Good apartments in Vegas?

[RainDog]

I live in California and regard Hollywood's poker games as the softest anywhere. However, I am dead tired of risking my life on the 101 and commuting everyday to play poker. Really, I'm just in need of a new atmosphere in general so I'm moving to Vegas. I'll be driving out later this week to do some apartment hunting. I am not very demanding at all and will be more than happy with a studio apartment under $400/month. What are some good apartment complexes in close proximity to poker rooms (I play 6/12 - 8/16 limit hold 'em)?

I'd possibly like to live in walking distance from bus lines. I have a car, but I prefer to commute via metro if it is efficient in Vegas. Are the bus lines in Vegas good?

Also, I've only played the Bellagio and Mirage. I have a feeling that I'm going to miss Hollywood's great comps and free meals. Are these the best places to play, or are there better places with better comps for my limits (6/12, 8/16)?

Please help, I'm in dire need of apartment advice.

Thanx

[Dr.Kimble]

check out www.rent.com

[jasonlk]

The bus lines in Las Vegas are generally pretty good. Many of them run all night. It's best if you can try to avoid the strip buses (301/302) as they get packed like sardine cans much of the time. I'd recommend trying to get an apt. near one of the crosstown lines that crosses the Strip, or one that goes to the downtown transit center if you plan to play downtown.

You can check out bus schedules here: RTC Southern Nevada

[Cosimo]

There's definitely some studios under $400 around Vegas; I picked up a ForRent (.com) magazine last time I was there and found a few. As others have pointed out, cross-town busses (E-W) can get you to the strip quickly. I have no idea about getting home at 4am after the Friday-night fish fry ends (tho really it ends Sunday afternoon).

[Ed Miller]

I think you'll find a much nicer place if you are willing to go up to $500/month. All the places I looked at less than $500/month were pretty unpleasant. If you are willing to live up north (20-30 minutes or more from the strip), you might find a nicer place at that price.

[jsutim]

I am pretty sure most of the bus lines stop running at 2 a.m., although the one on the Strip is definitely 24 hours a day. (The web site indicates the Flamingo route is 24 hours also, so maybe an apartment on Flamingo would be the ticket. It intersects the Strip in a prime spot.) The Strip bus line also costs $2, as opposed to $1.25 for the others (not as certain about that).

As for apartments, there are plenty to choose from -- with acceptable lease terms -- but you'd increase your choices greatly by going up to $500/month or so. Also, there is an apartment finding service (www.lasvegasapartments.com) that purports to be free. I cannot vouch for it, having never used it. Since the apartment complexes pay the fee, I'm thinking you might come out cheaper searching yourself. Good luck and let me know if you find something good. I'm new to town and, God help me, I'm staying downtown temporarily. I do a mad dash every night from my truck to the front door.