Common Las Vegas Landscaping Fallacies You Should Avoid
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Misunderstanding the Importance of Proper Soil Preparation
In the world of landscape designing, its a common fallacy that Las Vegas, with its predominantly arid climate, doesnt require much attention when it comes to soil preparation. Best vegas landscapers Nevada. Many homeowners in Sin City often underestimate the importance of proper soil preparation, leading to less than satisfactory results in their landscaping attempts. This, dear reader, is a grave mistake!
You see, soil isnt just dirt. Its a complex ecosystem, teeming with life (microorganisms, earthworms, etc.), rich in nutrients, and plays a fundamental role in plant growth. Regardless of whether youre in the Mojave Desert or the lush Oregon forests, proper soil preparation is an absolute must-do for a successful landscaping project.
"But, its just desert sand!" you might exclaim. Well, thats where the misunderstanding lies. The soil in Las Vegas, though sandy and dry, can still be conditioned to support plant life. And no, its not as simple as just adding water.
Soil preparation involves several steps like breaking up the soil, adding organic matter (compost, for instance), and ensuring proper pH levels. This process is vital in creating a hospitable environment for plant roots to grow and flourish. Without this, your plants wont have the nutrients they need to thrive, let alone survive.
Uh-oh, did I hear you say, "I dont need to do all that! I can just buy pre-grown plants and stick them in the ground." Thats another misunderstanding right there! Even with pre-grown plants, theyll still need good soil to continue growing. You cant just negate the importance of soil preparation.
In conclusion, dont fall prey to the common fallacy that Las Vegas soil doesnt need preparation for landscaping. Its a vital step, regardless of the type of soil or the climate. So next time you plan on sprucing up your yard, remember to give your soil the love and preparation it deserves. Your plants will thank you for it!
Ignoring the Role of Native Plants in Landscaping
Landscaping in Las Vegas! Boy, its a tricky business, aint it? Everyones got their own idea of what makes for good landscaping, but there are some common misconceptions that can lead you astray. One of the most prevalent, and frankly most damaging, is the neglect of native plants. Now, you might be thinking, "But I want my yard to look unique, not like the desert outside!" Well, let me tell you, ignoring the role of native plants is not the way to do it.
First off, lets bust the myth that native plants are not attractive. Have you ever seen a blooming Desert Marigold or a Red Yucca in full flourish? Theyre stunning! And theyre not just eye-candy either. These plants have adapted to the harsh desert climate over thousands of years (yes, you read that right). Theyve got what it takes to survive in Las Vegas, unlike the non-native species that are often marketed as "easy-to-grow."
Non-native plants might look nice when you first plant em, but remember, theyre not used to the arid conditions here. So, when the summer heat hits, theyre likely to wilt and die unless you shower them with care (and water). On the other hand, native plants require far less maintenance. Theyre used to the drought, theyre used to the heat, theyre used to the soil.
And its not only about the look or the maintenance. By using native plants, youre protecting the local ecosystem. Birds, insects, and small animals have evolved alongside these plants. They rely on them for food and shelter. By choosing non-native plants, youre effectively turning them away, destroying the balance of nature.
Now, Im not saying that you shouldnt use non-native plants at all. Variety is the spice of life, after all. But completely ignoring the role of native plants? Thats not just a fallacy, its a huge mistake.
So, next time youre planning your landscaping, give a thought to the humble native plants.
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Theyre not just survivors; theyre a vital part of our environment. And remember, landscaping is not just about creating a pretty picture. Its about creating a sustainable, balanced ecosystem that can thrive in the long term. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise!
Believing that All Plants Can Survive the Desert Heat
Ahem, lets talk about a common misconception that most people have when theyre landscaping their new homes in Las Vegas. They seem to believe that, get this, all plants can survive the desert heat! I mean, come on, were not talking about a mild summer here. Its the desert heat, for goodness sake.
But, (and its a big but), thats not the case at all. Not all plants can withstand the intense heat. Its a fallacy, a myth, and its time we debunked it.
Firstly, theres a wide variety of plants (were talking thousands, folks), each with unique characteristics and adaptabilities. Some plants thrive in the cold, while others flourish in tropical climates. Then, there are those plants that are adapted to survive in the desert. But heres the thing, not every plant falls into that last category.
Cacti, for instance, are true desert survivors. Theyve adapted to store water in their thick, fleshy tissues. But, you cant expect the same from a rose bush or a fern, can you? They need a certain amount of water and humidity to survive, something thats not readily available in a desert environment.
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Another misconception is that the desert is always hot. Thats not true either. Deserts can be brutally cold at night, and not all plants can handle these temperature fluctuations.
So, the next time you have the urge to create a lush green paradise in your Las Vegas backyard, remember this: not all plants are cut out for the desert life. Research before you plant; choose the right species that can thrive in the desert environment. Itll save you considerable time, effort, and lets not forget, money.
And hey, dont be disheartened. Theres plenty of beautiful desert-adapted plants out there. Your garden can still be a sight to behold. Just be mindful of what you plant, and where.
In conclusion, dont fall for the fallacy that all plants can survive the desert heat. Its not true, its not practical, and its certainly not the best landscaping approach for Las Vegas homes.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance for a Healthy Landscape
Oh boy, the city of Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, but theres a hidden side that many people dont notice - its unique landscaping scene. Yes, you heard it right! The city is a haven for green thumbs. However, theres one fallacy thats prevalent among homeowners in the city - neglecting regular maintenance for a healthy landscape. Its a common misconception that people should avoid.
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Now, dont get me wrong. I get it, were all busy. Between juggling work, family, and social commitments, maintaining your garden can feel like a chore (a time-consuming one at that!). Yet, its worth noting that this neglect can lead to a whole host of problems.
Regular maintenance is not only necessary, but its also crucial for a healthy and vibrant landscape. And folks, lets not forget - were not just talking about aesthetics here. Sure, a well-maintained garden looks pleasing to the eyes, but theres more to it than just that!
Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to an unhealthy landscape - think infestations, diseases, and overgrowth. Aint that a nightmare? And trust me, once these problems take root (pun intended), they can be a pain to deal with.
And hey, lets not even talk about the impact on property value. A well-maintained landscape can boost your property value, while a neglected one can do just the opposite.
So, whats the solution? Regular maintenance! It may seem like a hassle, but its an investment in the long run. Pruning, watering, fertilizing - these arent just chores, theyre essential for a healthy landscape.
A word of caution though - dont fall into the trap of overdoing it. Balance is key. Overwatering or overfertilizing can harm your plants, too. Its all about finding the right balance (and schedule!).
The bottom line is, neglecting regular maintenance for a healthy landscape is a fallacy that should be avoided. Its not an option, but a necessity. So, lets roll up our sleeves and get to work! After all, a healthy landscape isnt just a sight for sore eyes, its also a boon for your property value. And that, my friends, is a win-win situation!
Paradise is an unincorporated town[2] and census-designated place (CDP) in Clark County, Nevada, United States, adjacent to the city of Las Vegas. It was formed on December 8, 1950. Its population was 191,238 at the 2020 census, making it the fifth-most-populous CDP in the United States; if it were an incorporated city, it would be the fifth-largest in Nevada.[3] As an unincorporated town, it is governed by the Clark County Commission with input from the Paradise Town Advisory Board.
The southern part of the Las Vegas Valley was referred to as Paradise Valley as early as 1910, owing to a high water table that made the land particularly fertile for farming.[5][6] County commissioners established a Paradise school district in 1914.[7]
Neighborhoods on the east side of Paradise
In 1950, mayor Ernie Cragin of Las Vegas sought to annex the Las Vegas Strip, which was unincorporated territory, in order to expand the city's tax base to fund his ambitious building agenda and pay down the city's rising debt.[8] A group of casino executives, led by Gus Greenbaum of the Flamingo, lobbied the county commissioners for town status, which would prevent the city from annexing the land without the commission's approval.[8] The commission voted to create the unincorporated town of Paradise on December 8, 1950.[9][10] The town encompassed a strip one mile (1.6 km) wide and four miles (6.4 km) long, from the southern city limits of Las Vegas to just south of the Flamingo.[10] The town board initially consisted of five casino managers, chaired by Greenbaum.[10][11]
A month after its establishment, the town was expanded to include the residential areas of Paradise Valley, giving it a total area of 54 square miles (140 km2).[11] Months later, however, it was reported that county officials had determined that the town had not been properly established because the petition for the town's formation had an insufficient number of signatures and because it had violated a state law forbidding formation of a town spanning multiple school districts.[12] On August 20, 1951, county commissioners accepted petitions to create two new towns covering the area of the putative town.[13] Town "A" of Paradise included the areas that lay within a Las Vegas school district, extending from the city limits to a point one mile south, while Town "B" included the areas within the Paradise school district.[12]
In 1953, Town A was renamed as Winchester, and Town B became known simply as Paradise.[14]
In 1975, Nevada enacted a law that would have incorporated Paradise (along with Sunrise Manor and Winchester) into the City of Las Vegas.[15] Before it could take effect, however, the bill was struck down as unconstitutional by the Nevada Supreme Court.[16][17]
The deadliest fire that occurred in the entire Las Vegas Valley was the MGM Grand fire on November 21, 1980. In the early morning hours, a deli counter had an electrical short that resulted in a fire in the walls of the hotel. The MGM Grand was built to the fire code of 1973, which did not require sprinkler systems, so sprinklers were only installed in the kitchens and theater. The fire traveled in the walls of the hotel damaging the fire alarm system.[18] As the fire burned, toxic smoke entered the ventilation system traveling to the rooms of the hotel. Guests broke windows to get fresh air, while waiting for rescue from firemen. Eighty-five people died in the fire, with two more dying later, bringing the death toll to 87 people. In addition to those who died, nearly 700 people were injured in the fire.[19] This fire contributed to a widespread change in the requirements for fire safety in hotels.[19]
On October 1, 2017, the deadliest mass shooting in the United States by a lone gunman occurred in Paradise when 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Strip from his 32nd-floor suite in the Mandalay Bay hotel.[20] He fired more than 1,000 rounds, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413 others.[21] The ensuing panic brought the total number of injured to approximately 867. About an hour later, he was found dead in his room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.[22]
On January 1, 2025, at approximately 8:39 a.m. (PST), an IED exploded in a Tesla Cybertruck parked outside the main entrance of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas in Paradise. The driver and alleged perpetrator was Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an American-born, active-duty United States Army Special Forces soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado.[23] He was on leave from overseas duty and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head immediately before the explosion.[23] Seven bystanders were injured by the blast.[23] Authorities found that the vehicle contained firework mortars and gas canisters, which had fueled the explosion and fire. Per a note from Livelsberger's "the explosion was a stunt meant to be a 'wake up call' for the nation’s troubles".[24]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the census-designated place (CDP) of Paradise (which may not coincide exactly with the town boundaries) has a total area of 46.7 square miles (121 km2), all of it land.
The official town boundaries are bordered by Desert Inn Road to the north, Nellis Boulevard to the east, Sunset Road to the south and Decatur Boulevard to the west. There is a southern finger between Bermuda Road and Eastern Avenue south to Silverado Ranch Boulevard. South of Russell Road, the eastern border stairsteps on a rough 45-degree angle toward the corner of Eastern and Robindale Road, and there is an additional finger surrounding Interstate 215 east to St. Rose Parkway.[25]
As of the census[28] of 2000, there were 186,070 people, 77,209 households, and 43,314 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,947.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,524.1/km2). There were 85,398 housing units at an average density of 1,811.6 per square mile (699.5/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 72.51% White, 6.59% African American, 0.77% Native American, 6.52% Asian, 0.59% Pacific Islander, 8.37% from other races, and 4.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.47% of the population.
In 2020 there were 80,732 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.6% were married couples living together, 29.4% had a female householder with no partner present, and 30.8% had a male householder with no partner present. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[27]
In the CDP, 21.4% was under the age of 19, 7% from 20 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 20 and over, there were 105.4 males.[27]
The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,032. The median income for a family was $61,743 versus $72,654 for married couple families. The per capita income for the CDP was $68,858. 16.8% of the population and 11.8% of families were below the poverty line. 15.5% of males were living below the poverty line versus 18.2% of females. 19.3% of families with children under the age of 18 and 5.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.[27]
Also, since 2004, the Las Vegas Summer League, organized by the National Basketball Association (NBA), is played in the Thomas & Mack Center and in the Cox Pavilion.[37] Many NCAA College Basketball Tournament conferences are also hosted at the Thomas & Mack Center in March every year.[38]
Since 1985, almost every December the National Finals Rodeo has been held at the Thomas & Mack Center. The one exception was in 2020, when the event was held in Arlington, Texas, at Globe Life Field due to public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.[39] The contract extension signed in June 2024 means that the finals will continue to be held at the Thomas & Mack Center until at least 2035.[40]
Paradise has also been the site of many prominent combat sports events, such as boxing and MMA, with Las Vegas being considered by many as the "fight capital of the world."[42]
"Vegas", "Sin City", "City of Lights", "The Gambling Capital of the World",[1] "The Entertainment Capital of the World', "Capital of Second Chances",[2] "The Marriage Capital of the World", "The Silver City", "America's Playground", "Hawaii's Ninth Island"[3][4]
Las Vegas was settled in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1911.[10] At the close of the 20th century, it was the most populated North American city founded within that century. Population growth has accelerated since the 1960s and into the 21st century, and between 1990 and 2000 the population increased by 85.2%.
In 1829, Mexican trader and explorer Antonio Armijo led a group consisting of 60 men and 100 mules along the Old Spanish Trail from modern day New Mexico to California. Along the way, the group stopped in what would become Las Vegas and noted its natural water sources, now referred to as the Las Vegas Springs, which supported extensive vegetation such as grasses and mesquite trees. The springs were a significant natural feature in the valley, with streams that supported a meadow ecosystem. This region served as the winter residence for the Southern Paiute people, who utilized the area's resources before moving to higher elevations during the summer months. The Spanish "las vegas" or "the meadows" (more precisely, lower land near a river) in English, was applied to describe the fertile lowlands near the springs. Over time, the name began to refer to the populated settlement.[17][18][19]
Eleven years later, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose Las Vegas as the site to build a fort halfway between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, where they would travel to gather supplies. The fort was abandoned several years afterward. The remainder of this Old Mormon Fort can still be seen at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue.
Las Vegas was founded as a city in 1905, when 110 acres (45 ha) of land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned in what would become the downtown area. In 1911, Las Vegas was incorporated as a city.[24]
The year 1931 was pivotal for Las Vegas. At that time, Nevada legalized casino gambling[25] and reduced residency requirements for divorce to six weeks.[26] This year also witnessed the beginning of construction of the tunnels of nearby Hoover Dam. The influx of construction workers and their families helped Las Vegas avoid economic calamity during the Great Depression. The construction work was completed in 1935.
Following World War II, lavishly decorated hotels, gambling casinos, and big-name entertainment became synonymous with Las Vegas.
This view of downtown Las Vegas shows a mushroom cloud in the background. Scenes such as this were typical during the 1950s. From 1951 to 1962, the government conducted 100 atmospheric tests at the nearby Nevada Test Site.[28]
In 1951, nuclear weapons testing began at the Nevada Test Site, 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Las Vegas. During this time, the city was nicknamed the "Atomic City." Residents and visitors were able to witness the mushroom clouds (and were exposed to the fallout) until 1963 when the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty required that nuclear tests be moved underground.[28]
In 1955, the Moulin Rouge Hotel opened and became the first racially integrated casino-hotel in Las Vegas.
During the 1960s, corporations and business tycoons such as Howard Hughes were building and buying hotel-casino properties. Gambling was referred to as "gaming," which transitioned it into a legitimate business. Learning from Las Vegas, published during this era, asked architects to take inspiration from the city's highly decorated buildings, helping to start the postmodern architecture movement.
In 1995, the Fremont Street Experience opened in Las Vegas's downtown area. This canopied five-block area features 12.5 million LED lights and 550,000 watts of sound from dusk until midnight during shows held at the top of each hour.
Las Vegas is situated in a basin on the floor of the Mojave Desert,[31] and is surrounded by mountain ranges. Much of the landscape is rocky and arid, with desert vegetation and wildlife. It can be subjected to torrential flash floods, although much has been done to mitigate the effects of flash floods through improved drainage systems.[32]
The city's elevation is approximately 2,030 ft (620 m) above sea level, though the surrounding peaks reach elevations of over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and act as barriers to the strong flow of moisture from the surrounding area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 135.86 sq mi (351.9 km2), of which 135.81 sq mi (351.7 km2) is land and 0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2) (0.03%) is water.
After Alaska and California, Nevada is the third most seismically active state in the U.S. It has been estimated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) that over the next 50 years, there is a 10–20% chance of an M6.0 or greater earthquake occurring within 50 km (31 mi) of Las Vegas.[33]
Within the city are many lawns, trees, and other greenery. Due to water resource issues, there has been a movement to encourage xeriscapes. Another part of conservation efforts is scheduled watering days for residential landscaping. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant in 2008 funded a program that analyzed and forecast growth and environmental effects through 2019.[34]
Las Vegas has a subtropicalhot desert climate (Köppen climate classification: BWh, Trewartha climate classificationBWhk), typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies. This climate is typified by long, extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. There is abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 310 sunny days and bright sunshine during 86% of all daylight hours.[35][36] Rainfall is scarce, with an average of 4.2 in (110 mm) dispersed between roughly 26 total rainy days per year.[37] Las Vegas is among the sunniest, driest, and least humid locations in North America, with exceptionally low dew points and humidity that sometimes remains below 10%.[38]
The summer months of June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by the low humidity levels. July is the hottest month, with an average daytime high of 104.5 °F (40.3 °C). On average, 137 days per year reach or exceed 90 °F (32 °C), of which 78 days reach 100 °F (38 °C) and 10 days reach 110 °F (43 °C). During the peak intensity of summer, overnight lows frequently remain above 80 °F (27 °C), and occasionally above 85 °F (29 °C).[35]
While most summer days are consistently hot, dry, and cloudless, the North American Monsoon sporadically interrupts this pattern and brings more cloud cover, thunderstorms, lightning, increased humidity, and brief spells of heavy rain. Potential monsoons affect Las Vegas between July and August. Summer in Las Vegas is marked by significant diurnal temperature variation. While less extreme than other parts of the state, nighttime lows in Las Vegas are often 30 °F (16.7 °C) or more lower than daytime highs.[39] The average hottest night of the year is 90 °F (32 °C). The all-time record is at 95 °F (35 °C).[35]
Las Vegas winters are relatively short, with typically mild daytime temperatures and chilly nights. Sunshine is abundant in all seasons. December is both the year's coolest and cloudiest month, with an average daytime high of 56.9 °F (13.8 °C) and sunshine occurring during 78% of its daylight hours. Winter evenings are defined by clear skies and swift drops in temperature after sunset, with overnight minima averaging around 40 °F (4.4 °C) in December and January. Owing to its elevation that ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 feet (610 to 910 m), Las Vegas experiences markedly cooler winters than other areas of the Mojave Desert and the adjacent Sonoran Desert that are closer to sea level. The city records freezing temperatures an average of 10 nights per winter. It is exceptionally rare for temperatures to reach or fall below 25 °F (−4 °C).[35]
Climate chart for Las Vegas
Most of the annual precipitation falls during the winter. February, the wettest month, averages only four days of measurable rain. The mountains immediately surrounding the Las Vegas Valley accumulate snow every winter, but significant accumulation within the city is rare, although moderate accumulations occur every few years. The most recent accumulations occurred on February 18, 2019, when parts of the city received about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of snow[40] and on February 20 when the city received almost 0.5 inches (1.3 cm).[41] Other recent significant snow accumulations occurred on December 25, 2015, and December 17, 2008.[42] Unofficially, Las Vegas's largest snowfall on record was the 12 inches (30 cm) that fell in 1909.[43] In recent times, ice days have not occurred, although 29 °F (−2 °C) was measured in 1963.[35] On average the coldest day is 44 °F (7 °C).[35]
The highest temperature officially observed for Las Vegas is 120 °F (48.9 °C), as measured at Harry Reid International Airport on July 7, 2024.[35][44] The lowest temperature was 8 °F (−13 °C), recorded on two days: January 25, 1937, and January 13, 1963.[35] The official record hot daily minimum is 95 °F (35 °C) on July 19, 2005, and July 1, 2013. The official record cold daily maximum is 28 °F (−2 °C) on January 8 and 21, 1937.[35] July 2024 was the hottest month ever recorded in Las Vegas, with its highest recorded mean daily average temperature over the month of 99.9 °F (38 °C), its highest recorded mean daily maximum temperature of 111.5 °F (44 °C), and its highest recorded mean nightly minimum temperature of 88.3 °F (31 °C).[45]
Due to concerns about climate change in the wake of a 2002 drought, daily water consumption has been reduced from 314 US gallons (1,190 L) per resident in 2003 to around 205 US gallons (780 L) in 2015.[46]
Las Vegas, Nevada – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Approximately 5.8% of residents are under the age of five, 22.8% under the age of eighteen and 15.6% over 65 years old. Females are 50.0% of the total population.[53]
Map of racial distribution in the Las Vegas area, 2020 U.S. Census. Each dot is 25 people:
⬤ White
⬤ Black
⬤ Asian
⬤ Hispanic
⬤ Native American
⬤ Mixed or Other
From 2019 to 2023, Las Vegas had approximately 244,429 households, with an average of 2.63 persons per household. About 55.7% of housing units were owner-occupied, and the median value of owner-occupied housing was $395,300. Median gross rent during this period was $1,456 per month (in 2023 dollars).[53]
The median household income in Las Vegas from 2019 to 2023 was $70,723, while the per capita income was $38,421 (in 2023 dollars). Approximately 14.2% of the population lived below the poverty line during the same period.[53]
About 33.0% of residents aged 5 and older speak a language other than English at home. 20.9% of residents are foreign-born.[53]
The mean travel time to work for residents aged 16 and older was approximately 25.8 minutes between 2019 and 2023. The vast majority of households in Las Vegas are digitally connected, with 95.6% having a computer and 89.1% subscribing to broadband internet services.
Filipinos make up the largest Asian population in Las Vegas. 31,931 Filipinos live within the city limits, making up 4.8% of the population.[54] In the Las Vegas area as a whole, there are 162,802 Filipinos, making up 7% of the population.[55] Native Hawaiians are also a major demographic in the city, numbering 20,829 in the city and surrounding suburbs,[56] with some Hawaiians and Las Vegas residents calling the city the "ninth island of Hawaii" due to the major influx of Hawaiians to Vegas.[57]
According to a 2004 study, Las Vegas has one of the highest divorce rates.[58][59] The city's high divorce rate is not wholly due to Las Vegans themselves getting divorced. Compared to other states, Nevada's nonrestrictive requirements for divorce result in many couples temporarily moving to Las Vegas in order to get divorced.[60] Similarly, Nevada marriage requirements are equally lax resulting in one of the highest marriage rates of U.S. cities, with many licenses issued to people from outside the area (see Las Vegas weddings).[60]
According to the 2010 Census, the city of Las Vegas had a population of 583,756. The city's racial composition had shifted slightly, with 47.91% of the population identifying as White alone (non-Hispanic), 10.63% as Black or African American alone (non-Hispanic), 0.41% as Native American or Alaska Native alone (non-Hispanic), 5.93% as Asian alone (non-Hispanic), 0.53% as Pacific Islander alone (non-Hispanic), 0.19% as Other Race alone (non-Hispanic), and 2.91% as Mixed race or Multiracial (non-Hispanic). Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race represented 31.50% of the population.[51]
According to the 2000 census, Las Vegas had a population of 474,434 people. The racial makeup of the city was 58.52% White alone (non-Hispanic), 10.19% Black or African American alone (non-Hispanic), 0.51% Native American or Alaska Native alone (non-Hispanic), 4.72% Asian alone (non-Hispanic), 0.41% Pacific Islander alone (non-Hispanic), 0.14% Other Race alone (non-Hispanic), and 2.52% Mixed race or Multiracial (non-Hispanic). Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up 23.81% of the population.[50]
The major attractions in Las Vegas are the casinos and the hotels, although in recent years other new attractions have begun to emerge.
Most casinos in the downtown area are on Fremont Street, with The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod as one of the few exceptions. Fremont East, adjacent to the Fremont Street Experience, was granted variances to allow bars to be closer together, similar to the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, the goal being to attract a different demographic than the Strip attracts.
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, downtown along the Fremont Street Experience, is the oldest continuously operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas; it opened in 1906 as the Hotel Nevada.
The center of the gambling and entertainment industry is the Las Vegas Strip, outside the city limits in the surrounding unincorporated communities of Paradise and Winchester in Clark County. Some of the largest casinos and buildings are there.[69]
In 1929, the city installed a welcome arch over Fremont Street, at the corner of Main Street.[70][71][72] It remained in place until 1931.[73][74]
In 1959, the 25-foot-tall (7.6 m) Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was installed at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. A replica welcome sign, standing nearly 16 feet (4.9 m) tall, was installed within city limits in 2002, at Las Vegas Boulevard and Fourth Street.[75][76][77] The replica was destroyed in 2016, when a pickup truck crashed into it.[78]
In 2018, the city approved plans for a new gateway landmark in the form of neon arches. It was built within city limits, in front of the Strat resort and north of Sahara Avenue.[79] The project, built by YESCO, cost $6.5 million and stands 80 feet (24 m) high.[80] Officially known as the Gateway Arches, the project was completed in 2020. The steel arches are blue during the day, and light up in a variety of colors at night.[81]
Also located just north of the Strat are a pair of giant neon showgirls, initially added in 2018 as part of a $400,000 welcome display. The original showgirls were 25 feet (7.6 m) tall, but were replaced by new ones in 2022, rising 50 feet (15 m).[82][83] The originals were refurbished following weather damage and installed at the Las Vegas Arts District.[83][84]
When The Mirage opened in 1989, it started a trend of major resort development on the Las Vegas Strip outside of the city. This resulted in a drop in tourism in the downtown area, but many recent projects have increased the number of visitors to downtown.
An effort has been made by city officials to diversify the economy by attracting health-related, high-tech and other commercial interests. No state tax for individuals or corporations, as well as a lack of other forms of business-related taxes, have aided the success of these efforts.[85]
The Fremont Street Experience was built in an effort to draw tourists back to the area and has been popular since its startup in 1995.
In 2005, the World Market Center opened, consisting of three large buildings taking up 5,400,000 square feet (500,000 m2). Trade shows for the furniture and furnishing industries are held there semiannually.[89]
Also nearby is the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. With a second expansion, completed in May 2015, the mall currently offers 175 stores.[90]
City offices moved to a new Las Vegas City Hall in February 2013 on downtown's Main Street. The former city hall building is now occupied by the corporate headquarters for the online retailer Zappos.com, which opened downtown in 2013. Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh took an interest in the urban area and contributed $350 million toward a revitalization effort called the Downtown Project.[91][92] Projects funded include Las Vegas's first independent bookstore, The Writer's Block.[93]
A number of new industries have moved to Las Vegas in recent decades. Zappos.com (now an Amazon subsidiary) was founded in San Francisco but by 2013 had moved its headquarters to downtown Las Vegas. Allegiant Air, a low-cost air carrier, launched in 1997 with its first hub at Harry Reid International Airport and headquarters in nearby Summerlin.
A growing population means the Las Vegas Valley used 1.2 billion US gal (4.5 billion L) more water in 2014 than in 2011. Although water conservation efforts implemented in the wake of a 2002 drought have had some success, local water consumption remains 30 percent greater than in Los Angeles, and over three times that of San Francisco metropolitan area residents. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is building a $1.4 billion tunnel and pumping station to bring water from Lake Mead, has purchased water rights throughout Nevada, and has planned a controversial $3.2 billion pipeline across half the state. By law, the Las Vegas Water Service District "may deny any request for a water commitment or request for a water connection if the District has an inadequate supply of water." But limiting growth on the basis of an inadequate water supply has been unpopular with the casino and building industries.[46]
The city is home to several museums, including the Neon Museum (the location for many of the historical signs from Las Vegas's mid-20th century heyday), The Mob Museum, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Discovery Children's Museum, the Nevada State Museum and the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park.
The city is home to an extensive Downtown Arts District, which hosts numerous galleries and events including the annual Las Vegas Film Festival. "First Friday" is a monthly celebration that includes arts, music, special presentations and food in a section of the city's downtown region called 18b, The Las Vegas Arts District.[96] The festival extends into the Fremont East Entertainment District.[97] The Thursday evening before First Friday is known in the arts district as "Preview Thursday," which highlights new gallery exhibitions throughout the district.[98]
Las Vegas has earned the moniker "Gambling Capital of the World," as it has the world's most land-based casinos.[99] The city is also host to more AAA Five Diamond hotels than any other city in the world.[100]
The Las Vegas metropolitan area has been the site of many prominent combat sports events, such as boxing and MMA, with Las Vegas being considered by many as the "fight capital of the world."[108] The mixed martial arts promotion, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is headquartered in Las Vegas and also frequently holds fights in the city at T-Mobile Arena and at the UFC Apex training facility near the headquarters.[109]
The city's parks and recreation department operates 78 regional, community, neighborhood, and pocket parks; four municipal swimming pools, 11 recreational centers, four active adult centers, eight cultural centers, six galleries, eleven dog parks, and four golf courses: Angel Park Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club, Durango Hills Golf Club, and the Las Vegas Municipal Golf Course.[111]
It is also responsible for 123 playgrounds, 23 softball fields, 10 football fields, 44 soccer fields, 10 dog parks, six community centers, four senior centers, 109 skate parks, and six swimming pools.[112]
The city of Las Vegas has a council–manager government.[113] The mayor sits as a council member-at-large and presides over all city council meetings.[113] If the mayor cannot preside over a city council meeting, then the Mayor pro tempore is the presiding officer of the meeting until the Mayor returns to his/her seat.[114] The city manager is responsible for the administration and the day-to-day operations of all municipal services and city departments.[115] The city manager maintains intergovernmental relationships with federal, state, county and other local governments.[115]
UNLV is a public, land-grant, R1 research university and is home to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine[133] and the William S. Boyd School of Law, the only law school in Nevada.[134] The university's campus is urban and located about two miles east of the Las Vegas strip. The Desert Research Institute's southern campus sits next to UNLV, while its northern campus is in Reno.[135]
CSN, with campuses throughout Clark County,[136] is a community college with one of the largest enrollments in the United States.[137] In unincorporated Clark County, CSN's Charleston campus is home to the headquarters of Nevada Public Radio (KNPR), an NPR member station.[138][139]
Las Vegas Review-Journal, the area's largest daily newspaper, is published every morning. It was formed in 1909 but has roots back to 1905. It is the largest newspaper in Nevada and is ranked as one of the top 25 newspapers in the United States by circulation. In 2000, the Review-Journal installed the largest newspaper printing press in the world. It cost $40 million, weighs 910 tons and consists of 16 towers.[142] Until his death in January 2021, the newspaper was owned by casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who purchased it for $140 million in December 2015. In 2018, the Review-Journal received the Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for reporting the Oct 1 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. In 2018 and 2022, Editor and Publisher magazine named the Review-Journal as one of 10 newspapers in the United States "doing it right."[143][144]
Las Vegas Sun, based in neighboring Henderson, is a daily newspaper. Although independently published, the print edition is distributed as a section inside the Review-Journal. The Sun is owned by the Greenspun family and is part of the Greenspun Media Group. It was founded independently in 1950 and in 1989 entered into a Joint Operating Agreement with the Review-Journal, which runs through 2040. The Sun has been described as "politically liberal."[145] In 2009, the Sun was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the high death rate of construction workers on the Las Vegas Strip amid lax enforcement of regulations.[146][147]
Las Vegas Weekly, based in neighboring Henderson, is a free alternative weekly newspaper. It covers Las Vegas arts, entertainment, culture and news. Las Vegas Weekly was founded in 1992 and is published by the Greenspun Media Group.
Las Vegas is served by 10 full power television stations and 46 radio stations. The area is also served by two NOAA Weather Radio transmitters (162.55 MHz located in Boulder City and 162.40 MHz located on Potosi Mountain).
Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) provides public bus transportation.Harry Reid International Airport provides private and public aviation services to the city.Inside Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport in Paradise
RTC Transit is a public transportation system providing bus service throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and other areas of the valley. Inter-city bus service to and from Las Vegas is provided by Greyhound, BoltBus, Orange Belt Stages, Tufesa, and several smaller carriers.[148]
The Union Pacific Railroad is the only Class I railroad providing rail freight service to the city. Until 1997, the Amtrak Desert Wind train service ran through Las Vegas using the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
In March 2010, the RTC launched bus rapid transit link in Las Vegas called the Strip & Downtown Express with limited stops and frequent service that connects downtown Las Vegas, the Strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Shortly after the launch, the RTC dropped the ACE name.[155]
In 2016, 77.1 percent of working Las Vegas residents (those living in the city, but not necessarily working in the city) commuted by driving alone. About 11 percent commuted via carpool, 3.9 percent used public transportation, and 1.4 percent walked. About 2.3 percent of Las Vegas commuters used all other forms of transportation, including taxi, bicycle, and motorcycle. About 4.3% of working Las Vegas residents worked at home.[156] In 2015, 10.2 percent of city of Las Vegas households were without a car, which increased slightly to 10.5 percent in 2016. The national average was 8.7 percent in 2016. Las Vegas averaged 1.63 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8 per household.
Las Vegas Boulevard divides the east–west streets from the Las Vegas Strip to near the Stratosphere, then Main Street becomes the dividing line from the Stratosphere to the North Las Vegas border, after which the Goldfield Street alignment divides east and west.
On the east side of Las Vegas, block numbers between Charleston Boulevard and Washington Avenue are different along Nellis Boulevard, which is the eastern border of the city limits.
^Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
^"Home". United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
^ abSimon, Steven; Bouville, Andre (January–February 2006). "Fallout from Nuclear Weapons Tests and Cancer Risks". American Scientist. 94 (1): 48. doi:10.1511/2006.57.48. ISSN0003-0996. Archived from the original on July 9, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2020. Exposures 50 years ago still have health implications today that will continue into the future...Deposition...generally decreases with distance from the test site in the direction of the prevailing wind across North America, although isolated locations received significant deposition as a result of rainfall. Trajectories of the fallout debris clouds across the U.S. are shown for four altitudes. Each dot indicates six hours.
^"History". City of Las Vegas. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
^"Flood control a success". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
^"Loss-Estimation Modeling of Earthquake Scenarios for Each County in Nevada Using HAZUS-MH"(PDF). Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology/University of Nevada, Reno. February 23, 2006. p. 65. Archived(PDF) from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2016. "Probability of an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or greater occurring within 50 km in 50 years (from USGS probabilistic seismic hazard analysis) 10–20% chance for Las Vegas area, magnitude 6".
^"DRA 2020". Daves Redistricting. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
^N.R.S. § 386.010 "Creation; power to sue." (1971). In Chapter 386: Local Administrative Organization. Archived from the original August 17, 2000. "County school districts, the boundaries of which are conterminous with the boundaries of the counties of the State, are hereby created. The Carson City School District shall be considered as a county school district. Each county school district created by this chapter is hereby declared to be a political subdivision of the State of Nevada whose purpose is to administer the state system of public education. Each school district shall have the power to sue and may be sued. [47:32:1956]—(NRS A 1967, 37; 1969, 336; 1971, 517)"
Brigham, Jay. "Review: 'Reno, Las Vegas, and the Strip: A Tale of Three Cities'." Western Historical Quarterly 46.4 (2015): 529–530. JSTORwesthistquar.46.4.0529.
Chung, Su Kim (2012). Las Vegas Then and Now, Holt: Thunder Bay Press, ISBN978-1-60710-582-4
Moehring, Eugene P. Resort City in the Sunbelt: Las Vegas, 1930–2000 (2000).
Moehring, Eugene, "The Urban Impact: Towns and Cities in Nevada's History," Nevada Historical Society Quarterly 57 (Fall/Winter 2014): 177–200.
Rowley, Rex J. Everyday Las Vegas: Local Life in a Tourist Town (2013)
Stierli, Martino (2013). Las Vegas in the Rearview Mirror: The City in Theory, Photography, and Film, Los Angeles: Getty Publications, ISBN978-1-60606-137-4
Henderson is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, around 16 miles (26 km) southeast of midtown Las Las vega. It is the second most populated city in Nevada, after Las Las vega, with 317,610 homeowners. The city is part of the Las Vegas Valley. Henderson is noteworthy for its considerable system of outdoor leisure centers, including over 220 miles (350 kilometres) of tracks and 72 parks. Incorporated in 1953, Henderson was initially recognized for its function in magnesium manufacturing during World War II. Ever since, it has grown rapidly through the development of master planned neighborhoods starting with the big Green Valley area, redevelopment and reinvestment after the PEPCON calamity, and the local government's traditionally aggressive planning and monitoring.
Landscape design is an independent profession and a design and art tradition, practiced by landscape designers, combining nature and culture. In contemporary practice, landscape design bridges the space between landscape architecture and garden design.[1]
Design projects may involve two different professional roles: landscape design and landscape architecture.
Landscape design typically involves artistic composition and artisanship, horticultural finesse and expertise, and emphasis on detailed site involvement from conceptual stages through to final construction.
Landscape architecture focuses more on urban planning, city and regional parks, civic and corporate landscapes, large scale interdisciplinary projects, and delegation to contractors after completing designs.
There can be a significant overlap of talent and skill between the two roles, depending on the education, licensing, and experience of the professional. Both landscape designers and landscape architects practice landscape design.[2]
The landscape design phase consists of research, gathering ideas, and setting a plan. Design factors include objective qualities such as: climate and microclimates; topography and orientation, site drainage and groundwater recharge; municipal and resource building codes; soils and irrigation; human and vehicular access and circulation; recreational amenities (i.e., sports and water); furnishings and lighting; native plant habitat botany when present; property safety and security; construction detailing; and other measurable considerations.
Design factors also include subjective qualities such as genius loci (the special site qualities to emphasize); client's needs and preferences; desirable plants and elements to retain on site, modify, or replace, and that may be available for borrowed scenery from beyond; artistic composition from perspectives of both looking upon and observing from within; spatial development and definition – using lines, sense of scale, and balance and symmetry; plant palettes; and artistic focal points for enjoyment. There are innumerable other design factors and considerations brought to the complex process of designing a garden that is beautiful, well-functioning, and that thrives over time.
The up-and-coming practice of online landscape design allows professional landscapers to remotely design and plan sites through manipulation of two-dimensional images without ever physically visiting the location. Due to the frequent lack of non-visual, supplementary data such as soil assessments and pH tests, online landscaping necessarily must focus on incorporating only plants which are tolerant across many diverse soil conditions.
Historically, landscape designers trained by apprenticing—such as André Le Nôtre, who apprenticed with his father before designing the Gardens of Versailles—to accomplished masters in the field, with the titular name varying and reputation paramount for a career. The professional section of garden designers in Europe and the Americas went by the name "Landscape Gardener". In the 1890s, the distinct classification of landscape architect was created, with educational and licensing test requirements for using the title legally. Beatrix Farrand, the sole woman in the founding group, refused the title preferring Landscape Gardener. Matching the client and technical needs of a project, and the appropriate practitioner with talent, legal qualifications, and experienced skills, surmounts title nomenclature.[citation needed]
Institutional education in landscape design appeared in the early 20th century. Over time it became available at various levels. Ornamental horticulture programs with design components are offered at community college and universities within schools of agriculture or horticulture, with some beginning to offer garden or landscape design certificates and degrees. Departments of landscape architecture are located within university schools of architecture or environmental design, with undergraduate and graduate degrees offered. Specialties and minors are available in horticultural botany, horticulture, natural resources, landscape engineering, construction management, fine and applied arts, and landscape design history. Traditionally, hand-drawn drawings documented the design and position of features for construction, but Landscape design software is frequently used now.[citation needed]
Other routes of training are through informal apprenticeships with practicing landscape designers, landscape architects, landscape contractors, gardeners, nurseries and garden centers, and docent programs at botanical and public gardens. Since the landscape designer title does not have a college degree or licensing requirements to be used, there is a very wide range of sophistication, aesthetic talent, technical expertise, and specialty strengths to be responsibly matched with specific client and project requirements.[citation needed]
Many landscape designers have an interest and involvement with gardening, personally or professionally. Gardens are dynamic and not static after construction and planting are completed, and so in some ways are "never done". Involvement with landscape management and direction of the ongoing garden direction, evolution, and care depend on the professional's and client's needs and inclinations. As with the other interrelated landscape disciplines, there can be an overlap of services offered under the titles of landscape designer or professional gardener.[2]
Top Landscaping Trends for Las Vegas Homes in 2025
As Las Vegas grows, so does its love for bold, modern, and sustainable outdoor spaces. This year, homeowners are embracing a fresh wave of landscaping trends tailored to desert living.
First on the list is artificial turf with stone borders. This combo offers clean lines and low maintenance—perfect for front yards and pet areas. No more brown spots or weekend lawn care!
Next, fire pits and hardscape lounges are turning backyards into true outdoor living rooms. Paver patios surrounded by succulents and native plants create a cozy yet contemporary vibe.
Vertical gardens are gaining popularity for small side yards and privacy screens. Paired with lighting and sleek fencing, they bring life to otherwise unused spaces.
Sustainability is key. Homeowners are choosing smart irrigation systems, solar lighting, and permeable pavers to reduce water use and runoff.
These trends prove that you can have a stylish, functional yard in Las Vegas without sacrificing comfort or conservation. Ready to refresh your landscape?
The Ultimate Guide to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for its sunshine and dry desert climate, making water conservation a top priority for homeowners. Drought-tolerant landscaping isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s practical and beautiful too.
One of the best ways to save water is by embracing xeriscaping. This landscaping method uses native and drought-resistant plants like agave, desert spoon, and red yucca. These plants not only survive in Las Vegas heat but thrive with minimal irrigation.
Replacing traditional grass with artificial turf or decorative gravel is another popular choice. Not only does it reduce water bills, but it also keeps your lawn looking fresh year-round without mowing or fertilising.
Adding mulch to your garden beds helps retain soil moisture and prevent evaporation. Pair this with a smart drip irrigation system, and you’ll be watering efficiently without waste.
Drought-tolerant doesn’t mean dull. With the right design, you can create a vibrant landscape full of colour, texture, and curb appeal—all while protecting Las Vegas’ precious water resources.
