[evanski]

Im thinking about buying a second home in Vegas. Not only would it be useful for when I travel to Las Vegas, it will allow me to establish residency in Nevada and avoid state taxes. However, I know almost nothing about the geography of Las Vegas. Can someone familiar about Vegas give me a suggestion about what neighborhoods to look into keeping in mind the following criteria:

1. I want to be reasonably close to the strip. I plan on having a car so it doesnt need to be walking distance, but 15 minutes or less by car would be nice.

2. It needs to be safe. The house/condo will sit empty for a decent portion of the year.

3. Id like a fairly nice place. It doesnt have to be extravagant or anything, but nice.

I was sort of planning on getting a condo, but if you guys think a house would be better I can be talked out of it. Also, how much should I be looking to spend? Thanks in advance.

-Evan