Las Vegas started out in 1909 as a small, desert bound rail service center and by the end of the 20th century became the country’s fastest growing city now known as the “entertainment capital of the world.” While the population of Las Vegas might seem small for a major city at just over 646,000, don’t let that fool you because the entire Las Vegas-Henderson metro area contains a population of well over 2.2 million. Thanks to a favorable business climate with no state or corporate taxes, low cost of living, and International Airport, Vegas has one of the country’s fastest growing economies.

While the famous Las Vegas “Strip” is commonly referred to as the “City Without Clocks” or “Sin City,” there is another side to the city and the surrounding areas that locals simply refer to as home. Away from the bright lights, glitz, and glamour of the hotels and casinos lies an ordinary American city with neighborhoods, schools, churches, museums, shopping centers, parks, professional sports teams, skiing, conservation areas, and enough housing to accommodate a city that serves 42 million visitors yearly.