parks and off-road recreational areas which offer a scenic look at Nevada's outdoor life. ChurchesLas Vegas has more churches per capita than most major cities. Currently there are 586 houses of worship representing 63 faiths.Marriage License InformationBoth parties must appear at the Clark County Clerk's office, 200 Carson, Las Vegas 89101 to purchase a marriage license. Persons 16-17 years of age must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians to marry. Blood tests are not required and there is no waiting period. If applicable, divorce must be finalized in the state where it was granted prior to a marriage license being granted. The date of the final decree and the city and state where granted are required. The license fee is $35. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to midnight M -Th; 8:00 a.m., Friday through midnight Sunday; 24 hours on holidays. The wedding ceremony may be performed by the Commissioner of Civil Marriages, 136 South 4th St.LibrariesThe Clark County Library District operates several branches, all of which offer cultural programs, art exhibits, movies and other features. Headquarters are at 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101.The UNLV Library is located at 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Lodging/RestaurantsThere are a approximately 89,797 first-class hotel and motel rooms in Las Vegas. Restaurants range from gourmet or specialty to the take-out variety. Many hotels feature budget breakfasts and buffets. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information write: Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, 711 East Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109.SportsWorld title boxing, PGA golf, track and off-road auto racing, National Finals Rodeo, major tennis matches -- everything from national archery to wrestling -- are regular Las Vegas events. The UNLV "Runnin' Rebels" men's basketball team was the 1989-90 NCAA Division I National Champs and made the Final Four in the 1990-91 tournament. The Las Vegas Stars, a AAA baseball team, began play in April, 1983.Las Vegas is the home of the professional IHL hockey team the Las Vegas Thunder; the semi-professional hockey, Las Vegas Aces. ServicesWelcoming Services for Newcomers,Welcome Wagon - 702-474-1313 Administrative Buildings
For information on business licenses contact the License Departments at City Hall or the County Courthouse. Banking in Las VegasMany banks in the Las Vegas area offer its customers a Check Guarantee Card. This card guarantees your check is covered by the bank and must be presented when cashing checks. The time between application and issuance of the card varies from five days to three weeks, depending on the banking institution. When opening a bank account, it is helpful to bring a letter of referral from your home state bank. Most banking hours are approximately 9a.m.- 5p.m., (M-Th), 9a.m.-5:30p.m.(F) and 10a.m.-1p.m.(Sat).Driver's LicensesTo get a Nevada driver's license you must give up your out-of-state license, take an eye exam, pass the written exam, (if you are over 25 and your current license has no outstanding violations, the written exam is waived) and pay a $20.50 fee. New residents have 30 days to transfer out-of-stat e licenses. For more information contact:Department of Motor Vehicles The DMV's hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5:00p.m.(M-F). Vehicle RegistrationTo register your car in Clark County you must have a smog check exam done from a certified inspection station. New cars are exempt. Documents necessary for registration include the vehicle's current registration certificate, title (unless held by lienholder), vehicle inspection certificate done at the DMV, smog certificate, Nevada evidence of insurance card, an odometer reading and your out-of-state license plates.Insurance InformationNevada law requires drivers to carry vehicle insurance that is written by a state-licensed insurance agent. The minimum coverage requirements are:$15,000 bodily injury, $30,000 /person/accident, and $10,000 property damage.It is mandatory that a proof of insurance card be kept in your vehicle at all times. The fine for driving without proof of insurance can be as high as $500. Voter RegistrationNevada is a closed primary state, which means voters cannot vote for partisan offices in the primary election unless they are either registered with the Democratic or Republican parties.To register to vote in Clark County, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18-years-old by the election date and have lived in the state and county for at least 30 days and within their precinct 10 days prior to the election. To receive an application by mail, call, write or fax a request to the Clark County Election Department at 455-VOTE. Mail-in applications are available at the LVCC and all libraries and post offices. You may also register to vote at the Clark County Election Dept. or any of the Department of Motor Vehicle Offices. Save time: register yourself and your car in one stop.
UtilitiesLas Vegas boasts one of the lowest utility rates in the nation. All utilities have specific requirements for installation of service and deposits. Following is a list of utilities serving Las Vegas.TelephoneSprint Central Telephone Company of Nevada330 South Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 702-244-7400. If you are moving from out-of-state, their toll free number is 1-800-877-7077. Be prepared to provide the following information: your new address, occupation, estimated long distance charges per month, others who will use the service, and date to begin service. You will also need to provide written verification of good credit for one year from your current/former telephone company. Minimum deposits, if required, are $50 for residential and $100 for businesses. Deposits are returned with interest, based on U.S. Treasury rates, after a payment history is established. WaterLas Vegas Valley Water District3700 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 Customer Service: 702-870-4194. ElectricNevada Power Co.6226 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102 24-Hour Customer Service: 702-367-5555 Para Servicio en Espanol- 702-367-5554 Toll Free-800-331-3103 Hearing and speech impaired (TDD) 702-367-5080 Customer Service is also available in more than 140 languages. Waste DisposalSilver State Disposal Service770 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 General Offices: 702-735-5151. GasSouthwest Gas Corp.4300 W. Tropicana Ave. LV, NV 89104 Customer Services: 702-365-1555 General Offices:702-876-7011 1001 E. Sunset Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89199 702-361-9200 Helpful for New ResidentsWhen moving to Las Vegas, deposits for utility hookups (power & gas) can be waived if you bring proof of 12 consecutive "on time" payments and a letter of referral from the utility company used in your home state. You can save $25 or more. Residential deposits are waived for senior citizens 62 years of age or over.Cost of Living Index - Second Quarter 1995 (100=national average)
SOURCE: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association Next Page: Frequently Asked Questions |
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The top four advantages to invest in Las Vegas are:
Nellis Air Force Base, home of the world-famous Thunderbirds, is located in the northeast corner
of the Las Vegas Valley.
Nevada has the lowest tax rate of any state in the nation. No state income, inheritance, gift, or
estate, franchise, inventory or corporate taxes are levied. Nevada's freeport law exempts from
taxation all materials or goods stored in the state for later shipment. There is NO PERSONAL INCOME
TAX. The Clark County Assessor determines the taxable value of each parcel of improved and
unimproved property in the county, and that value is multiplied by 35% to obtain the assessed
value. To figure the property tax, multiply the assessed value by the tax rate: $2.0380-$2.9307
per $100 of assessed valuation. Tax rates are formulated by various governmental boards in each
municipality and county.
National
Las Vegas offers a variety of healthful recreational choices with activities designed for
individuals of all ages. Youth programs include swimming, skiing, boating and city leagues. The
city and county host over 90 parks, 25 public, semi-private and private golf courses, countless
tennis and racquetball courts and health clubs and spas.
