Moving to Las Vegas? Your Guide to the Best Communities in the Area

Communities to Consider When Moving to Las Vegas

Each year, thousands of people are drawn to the Las Vegas area and decide to make this city their new home. However, because many of them were initially unfamiliar with the location, they sought out advice on the best communities to set down roots in.

If you're in a similar situation, then you'll be sure to appreciate this article. It's filled with invaluable insights based on firsthand knowledge of the area which can make your transition to the city of Las Vegas a successful and positive experience. That said, let's take a look at the different communities you'll want to explore before making your move.

• Henderson - A Growing City Perfect for Families & Retirees
• Summerlin - A Thoughtfully Designed Master-Planned Community
• North Las Vegas - One of the Fastest Growing Cities in Las Vegas

• Las Vegas Lake Communities Featuring Waterfront Properties

Top Las Vegas Communities – Finding the Perfect Fit

Las Vegas offers a variety of communities to settle into, all nestled within Clark County. With that in mind, below, I'll highlight the most popular locations to consider relocating to so you'll be ahead of the game when you start your search for a new home.

Henderson – A Big City with a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Although many people label Henderson a city within Las Vegas, it's actually its own city. It's a popular community that sports the conveniences of city life mixed with natural outdoor beauty. Situated in the southeastern region of Clark County, Henderson is conveniently located between the Las Vegas Strip and the serene Lake Mead, nearby Lake Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and the McCarran Airport.

A Highly Sought-After Location in the Las Vegas Area

The Henderson community is home to over 300,000 residents, and is labeled the second largest city in Nevada. Along with this, it was ranked the third-fastest-growing city in the U.S. per capita, making its popularity known. This makes it an ideal area to move to if you enjoy living in a growing and vibrant urban environment that offers quiet neighborhoods with plenty of room to expand.

Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero comments on the population spike, stating, "I am proud that Henderson offers the highest quality of life in the nation for cities of our size. While growth seems to be slowing a bit, we recognize that our stellar reputation has and will continue to attract new residents. Growth is good for a community and yet it takes careful planning."

Henderson Community Neighborhoods

If you're moving to Las Vegas and choose Henderson as your home, know that you'll have plenty of options when it comes to neighborhoods to choose from. Why is this the case? Being a larger urban area, the city is big enough to hold several thoughtfully designed master planned communities (MPCs).

One particular community, Cadence, ranked as one of the leading residential developments by RCLCO, secured the number four spot in the nation just last year. If your interest has been piqued, browse through the beautiful homes for sale in the Cadence Master Planned Community.

Those who find that a smaller neighborhood is more your style, Henderson has a number of exceptional smaller-scale residential areas just for you and your family. In addition to single-family housing, you'll also find options for townhomes and condos in Henderson.

To get a sense of the type of neighborhoods or communities within Henderson, take a moment to explore a few now. I suggest starting with Lake Las Vegas, and Black Mountain, as well as Green Valley.

To discover more community and housing options within this city, see our detailed Henderson Real Estate guide.

Tailoring Your Henderson Home Search

Let's break things down a bit further for those who are seriously considering moving to Las Vegas. This community has a lot to offer when it comes to buying real estate with specific preferences in mind. That said, head over to the following sections that fit your needs:

• Henderson Luxury Homes for Sale
• Henderson Gated Communities
• Henderson Homes with Casitas for Sale
• Henderson Properties with Swimming Pools for Sale
• Henderson Single-Story Homes for Sale
• Henderson Condos & Townhomes for Sale
• Henderson 55+ Communities
• Henderson Homes with RV Parking for Sale

Before I conclude the Henderson Community section, I'd like to mention that a desirable community goes hand in hand with having good schools nearby. With that in mind, you'll be happy to know that Henderson has several great schools located within the area. You can explore elementary, middle, and high schools by visiting our page dedicated to Henderson, NV Schools.

Activities & Entertainment in Henderson and the Surrounding Area

If moving to Las Vegas is your goal and you're now leaning toward a Henderson community, here are more details that focus on the fun and relaxation you'll find in this particular city.

With Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas nearby, residents can easily spend time enjoying the water by boating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, as well as camping. Also, outdoor enthusiasts will discover spacious parks perfect for a stroll or a family picnic. For those who love to explore nature through hiking, it's worth noting that Henderson has nearly 40 miles of trails to explore. Taking outdoor fun a step further, Henderson residents can frequently visit such places as the Lion Habitat Ranch or the local Bird Viewing Preserve, just to name a few.

Henderson is also known for its vibrant city life, where you'll find plenty of dining and shopping options. You can stop by the District, an upscale outdoor mall, or the Galleria at Sunset for some indoor shopping, or maybe head over to a local casino to experience the nightlife and test your luck at the tables. Arts and culture are also infiltrated throughout the Henderson community, from plays to art festivals, to museums and workshops, you'll be sure to get inspired.

You may have decided that Henderson is your dream location, but it's always best to weigh all your options, so we'll jump over to the city of Summerlin next.

Summerlin – A Thoughtfully Designed Master Planned Community

Summerlin is a master planned community meticulously designed by the Howard Hughes Corporation, an entity renowned for its ability to excel above the rest when it comes to innovation, design, and craftsmanship. Jose Bustamante, President of the Nevada Region at Howard Hughes, points out the original plan for Summerlin to shine, stating, "When Summerlin began to take shape more than 35 years ago, its master plan envisioned a dynamic mixed-use development that would set the standard for MPCs for years to come."

Summerlin spans over multiple zip codes and lies on the western edge of Las Vegas, about 20 miles from the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The community was designed to provide its residents with well-built homes surrounded by an abundance of nature. Along these lines, the location of this city sets it against Red Rock Canyon, allowing for sensational mountain views and outdoor activities.

Top-Ranking Las Vegas Community That Attracts Thousands

Thousands of people who had their sights set on moving to Las Vegas decided to call Summerlin their home, and it's one reason why this city is easily labeled one of the most popular places to live in the Las Vegas area. It certainly has the room, seeing how this master planned community spans over 22,500 acres.

Its popularity is apparent, as it was ranked by RCLCO just last year as one of the nation's top 10 best-selling master planned communities, landing in the number five spot. And this was its first year to shine above the rest, as noted by Karl Pischke, principal with RCLCO Consulting, "Summerlin's long-running top ranking speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. It's an impressive run and a distinction held by no other MPC in the country."

Summerlin's Community Neighborhoods

Currently, there are over 40,000 homes that sit within multiple Summerlin villages, with more in development. Each village has its own distinct look and appeal, built around attractive amenities such as parks and beautifully crafted golf courses.

And although the word luxury often comes to mind when this city is brought up in conversation, there's actually a wide range of housing types and price ranges, from more affordable smaller single-family houses to multi-million-dollar large luxury homes, along with condos and townhomes of various prices, and apartments too.

Discover a few Summerlin communities for yourself. I recommend exploring The Arbors, and Redpoint, as well as Stonebridge. You can also take a detailed look of the Summerlin neighborhoods, as well as view homes for sale in Summerlin.

For those with children, note that these Summerlin communities are home to top-tier schools, with ten being private and nationally recognized. Feel free to do some research to see what these Summerlin schools can offer your children.

Tailoring Your Summerlin Home Search

If Summerlin catches your eye but you have particular preferences, explore the pages that align with your interests.

• Summerlin Luxury Homes for Sale
• Summerlin Gated Communities
• Summerlin Homes with Casitas for Sale
• Summerlin Homes with Swimming Pools for Sale
• Summerlin Golf Communities
• Summerlin New Construction Homes
• Summerlin Single-Story Homes for Sale
• Summerlin Townhomes & Condos for Sale
• Summerlin 55+ Communities
• Summerlin Homes with RV Parking for Sale

Activities & Entertainment in Summerlin

Summerlin was created with families and active adults in mind. For instance, this community boasts over 300 parks and 200-plus miles of interconnected trails.

Danielle Bisterfeldt, senior vice president of marketing and consumer experience for Summerlin, comments on the benefits of these well-designed trails as she states, "Walkability and connectivity have long been pillars of Summerlin's community planning and design philosophy, influencing the design of the Summerlin Trail System from the community's inception. It's no surprise that trails always top the community survey as residents' favorite amenity. Not only are they a celebrated hallmark design feature, Summerlin trails get frequent use by residents of all ages."

You'll find that the parks within Summerlin are exceptionally designed with well-groomed open spaces, modern play equipment, scenic biking paths, and large areas for sports recreation. Along with this, Summerlin often hosts family-oriented events such as Easter egg hunts, a fall pumpkin festival, and the like, making it a fun place to reside.

Summerlin provides over ten tennis courts to keep you moving, as well as basketball courts for some afternoon fun. For those golf enthusiasts out there, know that this community is recognized for its prestigious golf courses, which come to ten total. For those days that you'd prefer to take your activity level down a notch, you'll be able to head over to the Summerlin Performing Arts Center or visit the local outdoor mall, referred to as Downtown Summerlin, where you'll find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Another noteworthy place to spend your day within the borders of Summerlin includes Cowabunga Canyon, the city's iconic water park.

If you'd like to hit the tables but don't want to drive outside the community, there are a few conveniently located casinos within Summerlin. But for those moving to Las Vegas who would prefer to spend some time at the world-famous casinos within the Vegas Strip, you'll be happy to know that it's just about a 20-mile drive from Summerlin. In addition to this, nearby, you'll also find the Las Vegas Ball Park, where you can enjoy a baseball game with friends and family.

Overall, Summerlin is a well-rounded community that offers attractive homes and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for those who move to this popular city.

Ok, now let's move on to the next community on our list, which is North Las Vegas.

North Las Vegas – One of the Fastest-Growing Cities in NV

Located just north of the Las Vegas Strip, the city of North Las Vegas perfectly merges quiet residential neighborhoods with the vibrancy of nearby thriving business districts and the beauty of the surrounding desert landscapes. This combination is one reason many people moving to Las Vegas choose to make this city their home.

Contrary to what some may assume, North Las Vegas is not just the northern part of Las Vegas; it's an entirely separate city that's located in the Las Vegas Valley. It's a city that's recognized as experiencing rapid economic and housing development growth, and is quickly becoming a hotspot for new residents. This makes it an ideal time to move to North Las Vegas because those who purchase a home in the area in the near future are likely to see significant gains in equity as property values rise alongside the city's development.

Related to this, North Las Vegas just recently kicked off its $638 million growth plan, which includes new master planned communities, new parks, a medical hub, and more. You can read about what's in store for this city by heading over to the following page: North Las Vegas Strategic Plan.

North Las Vegas Community Neighborhoods

With a population of over 290,000 and room to grow, North Las Vegas has been experiencing a new construction boom, especially when it comes to single-family homes and condos.

Many families are drawn to North Las Vegas, with one reason being that real estate is a bit more affordable than neighboring areas. Add to the mix the absence of state income taxes, and this creates an opportunity for significant financial savings when making the move to Las Vegas. Because of this, it's an ideal location for retirees to settle down as well. In fact, many choose to retire in style at the active adult community, Del Webb at North Ranch. In addition to this, Nellis Air Force Base sits within this city, which makes it the perfect location for military personnel to reside.

Master Planned Communities

North Las Vegas showcases a large number of attractive master planned communities with starters and move-up homes available. Within these communities, you'll find exceptional amenities such as popular golf courses, spacious parks, clubhouses, biking and hiking trails, fitness centers, and, of course, swimming pools, recreation centers, dining and shopping opportunities, and more. Additionally, the neighborhoods are situated close to local business hubs, offering residents a convenient commute to work.

If your interest has been sparked, take a moment to explore a few North Las Vegas communities such as Aliante, and Sedona Ranch, as well as the Villages at Tule Springs. You can also head over to our North Las Vegas Real Estate section, where you'll discover even more communities to expand your search.

Activities & Entertainment in North Las Vegas and the Surrounding Area

If you plan on making North Las Vegas your home, know that you'll only have a 20-minute drive to the Vegas Strip, where you'll be able to see world-renowned shows, play your hand in top-tier casinos, and enjoy dining at its best.

If you're one to keep it local, there are a wide range of community amenities that allow residents to take part in fun activities and entertainment close to home all year round. This includes well-designed trails and 18-hole championship golf courses, as well as specific golf courses set within active adult neighborhoods, such as the Sun City Aliante's 55+ community.

If golf is not your cup of tea, then maybe you can plan a fun day at one of North Las Vegas's 31 parks, where you'll find jogging trails, BBQ grills, picnic tables, soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, splash pads, and a few inviting pools.

For those who choose to make Aliante their home, you'll enjoy a man-made lake, along with cascading waterfalls, which makes for a wonderful setting to take a stroll or relax and read a book. This specific community also boasts an amphitheater and the ever-popular Aliante Nature Discovery Park, commonly referred to as Dinosaur Park by the locals. Along these same lines, the area might just have one of the best collections of Ice Age fossils, which can be seen at the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument situated near North Las Vegas.

Nellis Air Force Base is also located in North Las Vegas, where it hosts the U.S. Air Force's aerobatic air demonstration squadron, which is always an exciting sight to see. Related to this, there's also a museum on base that you'll want to check out. For those who might be more into NASCAR Cup Series Races, the city houses the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where race car fans love to gather.

Only a short distance away are Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, as well as Lake Mead. These locations are ideal for spending the day on the lake boating, hiking and camping.

Las Vegas Lake Communities Featuring Waterfront Properties

If you're main focus is to move to a beautiful waterfront community in Las Vegas, you'll have three areas you can explore – Lake Las Vegas, The Lakes, and Desert Shores. All three locations offer attractive, pristine man-made lakes that give these communities a resort-like feel. We've dedicated an entire page to these popular locations, detailing all they offer. Take a look to see if you can find your dream waterfront home in Las Vegas – Discovering the Top Lake Communities.

If a waterfront property is not a requirement, and you'd be perfectly happy with a scenic lakeview home, you'll want to learn all about Boulder City, which showcases properties that overlook Lake Mead. Head over to our latest post for more details – Buying a Home in Boulder City: A Historic Lakeview Community in the Las Vegas Valley.

Also, if you'd like more inspiration for your big move, read our article, Discover Why People Are Moving to Las Vegas. And if you'd like to see where the housing market stands before moving forward, see our Las Vegas real estate market report.

Settle into the Ideal Community Within Las Vegas

As you can see, the North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin communities have much to offer those relocating to Las Vegas. If you'd like to explore more areas, though, you can simply visit our Las Vegas Communities page. In addition to this, for those who are serious about making this city their new home, it would be advisable to obtain expert advice from a real estate professional who resides in the area. Feel free to reach out to Leslie Hoke, the area's top real estate professional who can easily help you navigate the Las Vegas real estate market.