Why We're Moving Back to Las Vegas
Recently, when we visited Beau’s family in Florida, we were met with a lot of questions about our decision to move back to Las Vegas at the end of this year. While we shared bits and pieces of our reasoning, I don’t think we ever fully captured why this move means so much to us. So, I wanted to take a moment to lay it all out.
We lived in Las Vegas ten years ago. I was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, and it’s also where we had our oldest, Vikki. While there were aspects of my military life that I certainly don’t miss from that assignment, Nevada itself has been in our hearts ever since we left. Every week, for the better part of a decade, we’ve found ourselves missing it.
From the time I was a young girl, I’ve had a deep fascination with the American West—especially the Southwest. I love the bold, earthy colors of the landscape, the harshness of the geology, and the unrelenting heat of the summer. But beyond that, I’ve always admired those who find a way to survive and thrive in such an environment—the cactus, the coyotes, the lizards, the rugged resilience of it all. In many ways, I suppose I relate to those desert things.
While we absolutely enjoy the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street, our love for Nevada extends far beyond its famous neon lights. We’ve cherished so many aspects of life there, from catching games with the Las Vegas Aviators (or as I’ll always think of them, the 51’s) and cheering for the Golden Knights to experiencing the thrill of NASCAR races. We’ve spent countless days exploring the eclectic art scene, hanging out at Container Park, and taking advantage of the incredible proximity to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders—the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and even the California coastline. Our first holiday together was at Lake Havasu, and one of our most spontaneous adventures was a road trip up the Extraterrestrial Highway. In Nevada, we never lacked for things to do, for adventure, or for that unmistakable sense of awe that the Southwest provides.
But beyond the experiences and landscapes, it’s the people who have truly cemented our love for Nevada. Nevadans—true Nevadans—are the salt of the earth. The state’s population is incredibly diverse, yet the spirit of its people is unwaveringly strong, welcoming, and resilient. If there’s any place that might rival the friendliness of its natives, it would be Oklahoma, but even then, Nevada holds a special kind of warmth.
Yes, the cost of living is certainly a factor in our decision, but ultimately, we’re moving back because it’s where our hearts have been for the past decade. We love Nevada, we love Las Vegas, and we can’t wait to call it home again. And someday, I look forward to representing Nevadans and fighting for the Battle Born State in a way that truly honors everything it has given us.
