Las Vegas natives and long-term residents will 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 valley-wide. 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!

"I relocated from Southern California to Las Vegas two years ago, mainly to take advantage of the thriving business opportunities that Las Vegas provides and to purchase a home at an affordable price. Two years later, I would not hesitate to make the same move again."

—Schaeon Warren Vice-President WizardPro, Inc.

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, price 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 town homes.

So where to 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 its major developments. Listed on the following pages, this overview will provide you'll get an overview 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.

Clark County

Southern Nevada's three largest cities are located in Clark County: Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas. 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 1.8 million residents.

Las Vegas

Continually garnering accolades for its fast-growing population, entrepreneurial atmosphere and vast housing, entertainment and employment options, Las Vegas remains a city on the move.  People relocate to Las Vegas for its strong economy and vibrant lifestyle. They stay for its climate and its opportunity for personal and professional growth and a flourishing entertainment industry second to none in the world.

While Las Vegas has always been revered for its exciting nightlife, upscale dining, retail and entertainment offerings have taken to the city to a new level. Las Vegas is also coming into its own with the expansion of non-gaming industries, bringing high-tech companies, notable educational and medical research facilities and cultural arts offerings to the table.

Henderson

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.

North Las Vegas

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. More companies are emerging, particularly in the older areas of the city, where an effort is underway to attract new business with an expanded redevelopment zone and public beautification efforts.

South/Southeast Valley

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 Hospital & Medical Center'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 both I-215 and US 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.

–Anthem

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 and providing spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley, Anthem boasts custom homes 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

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. 

–Lake Las Vegas

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 four golf courses, two of which are designed by Jack Nicklaus. 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 Hyatt Regency, Spa Vita di Lago at The Ritz Carlton and numerous dining options.

–MacDonald Highlands

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 town houses 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

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.

–Silverado Ranch

One of the more established master plans in the southeast valley, Silverado Ranch is a collection of executive and luxury homes. A variety of home styles and floor plans by several different builders are available. Silverado Ranch is within close proximity to numerous neighborhood amenities, including movie theaters, restaurants, parks, recreation facilities and retail and dining venues.

Sun City MacDonald Ranch & Sun City Anthem: learn more about these age-restricted communities in our "Senior and Retirement Living" section.

–Tuscany

This new master-planned, gated development by Rhodes Homes is currently under construction, though select neighborhoods are currently available for occupancy. Located in close proximity to the elite Lake Las Vegas Resort and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this 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 liked by a parks and trails system.

Boulder City

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."

South/Southwest Valley

Once considered the "rural outskirts" of the valley, Southwest Las Vegas is emerging as the next hotspot for residential development. Now 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.

Listed below are descriptions of some of the southwest valley's major community developments.

–Mountain's Edge

Developed by Focus Property Group, this 3,000-acre community will eventually have 12,500 homes and 30,000 residents. Mountain's Edge will also be home to four elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school, fire station and a host of neighborhood retail amenities. More than 500 acres are designated for parks and trails, including a 280-acre regional park. Developers have taken great care to incorporate natural elements into the design of this community, maintaining as much of the surrounding landscape of the area as possible. At completion, this community will include an extensive parks and trails system featuring a 320-acre regional park and the Exploration Peak Park, which will have a simulated archaeological site.

–Rhodes Ranch

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 water park, playground, exercise facilities and sports courts.

–Southern Highlands

The 2,300-acre Southern Highlands is one of Southern Nevada's newest master-planned developments, boasting 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 parks 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, childcare facilities, shopping and dining options as well as access to a man-made lake.

North/Northwest Valley

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. Summerlin offers residents a variety of housing options and amenities, including an extensive parks and trails system, sports parks and golf courses. Summerlin is home to the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center, home of the Nevada Ballet Theatre.

The valley's largest assemblage of golf courses in the northwest includes 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 Station offer fine dining and gaming.  The area has an abundance of residential amenities, including upscale dining, shopping and recreational opportunities. Housing options range from condominiums and age-restricted communities to elite guard-gated custom homes.

Select neighborhoods in the northwest valley include:

–Centennial Village

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. Park features include trails, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts and lighted soccer fields. Other features include dog parks, barbecue and picnic areas, open grass areas, play equipment and water-play features. 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.

–Desert Shores

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 BBQ/picnicking areas.

–Queensridge

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.

–Silverstone Ranch

A moderately-priced master-planned golf course developed around the Silverstone Golf Club, residents enjoy a variety of home designs and floor plans. Silverstone Ranch offers six distinct neighborhoods, golf course frontage and amenities including parks and sports courts.

–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 Tournament Players Club (TPC), 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

–The Lakes

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, semicustom and custom estates. Walkways and greenbelts are found throughout the community.

–Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Summerlin

This guard-gated golf course community includes over-sized 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 The TPC at 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.

North/Northeast Las Vegas

Northeast Las Vegas is seeing increased residential development in recent years with the introduction of several significant master planned communities. As residential growth spurs retail development, the area is enjoying an influx of amenities including new schools, medical facilities, retail and dining options and entertainment venues.

Notable neighborhoods in the northeast valley include:

–Aliante

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 (See Sun City Aliante in our Senior and Retirement Living section). Community amenities include an 18-hole championship municipal golf course, city parks, a natural 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.

–Eldorado

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 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.

–Iron Mountain Ranch

At full build-out, Iron Mountain Ranch will be home to 1,700 homes, a European-style spa and a major resort/casino. The community is being designed with wooded parks, water features and walking/biking trails. Neighborhoods within Iron Mountain Ranch include The Mesa, The Prairie, Frontier and Sierra. Both single and two-story designs are available. Residents are within close proximity to the Red Rock National Conservation Area, Silverstone Golf Club and Aliante Golf Club.

Adjacent Communities

–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 townhouses, apartments and mobile homes. There are 10 resorts and more than 11,000 hotel rooms in Laughlin. The Mohave Generations Station is another major contributor to growth in the Laughlin area. The 1.5 million-watt steam-generation plants provide electricity to more than 1 million customers in Nevada, Arizona and California. 

–Mesquite

Mesquite is quickly growing in popularity as a favorite "get-away" destination for many Las Vegans. Seven thousand acres of federal land, released to Mesquite in 1999, will soon be used for a regional park, a Community College of Southern Nevada campus, fairgrounds, an industrial park and private residential communities. 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.

–Moapa Valley

Located about 59 miles northeast of Las Vegas off I-15, Moapa Valley consists of the cities of Overton, Logandale, Warm Springs and Glendale as well as the town of Moapa. Moapa is its own census-designated region and has more than 900 residents in addition to the more than 5,700 attributed to Moapa Valley. The Clark County Fairgrounds are located in Logandale. Moapa Valley is home to the Valley of Fire State Park and the Moapa River Indian Reservation.

–Mount Charleston

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.

–Pahrump

The Southern Paiutes occupied the Pahrump Valley centuries ago. "Pah" means water and "Rimpi" means stone or rock. Pah Rimpi became Pahrump, the Paiute description for springs or flowing waters emerging from rock. Today, the town of Pahrump is growing by 4 percent each year and has a population of 33,000. Located 50 miles west of the south end of Las Vegas and 60 miles east of Death Valley, it is one of the fastest-growing communities in Nevada. Several major housing developments are currently under construction and will eventually provide over 10,000 new homes in the valley. 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. Telecommunications in the valley is state of the art with a fiber optic installation coming this year. The town's proximity to Las Vegas offers residents easy access to world-class rail and air service.

Renting in Las Vegas

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 semipermanent 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.

Rental prices vary according to size, location and amenities. Studio apartments range from $500 and up and one-bedroom units start around $600. Two bedrooms are in the $700 and up range and three bedrooms are generally $800 and more. Centrally-located apartments will be more affordable than those located in or around master-planned communities and new home developments. Other things to know before you sign a rental agreement:

            *           Furnished apartments are found mostly in central areas close to hotels and gaming. Furniture can also be rented for a reasonable price.

            *           The renter almost always pays utility costs, though this can be negotiated, particularly when dealing with an individual landlord or property management company.

            *           Pets are accepted at many properties but a pet deposit is usually required in addition to other standard deposits.

            *           Move-in deposits will average around $250 for a one bedroom and $300 to $500 for two or more bedrooms. The standard lease is six months; however, three-month leases are available at some properties.

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 the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for additional resources.