Best Areas to Live in Las Vegas

Are you ready to “Viva Las Vegas?” Then you’ll need to find the right place to live! This is one decision where you should not roll the dice. Luckily, Las Vegas’ neighborhoods cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences. Start your home search with these top residential neighborhoods to consider for living in Las Vegas:

Summerlin

You can’t talk about the best places to live in Las Vegas without Summerlin. A well-established and carefully master-planned community, Summerlin spans over 22,500 acres. That makes it one of the nation’s largest planned communities. It has more than 115,000 residents, and it’s still growing! 

Why is buying in Summerlin so attractive? It features extensive recreational amenities, like over 30 regional parks, three community pools, and 150 miles of trails. Community centers run recreational activities, with sports leagues for pickleball and soccer. Families gain access to excellent schools. Ten are nationally recognized private schools, and two are nationally ranked public high schools. The thriving neighborhoods boast low crime statistics.

Another perk is how close it is to Red Rock Canyon, the go-to recreation area for hiking, biking, and rock climbing in Las Vegas. The canyon walls backdrop some of the Summerlin villages. Imagine watching the sunrise hit the stunning red walls from your backyard.  

People outside the neighborhood come to Summerlin to play and work. It has a downtown district where you have a variety of shops and essential services arranged in a walkable urban core. There’s also a business district to cut down on that commute. As a Summerlin resident, you don’t need to navigate Vegas traffic to get what you need.Everything is close at hand for a vibrant, well-rounded lifestyle which is why Summerlin ranks among the best places to live in the US.

Skye Canyon

A newer master-planned community in northwest Las Vegas, Skye Canyon stands out for its views. Beautiful Mount Charleston and the desert landscape frame the six sub-neighborhoods. Watch the peaks shift from red to blue as the sun sets, sipping wine by the clubhouse pool. 

The home arrangements are one way Skye Canyon proves it is a carefully arranged community. The developers emphasized using the outdoors to enhance residents’ quality of life. 

You’ll see this best in how it prioritizes active living. Skye Canyon has state-of-the-art fitness facilities with:

• A junior Olympic swimming pool
• Pilates equipment
• Yoga spaces
• Personal trainers

It’s part of Skye Center, which has a pool, splash pad, and social gathering areas. A 15-acre park has sports facilities and is just one of five community green spaces. An active community association runs neighborhood events at its clubhouse and numerous parks.

Skye Canyon is next to a shopping center with a Smith’s Marketplace for grocery shopping and household goods. With everything near your home, it’s easy to see why this is a top Las Vegas neighborhood. Its homes for sale have purposeful design and amenity access.

Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands‘ reputation for a luxurious living experience is due to its high-end amenities and custom homes. The southern neighborhood is another master-planned community. Even though it’s further from downtown, being immediately off I-15 in southern Las Vegas gives it exceptional access. 

Its multiple neighborhoods surround the Southern Highlands Golf Club, which Robert Trent Jones designed. Today, it ranks as one of the nation’s best courses. The club combines world-class golfing with a fitness facility, resort-style spa, tennis instruction, and a relaxing pool area.

The fairways, spacious lots, and eight green spaces give the neighborhood a quiet, relaxed vibe. On perfect winter days, families can be seen out walking their dogs or visiting one of two dog parks. Kids can walk to one of the elementary schools or the skate park. Southern Highlands Preparatory School is beside the neighborhood.

You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Two plazas inside Southern Highlands have your local dining, shopping, and essential services. 

Real estate options range from single-family homes to custom estates with Tuscan styling. The Blue Heron development blends modern with an abode style. Over in Olympia Ridge, find custom homes or build your own on lots from one-third to five acres. Southern Highlands also has luxury rental properties. 

Tule Springs

The Tule Springs Fossil Beds in northern Las Vegas are a cool place to try spotting ancient Ice Age animals. But the community outside the protected park is even more well-rounded. Tule Springs is known for its natural beauty and high quality of life.

To start, locals have all the essentials, like Target and Walmart. Reaching greater Las Vegas is easy by jumping on the I-215. Eglington Preserve and the National Monument protect its community borders from further development. They’re also areas for outdoor activities. Aliante Discovery Park and its dinosaur-themed kid area and lake, are close by, as is Atlantic Golf Club.

The area mixes older, established homes and newer, master-planned communities. It has a private, quiet community feel with regional parks. Best of all, its overall prices trend lower than those of some of the other top-ranked communities in Las Vegas. 

Centennial Hills

In the northwest Las Vegas Valley awaits a charming suburban neighborhood. People move here to put down roots. Hemmed in by the Tule Springs National Monument and the Snow Mountain Paiute Reservation, Centennial Hills is prized as a family-friendly environment, partially because of its excellent schools but also for its low crime rate. People call it “quiet” and “serene.” Multiple green spaces give room for pets to roam and kids to play. An active lifestyle is encouraged; you’ll find many locals out walking their dogs or heading to the scenic walking trails. Centennial Hills Park is one of the largest around Las Vegas and features an accessible playground and splash pad. Just north awaits Floyd Lamb Park for even more outdoor activity access.

Three convenient shopping centers cater to local needs, with Centennial Center having discount name chains like Ross, BigLots!, and HomeGoods. Centennial Gateway has Trader Joe’s, Total Wine, and fast-casual dining options like Panda Express and In’N’Out. Target and a Starbucks are at Centennial Plaza. All three also have some services, like dentist offices, nail salons, and mobile phone carriers. There’s also a hospital for easy healthcare access. Find a variety of dining choices throughout the Hills.

Interstate 11 runs diagonally, giving locals easy access to the rest of the Vegas metro. Yet, it’s still far enough from the touristy areas that you won’t be bothered daily by the out-of-towners.

Another prize of Centennial Hills living is its affordable housing options. Find single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, from the more classic in style to new construction. Median home prices tend to be lower than some of the other top communities on this list, making it an accessible neighborhood for home buyers. Some sub-neighborhoods include Silverstone Ranch, Kyle Canyon, Elkhorn, and Providence.

Desert Shores

Want lakefront living? Is that even possible in a desert? Yes, it is! Desert Shores is a unique community featuring four man-made lakes. Even better is its location. This top Las Vegas neighborhood sits between central Las Vegas and Summerlin. 

This 682-acre community is more well-established, but how many places in Vegas can you have a boat in your backyard? Some homes do have private docks! Gain a resort-style living experience. Spent hot days cooling off in its lagoon-style swimming pool or taking a paddleboat out on the shimmering lake.

Additional amenities are a beach, sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas. Walking paths wind through the neighborhoods, by Lake Jacqueline, and to Desert Shores’ amenity centers. 

Lakeside Village is the neighborhood shopping scene and dining center. And, since Desert Shores borders Summerlin, that neighborhood’s numerous shopping centers and array of dining is within reach. You’ll also be near the I-15 freeway and Summerlin Parkway.

For housing, Desert Shores has single-family, townhomes, and condos across 22 subdivisions. Some homes for sale are lakefront properties. It does have an association that manages the common areas and runs social community events at the clubhouse. 

Lake Las Vegas

If you can’t let go of the idea of living near a shimmering lake, then Lake Las Vegas is another option. This resort area delivers big on recreational activities, with two award-winning golf courses and, naturally, opportunities for water activities. Miles of trails wind through the neighborhoods and by the lakeside, connecting to the Lake Mead Historic Railroad Trail and the City of Henderson Terrazza Park. Beautiful parks frame the lake, adding to the resort-like vibes. And a sports club keeps you fit even when the days are too hot or cold for outdoor activities.

Down at the Village awaits everything you need. The local grocery store has fresh produce, locally sourced ice creams and pastries, and a coffee cafe. A variety of shops cater to your needs, with hair salons, dog groomers, and fashion boutiques. People gather at The Village for live music and holiday events. Al fresco dining adds the perfect endcap to a perfect day, with bistros, Italian dining, and Asian fusion to pick from. The architecture is reminiscent of the Mediterranean, fitting for lakeside living.

Lake Las Vegas homes for sale are divided into over a dozen gated neighborhoods carefully planned by various builders.

Spring Valley

Now, Spring Valley is an unincorporated area, but it’s against Las Vegas proper, including Downtown and Summerlin. It’s pretty much south Las Vegas, with the Strip being four miles away. 

An eclectic and diverse neighborhood, its central location provides easy access to the Las Vegas Strip. Still, the look and vibes are suburban​. Find bike-friendly trails, grocery stores, and big-name yet affordable brands. As a Las Vegas suburb, it has entertainment to appeal to locals: award-winning golf courses, water parks, laser tag, and go-kart facilities. Yet, the locals nurture a sense of community with friendly people and a quieter, suburban vibe.

One unique perk of Spring Valley is the Chinatown district, which features specialty grocers and restaurants. Locals also have Desert Breeze Park, one of Las Vegas’s largest parks. Its size and facilities are why it hosts large city events like Bite of Las Vegas.

Originally a master-planned neighborhood, Spring Valley is more spread out than some of the newer developments. Older homes date back to the 1970s, so overall, it’s still on the newer side. Homes include midcentury-styled single-family homes and luxury mansions. 

Henderson

This popular Las Vegas suburb is technically an independent city. Henderson is on the list as one of the top neighborhoods in Las Vegas because of its popularity among locals. You’re minutes from the Strip casinos and entertainment options, but the low key environment appeals to families. It ranked as the second safest city in the U.S. because of its low crime rate.

Henderson’s top-rated schools, extensive park system, and recreation access draw people in. The city runs 72 city parks, with 105 ball fields, 58 tennis courts, and over 200 miles of multi-use trails. There’s a BMX park, seven public golf courses, and 12 public swimming pools. Multiple parks have fenced areas for dogs.

Henderson shares a southern border with Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, where outdoor recreation includes walking trails to historic petroglyph sites. Some neighborhoods back up to this preserve, or one of the others like Whitney Mesa. Lake Las Vegas touches its northeastern border, making it easier for water activities.

Notable Henderson neighborhoods include Anthem and Westgate. Henderson homes for sale come at all price points. 

Green Valley Ranch

These thriving neighborhoods are part of Henderson and fall under the umbrella of Las Vegas suburbs. All Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods are master-planned communities, with the first built in the 1970s. Broken into North, South, and Ranch, Green Valley living ranges widely. Choose your perfect lifestyle among the homes for sale, from luxurious enclaves to family-friendly suburbs and nature-centric communities. Each offers unique amenities and environments to suit different preferences. For example, some subdivisions are gated communities for extra safety.

Part of the advantage of living in Green Valley South and Green Valley North is the access to services and amenities. You’ve got strips with discount stores, fast food chains, grocers, and fashion. The District has independent boutiques and luxury movie theaters. A Whole Foods is off 215 on the Green Valley Ranch side. All three parts of the Ranch have well-maintained parks and communities with walkable schools. 

Like golfing? Green Valley Ranch is the perfect place to work on your swing. Club choices include the Desert Willow Golf Club and the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa.  The Legacy Club is in the South, while Wildhorse is in the North.

Find Your Las Vegas Neighborhood

The city and its suburbs are still growing. That makes Las Vegas–and all of Clark County–prime for finding a new single-family home or condo. With developers always adding new housing options, find the most modern amenities coming to a Las Vegas neighborhood near you. A local real estate agent can give you the latest on Las Vegas real estate and pinpoint the right place for your individual lifestyle. 

FAQ

What is the cost of living in Las Vegas?

As a highly desirrable city, the living cost for Las Vegas is above the national average by 10%. However, it’s in line with the average Nevada cost of living. Housing prices factor into why it’s more expensive, at 15% over national averages. However, nearly every spending category but healthcare ran over national averages. Your housing prices were highest in the 89138 zip code, which includes northwestern Las Vegas Valley and Northern Summerlin. However, Summit Club and Southern Highlands neighborhooods, with their stunning views, sizeable estates, and amenities posted higher housing prices.

What cities are around Las Vegas?

Surrounding Las Vegas proper are some great places to live. Some have been included in this list, like Henderson and unincorporated Spring Valley or Paradise. But you also have North Las Vegas, a city with over 260,000 residents and one of the fastest growing in Clark County. Boulder City falls southeast, closer to Lake Mead National Recreational Area; you’ll pass through it heading to Hoover Dam.

What areas to live in Las Vegas have the lowest crime rates?

Generally speaking, the southern region has lower crime rates. However, the northwestern valley communities also have low crime rates–Tule Valley, Lone Mountain, and Centennial Hills–as does Summerlin and MacDonald Highlands. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tries to be transparent about crime statistics and publishes weekly numbers.

What is the median home price in Las Vegas?

Median home prices vary by the community, the season, and economic factors like supply and demand. But to give you come idea of how to budget for buying a home in Las Vegas, the single-family home market reported a median home price of $525,000 with 8,060 listings in October 2024. The average home sale price was $854,586. At the same time, the condominium median home price was $292,000 with 2,400 listings. The more affordable condos range from studios perfect for part-time living in your favorite city, to luxurious high-rise condos overlooking the glittering skyline. Las Vegas has a variety of homes for sale, and inventory was increasing at that time.

What are the top golf communities in Las Vegas?

Head eastward to Lake Las Vegas, where resorts and spas with an Italian village theme frame a manmade lake. Jack Nicklaus designed the award-winning golf courses, with Reflection Bay on the north side and South Shore on the south side of the lake.

Robert Trent Jones, Jr, is the architect behind the courses at Southern Highlands. The luxury homes are in gated neighborhoods, which also featured bike-friendly trails and walking paths.

The Ridges in Summerlin features resort-style amenities around its golf course clubhouse. Jack Nicklaus also designed its legendary Bear golf course, a must for golf enthusiasts.

Sun City Summerlin isn’t just an 55+ active lifestyle community; it’s a golf course community with three courses of play to choose from. When you’re not hitting the fairways, there are four clubhouses with recreational activities like swimming, pickleball, and tennis.

Arnold Palmer designed the Red Rock Country Club’s course. While part of Summerlin, this iconic course has the Spring Mountains and desert beauty blended to perfection. The country club has a private and a public course to play. The gated neighborhood features custom homes and urban amenities like a clubhouse with a private lounge, media room, and spa services.

Canyon Gate Country Club lies in a gated community surrounded by Mediterranean-themed semi-custom and custom homes. Ted Robinson designed the 18-hole championship golf course, which is under renovation as of 2024, to bring new conservation features and amenities. As a community, Canyon Gate is resort-like, with beautiful houses and a buzzing clubhouse with social activities.

You may also be interested in living in Painted Desert or Spanish Trail, which also have courses golf enthusiasts rave about.

Does Las Vegas have any historic homes?

Las Vegas isn’t an “old” city, and given how many construction cranes are around, it’s always changing and building something new. Still, it has preserved some fantastic historic homes, many famous in midcentury modern circles. The beautiful homes feature open floor plans, ample windows, and the use of natural materials. Some of these single-family homes are found in historic districts or in the older neighborhoods of Paradise Palms, Rancho Bel Air, Glen Heather, Scotch 80s, and Rancho Circle. Some of these homes include famous residents like Jerry Lewis or Howard Hughes. Since they’re among the earlier developments, the neighborhoods also have convenient locations to the vibrant city life Las Vegas is famous for.