Why Las Vegas Locals Hate The Strip

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

Is there anything I missed? Get Vegas Deals Sent to You For Free! www.jacobslifeinvegas.com/

[@darlawittmier1793]

What about Henderson

[@kingfish1025]

I started going to Las Vegas when I was 16 years old. That was in the late 60s. The mob conttolled hotels and casinos and did not care if an underaged person gambled in their casinos. The Dunes hotel and many other strip properties had rooms starting at $15,00 and up to $50.00. The food was cheap including rheir fine dining restaurants, The casinos knew that the gambling revenues more than made up for the cost of the rooms and food. The major strip hotels had big name celebrities that perforned two shows per evening, One was a dinner show and the other was a late night cocktail show. Imagine going to a dinner show (mediocre food) and seeing the Rat Pack perform at the Sands for $50.00 per couple. Mega priced cocktails did not exist. Traffic was rare including the weekends except for New Years Eve. Living in Los Angeles was a four hour drive to Las Vegas. Tourists could check into their hotel at the front desk, simply by signing a check-in card. No credit card or drivers license was necessary during the check in. process. That changed around 1970. Traffic heading back to Los Angeles on a Sunday did not exist. I stopped going to Las Vegas around 2011. In my opinion, the strip got crazier after 2009 when the MGM properties started charging resort fees. The fact that the strip hotel and casnos charge for parking is insane. Up until the late 90s, the lines to check in were unheard of. Charging fees to check in early or check out late is not for me. I have friends who live in Las Vegas. I like visiting them but I avoid the strip like the plague. Jacob, this was an excellent video. Kudos to you! By the way, if you see Bugsy Siegel'a ghost hanging around the Flamingo Hotel, say hello to him but do not call him Bugsy. He hated tourists calling him Bugsy, lol

[@michellebrewster6605]

You missed the 'smoke' smell, it gets on your clothes and hair, it stinks.

[@cpataxpro]

Missed? You mean like re-igniting a gambling or alcohol addiction, getting your pocket picked, or getting robbed? Lol ... great content Jacob, one of your best videos ever. Viva Las Vegas baybee!! ❤🍻🥂🍹♠♣♥♦🎶🎵💰💸💸🏎💨💨🗽♥

[@Art7220]

@@michellebrewster6605 What about Too Many People and the Slots are Too Tight on the strip?

[@erika8884]

I avoid the strip because of ridiculous prices, construction, parking issues, too many people, and crime. It makes me feel like I am at work. However, the locals have many options at low-key establishments.

[@Area51-is6vg]

I moved to Vegas in 2006.When I moved HERE parking was FREE on strip. After 2012 I avoid strip & Gen Z and homeless people and the tourists. I am NOT missing anything for NOT going to strip.

[@bluecanary822]

It is not just locals that no longer go to the strip for all these same reasons. Las Vegas has become heartbreak for those of us who used to go regularly. Thank you Corporate America. You ruin everything your greedy fingers touch.

[@boogitybear2283]

Places like South Point and the Boulder Highway Strip Properties are why I always come back.

[@guzmancharles7]

Spot on👍

[@zepptar]

Maybe 20 years ago I remember $1 beers, $5.99 breakfast buffets, $2 footling chili dogs, so much fun way back. I don’t go there anymore. The casinos used to compete for your business.

[@guzmancharles7]

@@zepptar and $1.99 11PM - 6AM breakfast, .99cent Shrimp in Fremont Street. Those days will never come back so😔

[@johnschildge6199]

@@zepptar Absolutely true! Vegas was cheap fun back in the day. Not anymore.

[@maxfit68906]

It’s the same sentiment that locals in Honolulu have regarding Waikiki.

[@joebarr725]

Probably the same sentiment that New Yorkers have regarding Times Square.

[@MyKeeP81]

@@joebarr725 we go nowhere near that place

[@JimmyMon666]

Even as a tourist I didn't care for Waikiki last year when I went to Hawaii for the first time. And yeah I live in Vegas and I never go to the strip either. As for Hawaii, Maui and the big island were far superior.

[@christinepaluch7967]

I would say the one tourist destination locals do go to is the National Mall in DC. Because free museums and cultural events, and good public transportation. It's probably the best city for staycations I know. You can take a day off and wander around the Smithsonian Museums (there are several) or the National Gallery. But as someone who has been to both NYC and Hawaii. I hate Times Square and Waikiki is mediocre. The Big Island is the best place in the Hawaiin Islands and barely anyone visits that one. The boroughs are the best place to experience NYC, and then Chinatown.

[@SomeLazyDr]

@@joebarr725 Exactly. The Strip to locals in Vegas is a six mile long Times Square. You get the same hustlers, the same ads everywhere, the same soulless chain restaurants as the rest of America.

[@frotoe9289]

I used to visit the Strip at least once a week. And then it changed. Prices for food skyrocketed. Services fell off. And then the casinos made it clear locals were not welcome with the parking fees, which the first year were not applied to locals, but then they got greedy or they just got tired of our business. And then I missed by like 2 days gambling with my Caesars Rewards card and they emptied my account of $1200 due to inactivity > 6mo. Oh, I'd used the card regularly, just not gambling, and only gambling counts. ok... I'm done. In the 5 years since, I've been to the strip exactly 0 times. And when they got rid of the parking fees for locals during Covid and were begging us to come help 'em out by doing business there... oh hell no, the parking fee change was not permanent and as soon as the tourists came back, so did the parking fee. They don't want me. I don't want them. This ain't the Vegas Strip of 20 years ago when I moved here.

[@the-btc-tradingfloor2808]

💩🤡

[@MCC-fo1oe]

I hate to be that guy..but if tourists are bringing in so much more money than the locals then I would argue they would be crazy not to take advantage of that

[@johng4093]

@@MCC-fo1oe Or to put it another way, the tourists are suckers, and the locals are not.

[@glennwatson3313]

What do you mean, they emptied you account?

[@frotoe9289]

@@glennwatson3313 I had accumulated $1200 of comps. But to keep those, you have to earn at least one point by gambling in the past 6mo. I thought it was just "activity" in the past 6mo, and i had lots of that, spending comps in their casinos. But no, as I didn't put $10 through a slot, they set my balance to 0. At the 6mo 1wk mark I learned this, asked if they would consider giving it back, and... NO.

[@dankernuggets7]

I live in Orlando and a LOT of locals feel the same way about Universal and Walt Disney World.

[@TopGuardDawg]

Same here in California except the people who live here locally go to the park on weekdays instead of Weekends because it gets RIDICULOUSLY packed on Weekends including holidays with alot of of tourists

[@danrhone9756]

Disney is a joke. I use to like goin to Disney alot

[@ArmyRetired]

exactly - I live outside of Orlando and after years and years and years of Disney - we're taking a break. We dream of places like Las Vegas like people dream of coming here - its all good

[@Kelo_ke]

I was gonna comment the same. Traffic in Orlando/Kissimmee has also gotten ridiculous.

[@journmsu]

TBH my sister and I were talking where to go for vaca and we ruled out LV. Why, you may ask? The place is not what it used to be. LV back in the day was about three main things: Shows that had scantily-clad dancers wearing feathers, all-you-can-eat buffets at reasonable prices, and slot machines (one armed bandits). You could spend $20 a night on a room, $20 daily on food, and $20 on a show that included dinner, and it would be fantastic! Restaurants were mostly local owned (even on the strip) and cheap. In decades past casinos were smart enough to recognize that if you want visitors to gamble you have to discount food, rooms, souvenirs, and some shows. All of that is pretty much gone now. Buffets are almost a thing of the past, replaced with food halls that showcase overpriced, corporate junk food and way overpriced, overhyped "celebrity" restaurants; hotels often charging $200 or more for a standard room, and on top of that a resort fee, plus parking fees (if less than $200, chances are the room hasn't been cleaned properly or is in sad disrepair); and an unhoused issue along with crime that I am not certain is being addressed properly. And, most importantly, questioning how Clark County taxpayer $ is being spent in LV. There are other places in the U.S. to go to if you wish to gamble, see shows, chow down at a buffet or two, and stay in a well-maintained, clean room that doesn't highjack your wallet. Las Vegas is no longer the cheesy, glitzy fun it used to be. They've forgotten their past and this will, potentially, lead to their ultimate downfall.

[@jdawg9137]

Downfall? 😂 They're growing bigger an richer by the day. I hate this place but it's definitely going up hill financially.

[@journmsu]

@@jdawg9137 Right now it appears there is this trajectory that is pointing upward but it won't last. Bad decisions and other issues will cause its downfall. Hopefully, it won't last long and the town will come back strong. Only time will tell.

[@rafaelnunezjr.]

​@journmsu , agreed! I started going to Vegas in 2009 and loved the deals we got and they we'd find. I started going yearly up to 3 times a year. Now, I've still gone every year cause they hooked me at the beginning, but every year I think about it more and more about not going cause it's gotten so out of hand... And yet, they make record profits each year.... 🤷🏻‍♂️ I hope they one day return to what they were... 😕

[@doesntmatter3963]

Not sure anyone asked tbh

[@journmsu]

@@rafaelnunezjr. This is strictly a personal opinion, but my gut is telling me that most casinos/hotels are cookin' the books. I would love to know how many tourists are foreign vs. American. Many Americans today don't travel like in the past due to the economy, rising costs on pretty much everything, low wages, and having to figure out how to save $ for old age. What is Reno like? Anywhere else you think might be a good place to recommend?

[@CrabbyOldLady]

Nailed it. I've lived here for two decades, and it's been frustrating to see the Strip properties get greedier and more predatory year after year. A lot of the changes originated in the financial crisis of 2008, when the area was devastated. Strip casinos started changing over to 6-5 blackjack, triple zero roulette, and much tighter slots, in a desperate attempt to increase revenue as visitorship waned due to the crash. As the economy recovered, those increased house advantages remained. And then they started charging for parking, inventing new fees like the evil CNF fee, etc. I never go to the Strip anymore. I'll drive 20 miles to the South Point, or visit the Red Rock, the Suncoast, the Orleans, or the Durango and have a much better time for much less money.

[@Canuck1000]

I had a cousin who lived in Vegas for several years. She and her husband started a very successful pool business construction company early 2000s. The company had a large number of employees. Unfortunately, they lost everything following the financial crash 2008 (tons of house owners lost their house, especially on LV). It was awful. She said it was very heartbreaking to let go of her employees. She eventually had to move back home and live with her parents in her early 50s.

[@beaumac]

The main reason we don’t go to the strip is there are so many incredible restaurants off the strip that are much cheaper. Also, it is just way too crowded all the time. We only go for the occasional concert or sports event.

[@william-fla-321]

Totally agree. As a visitor, I preferred off strip and too much dope smoking going on for my wife and I.

[@baldeagle4710]

Word. Off the strip you’re not paying $150 per person for dinner

[@MontiRock]

@@baldeagle4710 dude, for real! I mean, there are SO many (good) options off the strip is that if you're able to afford to eat out at a restaurant one meal a day you'd never go to the same spot for at least a year.

[@Chunkballfairy]

For real the off strip food is better then then on strip food and costs half as much and I don’t need to pay 30 dollars to park and walk though a smoke filled resort with blasting slot machines and drunk tourists yelling.

[@rarebreed4512]

​@@william-fla-321do you feel the same way at places where cigarette smoke is everywhere?

[@rheamccants2227]

The fact that free parking becoming unavailable is pure greed……….Another great video Jacob

[@thomasallen6980]

Everyone can see how much turmoil there is in politics right now. We have a democracy being held together with frayed ropes. One moron wants to wreck everything so he can steal more money and be some sort of 'supreme leader' and the other guy is just trying to hold it all together. A classic battle between good and evil. In the meanwhile people are stashing as much money as they can in case our Democracy falls in favor of a strong-arm dictator.

[@largol33t12]

If I ran a casino, I'd punch the competition by making parking mega cheap and the locals can stay free for an hour. The casino management and others on the strip are DUMB. Well, they're ruining the local economy. I'm priced out. Was planning to visit next year and searched for the cheapest of everything from airfare to a big name casino and the price came to over $2,000 per person. Nope. Not interested. Maybe the greedy hotels and casinos will learn how to gamble playing solitaire, LOL...

[@largol33t12]

PS: the businesses along the Strip are ignorant thinking they're the only game on the planet. I just drive to the Native American casinos on the TX/OK border when I feel like having fun at the slot machines. Vegas, you will not survive at this rate.

[@scottyo64]

@@largol33t12 locals get 3 hours free parking at many casinos

[@scottyo64]

As a local, my wife and I go to the strip, often. Great food, shopping, and fun to people watch. As for parking you can get it by being a local, 3 hours free. As a local you learn the game.

[@Floorguy1000]

Lol ! .. New Yorker here..... We avoid the 42nd street area like the plague! Thanks for the heads up on Vegas!

[@lordfarquad444]

Haha and why is that?

[@frisk151]

Any chance I could get you to pick me up a Rolex, Mille or a "doony" handbag for my wife off... What is the name.. Canal Ave? Or.. Street? :p.

[@cliffpadilla5871]

​@@frisk151Canal Street.

[@RushOrbit]

@@lordfarquad444 Times Square, midtown in general is filled with tourists and it makes it hard to walk, but specially Times Square.

[@bettyclark8635]

If you was smart you would avoid NYC all together like the plague too

[@william-fla-321]

I had a package deal with rental car, hotel, and airfare. We stayed at the Luxor and I couldn’t believe all the hidden fees from the hotel and rental car company. My wife, and I, never gambled, ate off strip most of the time, and we preferred South Point. I did splurge one night at the Bacchanal buffet, which was over priced,not worth the wait, and a big letdown. A lot has changed in Las Vegas over thirty years, but my next time I’ll be staying at South Point.

[@william-fla-321]

Oh. I forgot about all the dope smoking going on the strip.

[@ralphmontemalo6378]

Try staying at Red Rock resort in Summerlin sometime. As a local, this is where we go a lot. It has everything you need on the property and is very beautiful. Also not as pricey as anything on the strip.

[@markjackson994]

I like Southpoint 👍

[@william-fla-321]

@@ralphmontemalo6378 Thanks for the tip and I’ll definitely try Red Rock.

[@idrathernot_2]

The Luxor is a crime against humanity for painting all over the pyramids alone

[@superbighungry]

The Strip is just so crowded and expensive. It’s fun for specific things but just to go and hang out nah. GVR, Red Rock, Durango, Southpoint, Silverton….less crowded, cheaper, free to park..

[@genociderjill]

south point is the best locals casino this side of the town

[@dmoney7184]

@@genociderjillI like Ellis Island 🏝️

[@slowmojo9355]

I love little Darlings🙋🏼‍♂️

[@jshudo44]

South Point is my second home lol

[@cshubs]

I had a photographer friend who lived in Vegas for a few years. The only time she went to the Strip was for a gig. When I visited, she took me where the locals go, and there was a lot. From what I could tell, locals often can be found in small strip malls that feature the restaurants and clubs that tourists don't know about. The service is better, and the prices aren't a ripoff.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

That tourist don’t know about? That’s every city and country world wide. The problem in bmvegas is that even your imported grocery stores charge a leg and an arm. The strip has been screwing people for years except today 2024, people can’t afford sh*t regardless of the city they’re in ~ are people really visiting Las Vegas like before? When war is happening and price of living has shot to the moon and beyond? For crying out loud if you eat an in and out burger off the strip it’s 40, dollars in travel before the 13.00 22.00 dollars for one person which turns roughly into around 80,00 plus dollars. Drinking any kind of drinks alcoholic or water is way overpriced. People are paying 500% higher if they drink a shot at any bar. This ride is not going to sustain itself.

[@Ezekial2517]

Sounds like where I live. Where’s the fun in that?

[@Roidweiser]

Im a local and i love the strip. I even work at flamingo. its a ton of fun, and the reason so many people come here. why not enjoy it? but i moved here from a dull midwestern city.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

I’m sorry but working on the strip or any place is not fun. You are lying to yourself and others walking up down those stairs and dealing with people all day is not fun. You trying to hire suckers to help run the place lol

[@morningstar8018]

Fucking liar it’s closed down

[@larryb4392]

I agree totally, @Roidweiser, and I moved here from NYC (where I also loved going to Times Square). No one is saying you have to go every day or spend obscene amounts of money. Go when you want and have a good time. You are living near one of the great entertainment areas in the world and you are proud to say that you won't go to the strip as a local? It just doesn't make any sense to me.

[@danielcarty7244]

​@@larryb4392To each their own. For me, there is just something off-putting about overcrowded, touristy areas of the city you live in. I've been living in NYC for a few years and I avoid Times Square at all costs. It's just way too many people and everything costs too much money. But I love theatre, so I will go for Broadway occasionally. I think parking costs are also a very valid reason to stay away from The Strip, and other touristy areas, but I don't drive so that's not really my problem.

[@larryb4392]

@@danielcarty7244 I guess we view the idea of being “touristy” quite differently. I love the crowds and seeing something different all the time. I mean, why would people even travel if not to be touristy? It’s fun and exciting. And this whole thing about cost - again you are not living on the strip or going there every day. You are just enjoying what that great place has to offer as an escape or for a special occasion. But you will do what you feel is best for you and that is fine. But for me, I can’t see myself knowing what is in my proverbial backyard and not taking advantage of it on occasion.

[@supremeleader9440]

Anyone else noticed rude street performers ??

[@nathananddianacollins1859]

Yep

[@rayecast]

They're called solicitors. Lol

[@uttaradit2]

we call em cops

[@MrRMT1986]

I like those rude street performers. Part of the Vegas experience.

[@madscientist6869]

You just got to smack him around sometimes tell him to shut up and get out your way don't be a little punk

[@Gqvre]

Same thing with us in Florida with Disney! We got our home 10 years ago near Disney and we've gone twice lol I avoid going that way at all cost!

[@cshubs]

Do locals get a noticeable discount?

[@Gqvre]

​@@cshubsI honestly have no clue. We got in for free both times due to my wife having friends that work there. I'm sure they give some discount, but it's probably not much! Sorry I couldn't really answer your question!

[@anthonymartinez4307]

But you went twice. This guy is claiming that they don’t go? It’s bs they go but they can’t afford anything anymore. Even the tourist are starting to get shocked the first day they go bananas but next day they’re bankrupt and making phone calls with a piece of paper in their hand ( invoice) can people actually afford all the up charges this year? I’m sure the women who visit sell that as$ to brake even lol

[@kennyadvocat]

Disney was so cheap when i went as a kid in 97. And you didn't have to pay extra for Disney-plus or book months in advance.

[@carpenoctem775]

Disney sucks anyway.

[@gjp3863]

Same here in Oahu, Hawaii. As a local I absolutely hate and avoid Waikiki.

[@baldeagle4710]

Oahu is like LA now

[@T-roc57]

​@@baldeagle4710-Was there back in 2016 & it was awesome! Only spent a week there but walkin in downtown Waikiki was way safer than my hometown lol. Not sayin you're lying, just that it was nice then.

[@jacobclemmons6091]

Yah I'm in Vegas and I avoid downtown LA and Hawaii as well. I walk on ex lovers for my steps and over medium drizzys.

[@genociderjill]

good for you

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Locals know where to go to avoid tourist high costs

[@jbeckmann36]

I reside in Summerlin. I can actually walk to Red Rock Casino if I wanted and to me it’s compatible to any strip resort. I tell my out of town friends and family to stay there vs strip. They all love it

[@patriot925]

Red Rock also has lousy odds. Difficult to find 3/2 blackjack games there.

[@scottyo64]

@@patriot925 gambling is silly anyway.

[@patriot925]

@@scottyo64 Not just silly. Gambling is downright stupid!

[@elamd]

I stayed in Red Rock last May for three nights. Had a great time and the pool was amazing. Pretty nice shopping and eating area about half a mile away as well. Highly recommend!

[@mreppen1]

Most informative video I’ve seen in a long time. I’ve been going to LV since 1979. Get the ef off the strip!

[@PassportDialectic]

Yep. I live on the Boulder City side of Henderson (30min from Las Vegas). Last 36 months I hit the strip 2 times.

[@tofutuesday]

Definitely parking fees are a huge problem. We park free at Sahara and take the monorail using the $2 locals tickets. We don't really even like to scan our ID to get the free hour of parking because who knows they do with that information. We go for Vegas Golden Knights games or a concert now and then, that's about it.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

People are lying about not going they are always there what they don’t do is spend money, you ever see locals using cabs? They can’t afford it. Majority of local and visiting girls are there to sell themselves as weekend tourist girlfriends they rent themselves for an hour and try to find clients. Families go for the games but they are always going to do people watching. It’s really just a big scam they trick people in gambling to eventually take all their money paying out low jack pots here and there making a big deal and big splash to attract more suckers. Their pools are toddler deep and the European style pools were even two waters is 40,00 dollars with topless women like who wants to show off their girl or wife’s knockers? It’s nothing but an over hyped raunchy city. You don’t know if any girl or man is a hooker or porn star?

[@RebelMontana]

I avoided the strip since they added the pay parking. I end up going to south point or station casinos. I’m not even a local but I get more value for my dollar going off strip.

[@slipmad]

I remember one day, there was construction on Sahara and i had to take the strip to get back to work. My job is 4 or 5 miles down Las Vegas BLVD and it took me an entire HOUR to get back to work.

[@VanCityDLLM]

This is the same anywhere around the world. It's a tourist attraction and most locals are working on the strip and the rest don't like the crowds, or accessibility etc.. I always make a point to visit local's favourite neighbourhoods and LV has so much more to offer than the strip. It's a starting point for many tourists to visit the major parks such as Zion, Bryce, Gran Canyon, Route 66 etc.. Tourists are mainly contained in one area of your city and that's a great attribute to have in any major city!! Hey, who doesn't like the pretty lights!! 😃

[@william-fla-321]

Death Valley was nice.

[@POLOCleveland]

Hi Jacob..Love the content you provide. Keep up the good work and maybe I'll see you on one of my trips to Las Vegas

[@katsiduzynski488]

Was first married there, almost 40 years ago... it was a cheap place to vacation, have fun, lots of out of town sights, was nowhere as built up then as now! It's a shame monetary greed has ruined the place for all. I don't plan on returning any time soon, regardless of fact I've not been back for more than a several hour drive through over 15 years ago. Did not stop for anything except for gasoline, for the automobile and some snacks.

[@slowmojo9355]

Well im sure you are going to love the traffic on the strip

[@devlinadams4166]

Happy 10th anniversary on KZbin Jacob ❤🎉🎊🎆🎇 Your channel and videos are so very much informative , educational & needed. Please keep up the good work for the next 10 years congratulations again

[@freddiev125]

What a great subject. From a person considering moving to LV, I always looked at “the strip” fr. a tourist point of view. Thanks for sharing it! 👀

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

De nada!

[@RobMcDougall]

That map at 5:04 is INCREDIBLE! Wild to see how much the city has grown in a little under my lifetime.

[@safromnc8616]

As someone who first went to Vegas 30+ years ago, I now only visit Vegas for its surrounding outdoor venues and activities. The Greed by the casinos is totally crazy. And that's what it is. I would say I have 'outgrown' the Strip...

[@anthonymartinez4307]

Casinos ( please come deposit your money) lol

[@cpataxpro]

Lol ... the casinos only provide the venue .. it is visitor greed combined with seeking excitement, entertainment, and thrills that drives the Vegas vehicle. Last time I checked no one is forced to spend a dime or gamble a nickle. 🤣

[@RMA84]

@@cpataxproabsolutely! I agree 💯! It’s a business! They want as much money as possible! Lol it’s why they exist… people act like Casinos hold a gun to peoples heads

[@JayShimoda]

I live on Oahu and I, like many other locals, hate going into Waikiki. Many of the same reasons (inflated prices aimed at tourists, etc.) I used to say the Strip was like going to Waikiki, except they have free parking. Well, that sure isn't true anymore.

[@TheHawaiiantiger]

As a local boy born and raised on Oahu I totally agree with you. When we was small kid time we used to go Waikiki on occasion and it was really nice and you would see a lot of locals there. Not now!

[@hawaiiboylasvegas8342]

I used to live in Vegas and I was born and raised in Hawaii too… I avoid both The Strip and Waikiki like the plague! I only go Vegas to see my friends and shoot gun now.

[@Scantronimus466]

I’m a local and visit the Strip about once a month, usually for a sporting event (Knights, Aces, Desert Dogs) or concert. But I don’t do any of the tourist stuff like gambling, bars/restaurants, or the standard shows like Cirque or Blue Man Group or whatever. The only time I walk the Strip is late at night - like 1 or 2 in the morning - when there aren’t many people around and it’s quieter.

[@MontiRock]

what, you don't go to Southpoint? (Because apparently, that's THE spot for locals according to my co-workers).

[@FirstAmendmentRights]

On our last visit to Vegas , we ventured off the strip for lunch. Pretty cool spot, Back to the 80's Cafe ☺👍

[@jameswilson1360]

I've been to Vegas more than 40 times. LOVE, Love Vegas !! Way back I only stayed on "The Strip". I got so tired of having to walk 3 blocks and 15 minutes, just to cross the street. Now we only stay "Downtown" !! If you want to cross the street it takes 20 seconds.....

[@danrhone9756]

You can have Vegas

[@scottyo64]

@@danrhone9756 And I will keep it lol moved here in 2008 and will retire here. Hateful people can stay home

[@jcastell1]

I love your videos, you have the BEST Las Vegas YT channel on the market! Great Job as usual!

[@audreyhepburne]

1:04 Jacob, I used to work as a blackjack dealer on the lot behind you in this part only it was The Stardust back then. I miss The Stardust. I was a cooler.

[@brianlorsung1964]

Even as tourist, I spend more than half my time off-strip. I love places like Ellis Island, Fantastic Indoor Flea Market, Southpoint, Frankie's Tiki Lounge, Area 15, Player One arcade bar, Broad Acres Flea Market, the Boulder Highway casinos, The Arts District, McMullan's Irish Pub, The Sand Dollar Lounge, Herbs and Rye, Jackson's, Mr Ds, Road Kill Grill, Rollin Smoke BBQ, Chinatown, Hofbrauhaus, Daiso, Naked City Pizza, CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog, Speed Vegas, Lotus of Siam, The Golden Steer, and more. All of these are a far better value, with free parking.

[@LgIdaho61]

Thanks Jacob!! I heard the locals don’t frequent the strip. Now I know why. 💙

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

De nada!

[@Fernandolunatoro1]

Vegas is great for vacation. If you do not gamble it is a great place to go and enjoy great food and entertainment at great prices. The casinos keep prices down so that you go there and lose your money at the tables and slots.

[@MandalorV7]

The traffic looked insane when I was there last year. I had considered getting a rental car to check out some locations off strip, but glad I avoided driving in of that. One of the reasons why I did stay at the Excalibur was because it was closer to the airport. Not much of a traffic issue for getting there.

[@margaretthatcher6828]

Agree...we used to stay at the Tropicana...we miss the Trop.

[@Compoundingisking]

Good for yall. Stay at home. Let the out of towners enjoy there self

[@Wwg1wga48]

Ditto what people say about living near a tourist area.. Sedona .. Scottsdale same thing… can’t hardly find a slow day at the Grand Canyon…

[@adamk2101]

I appreciate your videos Jacob ….. it’s quite entertaining actually .💯 % correct why we don’t go . All the work you put in your videos is unmatched. Hahahah I appreciate the visitors though. Oh and btw downtown better get ready to be crazy busy after this video hahaha

[@tdp73]

I lived there for 15 yrs and never went to the strip except when I was at work as a casino cage cashier. When I got off work, the last thing I wanted to do was be around casinos. And now they charge fir everything, corporations have taken over, there are no more free meal passes or drink passes that you could get just by asking. And all parking was free. Everything is different than when I lived there.

[@808G8GT]

Yup. This is why i live far up north in Aliante and rarely ever go near the strip. I might go on the strip maybe once a year when family or friends come to town to visit.

[@vinnieboombatzmd3508]

I haven't been to a strip or downtown casino in almost 20 years. Honestly, if they treated locals better I wouldn't mind the occasional weekend stay-cation. But they're all about squeezing every penny out of anyone they can. If they did things like waive resort fees and parking for locals that would bring a lot of local business in.

[@cpataxpro]

I think they call it "capitalism." 🤔

[@guitarsrcool4922]

It's called greed.

[@baldeagle4710]

Resort fees? Why would you stay over in a hotel if you live in vegas

[@jdawg9137]

​@@guitarsrcool4922 They wouldn't be so greedy if people stayed home, but people love it.

[@guzmancharles7]

Locals were the core of the strip.

[@graydation]

This list is 100% spot on... I also moved here in 2014.

[@richdouglas2311]

When we lived there 30 years ago, the Strip was good for buffets, shows (especially comedy rooms), and the Peppermill. Now, only one of those (the Peppermill) remains compelling. I don't even like staying on the Strip as a tourist. It's exhausting and filled with people I'd rather not be around anyway. The next time we go we're going to stay off-Strip.

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

You pretty much called it! My brother and his family live in the LV area; we live at the sane (north) end of NV. We might go down once a year to visit now and NEVER go to the Strip. I've heard everything you've covered here from my brother and his family. Years ago I enjoyed the Strip but now don't miss it one bit after traveling there for trade shows in recent years and seeing for myself how sad and greedy the Strip has become. Now that I'm retired and don't have a specific reason to do so, you'll NEVER see me on the Strip!

[@JBoomer-pi6ml]

During my first visit to New York City for work I asked my local co-workers about the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, they don't go. They took me because I was from out of town.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

The torture they endured for you they must really like you. Vegas is like visiting India 🇮🇳 if you don’t like someone buy them a plane ticket and book them a hotel room they will never forget the experience lol Vegas is now like India dirty and overcrowded overpriced and every room comes with free bed bugs.

[@FlyLikeDove]

I've lived in NYC 20 years and never did either

[@mmmmmm8606]

@@FlyLikeDovereally? There is truly no other reason to go to NYC but to look at the landmarks. People are rude, the city is dirty, there is traffic everywhere can’t rent a car because there is no parking or public parking is expensive and the ethnic food isn’t as great as from the original places. Also everywhere else in NYC is quaint just like your typical American neighborhood.

[@FlyLikeDove]

@@mmmmmm8606 I've lived here 20 years now and I see things differently I guess. I love New York for the people, I don't find them rude at all, definitely brisk and in a hurry, but far more kind and giving than anyone I grew up with on the West Coast. We say hello to our neighbors every day, with the exception of people that have moved here within the last five years because most of them are a very dismissive and don't think that they should have to acknowledge their neighbors. So there's definitely becoming a divide here. I do agree that it's very loud here it's super dirty here, yet there are so many cool things to see and do in the middle of all of it. That said, I appreciated it much more before than I do now, I just don't get out and about like I used to, so time to make a change in the next year or so.

[@FlyLikeDove]

@@anthonymartinez4307 that is so untrue 😂😂

[@SasquatchChief]

Not a local, but my friends and family who do live there year round have expressed all of those points regarding the Strip. To them, why should they spend several hundreds of dollars for the same thing they can get elsewhere for small fraction of the cost? That also includes their time which might be even more precious. When we meet-up, it's usually off the Strip for food. Keep up the great videos Jacob!

[@Djm8520]

As a local, I vehemently agree! And I can walk to The Strip.

[@Bubbs88]

Same.

[@Djm8520]

@@Bubbs88 ✅✅

[@AnthonyLopez-f8c]

Great video Jacob! When I was a tourist I visited Vegas multiple times a year and always stayed on the Strip. Every trip was a blast. However now I live here and have for over 10 years. I avoid the Strip at all costs for all the reasons you mentioned but mostly because of the crime. I enjoy Downtown much more.

[@KrustySnax]

People treat the Strip like it’s a Skid Row Disneyworld. Tired of all these families coming in from out of town ruining everything. Tired of the gambling addicts asking me to pay for their bullshit OR trying to steal it from me. The old appeal to Vegas can still be salvaged in some of the local properties. Strip has gone corporate and lost all its appeal.

[@timslater566]

I agree wholeheartedly! Las Vegas should be marketed as a place for ADULTS! Families can go to Disneyworld in Orlando so they won’t have to shield their kids from everything around them! Keep Las Vegas and New Orleans for adults please!

[@princessmarlena1359]

💯

[@GreatMewtwo]

A "Lupin the Third" promo for an episode had made a joke similar to this; "Paradise is like Disneyland with hookers."

[@tonytaylor4056]

I use to love to drive down to Vegas couple times a year, was the perfect get away…moved to Vegas from CA a year ago, haven’t been to the strip once and anytime I get close to that area I get anxiety for some reason

[@themasterrogerdelgado]

Good list Jacob, but as a local myself, your #7, Parking, is my #1. I do enjoy the casinos and I would visit a LOT more if the parking was free AND it was more accessible to the highways. Having to slog along Sahara or Flamingo adds 15 or more minutes to the trip to get there depending on time of day and what weekday it is. My #2 is how expensive the tables are. So damn greedy.

[@ozkrow1]

310k subscribers! I remember when it was just getting going congrats!

[@Kenneth_Usher]

I always do the cheap eats during my trip it’s fun to hunt down cheaper eating and cheap drinks too but I do one expensive steak dinner during my visit.

[@lasvegas8179]

I'm a long time Las Vegas City resident. I love it! There's not another place I rather be... BUT, I avoid the Strip or Las Vegas Downtown. The last time I was there, it was 3 years ago, during family visiting. There're so many other fun places and things to do around it without having to pay for parking!

[@David_Landesman]

I lived in Henderson for a year. Every day I drove all over LV as a roll off drop box driver. That entire year I lived there, we only visited the strip one time for leisure. Now that I am back in Oregon, we still go to LV at least once a year to party it up on the strip. The appeal was not the same when we lived there.

[@emacias1473]

That's what my husband does for work through Republic.

[@OMGAPLATYPUSs]

Just signed up for your email deals…Great Work as always Jacob…THANK YOU! ☘️

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

Thank you!

[@emily7213]

The only part of Vegas I see anymore is the airport and catch the shuttle to Laughlin for a much better and much more relaxing vacation. Vegas lost me and I truly cannot believe people pay for all the outrageous fees and absorbent prices. I LOVE your channel and content..but I despise what Vegas has become and shocked that it's still able to pull this nonsense off. It has to come crashing down at some point.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

You are spot on there’s no value in this city anymore ~ going elsewhere is way better. Mesquite or Laughlin or places that don’t nickle and dime you.

[@william-fla-321]

I did a package deal and the price was good. My wife and I never gambled and used it a launchpad. I preferred South Point.

[@MontiRock]

See, it will. And maybe sooner than we think.

[@Blusoup1]

We are the same here in the Nashville area. Us locals stay away from downtown Nashville/Broadway. It seems like torture to go down there these days. The only times I dare go down there is for events at Bridgestone arena like concerts or hockey games. We feel your pain Vegas locals. I guess that explains why one our city’s nicknames is Nashvegas.

[@william-fla-321]

Nashville is also known for its high crime rates.

[@ThesexyMrX]

Ahem, Chill nashvillian. Las vegas Is way worse, Nashville is fine and it has a cute little party area.

[@pickled51]

As a resident of Nashville, totally agree. Can't remember the last time I visited downtown.

[@marks.4799]

After the pandemic things just got so stupid on the strip, we used to go several times a year but we are DONE going

[@jumpman366]

Ok the pandemic is over… what are you complaining about lol

[@TheCrazyJakeAZ]

@@jumpman366Because I’ve noticed everything about the Strip now sucks. The drink service when you’re gambling sucks, the food is fuckin’ overpriced, the rooms are absurd for what you get, everywhere there are hobos and tweakers looking for a fight, and I’ve noticed I don’t win as much as I did pre-COVID. Pandemic may be over, but the Strip sucks cock now.

[@Thejordanenthusiast]

I live in LA area, in the Inland Empire (Redlands to be exact), and Vegas would always be good for a quick getaway trip since it’s 3.5 hours away. I still enjoy staying on the Strip for the experience, but over the years I have learned to enjoy things off the strip to really get the full experience of the city and metro area. There’s still a lot to go and see.

[@guzmancharles7]

We are locals that being here for over 40 years,in the 90’s we used to visit the strip, WE HAVENT BEEN TO THE STRIP SINCE 2010. We used to visit the MGM Great Adventure, New York and eat the Hot Dogs, M&M & Coke shop. The Luxor used to have the ‘River Ride’ from there to the Treasure Island hotel and watch the pirates show and finish with the Mirage Volcano when it was fun. Now we avoid the strip like the ‘Plague’ we have told our relatives not to come to LV. Your best bet is the Red Rock Casino & Spa is so nice. The way things are going we don’t think we ever going to visit it again, hasta la vista LV Strip👋🏼Hopefully we be leaving LV in next Couple of years. YOUR LIST IS SPOT ON, THANKS FOR THAT GREAT INFORMATION👍

[@Dos895]

I feel for you locals. Must be frustrating. I haven't been to Vegas in years and hearing how it has changed, even recently. makes me not want to go. On the other hand, a part of me wants to go, maybe for one last time, just to see for myself just how much it has changed. Did the free nightime outside pirate show at TI really go away? Why? I really enjoyed that show.

[@guzmancharles7]

@@Dos895 yes since Wynn left. The Hotel is a ghost what it was in years past.

[@scottarooni]

7. PARKING - I don't pay for parking anywhere on the Strip because I've found ways around it; however, I agree that parking fees are ridiculous and a complete waste of money. I feel this way about paid parking in ANY city. 6. FOOD & DRINK PRICES - Yeah, I wouldn't go to the Strip for food. Too many other more inexpensive options outside of the Strip. 5. TRAFFIC - Who likes traffic anywhere? I mean, I know you've been to Los Angeles. You can find a place to park on the Strip (Treasure Island LOL) and pretty much walk anywhere you need to go if you want to be on the Strip. 4. CONSTRUCTION - Always an inconvenience, no matter where it is. 3. BAD GAMBLING OPTIONS - I play video poker, and the Strip has terrible pay tables for video poker, but I still won over $1,800 at the Cromwell last week, so that's not too bad. 2. TOO COMMERCIAL - I mean, that's the whole point, isn't it? 1. TAX DOLLARS - Everything you said in this segment is true, but with no state income tax, the city has to get money from somewhere. People will always complain that they pay too much in taxes, and no one will ever volunteer to pay more taxes. However, I don't see how this is a factor in "avoiding the Strip." I actually agree with everything you laid out in the video, Jacob. I'm glad you stated at the end that locals recognize and appreciate the Strip that brings tens of millions of visitors to our city every year. I visit the Strip every so often to gamble at Caesars properties when they give me some free play. I've lived in Las Vegas for almost 38 years, and I take the good with the bad. I don't avoid the Strip, but as a local who doesn't work on the Strip anymore, I don't have a reason to go there all the time.

[@JetBizzle]

That 2014 goatee was thicc!! 😂

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

😆

[@lisadamele1108]

Totally agree!! As a local I avoid the strip unless out of state friends fly in. Even then I dread driving over there. Driving the strip gives me anxiety. Then I pay to park. 😩

[@chuckcookus]

Oyo has free parking, avoids traffic and it's a five-minute walk to the south end of the strip

[@JacobslifeinVegas]

Yep 👍

[@anthonymartinez4307]

Why are people fascinated to walk nowhere? I’ve watched people wreck while visiting as if they never seen a fake Statue of Liberty? Now there has more fees lol ~ Vegas is just a dirty place who knows what filth is being fed to unsuspecting customers with the high volume of people?

[@gasperm3]

SShhhhhhh.....don't tell everyone about OYO parking, lets keep it secret

[@BrianKarvelis]

Thanks for the Las Vegas info. I have been staying at the El Cortez the last few times. I like the downtown vibe.

[@ronaldarchuleta2496]

I live in Phoenix, and I avoid the Strip now for similar reasons. 12+ years ago, I could drive four hours and get a truly comped room at Bally's or Flamingo for 2-3 nights, and have a nice little getaway. Now, a comp is not a true comp with resort fees and parking fees. I prefer downtown now where the comps are better and the food is less expensive.

[@gasperm3]

Vegas local here, 2.5 years now. I will say that I do go to the strip probably 1 or 2 times a month. I have a houseseats membership (which is a great deal) so that brings me out for certain comedy clubs/carrot top or other shows, events, etc. Certain places are easier to get to on the strip, and do offer free local parking, so I go to places like Stratosphere (great for going to arts district), Treasure Island and Mirage are easy to get to and across the street from center strip, Luxor for Carrot Top shows is easy. Also, if I want to go to center strip, I will probably get on the monorail at MGM Grand or Westgate. Many locals don't realize we can ride the monorail for $2 round trip! I do think most locals are just lazy as well and would rather sit home and watch netflix. I like the strip but certainly not for frequent visits.

[@ToniTruthArt]

Been here a few months and haven’t been to the strip yet. The thought of flying in for vacation to Vegas felt better than actually living here and seeing it all the time.

[@baldeagle4710]

It gets old

[@barbarapisarski4144]

You hit the nail on the head. When I lived in New York, people always wanted to go into the city... Same thing, I would say, ok well let me tell you what hotels you can book a room at and we can meet up. lol

[@Wwg1wga48]

Haven’t been( live in northern Az) to Vegas in over 5 years… prices .. for rooms … food .. resort fees… the mass humanity…parking… outrageous show prices…traffic… on and on… local casinos are much more fun .. cheaper.. and haven’t started ripping up off at every turn.. bring back the old Vegas

[@johnmacleod5675]

I can understand that. I live just outside Vancouver Canada and don't go anywhere near the downtown or ocean side neighborhoods unless I absolutely have to. Traffic, parking, and high prices top the list of why. Even if there's an event I would like to go see, I remember the traffic I'll have to deal with afterwards and I quickly talk myself of going.

[@GrumpyWolfTech]

It makes sense. I live in Portland metro, and I do EVERYTHING in my power to stay out of downtown Portland, horrible parking, bad drivers, crazy homeless people, insane prices, strange 1 way roads. It just brings me anxiety.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

That’s exactly what people who move to Vegas experience, anxiety do to the horrible traffic and homeless and worst the prices for food. A lot of these people don’t know that the water in Vegas is the worst I’ve met a lot of people with health issues.

[@jadedixon3641]

Same with San Francisco. I have lived in the Bay Area my whole life, in the last 20 years I have been to Reno more times than SF.

[@mikeabrams9217]

Local here - and we love The Strip. As you mentioned, we have world class entertainment, dining, and events. Is it expensive? Absolutely. But so is New York, Miami, LA. When we go we usually park at MGM and walk to where we are going or take the tram. Or if we are going to VGK or Raiders game we take the express from GVR so we can minimize traffic.

[@nelsonmateus597]

But luv ur vids jacob!! Even the adventures of walking through naked city at city

[@normanfrazin9851]

I work for a courier service in Chicago.They have a branch in LV so about 12 years ago I transferred to Vegas for the winter. Spent very little time on the strip. Really enjoyed the Suncoast. What you didn't mention was that all the local casinos have bowling alleys, movie theaters,and plenty of places to eat. Sort of a 1 stop entertainment center. Went to Vegas last year with my family and the didn't want to leave the strip even though I could have taken them to a bunch of different places.

[@ericmcleod7825]

Numbers 7-2 are spot-on...I don't think #1 keeps that many away from the strip. The thing that you didn't mention that keeps locals away from the Strip is that if you go party on the Strip then you still have to get home. Using ride share to get to the 'burbs adds another $60-$80 dollars to the nights price.

[@mankinmarketing]

From 1993 to 2011 when I lived in Vegas. I’d only go to the strip for work mostly. I would go to the strip or downtown now and then with friends on a day off. But not that often. If I wanted to gamble or grab a bite to eat , I would go to off strip casinos.

[@xoxoMoonChildxoxo]

My guess, with only having read the title, is most major cities experience the same avoidance from their local residents. Once you've seen it, you've seen it. Not much more to draw you there. The tourists make it difficult to enjoy it whether it's because it's too crowded or so many drunks or both. I live near Nashville and you won't catch me near Broadway or any other downtown area.

[@David-i6g8b]

Took my first trip to Las Vegas in 1975,and have lived ,worked,and now retired here after moving in 2000..I love how visitors run their mouths about what they think it's actually like living here after spending a couple of days here every 10 years..The things that suprised me the most when I first came here to live was how many beautiful neighborhoods there are all over the Valley,and the amount of great parks,and trails to enjoy..There is a shitload to do here besides heading to the Strip

[@FeralPlumber]

I haven't been downtown in at least 20+ years.....the strip, at least 10 years. I don't even like driving out of Henderson.........everything I need is here.

[@bobbobsin3202]

Yeah better to visit pahrump 😂

[@SamBroadway]

When I lived in Las Vegas for 7 years it was the Fremont experience that I regularly patronized... I went down on the strip a couple times with friends who flew into town but I never made any money. I paid my rent regular on the Fremont experience it was much more generous

[@jsnike91]

I live an hour from LA and I feel it’s the same with Los Angeles on a smaller scale. Too much traffic, too expensive and too many obnoxious tourist.

[@sarsar5189]

My guess is that you are not from LA.

[@MontiRock]

@@sarsar5189 people from LA are saying the same thing. That's why they're invading Las Vegas.

[@namenotfound8747]

If you live 1 hr. from LA, you are not from LA. Considering LA and LA county are massive, you're from Orange county, San Bernadino, Camarillo, IE, Santa Barbara. Also if you live in LA, you might avoid Hollywood and Venice and Santa Monica for the reasons you mentioned.

[@Thejordanenthusiast]

@@namenotfound8747All those areas you mentioned are still part of the metro area of LA.

[@namenotfound8747]

@@Thejordanenthusiast No one from any of those places goes around telling others they are from LA. Unless they are talking to someone out of side that doesn't know where Santa Barbara is or the IE.

[@joeyfrizz]

Way to go Jacob... love your channel, but this is your best video!

[@d4n13lr0x]

It's becoming like every other tourist attraction in the USA. Overpriced and catered towards the shrinking upper middle class instead of the masses.

[@rfahy72]

I am right with you about the parking and prices. It’s gotten ridiculous! I am from Minnesota and go to Vegas every couple years for vacation. I remember when you didn’t have to pay for parking and they had great food deals. Now Vegas seems to have gone in the totally opposite direction and charge for everything. I just returned from there and I am not so sure I will be back. The gambling is terrible on the strip as well. It’s become a place for the rich to vacation to.

[@thomasmckendry8566]

Also, it’s kinda hip to tell people how we never go to the strip.

[@Thedesertguy75]

I used to live there in the 90s, we avoided it back then too. But ut was much more fun back then. Loved Vegas in the 90s.

[@PaintingandExercise]

LV local here. The Strip is too crowded. The sidewalks are packed. Parking is expensive and the lines to exit the parking garages are long. Restaurants are expensive and crowded. It takes forever to drive anywhere on the Strip. We get better restaurants locally without the prices and the hassle of crowded roads.

[@william-fla-321]

Too much dope being smoked on the strip.

[@baldeagle4710]

Locals only go to the strip to make money. Jacob is a good example lol

[@steveverdoo1859]

Thanks for all the information. Guess I won't ever go to Vegas anymore. Good job Vegas.

[@theo3000]

Las Vegas locals have "The Emperor's New Clothes" vibe something fierce. Many visitors know more about the city than the mayor does.

[@kennixox262]

The Strip is outside the city of Las Vegas.

[@David-i6g8b]

That's nonsense

[@ATChick]

There are a couple of establishments downtown that give you a locals' discount. We go to those from time to time during down times when it's not as crowded.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I grew up 14 miles from Disneyland. I can count on one hand how many times we went. But we could see the fireworks 🎆 from our backyard.