Las Vegas is one of the most established out-of-town communities we are visiting. Las Vegas is made up of several frum neighborhoods, all approximately five miles apart. There are 10 shuls with over 1,000 Orthodox families who help support the many schools, grocery stores and restaurants that give this community the same kind of amenities and infrastructure as a New York metro neighborhood. Young Israel Aish is large enough to hold multiple daily shiurim and minyanim, but small enough that everyone can make a difference.
Michael Gevertzman, a recent arrival from New Jersey, explained that although he moved with his family for employment, he and his wife, Rella, are extremely moved by the love and warmth of the community. “Everybody knows you, we’re responsible for each other, and everybody is each other’s family,” said Gervertzman,
There are two elementary schools, and according to Rabbi Avi Anderson, associate rabbi of Young Israel Aish, tuition is approximately $10,000 and scholarships are readily available. There is a boys’ high school, beit midrash, kollel, and a girls’ high school, NCSY.
Las Vegans are not sacrificing food with the presence of six supermarkets that provide access to a full complement of kosher food including dairy and meat products.
If you want to eat out, you can choose between pizza shops, dairy and meat restaurants. There are family eateries, as well as more formal restaurants.
Employment opportunities abound, especially in the fields of health care, legal and education. Moreover, the cost of living is much lower than the tri-state area.
While houses sell very quickly in this market, as they do everywhere, home prices compare favorably with the New York area, especially when considering real estate taxes.
According to listings on Realtor.com, some recent sales are as follows:
3 bedroom, 2 baths, 1,499 sq ft—$333,500 with taxes of $1,565 annually and $84 monthly HOA fee;
3 bedroom, 2 baths, 1,577 sq ft—$333,000 with taxes of $1,577 annually and $80 monthly HOA fee.
This is in the mid-range in pricing for the communities we are exploring, but this community is more established than most. Also, Nevada has no state income tax and has an infrastructure that can help provide a better quality of life. Las Vegas offers beautiful weather most of the year, with very little rain. It can get hot in the summer, which is why air conditioning is recommended. There are a lot of Californians moving in, and there is a strong Israeli community.
It’s hard to beat Las Vegas when it comes to recreation. For those who like the glitz of the strip, the frum community is only 30 minutes away. For those who want to connect with nature, there are a few kosher communities with access to the natural attractions near Vegas. As in many of the communities we will be visiting in this column, the local Jewish Community Center and Federation are very active and provide extensive programming.
The community has seen significant growth in the last five years, with many young families choosing to move to Las Vegas to raise their families. For more information contact the Young Israel Aish office at (702) 360-8909 | [email protected].
At-a-Glance
3 bedroom cost 375,000
Real estate tax: $2,000
State income tax: $0
Shuls: 10
Schools: Elementary, 2; High schools, 2
Our next stop – Allentown, PA….
David Siegel is a vice president of Mortgage Lending with Guaranteed Rate Affinity (GRA), a top national retail mortgage lender*. GRA is licensed in all U.S. states except Hawaii and works with many lenders, which allows it to provide competitive pricing and a broad channel of unique options to handle the often complicated needs of the community. David has over 15 years of experience at both major banks and mortgage bankers and understands the guidelines of different lenders to help direct his customers to the best alternative. No one lender is the best option for everyone. David will help you find the right choice for you. [email protected]. 201-725-9527.NMLS 277243
*2021 Scotsman Guide List of Top Lenders
