Photos show what it's really like to live in Las Vegas, from grocery-store slot machines to tarantula sightings

Jena BrownJan 16, 2024, 07:00 IST

Like many other Vegas locals, I stay away from the Strip whenever possible.Jena Brown

I've lived in Las Vegas for more than 16 years, experiencing life in the city on and off the Strip.
Las Vegas Boulevard can get packed and dirty, so like many locals, I avoid spending much time there.

A neon oasis in a sprawling desert, Las Vegas is a city of contradictions. Known for its casinos, colossal hotels, and larger-than-life shows, the 24-hour city is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and a really unique place to live.

I moved to Vegas in 2007 and have lived here since. Nevada's peculiarities were familiar to me because I was born and raised in Reno, but still, I knew Vegas was a wild, weird city from the start.

Here's what it's like to live here 365 days a year.

The Strip has some incredible restaurants and shows, but the tourists make this area of Vegas almost impossible to enjoy.

Sometimes I can barely move on the Strip without running into someone.Jena Brown

The crowds often leave behind huge messes.

Las Vegas Boulevard is often filled with trash in the morning.Jena Brown

Many Vegas residents forego the Strip's resorts and get their gambling fix at local casinos.

Station Casinos are some of the most popular casinos among locals.Jena Brown

Slot machines are everywhere, including gas stations and grocery stores.

People can gamble outside of casinos, and many do.Jena Brown

Conventions bring people from all walks of life to Vegas.

This megalodon was part of the 7-Eleven convention.Jena Brown

If you plan on driving through Vegas, expect to deal with construction.

Traffic cones are everywhere in Vegas.Jena Brown

Because it's a 24-hour town, I run into performers day and night.

I ran into this Elvis impersonator at the grocery store.Jena Brown

Many people come to Vegas to wed, and some tie the knot in unexpected places.

The Denny's wedding package costs $200.Jena Brown

Because Vegas is known for its dry heat, many people don't realize it also gets snow and flash floods.

Most people are surprised by how cold it gets here in the winter.Jena Brown

The city is brimming with wildlife — I've seen cockroaches, rattlesnakes, bobcats, and tarantulas.

I always keep an eye out for wildlife during my walks, especially on desert trails.Jena Brown

Vegas has hard water, so many people install water softeners in their homes.

Vegas' primary water source is Lake Mead, and the city has one of the best water-reclamation systems.Jena Brown

I feel like I can't go anywhere in the desert without coming across people's trash.

I've passed furniture, clothes, and other household items in the desert.Jena Brown

Despite Vegas' quirks and strangeness, there's no denying that the city is gorgeous at night.

Watching the city skyline light up from a distance is magical.Jena Brown

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