1. People In Henderson Never Let Sin City Overshadow Them
Think you have the world’s worst neighbor? Try living next door to Las Vegas, all the time. So as a result, Henderson works extra hard to differentiate themselves from everything around The Strip.
When Las Vegas was named as the ninth most dangerous city in the country by Forbes, Henderson managed to come in as the second safest. Ha. These follks have seen what overindulgence can do to you, and it's taught them exactly what not to do.
2. Henderson Folks Gamble Anywhere Else But The Strip
People in Henderson know full well that Vegas is made for tourists—a truly massive amount of tourists. The traffic can actually invoke physical pain, it’s that bad.
That’s why these folks know exactly where to go to get the gambling thrill of Vegas—without Vegas. There are casinos all over the state, but two of the best are right here. And unlike most people who go to Vegas thinking they’re going to turn $100 into $10,000, the people in Henderson know full well that the house (almost) always wins.
3. Everyone In Henderson Is Trying To Steal People’s Lucky Charms
When the party stores in Nevada are picked clean of every green streamer, plate, napkin, balloon and top hat, chances are you can find them in Henderson at the Southern Nevada Sons & Daughters of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. It’s kind of a big deal.
First there's a huge parade with cars and floats fully decked out, and then a full day of fun including the St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving event and the Whisky Tasting Contest. Henderson might not want to be known as Vegas, but that doesn’t mean these folks don’t know how to have a good time.
4. People In Henderson Are All CSI Experts
If you’re ever watching a movie or a television in which someone gets murdered, hopefully none of your fellow viewers are from Henderson because they’ll blurt out who the killer is five minutes in.
Henderson is frequently featured on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” The majority of the filming takes place in California and mostly set in Vegas, but Henderson is often featured and mentioned as a destination. So the locals tune in a lot, and have picked up a few pointers along the way. Warning: spoilers ahead.
And it’s not just regular citizens who know their stuff: The documentary “Real CSI” features the Henderson Police Department Crime Scene Analysts and Investigators.
5. If It Has Wheels, People In Henderson Will Ride It Faster Than You
The people in Henderson might move a lot slower than everyone in Vegas, but the notable exception is when wheels are involved. Cars are a huge deal here—fast, with customized doodads and chrome thingamajigs and names that only people who are into cars understand. Which is basically everyone in Henderson.
The city is home to the super popular Super Run Car Show that brings car enthusiasts from everywhere—including Vegas, believe it or not. The city also hosts the Off-Road Desert Race, otherwise known as the Henderson “250,” an annual off-road event of desert racers.
6. Henderson Folks Are Born To Be Winners
Some people dream about seeing their kid standing on a pedestal with an Olympic medal or holding a huge trophy over their heads. In Henderson, they don’t need to dream it.
Let me roll off a few names: Rudy Ruettiger (yes, that Rudy) NFL Hall of Famer Tom Mack, 500 home run club member Frank Thomas, Jason Giambi, Rollie Fingers, and Tyler Houston. All Henderson locals. Motocross legend Carey Hart and BMX Olympian Connor Fields, both attended Green Valley High. If you’re looking to be an athletic star, come to Henderson. You never know what could happen.
7. Everyone In Henderson Knows The Secret To A Good Swing Is A 106 Degree Heat Index
One of the most popular pastimes in Henderson is golfing—which isn’t exactly uncommon in this region, but Henderson has what everyone else doesn’t: A whopping eight championship golf courses, including Rio Secco.
Rio Secco hosts the annual Tiger Jam and other events like the Vegas Golfer Pro Showdown. The course was named the 19th best public casino golf course in the western United States, and is home to the world’s top golf instructor, Butch Harmon. Perhaps you’ve heard of one of his students – does the name Tiger Woods ring a bell?
8. Henderson Folks Worship At The Chocolate Altar Of Ethel M.
Henderson is home to the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory—source of the secret recipe for the chocolate that eventually developed into the deliciousness of Snickers and Twix. Ethel’s son became a founder of Mars, Inc., with the help and expertise of his mom’s recipes and hard work.
The Ethel M. Chocolate Factory is still open to the public for tours free of charge. You can also get free samples, which is really the most important thing. Everyone here will tell you that you need to stop at M&M World for free samples. Where would Henderson be without Ethel M.? A lot less delicious, for sure.
9. If By "Boring" You Mean "Awesome," People In Henderson Are Guilty As Charged
Henderson gets a reputation for being a bit boring, an automatic label given to any place near Sin City where the people don't act like obnoxious frat guys around the clock. But everyone here knows that’s a load of craps.
Yes, Henderson is more reserved place, focused more on community events and festivals than bright lights and scantily-clad cocktail waitresses. If you like family-oriented communities and events like the Heritage Festivals and farmer’s markets over the poker tables, and craft breweries over club style bars, then Henderson is your best bet.
10. Henderson Folks Say If You Can’t Take The Heat, Get Out Of The Kitchen
So you don't like that you can't get a slice of pizza in Henderson at 3 a.m. and your waitresses are fully clothed. The horror. Maybe you don’t even like Vegas, but still like to hate on Henderson to look cool.
The truth is, the people in Henderson know what everyone else around them says about their city. They don’t care. If you can’t find something to love, you don’t get out enough, because it’s got something for everyone, from the car lover to the perons with a major sweet tooth.
Feature Image Source: City of Henderson Government Facebook
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Henderson in the comments below! 
