LAS VEGAS
Introduction
Las Vegas is an exciting and growing city. More than 6000 people move to Las Vegas each month, and for good reason. Las Vegas is a lot more than just "the Strip." There is an entire city beyond the neon lights and glamour of the strip. The benefits of the strip are obvious: great food, shopping and nightlife. Vegas is truly more of a 24-hour city than New York, both on and off the strip. There are many also famous national and state parks less than a day's drive from Las Vegas. Finally, let's not forget the relatively low cost of living in Las Vegas as well as no state income tax in Nevada.
Las Vegas Blvd - "The Strip"
This is what everybody knows, and it is nice to have it nearby. Aside from gambling, the strip has many world class restaurants and nightclubs. All sorts of shows come to town... with some shows lingering around longer than others. Everything from magic to comedy, from has-been rock bands to Broadway musicals.
Click here for photos of "The Strip."
Stuff to do Outide of Las Vegas
There are plenty things to do outside of Vegas. There are many state and national parks within easy reach from Las Vegas. The more famous parks include the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. However, there are many other great hiking opportunities within a days trip from Vegas including Mt. Charleston, Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. There's even opportunity for watersports out here at the nearby Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. More unusual nearby stuff to do include exploring ghost towns and looking for UFOs near Area 51.
Many of the residents also head west to either San Diego or Los Angeles for their weekends.
Click here for photos of some of the nearby parks.
Visiting Las Vegas
Picking a Hotel
It's probably worth it to stay at a hotel on or near the strip and take a taxi to the School of Medicine for the interview. The closest major hotel to the School is the Palace Station at the corner of Rancho and Sahara. However, it's still approximately a mile away from the School and inconveniently located in relation to the strip. Generally, weekday rates are very reasonable, but you should book early as major conventions can quickly fill up the more prominent hotels. The links at the bottom of the page will provide a comprehensive listing of the hotels around town.
Arriving by Airplane
The airport that services Las Vegas is McCarran Airport. A taxi ride to the major hotels on the Strip will cost approximately ten dollars. There is also a convenient hotel shuttle that runs continuously to the major hotels and costs about $5. However, for the return trip to the airport you should book the shuttle ahead of time or take a taxi. It's probably not worth it to rent a car in Las Vegas unless you stay off the Strip or wish to make a circle around town to aquaint yourself with the rest of the city.
Getting to the School of Medicine
From either the I-15 or Las Vegas Blvd continue north from the Strip until you get to Charleston Blvd. one exit past Sahara. From the I-15 take the Charleston West Exit 40B as it loops around to the right along 20 feet of Grand Central Parkway, and then at the Charleston stoplight make a right turn heading West. From Las Vegas Blvd continue north past the Stratosphere and then past few blocks of single-floor businesses until you make a left onto Charleston. Once on Charleston, you will pass under the I-15 freeway and then through three stoplights. Continue past UMC hospital and past day surgery to make a right turn on Tonopah (Savon at the corner) and then another right towards the ER and park in visitor's parking.
The interview is on the third floor of the 2040 W. Charleston building at the corner of Charleston and Tonopah.
Living in Las Vegas
The cost of living in Vegas is very reasonable. Factor in the fact that there is no state or city income tax, and Las Vegas becomes even more attractive. Many of the residents have purchased homes here in town, but apartment rent is also very affordable. Las Vegas has many suburbs, but most residents choose to live in the newly developed Summerlin area, roughly nine miles west of the School of Medicine. For those who plan on settling in town, Las Vegas has well-funded public schools, as well as an excellent public library system.
Weather in Las Vegas
Yes, it's hot in Las Vegas. We are, after all, in the middle of the Mojave Desert. However, the hospitals, clinics, and lecture rooms are all well air conditioned. Furthermore, rest assured that you will always have covered parking unless you arrive later than you should be arriving. It is a dry heat, and you will get accustomed to it. While it is hot in the daytime, we have many perfect evenings. Even winter is not so bad, and Vegas has a population of "snowbird" people who migrate to Las Vegas each winter. It doesn't rain much here in Vegas either, and it usually seems to come in isolated sporadic thunderstorms.
Las Vegas Links
Vegas.com - good source for hotel bookings and general tourist info
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerace - good overall history and general guide to Las Vegas
Las Vegas Weekly - weekly update of entertainment and nightlife around the city
Las Vegas Citylife - another entertainment and nightlife website
Las Vegas Review Journal - the local newspaper online edition
SunsetCities.com - apartment listings site but good overall LV info as well
homestore.com - finding an apartment in town
* clicking on link opens in new window
