Anyone here live in Las Vegas too?

[oakweb]

Just wondering if anyone else lives in Pattaya and Las Vegas like myself.

[thailandbeachisland]

Where do you prefer ?

[NeverSure]

Why, of all of the places in America, did you choose Lost Wages?

[Skint]

Las Vegas, a poor mans pattaya

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[giddyup]

I watch that show "Flipping Vegas" and it appears that you can buy a nicer, better built house, cheaper in Las Vegas than Pattaya. Have no idea if it's a nice place to live or not.

[blackman]

one of this forums mods comes from Vegas

[OMGImInPattaya]

No, I've always found it difficult enough to live in pattaya...living in Las Vegas too would be out of the question. Though you would be surprised how many of those showgirls are very special.

[Rimmer]

Yes, no doubt craigt3365 will be along in a minute, he lived in both

[oakweb]

I think Vegas has a lot to offer, not sure if it's a poor man's Pattaya though lol. I like the West Coast of USA, I could not live in Los Angeles, I grew up in the mountains.. but bored of the snow.

I don't gamble though, learned a long time ago that never works out.

I prefer Vegas now, has all my hobbies and of course the food. Whole Food Markets is awesome, I seem to have gained a few pounds since I got here.

[KittenKong]

To my mind the two places are very similar in many respects.

Personally I prefer just to live in one place that suits me but if I did live in two places I think I would want them to be different rather than similar. Unless perhaps I was moving between the two just to avoid some seasonal change that I didn't like.

[oakweb]

Well Vegas does have strip clubs (nice ones too) and tons of bars, but I don't think it's similar in any other way. I feel pretty different about the people in both, and life is VERY different in the two places.

Things I miss in Vegas are (not in order)

Cars - I have something other than a Toyota or a Honda there

Guns - Yes I like to shoot, this is a recent hobby, in Vegas EVERYONE has a gun

Food - mentioned before, they sell health food there, and every other kind of food on earth

Shopping - yes of course, if I want something.. anything, it's there or at my door in 2 days

Housing - I got a great deal on the ones I have in Vegas, right now some real deals to be made

Travel - 2.5 hours from Utah parks, many road trips to be had

[i claudius]

I love the show pawn stars ,have you ever been to their pawn shop?

[oakweb]

I have, you have to wait in line and pay $5 to see the inside and unfortunately the crew won't always be there . One of my favorite shows, Chum Lee, Rick, Old Man and Hoss.. who would have ever guessed those guys would be interesting enough to watch on a regular basis.

[craigt3365]

I moved to Vegas in 1975 with my parents. Near Sam's Town, when there was very little out there. Heck, very little in Vegas period! Lived there a few years, went to UNLV a bit, and then moved on. My parents moved out to Pahrump in about 2004. For quite a few years, my wife and I "commuted" 2 times a year or so spending about 2 months at a clip in either Vegas or Pahrump.

So I know it quite well. It ain't nothing like Pattaya. Like comparing apples and hub caps. We've got a member here who just bought there and will be splitting their time between here and there. Can't remember who, but do remember them posting about it. Fantastic housing values there right now.

It's an absolutely fabulous place to live. Like here, if you don't want to gamble (here, visit walking street), you don't have to. I only went to the strip when visitors were in town. There are much better places to go where mainly locals visit. Plus, outdoor activities abound. If you are into that, it's paradise. Rarely snows, but does get cool in winter. A bit hot in summer for me, so we'd get out of town for about 3 months every year. Though some desert rats love the dry heat. My father surely did.

All of the things the OP lists are true. Fantastic shopping (a great China town with anything you need...and every a few Thai grocery stores). Great deals on cars (no, I'm not happy driving my crappy Honda either). Some of the best restaurants in the world (expensive or cheap...I miss the hole in the wall mexican joints!!!). 6 hours to San Diego, a few hours to the Grand Canyon/fantastic camping in Utah, 5 hours to the mountains in California. A great airport with good connections. And yes, great hunting all over the state.

We do miss it. Cost of living (if you live well here) is about the same. Excluding domestic help! And no state taxes! Yahoo!!

Welcome!

[OMGImInPattaya]

I moved to Vegas in 1975 with my parents. Near Sam's Town, when there was very little out there. Heck, very little in Vegas period! Lived there a few years, went to UNLV a bit, and then moved on. My parents moved out to Pahrump in about 2004. For quite a few years, my wife and I "commuted" 2 times a year or so spending about 2 months at a clip in either Vegas or Pahrump.

So I know it quite well. It ain't nothing like Pattaya. Like comparing apples and hub caps. We've got a member here who just bought there and will be splitting their time between here and there. Can't remember who, but do remember them posting about it. Fantastic housing values there right now.

It's an absolutely fabulous place to live. Like here, if you don't want to gamble (here, visit walking street), you don't have to. I only went to the strip when visitors were in town. There are much better places to go where mainly locals visit. Plus, outdoor activities abound. If you are into that, it's paradise. Rarely snows, but does get cool in winter. A bit hot in summer for me, so we'd get out of town for about 3 months every year. Though some desert rats love the dry heat. My father surely did.

All of the things the OP lists are true. Fantastic shopping (a great China town with anything you need...and every a few Thai grocery stores). Great deals on cars (no, I'm not happy driving my crappy Honda either). Some of the best restaurants in the world (expensive or cheap...I miss the hole in the wall mexican joints!!!). 6 hours to San Diego, a few hours to the Grand Canyon/fantastic camping in Utah, 5 hours to the mountains in California. A great airport with good connections. And yes, great hunting all over the state.

We do miss it. Cost of living (if you live well here) is about the same. Excluding domestic help! And no state taxes! Yahoo!!

Welcome!

So just curious, unless you're here on a fat corporate gig, why, in general, are you and the misses living in Pattaya/Thailand?

More and more I'm considering relocating back stateside and Nevada, Arizona, and Florida are in my shortlist for all the reasons you mention.

[craigt3365]

That's a very interesting question. And one we ask ourselves on a regular basis! 55555

I love the ocean. We live near the Ambassador and are only 700M or so to the beach. Have to cross Suk, which sucks, but still...near the beach. Can't live in the US and be 800M to the beach for what we've paid. But, there are a bunch of things we have given up to live here. A bunch of which I have listed in another post. Love Thailand, but the US (or Europe/Australia/1st world country) has better infrastructure. But less "interesting" culture. IMHO. It's a trade off and one we've not made a decision on.

My wife would love to move back to the US or head to Europe for a few years. We'll see. Weather is pretty darn nice here!

[roger1999]

As of August 2012 there was no cover charge to enter the Pawn Shop as seen on Pawn Stars. I went there at that time. They won't be filming when the shop is open for the general public. The show is (and has been since the first year) massively more profitable than the pawn shop itself.

Vegas away from the strip is a town much like many others. Tons of people live there who never gamble.

[gk10002000]

I play my poker in Los Angeles. More things to do in LA than in Los Vegas as far as I am concerned. Over the years, I only made it to Las Vegas twice. I get the attractions there, but well, Thailand is pretty good. Of course, Nevada is one of the USA states that has no income tax so that is big draw.

[OMGImInPattaya]

That's a very interesting question. And one we ask ourselves on a regular basis! 55555

I love the ocean. We live near the Ambassador and are only 700M or so to the beach. Have to cross Suk, which sucks, but still...near the beach. Can't live in the US and be 800M to the beach for what we've paid. But, there are a bunch of things we have given up to live here. A bunch of which I have listed in another post. Love Thailand, but the US (or Europe/Australia/1st world country) has better infrastructure. But less "interesting" culture. IMHO. It's a trade off and one we've not made a decision on.

My wife would love to move back to the US or head to Europe for a few years. We'll see. Weather is pretty darn nice here!

Are you really so sure about that? With current exchange rates and prices of houses these days in patts combined with the fall in prices in the US, I'm pretty sure there are nice areas in Florida, the Carolinas, or the gulf coast where prices would be comparable is even cheaper than Pattaya...both for houses and condos.

As for the culture, I'll grant you its "interesting," especially to a newcomer and tourists but after awhile, it all just becomes background music to me at least. Take Loy Kratong as an example. It's a nice enough holiday and the Thai sentiments behind it are noble and celebrating it with some thai or farang friends the first few years in-country is nice but to tell the truth, I just don't give damn anymore. Its got nothing g to do with the Thais or Thailand...it's just not my culture. Plus, I no longer like to be out and about and driving on major Thai holidays due to the prevalence of drunk drivers on the road.

I think many longer term western expats are starting to reconsider their commitment to the LOS.

[gk10002000]

That's a very interesting question. And one we ask ourselves on a regular basis! 55555

I love the ocean. We live near the Ambassador and are only 700M or so to the beach. Have to cross Suk, which sucks, but still...near the beach. Can't live in the US and be 800M to the beach for what we've paid. But, there are a bunch of things we have given up to live here. A bunch of which I have listed in another post. Love Thailand, but the US (or Europe/Australia/1st world country) has better infrastructure. But less "interesting" culture. IMHO. It's a trade off and one we've not made a decision on.

My wife would love to move back to the US or head to Europe for a few years. We'll see. Weather is pretty darn nice here!

I live in Florida, and I assure you, you can live pretty cheaply in Florida and be near some very nice beaches. I live on the East Coast side, Palm Beach County area. The recent housing market crash really made a lot of places in Florida very affordable, but the quality deals are drying up fast. If you are at all handy, and can handle simple renovations like installing a kitchen counter top, buying new appliances, tiling a bathroom, painting etc., your sweat equity can get you a place of better quality then the cheaper places here in Thailand. And Florida has no State Income tax. Of course, now you then would have Obamacare to worry about and those mandated insurances and costs or fines and penalties are not cheap.

[IAMSOBAD]

Gk10002000 would you do a comparison of Boca...Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale compared to Phuket? Thanks for your opinion on this.

Feel free to PM me.

[IAMSOBAD]

I know about Pattaya and am trying to compare with Phuket if anyone has any ideas. My plans are flexible.

[transam]

Wish I knew someone who lives in Ocala, Florida, my Don Garlits T's are now threadbare.

[balo]

I'm in Vegas playing poker every year , but I live in Chonburi .

Coming from a European country where gambling is illegal and Thailand same same its like another world staying in Vegas. Everything is big and fake in Vegas and I love it for a few weeks. But to live there in the middle of a desert? No way, and food is not great unless you go to the expensive restaurants . .

And tipping everywhere to get service , the american lifestyle is not for me.

Edited November 18, 2013 by balo

[guzzi850m2]

Sorry a bit off topic.

Me coming from Scandinavia the prospects of moving back are not nice.

1: Climate is <deleted>, nice weather tops 4 month per year. The older I am getting the more I prefer hot (tropical) weather.

2: Income taxes starts at about 35% (Denmark).

4: If you stick to Thai made cars/bike they are waaaay cheaper than back home. Eksample: The new Ducati 821Hypermotard cost over 100% more in DK compared to here (I checked already)

5: A house/condo in a nice place are also much more in Denmark than here.

And I could go on and on.

You guys from the US have the advantage of the size of the country, you can have anything from Alaska to Florida and vehicles are cheap as chips.

A perfect world for me would be 2 places to live: keep the house in Thailand and have a house/condo in Spain-France-Italy as a second home but the world is not perfect and I have a 4 year old kid so I can't move around as we pleases and it would also be quite expensive to do.

[craigt3365]

That's a very interesting question. And one we ask ourselves on a regular basis! 55555

I love the ocean. We live near the Ambassador and are only 700M or so to the beach. Have to cross Suk, which sucks, but still...near the beach. Can't live in the US and be 800M to the beach for what we've paid. But, there are a bunch of things we have given up to live here. A bunch of which I have listed in another post. Love Thailand, but the US (or Europe/Australia/1st world country) has better infrastructure. But less "interesting" culture. IMHO. It's a trade off and one we've not made a decision on.

My wife would love to move back to the US or head to Europe for a few years. We'll see. Weather is pretty darn nice here!

Are you really so sure about that? With current exchange rates and prices of houses these days in patts combined with the fall in prices in the US, I'm pretty sure there are nice areas in Florida, the Carolinas, or the gulf coast where prices would be comparable is even cheaper than Pattaya...both for houses and condos.

As for the culture, I'll grant you its "interesting," especially to a newcomer and tourists but after awhile, it all just becomes background music to me at least. Take Loy Kratong as an example. It's a nice enough holiday and the Thai sentiments behind it are noble and celebrating it with some thai or farang friends the first few years in-country is nice but to tell the truth, I just don't give dam_n anymore. Its got nothing g to do with the Thais or Thailand...it's just not my culture. Plus, I no longer like to be out and about and driving on major Thai holidays due to the prevalence of drunk drivers on the road.

I think many longer term western expats are starting to reconsider their commitment to the LOS.

I've done some research about Florida. Carolinas are beautiful, but I think it gets too cold in the winter????? I'm more of a West coast person anyway. Not a big fan of many places in the East. Lived in Ohio, Michigan. Minnesota and NYC for years. Just not interested in going back. Unless I had big bucks, then NYC is fantastic! Cause ya got the money to escape when you want to! 5555

I've not spent a lot of time in Florida, but a bit. One problem I have is the bugs. One friend lives near New Port Richey. Another near Orlando. Both have their outdoor pools completely screened in due to the bugs. And when I visited another friend several years ago near Tampa we got eaten alive when dinning in his outdoor garden. Horrible. But yes, Florida is a great option. The beaches are fantastic. Way better than most of the ones here. Clean, pure white sand...beautiful. Summer is quite hot, but winters are fantastic. A good option for sure!

Agree with the Thai culture comment. Been here almost 13 years now. Some things are getting old. Driving is a biggie. Its just insane here.

P.S. I know Vegas quite well, but it's not an option for us. Though I do like it a lot, it's probably not a place I'd move back to. Not sure where, but would love to be able to spend some time in Europe. Visa is of course a problem for us Americans!

[craigt3365]

I'm in Vegas playing poker every year , but I live in Chonburi .

Coming from a European country where gambling is illegal and Thailand same same its like another world staying in Vegas. Everything is big and fake in Vegas and I love it for a few weeks. But to live there in the middle of a desert? No way, and food is not great unless you go to the expensive restaurants . .

And tipping everywhere to get service , the american lifestyle is not for me.

Vegas is the worst place in the world for tipping. The casinos are the absolute worst. Someone wins big and slides over a few hundred dollars to the dealer...as if the dealer had anything to do with the good hand! 55555 But that's true with any casino in the world. I doubt Monte Carlo is any different.

Get away from the strip and things are completely different. The only tips you have are the ones for your meal. It's just the way it is in the US, 10% tip is fine at a restaurant. Wages for waitstaff are lower because of it. Not a great system, but it is what it is.

There are some fantastic places to eat that are not expensive. But they are not on nor near the strip. Have to get away from the tourists! As is true with any city like that. Don't judge the US based on Vegas. It's not representative. It's not suppose to be. It's an escape into another world. And obviously, many love it. Gambling is becoming less and less important for the hotels. Every part of the hotel is a profit center now, didn't use to be like that years ago.

As for the desert, it can be tough, but can also be incredibly beautiful if you get out into it. There are some amazing places to visit if you have the time. Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon. Arches National Park. Incredible. And you can see for miles and miles. The low humidity is tough to get use to. And when I lived there, missed seeing a river! 55555

[OMGImInPattaya]

I'm in Vegas playing poker every year , but I live in Chonburi .

Coming from a European country where gambling is illegal and Thailand same same its like another world staying in Vegas. Everything is big and fake in Vegas and I love it for a few weeks. But to live there in the middle of a desert? No way, and food is not great unless you go to the expensive restaurants . .

And tipping everywhere to get service , the american lifestyle is not for me.

Vegas is not representative of America...just as Pattaya is not representative of Thailand. They are both towns dominated by tourism, with little in the way of scenic beauty or cultural diversity.

However, for someone living fulltime in such towns, the money left behind by tourists in the form if spending and taxes can subsidize the cost of local infrastructure for the locals so there is more amenities and lower taxes that would be the norm.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Sorry a bit off topic.

Me coming from Scandinavia the prospects of moving back are not nice.

1: Climate is <deleted>, nice weather tops 4 month per year. The older I am getting the more I prefer hot (tropical) weather.

2: Income taxes starts at about 35% (Denmark).

4: If you stick to Thai made cars/bike they are waaaay cheaper than back home. Eksample: The new Ducati 821Hypermotard cost over 100% more in DK compared to here (I checked already)

5: A house/condo in a nice place are also much more in Denmark than here.

And I could go on and on.

You guys from the US have the advantage of the size of the country, you can have anything from Alaska to Florida and vehicles are cheap as chips.

A perfect world for me would be 2 places to live: keep the house in Thailand and have a house/condo in Spain-France-Italy as a second home but the world is not perfect and I have a 4 year old kid so I can't move around as we pleases and it would also be quite expensive to do.

Didn't I just read the ore day that some survey ranked the Danes as the happiest people in the world...or was it in Europe? So are you the one unhappy Dane in the world

I do get what you say...comparisons have to start from where one is coming from. Ones age and family situation will also have a major impact on where to call home as well. For Americans at least, especially as one ages, America doesn't look so bad and Thailand starts to loose much of its allure. Aside from the coastal urban areas, I'd say the cost of living between Thailand and the USA are pretty much the same. Sure, some things are cheaper or more expensive in one county or the other but overall one will probably end up spending about the same in both places.

Some will say that Thailand can be very cheap if you move to Nakorn Nowhere and I'm sure that's true...but who wants that lifestyle...I can move to the "sticks" in the States and still most likely have a Starbucks nearby and a full service supermarket as well. Medicare for older Americans is also important.

Maybe just getting older and my "homing" instinct is kicking in...

[smooth expat]

I can't even begin to imagine what taking a girl out for the night would cost in Las Vegas. Probably my entire monthly income! Not to mention the police harassment(!) I think there is a reason why guys relocate to Pattaya rather than Vegas..

Edited November 19, 2013 by smooth expat