Great piece. Well written... I do agree that Las Vegas can be a very lonely place at first. There is social cohesion and social groups, but you have to know where to find them.

It was not until I discovered some online activity groups like GetOut and Meetup that I was able to feel socially connected. But once you do, it is much like living in a small town. It is just that you have to know where to find everyone first..

sorry for the typos :( no edit button after posting..

While I know there is a large population of people who think that way, there is a large segment of people in their 30'2 to 50's (mostly single) who don't. Just go to a Hard Rock Friday night concert. (Okay a little off strip, but still... :)) Or join meetup.com 's most active Vegas groups and you find there are a lot of us who think like you do and who really do appreciate the strip.

For me, I live the diversity, meeting people from all over the world, the way the strip changes culturally depending on who is in town PBR vs CES. So I agree with you. I think the strip is an amazing place, my favorite spot on it being the Nine Fine Irishmen at the NY NY myself.. my other friend most do a Carnaval Court night at least once a month.

What we don't like are all the hipster clubs and high prices with no locals consideration, so we stay out of those. But those who are good to us locals we bring in hundreds of people for some of the larger meetup events. Some of the smaller are 40-100. Just check out the Spazmatics events. You will usually find some of us there.

So what draws us? Well Vegas on the strip gets very expensive and we don't like to meander through the BLVD. So if you offer us some deals, breaks on drinks and an easy way in and out there is a good chance we spend time there!

Thanks for the article and for listening!! Smiles!