I am making a major move from the midwest to Las Vegas. I am a single mom with 3 children. Any advice?

Question

I do have a job with the postal service. You can transfer to other cities. I have not checked to see if they have any openings, yet. I am so undecided. I may keep my home.....just in case. Thanks so much for all of the info. I truly appreciate it!!

Answer 1

It's kind of hot. 121 degrees Farenheit in the summer (thats what the thermometer in our car said). I'm in middle school (8th grade) and I have to say it won't be hard for your children to make friends. When a new student arrives, everyone seems to want to be their friend!

Now, make a good selection for a neighborhood. Henderson is a good choice, but it's a different city (it's bordering Las Vegas). I'm not sure about the prices there, but it can't be that much. Summerlin is a good choice as well, if you are willing to pay some more. Friendly people, nice houses... And really not that expensive (our market is kind of bad here). I suppose it is more that a lot of the areas in Las Vegas, but you really get what you pay for.

Las Vegas didn't get the name "Sin City" by magic... This city is full of sins. There are trucks all over the strip advertising... well, sex. Also, on the street they give you cards... To call hookers and whatnot. It is disgusting, but you get used to it. It really doesn't bother me, but I don't know your children so if I were you, I wouldn't go to the strip at night with younger children.

That's pretty much it... Oh! Nevada is the 49th state in education... But it doesn't necessarily mean that we have bad education.

Las Vegas is a pretty decent city, and I hope you enjoy it here.

Answer 2

Be careful on the roads. People here do NOT know how to drive. Avoid the freeways between the hours of 7 am - 7 pm. It's ALL rush hour. And there's a ton of construction on the 95... They've been expanding it for years and it's more of a headache then it's worth sometimes.

The weather is nuts.. It gets up to like 120 degrees in the summertime without the heat index. If you're on blacktop it can feel like over 130 degrees, so be sure to drink LOTS of water and stay hydrated, and if you have pets, don't leave them outside or in your car. The winter is freezing, by southwest standards I guess. It doesn't snow much, maybe once a year, but it still hovers between 20 - 30 degrees in Dec. - Feb. but being from the midwest I'm sure you're used to the cold.

There's not much here to do for kids... There's the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, which is fun the first 10 times you go, but it gets old fast. Keep em off the strip though. There are people about every 20 ft or so whose jobs are to hand out business cards for escorts who have naked women all over them, as well as magazine stands full of free dirty magazines. So check out the strip, but leave the kids at home with a babysitter.

Answer 3

I've moved a lot and the best advice I can give you is to have at least 3 months worth of living expenses saved up, 6 would be better. DON'T move if you don't have that much. You don't want to end up in a homeless shelter if your job/apartment don't work out. Second, find a job before you move, even if it means flying out for an interview. If you can, find an apartment or house first, too.

Answer 4

Main question is WHY? Unless you have family and friends here it can be a very lonely place. The school system is always in the news with complaints, mainly not enough qualified teachers. Do not expect to arrive and get a job right away especially a great paying one. You don't state if you have a profession or not but if you plan on working in a casino ... all the good jobs are given to experienced casino/hotel workers from other lower quality places. So you have to start at the bottom to get the experience.

What I am trying to say is ... better think it over before you make the big move.

Answer 5

Been there, done that & moved on. Vegas is great for ceratin things. How young are your kids? Boys/girls? Because I think that will have a lot to do w/ your comfort. The people drive fast so either speed up or get out of the way! Keep your kids close!
As a mother of 3 myself I do NOT like some of the billboards that are around town. And the strip is laced w/ 'sinful' flyers.

I think it also depends on what part of Vegas you will be residing in & your job.

Good luck!

Answer 6

We've been here for five years. With NO problems whatsoever!

Thats not to say we dont miss home bc we DO! We're from LA CA. Its slow here and boring!! My kids have NO problems in school I actually like the schools but Im coming from Cali so that could make a difference. IMO yes its hot but if you can make it thru one year of season cycles you can last here NO problem.

As far as it being SIN CITY...your kids are going to learn what you teach them. It wont affect them as much as it seems. We take our kids to the Strip actually quite often and NO ONE has ever dared to try to give them anything "sinful"! And they better not! lol

The billboards are racey but NOT nude!! Not that I've seen in 5years and the ones that are usually dont last. Again they will learn what YOU want them too.

I do agree with finding a job or having one here waiting for you and NO evictions on ur record! Stay South or Henderson or way West. JMO!

IF you need a change make it and make the most of it!

Good Luck!

Answer 7

Breathe.

Make friends as soon as you can.

Don't expect to be able to visit your family in the Midwest very often.

Don't expect your family from the Midwest to visit you very often.

Trust yourself.

Breathe.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Have a job before you come and everything else in place. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Keep your childeren close to you ....you have your work cut out for you in my opinion

Answer 10

HAVE A GOOD PAYING JOB, DAYCARE AND HOUSING BEFORE YOU MOVE.