I moved to Las Vegas from Michigan four years ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Time has passed and I now consider myself a local and I get to learn all the things that only someone who lives in Las Vegas can understand. It's a fun city, no doubt, and one you really have to get used to. In fact, when I first moved here, I wasn't a huge fan. But learning to live in Las Vegas is like any relationship: it takes work. You have to discover the good and learn how to deal with the bad.
I've met some incredibly colorful characters since moving here, thanks in large part to a few years performing in the entertainment industry. I can confirm that some of the stereotypes you hear about Sin City are at least partially true, namely that Vegas will chew you up and spit you out if you let it. This is not a city for the faint of heart; you’ll need a thick skin and a tough upper lip. But Vegas can really win you over if you give it a chance.
If you were like me and moved to Vegas, what could you expect? Here are some things that all locals can relate to.
1. What is the “rain” business?
This is the desert. We didn’t see much precipitation. A drop of rain falls and suddenly everyone forgets how to drive. "Oh my god, water. What do I do?"
2. Slot machines everywhere
Gas station? Slot machine. AIRPORT? Slot machine. convenience store? Slot machine. You can gamble almost anywhere. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should… but you can. Do whatever you want with it.
3. You rarely party at Da Club
Locals will often tell you that they rarely visit the Las Vegas Strip. Why? Because the place is packed with drunk tourists and smells like feet.
4. No, we’re not all strippers — and that’s okay even if we are
Yes, I live in Vegas. No, I'm not a stripper. Do I know a stripper? certainly. Is there any problem with taking it off? No. Also, I don’t have a drinking problem – because I know you’re wondering.
5. The best part of a trip to Vegas is the people watching
If we go to a club or casino, it's not always about partying. It's about watching other people party, because trust me: it's a lot of fun.
6. Few locals
Vegas is an extremely ephemeral city. People come and go every day. The city is also an escape for people like me who grew up somewhere other than Las Vegas.
7. You can make six figures a year serving drinks
You don’t need a college degree to have a lucrative career. In a city with a booming service industry, its cocktail servers and bartenders have beautiful homes, fancy cars and the means to travel the world. Are they all full? of course not. But some people do really well.
8. By the way, people actually live here
A lot of people. This is not a holiday for us. This is home. Life. We pay taxes, we work hard, and we put our pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else.
9. Cities are always under construction
There's always a new hotel being built, a casino being renovated, or a restaurant being expanded. Vegas is an ever-changing city; that's one of the reasons it's so attractive.
10. People will do many things for money
Las Vegas locals will go to extreme measures to make extra money.
11. Please give tips
As I said, Las Vegas is largely service-oriented. Don't be mean to the waitress or bartender. It's not easy to work here, everyone has bills to pay. People in the service industry often rely on tips, so don't be Mr. Pink.
12. Nevada has more to offer than Sin City
There are beautiful mountains, hiking, helicopter tours, skydiving, and even snowboarding! The Las Vegas Strip isn't the only service we offer. Not even close. My boyfriend took this photo during our trip to Mount Charleston. Pictures can never do it justice.
12. Vegas doesn’t look like showgirls in movies
As wonderful as this movie is, it's not a documentary. Take this with a grain of salt.
13. “Old Las Vegas” is very distinctive
Head to Fremont Street downtown and you'll find dirt cheap booze, incredible ceiling light shows, amazing live music, and locals from completely different walks of life. Old Vegas is nothing like the other side of the Strip.
14. Can’t go out in midsummer
The air was simply too hot to breathe. You will die.
15. But we still have winter
It actually got pretty cold. Not as cold as Michigan, but cold.
16. You can bring your drinks with you
You can have a drink at the casino and leave the casino with it. In fact, locals don’t turn a blind eye to people drinking outdoors in broad daylight. Just don't act like an idiot and no one will bother you.
17. This is a city full of opportunities
Want a 9-to-5 desk job? We've done it. Want to perform for thousands of people every week wearing crazy makeup? We also have these jobs. I've done it, and in a hurry.
Photo: Joe Daniel Price/Moment Unreleased/Getty Images; Jiffy (11); Megan Grant/Hustle (3)
