Hello Moms and Dads,
I am looking for some thoughts, insight and advice. My husband and I grew up in Southern California and when we first got married we moved to Las Vegas because my husband got a job there and the house prices were very inexpensive compared to where we lived. We made friends, had good jobs and were content. Then we had kids, two little boys. We were away from family and thought it would be easier and nice to live back in Southern California. So we sold our house, my husband got a higher paying job and we moved back. We have been back for 2 years. My oldest son just finished Kindergarten and we are happy and love the schools here and the city we live in. BUT, the cost of living is so high here. We are renting a house and we make it but we cant save any money, cant put any money in retirement etc. I am a stay at home mom because that is what we choose to do, we want one of us taking care of the kids. We were about to just move into a 2 bedroom apartment to try and save money when my husband got a call from his old boss asking him to come back! They have a manager position they think he would be perfect for. Making a little more than he is making here. We would be so much better off there money wise. I feel like my husband wants to take the job but I am very scared to make a decision. His family is here but mine is not (live in Northern Cali). We would miss them but could visit.
Pro's to move
More money
could actually save money (for retirement/college)
live comfortable
we have friends there
My kids have some friends there
Cons
no family
would have to change my soon to be first grader to a new school before they start which is end of August. I really feel bad about changing his school.
Never know if the job will work out
I am looking to move to Summerlin, 89144 or 89134 area. Because that seems to be the best elementary schools.
I dont dont what I am looking for...Just trying to make a decision. What would you do? What other things should I be thinking about? I hate how there is this stigma about people in Vegas, I know a ton of nice normal families that don't party and go to the strip. My husband and I were one of them! But people who have never lived there judge Vegas so harshly... like my husbands family. Do you any of you have kids and live in Vegas? How do you like it?
Thanks for any thoughts or advice!
Kinder/1st is a good age to move, kids still make friends easily at that age, not like moving a high schooler. They will adjust quickly.
Ugh, that's tough. We have always lived without family nearby. It was tough in the yrs when the kids were little. Then as they got older, it wasn't a big deal. Became a bigger deal when our parents got older and needed us more. How often do you see his family?
Moving schools is not a big deal at your child's young age. For him, it's just more friends to get to know.
The living conditions effects your everyday life. When something does that it should be put as a top priority. Everyday stress takes the joy out of life.
That financial stress increases as your family grows. The kid's needs grow exponentially as they get bigger. Our health care system burden is going to get greater. When you retire, your need for funds can not be denied.
I guess I am saying, move. Hope you can figure out your best move.
From people I know who live near Vegas--Henderson is the place to go.
I'll tell you this, the earlier you move your son the better. It will only be harder to uproot him with every passing year. Just something to think about.
Good luck!
You will be able to provide so much more for your kids if you are economically stable. go. Visit family a few times a year with the surplus money you will have.
I love visiting California, but I'd never live there! Way too expensive. My brother works there but commutes from Chicago every other week. It's cheaper!
We moved to Las Vegas 89144 (don't know where is 89134) last August and I'm still learning where and how lol. You have the advantage that you used to live here :) Summerlin schools are ok. I knew that the schools won't be great though. You should check great schools.net?
I got lucky and my older got into magnet school for the coming school year which makes me so happy.
What I found was that it's important to know what school (elementary, middle and high school) is zoned to the address of the house you will be renting or owning.
There are Sport centers and Community Centers offering many classes for kiddos big and little ones (gymnastics, ABC class, sports etc) for a fraction of cost.
Your rent won't be as high as in CA also. Overall cost of living here is much lower than in the other states. And no state income tax (I think).
As a resident of Summerlin you will have access to the swimming pools. There are many parks here which will be busy once the heat leaves ;-) It's not as bad as people think. Summerlin is not next to the Strip and tourist areas. It's very family oriented.
HTH and good luck with your decision!
Go and don't look back!
I lived in Vegas as a child for a while and the schools were great. I had so many more opportunities in Las Vegas schools than I did in So Cal. schools. Kids are resilient and will have no issues with the move if you have none. The drive really is not that bad, nor is the flight. Unless you are seeing your family weekly and need their support all the time then I see no issues with moving back to the old job. Family is great, but having a savings account for the family is better in this scenario.
We lived in Henderson and in Las Vegas off Hacienda and Flamingo I think were the major streets. Still quite far from the strip.
Move! Your soon to be first grader will be fine switching schools; kids that age adapt quickly.
Hi M.,
We're here in Henderson and love it.
Since you've already lived here and know the area, I don't need to cover that. I've also recently written a response to another mom considering a move here, so you could check my recent "Responses" if you do want more information. Biggest change since you've left is the opening of the Smith Center for Performing Arts and the new Discovery Children's Museum.
One thing I will tell you. We have the ONLY Blue Ribbon for Excellence elementary school in the state here in Henderson (John C. Vanderburg E.S.) 89012 and some of 89052 area codes. That is a national award given by the Department of Education. We also have a five star (highest) rating by the state. I know some people will say that these awards are bogus and don't mean anything, but this is really a fantastic school with excellent teachers, most of whom I know very well.
People move to the area just for this school. Many people try to use other people's addresses to get into the school, but the administration is very strict and requires several forms of proof of residency. They even have school officials go to the homes and check if they suspect someone is using a false address.
My son has attended this school from K and will start third grade in the fall. I am very involved in the school: PTA board, classroom parent and volunteer, so I am very familiar with the staff and administration.
I've got to run...taking the little guy to a movie. Please feel free to write to me with any questions. I'd be happy to tell you more about the area and the school. We also have several other high ranking schools in our area.
Also, in Summerlin, you'll pay a higher premium for houses in many cases, and housing prices are starting to go up here.
