Are You Sure You Live in Las Vegas?

It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas—
people line up all day to take photos in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

I had to get there at 4:00 AM just to snap a picture without a crowd in the background.

Here’s the kicker: it’s not actually in Las Vegas.

It’s located at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South—in a township called Paradise, Nevada.
Yep, Paradise. A name that sounds a little ironic when it’s 120 degrees outside.

Here’s something most people don’t know:

If you have a Las Vegas mailing address, there’s a 60% chance you’re not in the City of Las Vegas at all.
You’re likely in one of several unincorporated townships governed by Clark County (not Las Vegas):

• Paradise
• Winchester
• Enterprise
• Sunrise Manor
• Whitney
• (and several more)

So why the disconnect?

The short answer: Politics and money.

Back in the 1950s, Clark County created these townships—especially Paradise—to keep their tax revenue away from the City of Las Vegas. The City has tried to annex the Strip multiple times, but the county has been able to hang on. 

And really, who needs the city? Clark County provides police, fire, zoning, parks—everything.
Plus, being outside the city usually means fewer regulations and lower taxes.

The postal service, on the other hand, doesn’t care about political boundaries. It just wants to deliver your mail. So, to simplify delivery, even if you live in Paradise, your address still says "Las Vegas."

Let’s take a look at where some of the most famous "Las Vegas" landmarks really are: