Opinion

5 Things That Make Me Ashamed to Live in Las Vegas

You know about the glitz and glamour. But do you know about Las Vegas’ dark side?

I’m technically a Las Vegas native, as my family moved here when I was nine. Now, at 39, I can admit that there are some things about living and being from this city that make me proud. However, there are also parts of Las Vegas that make me feel enraged. 

Here are five things that make me ashamed to be from Las Vegas (some of these will probably come as a shock to tourists):

1. Schooling/CCSD

Thinking of moving to Las Vegas for its phenomenal schooling?

Think again!  CCSD (Clark County School District) is ranked 49th out of the 50th in the nation.  Promising right?

2. Prostitution

Ahh Sin City, the land of sexual freedom… not exactly. In Nevada, prostitution is illegal in exactly two counties: Clark County (which houses Las Vegas) and Washoe County (home to Reno).

3. The gambling industry

Gambling may seem fun to tourists, but when you live here and struggle with a gambling problem, it can be mildly infuriating to see rows of slot machines in every gas station and grocery store. It’s also depressingthe gambling industry doesn’t thrive on winners. People lost their rent, savings, kid’s tuition fund, etc, every day. 

4. The sheen of artificiality 

After working on the Strip for as long as I did, I can confidently say that this city revolves around people with the “right” image. Genuine, real, and honest people fall by the wayside in exchange for the best glamor facade that someone can portray.  

5. Access to bad habits

Not much needs to be said about this. If you plan on moving to Las Vegas, check any addiction or addictive tendencies at the state line, or this city will destroy you. It’s built on feeding off people’s vices. Remember:  What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…Unless it follows you home and you end up addicted to meth.

Don’t get me wrong. Vegas is absolutely a blast and can be considered an adult playground. Living here, however, poses unique challenges.

Don’t believe me?  Move here; then we can revisit this conversation.

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