I have never been to Vegas but I have been to Reno and I found it ok.

I'm not from Vegas, I am from Reno, but we have the same reputations. When people think of our cities, they think about gambling, drugs, and prostitution; however, there are a ton of really fun things in Nevada when you venture outside of the cities. You just have to look. Most locals don't like being associated with the city life and avoid it if possible.

I like Las Vegas. I've always enjoyed myself whenever I've been there.

I'm too prone to gambling addiction that I'm certain living there would cause me nothing but trouble

I'd quite to visit it because, as someone born and raised in rural Britain, I don't really believe it exists.

I'm not that sure about the rest of the USA either, if I'm honest.

I agree to a certain degree. I live in Henderson, that meets the southern border of Vegas. Anywhere on or near the strip is glitzy. But when you start moving away from the strip, it's a bit more normal, however, there are many fake or shallow people here. As far as nature...look in any direction and there are mountains or hills. Mt Charleston is only 25 miles from Vegas and couldn't be any different, there's Red Rock canyon that is huge and beautiful. There is Lake Mead Recreation area. Plus a couple nature reserves within the city. I think it is what you make it.

I have been there many times for work, but I don't like it. Almost every time I have been there, somebody has tried to scam me. There are some nice places to eat, but otherwise nothing I like that I can't get at home.

I lived in Vegas for almost 40 years. It's a great place if you have money.
If you're a single man, don't move to Vegas. There are too few single women. If prostitution is your idea of a sex life, then Vegas is the place for you.
All the glitz is for the tourists, the real town is much different.
Vegas is very much a right-wing Republican town.
Don't move to Vegas unless you are pretty tough and disciplined. Vegas will teach you to become self-sufficiant very quick, or else it will kill you. There are infinite ways to get into trouble in Vegas.

I have no desire what-so-ever to even go there and even avoided it once while I was traveling.

I've often wondered what the archaeologists of the distant future (who will probably be highly-evolved rats) will make of the Las Vegas Strip when they excavate it. Medieval palaces, Roman temples, Egyptian pyramids and who knows what else all in once place - WTF!