By: Las Vegas Now Staff
According to the men's magazine, Best Life, Las Vegas is one of the best places to raise a family. The magazine ranked Honolulu the best city, followed by Virginia beach, billings, Montana, Columbus, Georgia and San Diego.
Out of all 257 cities considered, Las Vegas ranked 32 — right behind Reno.
The magazine's editors looked at several factors including good schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and above average test scores as well as places with a lot of museums, park and pediatricians. They also looked for cities with shorter commutes and affordable housing.
The people Eyewitness News talked to were shocked that our city of casinos and lights is ranked as a good place to raise kids. Considering the sinking housing market and poor student test scores, this is welcome news. That shows Las Vegas isn't always at the bottom of the pack.
Las Vegas – a city of temptation. A city were just about anything goes. And now it's a city ranked as one of the top places to raise a family.
“Oh that's not bad — 32nd out of over 200 – that's good,” said Dave, who lives in Las Vegas.
It's good news for Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman whose office over looks a city that hasn't always gotten the best reputation.
“The good news is that we aren't at the bottom of the list,” said Mayor Goodman.
This is one honor that happened in Vegas but the mayor doesn't want to stay here. Goodman wants to share it with the world.
“I mean Las Vegas has everything it's a great place to raise a family I raise four youngsters here,” he said.
But some most people we talked to disagree.
“I would have to differ on that. Well the crime rate mostly that,” said local, Mary Johnson.
“I wouldn't raise my kids here if I had a choice,” said another local, Vanessa Bursey.
“I don't see rec centers or anything they can get involved in to occupy there mind,” said Fafie Moore. Moore is with the Chamber of Commerce and says living in Las Vegas is a pretty easy sell.
“It's not a surprise to those of us who sale real estate because we like to tell people there is more beyond the Strip – there is a lot to see in our community,” said Moore. “I am really happy that we are recognized for the life style instead of just a places to come for fun.”
Moore also say it's positive news like this that could help our sinking housing market rebound.
“We are a city the offers opportunity and allow people to come here build business, which allow them to educate their children and buy homes for the America dream,” said Moore.
The magazine based their results in part on education. And while Las Vegas is the 32nd best city to raise a kid, the state ranks 45th in the country in education. And parents wonder how a city with such poor educational city can be so high on the list.
Email your comments to Reporter Travell Eiland.
