Ivan Sher
Sometime in the first few years of moving to Las Vegas, we’re all confronted with the lure of what we left behind: the ocean, the green, etc. There is an adjustment period, and sometimes a culture shock. Whether it’s the East Coast, Southern California or anywhere else, there comes a period in the life of those who live here in which the idea of living somewhere else enters their mind.
I have had the opportunity to work with many of the wealthier people in Las Vegas as they transition into or out of the area. And what I’ve found is that there is a mental dance that happens that looks like this: “Las Vegas is different,” “I hope it can work for us,” “I think I can get this to work,” “I miss home,” “It’s time to leave.” I watch all of this play out in real time. But nearly every time I help transplants move out of Las Vegas or Henderson, they either move back within a few years or say they would if they still had the option of doing so.
From these observations, I can draw either of two equally likely conclusions:
• My clients miss me and want to come back to me (probably not).
• Something about Las Vegas consistently brings people back.
It’s easy to say people only move to Las Vegas or Henderson for the great weather, the Strip, no state income tax and less traffic than what they are used to. It’s also pretty much true. People move here for the perks, but what I’ve found is the reason they stay or choose to come back is because our community makes this big city feel like a small town.
As many readers may know, this summer I lost my partner, Florence Shapiro — my mentor, a staple of our community, and a dear friend. Watching the city come together, both to mourn the loss of an incredible woman and to console those of us who loved her, genuinely affected me and represented our community in a beautiful way.
A key part of what holds this city together is a strong philanthropic pull. There are wonderful organizations doing something to help those who need it. Whether it’s Opportunity Village, The Shade Tree, Nathan Adelson Hospice or Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, there are truly selfless groups of people with a passion and a cause.
In 16 years of living in this city, my wife and I have definitely gone through the “should I stay” mental dance. But like so many others, I found that Las Vegas and Henderson are as family-friendly as you make them, just like any other city. Neighborhoods near schools, churches and temples are great for raising children, and there is no community I would rather have had my children be a part of than ours.
The true irony is that when people leave Las Vegas to find community, community is what ends up bringing them back.
Ivan Sher is managing partner of Shapiro & Sher Group, Nevada’s top-selling luxury real estate team with $242 million sold in 2015. In July, Shapiro & Sher Group listed the most expensive home on the market in Southern Nevada at $30 million. For more information, visit www.lasvegasfinehomes.com.