Life in Southern Nevada

Life in Southern Nevada
Newcomers to the area will find unparalleled diversity, excitement and opportunity in the communities surrounding Nellis Air Force Base. The following pages are designed to provide newcomers with information to make their transition to Nellis enjoyable, including tips for entertainment and adventure, local area overviews and practical information such as local utility services. Newcomers are also encouraged to check out the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce website, www.lvchamber.com.

Local Area Overview
Clark County has come a long way since Montana William Clark first purchased 2,000 acres of land and its water rights in 1902, in what is now downtown Las Vegas. Today, Clark County accounts for more than 68 percent of Nevada's population. With a booming population of 2 million, Clark County is home to several diverse, self-contained cities with independent city governments, police and fire departments, hospitals and school systems. The 8,000-square-mile county is (Photo by Peter Short) also home to 14 of the 15 largest hotels in the nation.

Las Vegas
Over the last decade, Las Vegas has been one of the fastest-growing and progressive metropolitan areas in the country. Founded in 1905, Las Vegas is slightly more than 100 years old, but has been transformed from a remote desert gaming community to a thriving metropolis. Although 43 million visitors annually come to Las Vegas for glitz and adventure, more than 550,000 residents consider Las Vegas to be a wonderful place to raise their families and enjoy a high quality of life.

North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas has successfully created an identity that is uniquely separate from its more famous neighbor to the south. North Las Vegas, now home to more than 200,000 residents, encompasses an area of nearly 82 square miles. With more than 1,300 acres of industrial parks, North Las Vegas is known as a business-friendly city with residential development on the rise.

Henderson
Henderson is 13 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas via U.S. 93/95. Featuring the Galleria Mall, Arroyo Grande Sports Complex, the Henderson Executive Airport and a population of more than 260,000 residents, it's a nearby community that continues to grow.

Boulder City
Boulder City is 25 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas and 10 miles southeast of Henderson. Originated in the 1930s as a housing community for the 4,000 employees working on Boulder Dam, today its 15,000 residents enjoy lush parks, a small-town atmosphere and a host of outdoor recreational opportunities. It is also the only city in Nevada without gaming.

Mesquite
Situated 79 miles northeast of Las Vegas on I-15, Mesquite was originally founded by Mormon farmers who took advantage of the Virgin River's fertile soil. With a population of more than 19,000, the city is home to numerous casino resorts and golf courses.

Activities & Entertainment in Southern Nevada
For years, when people thought of Las Vegas attractions, they inevitably focused on the city's two resort corridors, with their world-class hotels, restaurants and gaming. But today, the entertainment scene in Las Vegas includes a variety of diverse pursuits. Music emanates from every corner of the city, from casino lounges to concert halls. A thriving local arts scene is yet another sign of the city's continuing cultural growth, and sporting events, theme parks and other attractions draw visitors from around the world.

Shopping
Shopping malls are becoming as common in Las Vegas resorts as slot machines. The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace and the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood, both set in remarkable, themed mega resorts, feature shopping opportunities that rival any mall in America. Other shopping centers in the city may not be as flamboyant, but a variety of department stores, specialty shops and outlet malls are represented.

FAMILY FUN
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
This five-acre theme park is contained within a climate-controlled dome that features water rides, a roller coaster, laser tag and animated dinosaurs.

Dansey's Indoor R/C & Hobbies
In addition to its indoor, off-road track for radio-controlled cars, Dansey's also features R/C boats, cars and planes, and other action-oriented interests.

Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
This seven-acre park features the longest Go Kart Track in Nevada. The track offers grand prix racing in adult minicars, which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, go-carts and kiddie go-carts.

The Strip
The heart of the Entertainment Capital of the World, the Strip consists of the 3.5 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard from the Sahara Hotel to the Mandalay Bay Resort.

Mountasia Family Fun Center
This family entertainment center includes two mini golf courses, roller skating, rollerblading, bumper boats and more than 100 video games.

Museums
Las Vegas is known for its entertainment diversity that both delights and educates those who visit. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art includes paintings and sculptures from such renowned artists as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. The Las Vegas Art Museum and the Lost City Museum of Archaeology also provide wonderful venues for art aficionados.

Stratosphere Tower
This 120-story tower features indoor and outdoor observation decks; Insanity, the Ride; XSCREAM and Big Shot, the world's highest thrill ride. New additions include a 24-story tower with more than 1,000 new hotel rooms and 100 suites, as well as a 67,000- square-foot pool and recreation deck.

Star Trek: The Experience
This Las Vegas Hilton attraction includes an interactive motion simulator, a re-creation of the Deep Space Nine promenade, a restaurant and an unparalleled collection of Star Trek memorabilia.

Spectator Sports
Sports fans who prefer the bleachers to the playing field can enjoy Las Vegas 51s Triple-A baseball in the spring and summer; and University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball in the winter. Fans can also enjoy the Las Vegas Wranglers, the city's minor league ice hockey team.

OUTDOOR RECREATION
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red rock formations and desert scenery attract thousands of bicycle enthusiasts to the 13-mile loop road that winds along the western border of the Las Vegas Valley.

Skiing
Located 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas, visitors can discover Mount Charleston's numerous hiking trails, campsites, picnic spots and snow skiing opportunities among the 300,000 acres of forestland. Fabulous ski facilities can also be discovered at Brian Head Resort, Inc., Elk Meadows Resort and Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

SOUTHERN NEVADA
Zoological Park
The zoological park is home to exotic animals from all over the world, including the last family of Barbary apes in the United States. A petting zoo and a gift shop are also available at the park.

Valley of Fire State Park
Dedicated in 1935 as Nevada's first state park, this 56,000-acre wilderness area features extraordinarily colorful rock formations, Native American petroglyphs and year-round campsites.

Hoover Dam (Boulder City)
Located 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas on U.S. 93, Hoover Dam turns the raging waters of the Colorado River into the still waters of Lake Mead. One of the world's largest manmade lakes extends 110 miles north from Hoover Dam. The recreation area attracts more than 8 million visitors annually for swimming, boating, skiing, fishing and camping.  read more...

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