Don't let "Sin City's" reputation fool you. For seniors looking at assisted living options, Las Vegas is far more than gambling and entertainment. You'll find a city with a huge variety of amenities outside of the Strip. You'll find a surprising amount of outdoor activities. And you'll find a big city with a low cost of living.

Las Vegas's cost of living has come down in recent years thanks to the economic meltdown. To live here, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is no different from living in Pensacola, FL, Peoria, IL or Provo, Utah. The total state and local

Bureau of Labor Statistics, is no different from living in Pensacola, FL, Peoria, IL or Provo, Utah. The total state and local tax burden is the second lowest in the country at just 7.5%. There is no tax on retirement income, estates or inheritances. The median home price is $118,000, which is down 10% from the year before. And the average auto insurance premium is $2,008. All of these make Las Vegas very affordable for seniors on a budget.

Most seniors move to Las Vegas for the weather; there's good reason for that. The time between October and May are pleasant with high daytime temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F. The sun shines 300 days a year. June through September is hot but that's what air conditioning is for. Residents learn to get out in the morning before the day heats up.

It's hard to imagine Las Vegas as an outdoor paradise, but it's true. Check out just some of what the city has to offer. The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre park that highlights the area's ancient history and natural surroundings. Here you'll find botanical gardens, an interpretive trail, museums and galleries. Within Clark County, there are 56 public parks. The Las Vegas Mountaineers Club sponsors hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trips to the surrounding mountains. Take UNLV class to learn fly-fishing at Lake Las Vegas. Mountain bikers will like the trails at Red Rock Canyon. And golfers will enjoy the city&'s 100 plus golf courses.

If you ever need a change of scenery, the Grand Canyon is just a 4.5-hour drive, the Pacific Ocean, 4 hours, and Lake Mead ;with its fishing, boating and swimming is just 30 minutes away.

Cultural amenities abound here: the Nevada Ballet Theater; Las Vegas Philharmonic; Las Vegas Music Festival; the Atomic Testing Museum; and many more.

For assisted living neighborhoods in and around Las Vegas, consider Sun City-Summerlin. Summerlin is an age-restricted community with three golf courses, community centers, swimming pools and other amenities. In this area, check out Acacia Springs and Atria Seville, both assisted living facilities.