Las Vegas rated fifth best draw in nation

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003 | 8:58 a.m.

The heat, the drought and the traffic may incense Las Vegas residents, but people from other states rank the city as the fifth best place to move to, a new Harris poll says.

It's primarily the economy, including jobs and affordable housing, that draws people to Las Vegas, local experts said.

The fifth-place ranking is unchanged from a similar poll conducted in 2001.

The Harris poll, conducted by Harris Interactive, polled 2,215 American adults over the Internet between July 14 and July 20. Harris said it took into account age, sex, race, education and propensity to be online in reaching its conclusions.

New York City ranks No. 1 in the poll.

Las Vegas Realtor Genevieve Kalt said people move to Las Vegas for the affordable housing and economic growth potential.

"I see people moving here all the time," Kalt said. "They are coming predominantly from California, Seattle and Hawaii."

Rob Powers, vice president of public relations for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said the quality of living attracts new residents.

"I think Las Vegas is still the land of opportunity for jobs and homes," Powers said. "That is a direct reflection on the quality of life, the favorable cost of living. Despite some challenges, a strong local economy, relative to other states, is still drawing people."

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said he couldn't understand why Las Vegas was stuck in fifth place.

"That just shows you never to rely on polls," Goodman said. "If we're not No. 1, then Harris is a little blind and a little dumb."

As for those selecting New York, San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles instead of Las Vegas, "If they don't come here then they have a screw loose," the mayor said.