Remote Work in Las Vegas: My Overcaffeinated, Heatstroking Reality as a Nomad Photographer

okay, so i've been in las vegas for three weeks trying to work remote as a freelance photographer and i'm still not sure if i'm in love or just addicted to the chaos.

first off, the map:

yeah, that's roughly where i'm camped out.

the strip is a visual overload. i shot some neon at 3am, and the lights reflecting off the wet asphalt look like liquid candy. it's a photographer's dream for color, but a nightmare for focus. the city literally never sleeps, and unless you're on the graveyard shift, you'll be fighting noise and crowds all day.

i'm staying in an airbnb studio near downtown. rent's $1,300 a month, which is a lot compared to, say, albuquerque, but it's still cheaper than austin. and the big plus: nevada has no state income tax. that's a real cha-ching for freelancers. but the utilities kill you-my june electric bill hit $220 because the a/c runs nonstop.

safety: downtown's getting better, but i still get weird vibes walking back from a coffee shop after dark. i stick to well-lit streets and avoid certain blocks near fremont street after midnight. on the strip, there's cops everywhere, but pickpockets love tourists. i keep my gear on a crossbody strap and never leave it unattended.

the weather right now is insane. it's 108 degrees at 10am and the air feels like soup. i've learned to schedule all my outdoor shoots for sunrise or sunset. the golden hour here is epic, but you have to plan around the monsoon season that hits late summer. sudden flash floods can strand you in areas before the bars even close.

i've discovered that nature's just a short drive away. red rock canyon feels like mars-red cliffs, hiking trails, and zero cell signal. perfect to unplug. also a two-hour drive lands you at death valley for those otherworldly landscapes, or lake mead if you need a water fix.

now, about the job market for remote gigs: it's surprisingly robust. a lot of companies are setting up nevada headquarters to dodge california's regulations, so there's demand for remote-friendly positions in tech support, virtual assistance, and even graphic design. i've seen a handful of 'remote only' postings on indeed that specifically mention las vegas as a base.

i've been testing coworking spots. work in progress downtown has fast fiber and cheap nightly beer, but the chairs are brutal after eight hours. the innervation center near the university is quieter but costs more. there's also a bunch of pop-up coworking at coffee shops like compassionate coffee (yes, that's the name) where you can park with a latte. for $5 you get decent wifi and a power outlet - not bad. i've tested the wifi at most coworking spots and my airbnb, and the speeds hover around 100 mbps down, 20 up, which is fine for editing high-res photos and uploading to clients.

i joined a few online groups for vegas digital nomads. there's a meetup called 'vegas digital wanderers' that meets every first thursday at a secret bar (secret only until you find the instagram). it's a mix of remote coders, writers, and a couple of real estate investors flipping houses. good for networking, but the drinks are pricey.

now, the gossip. i overheard at a bar near the arts district:

> 'if you're looking for a taco that'll make you forget your ex, go to tacos el cowboy in the parking lot of the old gas station on tropicana. they're only open till 2am.'

another gem from a bartender at the atomic:

> 'don't believe the hype about the high roller observation wheel being a great photo spot. security will hassle you if you have a 'professional' camera-they think you're paparazzi.'

and one more thing a local warned me about:

> 'the monorail is a tourist trap. it costs $12 for a single ride and the view is basically just a concrete corridor. just drive or ride a bike-vegas has surprisingly decent bike lanes along the strip early morning.'

i checked out some reviews on yelp for coworking spaces and found one called 'the vault' that claims to be 24/7. i showed up at 2am and it was just a basement with flickering lights. maybe not.

cost of living numbers (from my own spreadsheet): one-bedroom apt averages $1,300, a day pass at coworking spaces goes for $25, average coffee $4.50, monthly gym membership $60. compare that to austin ($1,600, $30, $5, $80) or medellín ($600, $15, $2.50, $40). vegas isn't the cheapest, but the tax break helps.

i've also been chasing that perfect desert sunset photo. the view from the top of the mirage's volcano? touristy but fun. but my favorite spot is on old highway 95 outside town where the road curves and the mountains frame the sky. i'll be there thursday if you need a guide.

so, is las vegas a digital nomad paradise? hell no. it's a goddamn circus. but it's a circus with cheap flights, no income tax, and landscapes that'll make your portfolio pop. if you can handle the heat, the crowds, and the occasional smell of stale beer on the sidewalk at 5am, you'll probably leave with some killer shots and a slightly lighter wallet. i'm still here, and i'm not sure if i'm in love or just addicted to the chaos.

let's get practical: laundry, groceries, and the fact that the city's water tastes like algae. get a filter. the airport (harry reid international) is a zoo during convention season-plan accordingly.

one more thing: the photography community here is tight but competitive. i've landed a few gigs shooting for local casinos' social media, but they pay late. invoice tracking is a necessary evil. i use quickbooks self-employed, but i'm considering switching to freshbooks.

for networking, i also hang out at the las vegas photography meetup group on meetup.com. we do monthly photo walks, usually in the fremont street district at night. it's a great way to learn the nooks and crannies.

also, if you need to print photos, the only decent lab is at the university's media center, but they overcharge. i usually ship to a lab in la-costs about $0.50 per 4x6, plus shipping.

if you're a freelancer, remember to set aside for self-employment tax. that 15.3% hits hard come april.

anyway, i gotta go shoot some sunrise. the wright stuff.

Check out the vegas digital nomad subreddit
Yelp's top coworking spaces
TripAdvisor's offbeat attractions

You might also be interested in:

• https://topiclo.com/post/esenyurts-a-weird-one-isnt-it
• https://topiclo.com/post/the-nightlife-scene-in-cali-where-the-salsa-never-sleeps-but-your-shoulders-probably-should
• https://topiclo.com/post/is-gzipura-overrated-a-reality-check-for-newcomers-3
• https://topiclo.com/post/is-paraaque-familyfriendly-parks-schools-and-safety
• https://topiclo.com/post/is-osasco-overrated-a-reality-check-for-newcomers