Downtown is not the Strip, it's a mile or so north from the northernmost part of the Strip. Downtown has a more funky, 70's era-somewhat gritty vibe to it. More Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas than The Hangover, if you will. A good vibe, though, with plenty of distractions of its own I guess.

Having lived in Vegas for the summer it is not as distracting as it seems. You really will only go to the strip when friends come into town or for the show/poker tournament etc. Residential Vegas/Summerlin is actually a really beautiful area.