Las Vegas, Nevada

I confess, I love Las Vegas! Alas, no, I don't live there, but having visited about a dozen times, I've not only had my own fun but have been able to speak to many locals.

Why do I like it? Las Vegas is arguably the most exciting and entertaining city in the world, incomparable to any other. Everything that you would expect from a world-class metropolis, and more, is right here for your pleasure.

Recognized all over the world, the famous Strip (its real name is Las Vegas Boulevard) is a place where tourists and residents alike can enjoy the flashing lights and take a stroll to people-watch during a warm desert evening. Don't want to travel? No problem: the Strip has recreations of famous world monuments such as Paris' Eiffel Tower, Venice's Doge's Palace and Campanile, and Egypt's Sphinx. People can also head downtown and view a dazzling light show that spans the pedestrian promenade, which is called the Fremont Street Experience.

Las Vegas nightlife will keep you up 24/7 – which helps you to be able to have a life even on night shift. There are many permanent shows such as Cirque du Soleil's water show, O. And the gambling never stops – though the locals never gamble as much as the tourists. (But this is a good thing: their dollars ensure that Nevada residents pay no state income tax!) There are art displays, like at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and museums, like a branch of London's Madame Tussaud's and New York's Guggenheim at the Venetian. And there is constantly a show to see, thanks to performances by visiting and resident performers.

And beyond the glitter, there are equally spectacular scenic attractions a short distance from Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Valley of Fire State Park, the Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam. And don't forget Mount Charleston, where you can hike and, yes, you can ski!

And speaking to locals – why do they like it? No state tax. Reasonable housing prices. Good jobs. An energizing atmosphere. Sun, sun, sun (average January high, 60F/15C; average July high, 108F/42C). Abundant, good, inexpensive cuisine when you don't want to cook.

And those are just a few things to consider!

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