VEGAS is dynamic? Here are my top 5 reasons I think Vegas is one of the world’s most dynamic cities to live in:

1. Job opportunities continuously expanding.
2. Incredible range of activities & lifestyles: From watching beautiful sunsets or boating at Lake Mead National Recreational Area, camping or snowboarding at Mt. Charleston, to experiencing some of the world’s finest of dining, entertainment, & sports (any Raiders or Golden Knights fans out there?). Then there are the countless hiking trails at Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire &/or the other multitude of beautiful outdoor areas. In addition, there’s a whole family-friendly side with awesome water parks like Wet ‘n Wild (only a few miles from my house!); so many outdoor parks within neighborhoods like Mountain’s Edge Exploration & Regional Parks, plus schools walking distance from home.
3. THE SHOPPING: Fashion Show Mall, Town Square, & Downtown Summerlin to name just a few incredible shopping centers.
4. Diversity of culture & people.
5. Cost of living/affordability. You can live luxuriously on a smaller budget than many other places. This doesn’t really fit the definition of “dynamic” – but it’s a definite plus!

A little background on my experience of moving here: I honestly strongly disliked the idea of living here when I followed my parents here back in 2002. I wanted to get a fresh start & move to beautiful Colorado; living a wholesome, healthy, clean life in the mountains (LOL) or somewhere with a progressive art/music scene. My #1 has actually always been New York. But, I tried it & couldn’t do it mainly because of the cost of living & at the time it was extremely tough to find a job (right after 9/11😒). In my 30’s at the time, I was also over the idea of the grueling lifestyle I would have had to live to make it in NY. And the winters there = nope. Competing for #1, has always been California. Who can beat the CA beaches! I did live in San Diego for a short stint. It was GORGEOUS, but too expensive to live comfortably (for me) – & well, honestly it just didn’t work out there. And actually here in Vegas, I’m only a few hours away! Back to my story, I’ve always been extraordinary close to my parents being an only child – Indian girl. After many attempts to move away from my home with them in Kansas, my Dad decided it was time for a change. He applied for jobs in Denver, Colorado (yes!), Las Vegas, & somewhere in California. And guess which one he accepted…you guessed it (for obvious reasons)….Sin City!😱 The exact OPPOSITE of the wholesome Colorado life I was hoping for. I actually cried when I found out😭😂. Fast-forward to the 18 hr. drive from Topeka, Kansas to Las Vegas, Nevada following my Dad in my little Toyota MR2 with Mini, my little Rat Terrier in my lap. I will never forget the moment we arrived here sometime in the evening. The air was pleasantly warm, palm trees hung overhead & mountains surrounded us. I thought, well – I can handle this! Anyway, instead of telling you my whole life story, in the almost 20 years living here my life has drastically improved, changed & grown. Mainly because wanted it to, but Vegas has also blessed me with opportunities & an environment (surprisingly) I have been able to flourish in. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “Adulting” can be challenging – however, that has little to do with location. Why dynamic? I say that because normally, you think of Vegas as “Sin City” right? Casinos, partying, gambling, scantly-clad women, bright lights, gaudy, & seedy. So, yeah, you’re right. It CAN be that. BUT, it is ALSO incredibly beautiful surrounded by mountains, open air,  sunshine all year-round, spectacular expansive lakes…not at all your typical idea of what Vegas would be. And THEN you have the HUGE variety of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, & a surprising number of family-friendly activities. As I have personally grown here, so has the city. As an artist (former – haven’t done anything in years!😒), I was desperately searching for the art & music scene upon arrival. I can’t say I found much back in 2002. However now? We are home to The Life is Beautiful Festival. Another huge addition to the art scene is the revamping of Downtown. “The Downtown Project was founded in January 2012 with a mission of accelerating the three C’s: collisions, co-learning, and connectedness. When the city focuses on these attributes, Las Vegas’ urban core, productivity, innovation, growth, and happiness will fall into place. The project has helped to revitalize the downtown area through investments in real estate development, small businesses and tech startups, arts, culture, and education.” (ogdenlv.com). Other benefits of  living here in Vegas:

1. It’s proximity to other awesome cities like San Diego & attractions like Zion National Park.
2. How the city never sleeps. (restaurants actually open after 10pm!)
3. Winters are bearable.
4. Very well-maintained & CLEAN.
5. Last but not least: the AMAZING sunsets.

I still love NY city, California beaches, & the Colorado mountains. But Vegas has given me opportunities & surprisingly an environment that has allowed me & pushed me to grow in ways I don’t know would have happen anywhere else. Who knew I would find that “wholesome, healthy, clean life in the mountains” – in Vegas! Anyways, hope you stick around as I look forward to sharing & exploring more with you as I have only scratched the surface of this dynamic city ✨ See you soon!❤️😊