North Las Vegas is not, in fact, a suburb of the city of Las Vegas, but is an incorporated city in its own right. Situated in the Mojave Desert, on the northern section of the Las Vegas Valley, North Las Vegas is home to a mixed population of around 225,000 people -- making it the third most important city in the area (after Las Vegas and Henderson). Those moving to North Las Vegas will discover an exciting area near world-class attractions.
Economy:
Tourism is the basis of the economy of North Las Vegas, Nevada bearing in mind its proximity to the city of Las Vegas. This sector encompasses the hotel industry, along with casinos/gaming establishments and recreation activities aimed at the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the area annually.
The tax structure of the state of Nevada is lenient and local government encourages newcomers to establish businesses in the area by offering tax deferral and abatement programs. These programs are aimed mainly at those involved with renewable energy and the development of industry in general.
History:
The land around North Las Vegas was first settled by Spaniards, who gave the area the name Las Vegas which, when translated into English, means "The Grasslands" or "The Meadows." In 1855, 30 Mormons were sent to the area by Brigham Young, where they erected a fort to protect themselves, approximately where the city's downtown is located today. In 1946 North Las Vegas was incorporated as a city.
Tourism:
Being so close to the city of Las Vegas has an enormous bearing on North Las Vegas and the city has invested vast resources to encourage visitors to Las Vegas to also stop off in North Las Vegas. To this end the City of North Las Vegas today boasts its own casinos, such as the Cannery Casino and Hotel at 2121E Craig Road with its spa, swimming pool, bars and restaurants.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the only NASCAR venue in the State of Nevada and an important stop for motor sports fans. For those tourists interested in the military, a visit to Nellis Air Force Base with its Weapons Museum is a must. The Left of Center Art Gallery & Studio showcases the contemporary art of the region.
The city's cultural needs are addressed by the annual Taste & Tunes festival which showcases the region's heritage and culture and the BalloonaPalooza extravaganza; as well as numerous musical, dance, salsa and even boxing events. In good weather movies are screened outdoors in various parks around the city during the Movie Madness event.
The city of North Las Vegas is home to numerous green spaces, featuring more than 20 parks and the North Las Vegas Community Par 3 Golf Course; and four municipal swimming pools. Just outside of the city limits are walking, hiking and biking trails; water sports such as fishing and skiing on Lake Mead; and just half an hour's drive away from the city center is the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, with Charleston Peak at 11,915 feet.