The art and culture critic Dave Hickey once wrote about the puzzled reactions he gets from his colleagues when they hear about his Las Vegas residency. While they are certain that he had chosen to live in Vegas to make some kind of statement, Hickey simply sees Las Vegas as the place he calls home.

Many people find it difficult to separate Las Vegas from its image of the fake glamorous Sin City. The facts, however, are different. There are about 1.5 million residents in Las Vegas; most of them live in the suburbs, far from the infamous Strip. You may find it surprising, but not all of the Las Vegas population makes its living from the gambling, dining or tourism industries.

So, what it is like to live in Las Vegas? Actually, it is quiet nice. Las Vegas residents enjoy comfortable weather during most of the year, they are not required to pay personal state income tax and they have non stop entertainment, shopping and dining. In addition, Las Vegas is only four hours drive from Los Angeles, three hours from the Grand Canyon and two hours from Death Valley.

Finding a job in Las Vegas is not so hard too. Las Vegas has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the States thanks to the growing gaming industry that never ceases to develop and offers a variety of job opportunities to the locals. In addition, several US companies choose to locate their businesses in Las Vegas because of its low taxes.

If you planning to relocate to Las Vegas, here are some basic facts, tips and advice:

Neighborhoods: Currently, the most popular areas are Green Valley, Spring Valley, Southern Highlands, Anthem, and Summerlin but the city grows at such a rapid rate that this claim will be irrelevant a year from now.

Jobs: Las Vegas work center is the Strip hotels and casinos. Many of Las Vegas new comers simply stroll down the Strip looking for an open position. You might have to start at the bottom, but, hey, it is Las Vegas, anything can happen!

Safety: Is Las Vegas a safe place to raise a family? Crime incidents do happen in Las Vegas, but no more than any other city in the US that hosts and serves free drinks to more than 30 million tourists a year.

Education: In Las Vegas, fast development led to a growth in the education institutions in the city. Las Vegas offers private and public schools, colleges and an excellent university.

Weather: Las Vegas is a paradise for warm weather and sunshine lovers. In the coldest months, Las Vegas temperature can range from 33 F to 57 F. If you are worried about going through a summer in Las Vegas desert climate, I have two words for you: air condition.

Entertainment: Las Vegas has much more to offer than Celine Dion concerts and the Crazy Horse shows. On an average night, you can choose between going a rock concert, a comedy club, an exclusive production show and an Elvis impersonator performance.

Here I reviewed only some of the advantages of living in Las Vegas. I have not mentioned Las Vegas attractions, its nearness to variety of outdoor activities and its endless dining options. If you used to think that Las Vegas has nothing but gamblers, drunks and mobsters, think again.