Las Vegas has come a long way from the small mission established in the 1850s to teach agriculture to the local Native Americans.  Today, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the population of the greater Las Vegas area is nearing the two million mark.  The city is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country, with approximately 6,000 people moving into the area each month.  But the city’s growth is measured by more than just population.  A U.S. News & World Report article observed that “Las Vegas is doing what democratic culture does, only more rapidly and intensely:  leveling class distinctions and demolishing cultural ones.”

Outlook Magazine named Las Vegas as one of the top five cities in the country in which to live.  Low humidity along with ideal spring and fall temperatures make Las Vegas’ climate very attractive.  While the city is well known for its very warm summers, the average year round temperature is 80 degrees.  Las Vegas is one of the sunniest cities in the United States — with over 300 days of sunshine per year.

In addition to unparalleled entertainment, luxury resorts and world class dining found on the Las Vegas Strip, the city offers a full range of natural attractions and activities, from fishing and sailing on Lake Mead, to skiing at Mt. Charleston, to hiking in spectacular Red Rock Canyon.  The city and county offer over 90 parks, 25 golf courses and an extensive library system.  In addition, the city is home to the Las Vegas 51s, the top minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL professional hockey league, and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League.

The city is within easy reach of the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Lake Tahoe.  World class skiing and snowboarding at Utah, Nevada, and California resorts are a few hours drive away.  Las Vegas’ geographic location allows residents to take quick and inexpensive getaways to Phoenix, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Denver.

Las Vegas is also home to diverse cultural institutions including the Nevada Philharmonic, the Nevada Symphony Orchestra and the Nevada Ballet Theatre.  The Performing Arts Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas consistently offers world- renowned artists during its year long Charles Vanda Master Series, which has recently hosted Itzhak Perlman, the Moscow State Radio Symphony & Chorus and the New York Philharmonic.