The Las Vegas Strip and Bellagio Water Fountain Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Las Vegas has become popular among movers seeking a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle.
  • People are mainly moving from California, Texas, Arizona, and Washington, according to Census data.
  • Movers and real-estate agents praised the area's relative affordability and various activities.

Richard Katz, a 66-year-old optometrist who lived in Virginia for over 20 years, was looking for the perfect place to retire.

He wanted to move to a city with a lot to do. An added bonus: being closer to the West Coast would allow him to more frequently visit his sister, in Sacramento, and his son, in Seattle. But he wanted to avoid coastal cities because of their tendencies for harsh weather.