Las Vegas natives and long-term residents often start stories with the phrase, “I remember when this was just a dirt road into the desert…” It’s true that Las Vegas’ burgeoning growth and expansion has rapidly turned bare desert earth into flourishing neighborhoods.
While many Las Vegas newcomers are awed by our nightlife, exciting entertainment options and breathtaking vistas, they’re even more delighted by the myriad of housing options available valleywide. Whether you’re looking for rural seclusion, a lush, private master-planned community or a high-rise overlooking the Strip, you’ll find your options are endless!
Master-planned communities have become increasingly popular during the past several years. Master plans are typically comprised of a wide variety of housing options, including everything from apartments and condos to multimillion-dollar custom mansions. This mix of housing options is paired with carefully planned retail and entertainment amenities, parks and trail systems and public and private schools.
In addition to its master plans, Southern Nevada is also home to rural and established neighborhoods that vary in size, home prices and amenities. Many older homes are situated on large lots and have mature trees and landscaping. Rural communities offer more personal freedoms, including specially zoned areas that allow people to board horses and raise animals. Las Vegas is also home to a number of age-restricted neighborhoods designed with the wants and needs of Las Vegas’ healthy retiree in mind. And last, but not least, there are a myriad of options for corporate and temporary housing, high-rise living and apartments, condos and townhomes.
So where should you start your search for a new home? This section of our guide is designed to give you a snapshot of each area of the valley and the major developments that are occurring in the region. Listed on the following pages, this overview will provide a summary of the valley’s three largest cities, as well as a look at the individual regions within the three-city boundaries. Regions are broken down into major neighborhood developments to help you decide what area of the valley best suits your personal needs.
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Southern Nevada’s three largest cities, Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas, are located in Clark County. While within close proximity to one another, each city is fully independent. The most recent U.S. Census figures put Clark County’s population at more than 2 million residents.
While Las Vegas has always been revered for its exciting nightlife, upscale dining, retail and entertainment offerings have taken the city to a new level. Las Vegas is also coming into its own with the expansion of nongaming industries, bringing high-tech companies, notable educational and medical research facilities and cultural arts offerings to the table.
The “little sister” of Las Vegas has done some significant growing up during the past several years. With a population estimated at more than 250,000, Henderson has evolved from a small suburb of Las Vegas into a flourishing community. Created for Basic Magnesium Inc.’s defense plants during World War II, Henderson is now home to award-winning master-planned communities, a revitalized downtown business hub and a vast array of parks, recreational facilities and dining and retail options.
While some confuse North Las Vegas with the “northern part” of Las Vegas, this burgeoning area is an independent city unto itself. North Las Vegas was recently named the third fastest-growing large city in America with a population of more than 179,000. Several successful master-planned communities have fueled economic development by attracting new business and retail amenities to the area. A proactive city government has led the way in creating a technology hub in the area. The city is home to the bulk of Southern Nevada’s manufacturing, technology, distribution and industrial facilities.
The city of Henderson is located in the southeastern part of the valley. This sprawling area is home to both established neighborhoods and some of the area’s most popular master-planned and retirement communities. In recent years, this area of the valley has undergone dramatic transformation and brought a number of amenities to the area: St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s Siena campus, the District at Green Valley Ranch, the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department’s Multigenerational Center and Outdoor Amphitheater, to name a few.
Southeast Las Vegas is home to several new elementary, middle and high schools and has easy access to other areas of the valley through convenient access to I-215 and U.S. Highway 95. Significant redevelopment is taking place in the downtown area of Henderson with construction of new city government facilities. The area is within close proximity to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the historic Boulder City and Hoover Dam.
Listed below are descriptions of some of the southeast valley’s major community developments.
An upscale master-planned community developed by Del Webb, Anthem is home to the Anthem Country Club, Anthem Golf Club, the Revere at Anthem and the Anthem Center, a 75,000-square-foot recreation facility that boasts an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and spa, fitness/exercise/wellness center and sports courts. The center also houses a restaurant, computer lab and resource library. Located high in the hills of the McCullough Mountains, Anthem boasts custom home sites, gated communities and upscale tract housing. The lushly landscaped area includes an impressive waterfall entry and meticulously landscaped drives, walkways and common areas, including community parks and an amphitheater. Developments within the Anthem master plan include Anthem Highlands, Anthem Country Club and Coventry at Anthem.
Green Valley Ranch was one of the first master-planned communities in the southeastern part of the valley. This award-winning plan includes a variety of family-friendly neighborhoods, with housing options ranging from apartment homes to upscale gated neighborhoods. Green Valley Ranch is connected by a number of walking paths and is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities. The area is within easy access of I-215 and is in close proximity to The District at Green Valley Ranch and the Henderson Multigenerational Center.
This $3.8 million Mediterranean-themed residential/resort community boasts some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Southern Nevada. The property features upscale custom home sites, gated neighborhoods and lush golf courses. Lake Las Vegas is also home to the MonteLago Village shopping district, Casino MonteLago, a man-made lake and the MonteLago Village Marina, where residents can enjoy gondola, sailboat and yacht cruises. Other features include Spa Moulay at the Loews, Spa Vita di Lago at The Ritz Carlton and numerous dining options.
MacDonald Highlands is a guard-gated golf
course community of 10 custom home neighborhoods. This beautifully designed terraced community offers housing options that range from stunning townhouses to multimillion-dollar custom homes. Residents enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley. Neighborhoods within MacDonald Highlands include The Reserve, The Retreat and Stonehaven. Exclusive amenities of this community include The Dragonridge Golf Course, designed by Jay Morrish and Dave Druzisky, and The Dragonridge Country Club, which features a pro shop, exercise facilities, tennis courts and a restaurant.
Seven Hills boasts 10 communities and four custom-home neighborhoods, including Creschendo, Encore at Palatine Hill, The Estates at Seven Hills and Village Villagio. Seven Hills is also home to the Rio Secco Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones. It features a full-service clubhouse and the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped drives and common areas, as well as access to a collection of community parks, sports parks and neighborhood retail amenities.
This master-planned, gated development by Rhodes Homes is located in close proximity to the elite Lake Las Vegas Resort and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Tuscan-themed development boasts the private Tuscany Recreation Center and the Tuscany Golf Course, designed by Ted Robinson. At completion the development will be home to seven individual villages complimented by a parks and trails system.
Located in the southeastern part of the valley 25 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas and 10 miles southeast of Henderson, Boulder City is the home of the Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. City officials work to maintain strict regulations regarding growth and development, preserving a small town atmosphere that is free of gaming. Housing options include everything from quaint established homes to lake-front condos and gated custom home sites. The city boasts a number of golf courses and a wide array of outdoor recreational amenities, including mountain bike and hiking trails and sports facilities and water sports, including boating, skiing and fishing. The city itself is home to antique shops, restaurants and Southwestern-themed “trading posts.”
Home to several major master-planned communities, as well as established neighborhoods, the southwest valley is currently constructing a host of amenities to serve residents, including a hospital, recreational facilities and retail and dining offerings.
Located in southwest Las Vegas Valley, Mountain’s Edge is a 3,500-acre master-planned community. The community features new schools, shopping centers, restaurants and more than 500 acres designated for trails and parks. The community’s first park recently opened, Exploration Park, which features a Western-themed park and includes an Old West town, Native American play structures, an archeological dig area, a water play area and other attractions.
A master-planned development of Rhodes Homes, Rhodes Ranch is a 15,000-acre, guard-gated golf course community that includes eight individual neighborhoods. Known for its exceptional golf course, mountain and city views, the community features walking paths, parks and lush landscaping. Special amenities include Rhodes Ranch Golf Course, designed by architect Ted Robinson, and Rhodes Ranch Recreation Center, a 34,000-square-foot facility that boasts a Fun Zone water park, playground, exercise facilities and sports courts.
The 2,300-acre Southern Highlands boasts exceptional city and mountain views, golf course custom home lots, and a wide array of housing options. The community has its own private school, an elaborate park and trails system and beautifully landscaped common areas. Amenities include access to the Southern Highlands Golf and Country Club, which features golf and tennis pro shops, a full fitness facility with sports courts and restaurant. The adjacent “Village Center” includes an additional fitness center, child care facilities, shopping and dining options as well as access to a man-made lake.
Most locals refer to the entire northwestern portion of Las Vegas as “Summerlin,”
the award-winning Howard Hughes master-planned community that established this region of the valley. However, this area has grown to include an abundance of residential amenities, including upscale dining, shopping and recreational opportunities. Summerlin is still a mainstay of the region, but housing options now range from condominiums and age-restricted communities to elite guard-gated custom homes.
The valley’s largest assemblage of golf courses can be found in the northwest. Courses include the Badlands, Painted Desert, Los Prados and Angel Park. Shopping options include Meadows Mall, Boca Park and the Sahara Pavilion Oasis, as well as a number of trendy strip centers. Several neighborhood casinos, such as Santa Fe Station, Sun Coast, Fiesta, Texas Station and Red Rock Resort offer fine dining and gaming.
Select neighborhoods in the northwest valley include:
Centennial Village is close to new shopping centers, entertainment, Floyd Lamb State Park, Mount Charleston and the Lee Canyon Ski Resort, as well as several public parks. The flagship development in Centennial Village is Centennial Hills, which offers a variety of housing options ranging from affordable single- family residences to custom estates.
This established waterfront community offers a wide range of housing options including age-restricted communities and lake-front home lots. The community’s amenities include man-made lakes, sandy beaches, water sports and extensive walking and biking trails. Residents also have access to the Desert Shores Community Center, a recreation facility that features swimming beaches, volleyball courts and barbecue/picnicking areas.
This guard-gated luxury community offers a variety of housing options, ranging from town houses and single-family homes to multimillion- dollar custom estates in gated enclaves. The community features European-style architecture, greenbelts, neighborhood parks and beautifully landscaped drives and common areas. Community amenities include the 18-hole championship Badlands Golf Course and the Queensridge Clubhouse, which features fitness facilities, sports courts and swimming pools.
Residents enjoy a variety of home designs and floor plans at Silverstone Ranch. a moderately priced master-planned golf course community developed around the Silverstone Golf Club, Silverstone Ranch offers six distinct neighborhoods, golf course frontage and amenities including parks and sports courts.
Encompassing 36 square miles, the award-winning master-planned community of Summerlin rims the entire western edge of the Las Vegas Valley, framed by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Summerlin offers residents a variety of housing options and amenities, including an extensive parks and trails system, golf courses, shopping centers and more public and private schools than any other Las Vegas community. Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., Summerlin set the standard for community development in Southern Nevada. Major community landmarks include Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center, home of Nevada Ballet Theatre.
The Canyons at Summerlin
This upscale golf course village provides housing ranging from multifamily luxury apartments and single-family homes to executive estates and custom mansions. Designed around the championship TPC (Tournament Players Club) Las Vegas, residents enjoy spectacular views of the golf course and the adjacent Red Rock Conservation Area. Neighborhoods located within The Canyons include Canyon Crest, Canyon Gate and Canyon Fairways.
This 1,100-acre master-planned waterfront community was designed around a private man-made lake which is available exclusively to residents. Housing options include everything from condos and town houses to single-family residences, semi-custom and custom estates. Walkways and greenbelts are found throughout the community.
This guard-gated golf course community includes oversized home lots, golf course frontage and a variety of upscale housing options, ranging from luxury town homes to multimillion dollar custom estates. Residents enjoy access to TPC Summerlin golf course, which was designed with the input of golf legend “Fuzzy” Zoeller, and the TPC Clubhouse, a private facility with a restaurant, lounge, swimming pools and sports courts.
Northeast Las Vegas is seeing increased residential development in recent years with the introduction of several significant master-planned communities. Notable neighborhoods in the northeast valley include:
Developed by Del Webb Corp. and America Nevada Corp., Aliante is the flagship master-planned development of North Las Vegas. The community has 1,165 acres dedicated to residential development and 100 acres set aside for commercial development to provide shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Approximately 22 percent of the development’s acreage is dedicated to recreational and public use, providing opportunities for an active lifestyle. Aliante is home to two “villages,” which include single-family housing and an age-restricted community. Amenities include an 18-hole championship municipal golf course, city parks, an arroyo and an extensive 24-mile trail system that allows residents to reach key destinations within the community without crossing major streets. Nature Discovery Park features a man-made lake with waterfalls, an interactive dinosaur discovery area and a water-play area. The park also features an outdoor stage and ramada, soccer fields, tennis courts and volleyball stadium.
Constructed by Pardee Homes, Eldorado was the first major master-planned development in North Las Vegas credited with setting the stage for development of this area into a major residential hub. Residents of this community enjoy easy access to local attractions including the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Floyd Lamb State Park. This area of the valley is also home to a number of golf courses and community parks. One of the more notable neighborhoods in Eldorado is Eldorado Highlands.
Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, unincorporated Laughlin is situated on the banks of the Colorado River at the three-corner region joining Nevada, California and Arizona. Laughlin is home to approximately 8,000 people and its market area includes a population of 70,000. This resort destination boasts a number of attractions and golf courses. Housing options in Laughlin include single-family homes, condos and town houses, apartments and mobile homes. There are 10 resorts and more than 11,000 hotel rooms in Laughlin.
Mesquite is quickly growing in popularity as a favorite getaway destination for many Las Vegans. Mesquite boasts a municipal airport, a fine arts center, recreation and senior centers, a museum, an arboretum, rodeo grounds and a city parks and trails system. In addition, there are several nearby national and state parks, as well as a number of golf courses, spas and resorts.
Located about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston (sometimes called Charleston Peak) is located in the Spring Mountains in the Toiyabe National Forest. A 45-minute drive north of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers residents the opportunity to snow ski from November through April at Lee Canyon. The mountain community includes custom homes with scenic views surrounded by lush greenery. A trail system provides opportunities for hiking, camping and other activities that can be enjoyed year-round.
Located 50 miles west of the south end of Las Vegas and 60 miles east of Death Valley, Pahrump is home to several major housing developments. To serve the growing population, there are several chain retail outlets, five full-service casinos and a wide variety of retail shops and commercial enterprises.
Many buyers are not sure whether to purchase an older home or to build a new one. Different factors play a big role in this decision. The real estate agent will discuss location preferences, the buyer’s wants with regard to repairs, the budget, neighborhood preferences, time constraints and home styles. If the client wants everything brand new, then building might be the best bet; however, if the buyer is looking for a neighborhood with mature trees and homes with older characteristics, one of Las Vegas’ established neighborhoods might just be the ticket.
Once you have your budget worked out and financing in place, the fun part begins — house hunting! The Las Vegas real estate market has every style of home imaginable. You can preview a multitude of choices from the comfort of your own living room by going to the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors Website, (www.lasvegasrealtors.com). The site allows you to search every available resale home in the valley. Coverage includes Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, greater Clark County and southern Nye County. Search fields include home style, price range, number of rooms, acreage, area of town and age of home.
New home developments have their own real estate agents and sales staff on-site to assist prospective buyers. You also have the option of bringing your own real estate agent to a new home community to help with the negotiation process. Most communities have a policy stating a real state agent must accompany a prospective buyer on his or her first visit.
Renting is an option many newcomers opt for, whether on a short or long-term basis. Renting affords residents the chance to live in and get a feel for a particular community prior to purchasing a home. It also serves as a viable option for those waiting for a new home to be constructed, or for those in the city on a short-term or semi-permanent basis.
Residents can rent a variety of properties in Southern Nevada, from short-term hotel-style properties to upscale mansions and corporate retreats. Of course, apartments remain the most popular type of rental property. With numerous apartment communities in Southern Nevada, residents can select the location, the amenities and the price that suits their needs.
Some things to consider before you sign a rental agreement:
Free apartment finding services and free apartment/rental publications (available at grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores) can be beneficial in helping renters find the right accommodations. Renters needing assistance can contact any of the above or the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for additional resources.
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Not only does the Las Vegas market feature rental rates that compare favorably to the rest of the country, but amenities considered luxuries elsewhere are often standard fare in Las Vegas area apartment complexes. Most local apartment communities include balconies or patios, cable-ready outlets, emergency maintenance, laundry facility, outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. Many have tennis courts, basketball facilities, billiard rooms, playgrounds and fitness facilities. Also available to many complexes are limited-access gates, dry cleaners, lush landscaping and basic cable television. Some apartments have luxurious clubhouses with big-screen televisions, executive business centers, parking garages, sundecks, gazebos, elevators and video-monitored limited entries.
Interior features considered standard for most apartments include heating, air conditioning, mini-blinds, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher, washer and dryer and multiple phone lines. Other features often include 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, oval garden tubs, bay windows, fireplaces, or garages and/or covered parking. Some communities have resident programs that include free and optional services such as maids, concierges, aerobic classes, guest suites for visitors, free shuttle services and car detail centers.
The State of Nevada has a single, comprehensive number you can use when you need health and human service information and referrals. Dial 2-1-1 for the following:
More Chamber: 
6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406