Henderson

In a quarter-century, Anthem has gone from a barren mountainside to one of the most sought-after places to live. Anthem Country Club is the most exclusive of the neighborhoods that comprise the sprawling master-planned community of Anthem. Its position atop a hill offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air than those on the valley floor. Although Anthem Country Club is a 24-hour guard-gated community, that doesn't necessarily preclude coyotes or bighorn sheep from wandering the desert terrain. Its hilltop perch affords panoramic vistas of the Black Mountains and a glittering nighttime view of the Las Vegas strip, 17 miles away. <br><br>"Anthem isn't one big master-planned community. You can't call it one neighborhood. It's more like a region with a bunch of different neighborhoods," says Londa Faber, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, who has sold homes and lived in Anthem Country Club since 2006. <br><br>"It appeals to professionals, athletes, entertainers, snowbirds, retirees and part-timers. It's definitely Henderson's most desirable zip code," Faber says.<br><br>Most homes are Spanish-Revival style with stucco and tiled roofs. Traditional homes and some contemporary-style homes can also be found. Soft desert neutrals visually tie the community together. Listings for some higher-end homes include architects' names as a kind of signature. Anthem Country Club is built around its meandering golf course carved into the foothills. Prices range from $750,000 to $8 million. A 3-bedroom single-family home can cost around $750,000, while a 7-bedroom home can sell for around $8 million. Listings for many high-end estates often include the architect's name as a kind of signature. Paid membership to the country club and its par-72 golf course is optional. HOA fees can run from $325 to $1,500 per month.<br><br>Neighborhood children can attend Frank S. Lamping Elementary and Del E. Webb Middle School, both of which earn a B-plus rating from Niche. Lamping students can see what operating a space shuttle on a three-quarters scale simulator at the school's William McCool Science Center is like. Named for the naval officer and NASA astronaut who died when the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia exploded, the school's simulator and mission control center were the first of their kind on the West Coast. Anthem high school students can attend Coronado High School, which earns an A-minus from Niche.<br><br>Anthem Hills Park, one of the largest in southern Nevada, is within 2 miles of the neighborhood. The 53-acre park features an expansive trail network and an illuminated skate area. Harmony Park, a smaller park adjacent to Anthem Hills Park, includes a nine-hole disc golf course, playground and wide, flat paved pathways for comfortable strolls and bike rides. The Black Mountain Trailhead is 4 miles away, adjacent to the expansive Sloan Canyon National Conservation area. Residents can choose to join the Anthem Country Club, which has tennis courts, pickleball courts, a golf course and a pool. Non-residents can pay to be members of the club. <br><br>"It's so nice. It has a gigantic pool with four lap lanes. They even have poolside food service every day," Cassandra Mor says.<br><br>Mor is an Anthem resident and owner/broker at The Mor Group who's been selling homes in the area for 22 years. She likes that Anthem has everything one needs right in the community.<br><br>"It's like a little big city," she says.<br><br>Residents can enjoy special events and activities ranging from chamber music concerts to golf tournaments on any given day. Anthem children don't listen for sleigh bells during the holidays when Santa's on his way. Instead, they brace themselves for the roar of propellers, which signal Santa's imminent arrival by helicopter. They have to hold tight to their wish lists when Santa's chopper lands on an open field in the community. <br><br>Shopping is close by at the Anthem Village Center, where locals can grab groceries at Vons or pick up meds at CVS. Shopping and dining options are also available around the chic Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino, which is 6 miles away and offers many dining and shopping options. <br><br>Anthem is centrally located with easy access to Interstates 15 and 215. Getting to the airport is a breeze as the Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is just 10 miles away.<br><br>Anthem receives the lowest possible scores in all CAP Index Crime Score categories. <br><br>"We used to be voted the safest community in the U.S., which means a lot, especially since we're so close to Las Vegas," Mor says.<br><br>Although Anthem Country Club's higher elevation cools temperatures somewhat, this area is still at severe risk from heat as "feels like" temperatures continue to rise. All homes are also at moderate risk of being affected by wildfire in the next 30 years. To counter the further danger associated with Nevada's water shortage, Anthem is gradually replacing natural grass with synthetic grass. When residents do the same on their properties, the Southern Nevada Water Authority offers them credits to pay for nearly half the cost of replacing "useless" grass. Residents can also apply for additional credits from the city of Henderson.

Sandwiched between Henderson’s vibrant downtown district and the unique town of Highland Hills is Black Mountain. This southeastern Las Vegas Valley neighborhood isn’t named after the tallest peak in the McCullough Range but rather a well-known yet unnamed peak in the same range towering above and scattered with radio and TV towers. Confusing name aside, this tight-knit community offers some of the best valley and mountain views and provides easy access to a diverse selection of shopping, dining and entertainment.“There’s everything you could want within just a short drive, and we still maintain that small-town feel; everyone knows and looks out for each other,” says Denell Hahn, President of the Black Mountain Neighborhood Association. Hahn has lived in Black Mountain since she moved with her parents from southcentral Nevada in 1945. Hahn is also a board member of the Henderson Historical Society. “Whether you want to go to Downtown Henderson or the Strip or go hiking, it’s all right here. I’ve never wanted to move anywhere else.” Hahn has fought to keep the community close and from big development since spearheading the effort to form the neighborhood association in 2017. The 200-member Black Mountain Neighborhood Association was embroiled in a legal battle for several years against a local developer for building over the Black Mountain Golf Course—a landmark of the neighborhood’s heritage. “That’s where it all began,” she says. “Just a tiny community around a golf course, and so many of those people who helped start that, their families live here today.” The town was originally developed in the late 1950s around the beloved but now defunct golf course known as the “Founders 9.” While it went into bankruptcy in 2017, and development prevailed, the tight-knit community rallied around the historic neighborhood to keep it vibrant and active. “Even though houses ended up being built over there, we made our voices known and continue to fight for the preservation of our neighborhood,” Hahn says. “We still host meetings and events and get together as an association.” <br><br>From quaint parks to recreational facilities, rugged trails and natural preserves, outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will appreciate Black Mountain’s offerings. The 41,000-square-foot Black Mountain Recreation Center and Aquatic Complex is at the heart of the community and offers a racquetball court, pickleball, volleyball and tennis. The outdoor pool and slides draw big crowds throughout the warm months. And O’Callaghan Park is just over the community’s southern edge, which provides a baseball diamond, playground, dog park and tennis court. The nearby McCullough Hills and Amargosa trailheads are just 3 miles south of Black Mountain, where hikers and adventurers can access the vast 48,000-acre Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and McCullough Wilderness. Here, cyclists and hikers can experience scenic views, a variety of trails and historic petroglyphs. <br><br>Accessible highways mean you can quickly get where you want to go. “Everything is very convenient,” says Michael Bartok, President and Broker at Henderson Valley Realty. Just blocks from home, West Horizon Ridge Parkway and East Horizon Drive intersect, putting shopping centers close by for daily conveniences like banking, healthcare and groceries at Albertson’s. Horizon Village Square, west of the neighborhood, offers more shopping and dining options, like Ohjah Noodle House, CVS and the upscale but cozy Il Chianti Italian, which serves homemade pasta and Italian wine. <br>Downtown Henderson, known as the Water Street District, is only 2 miles from Black Mountain, where more trendy restaurants and entertainment await. The district is mostly home to family-owned establishments like Biscuits and Bourbon, a no-frills BBQ joint with pulled pork sandwiches, candied pork belly and Nashville Hot watermelon. Mojave Brewing Company and Gold Mine Tavern are perfect for a night out for a pint, live music and pool and the slots at the district’s Emerald Island Casino call to thrill-seekers. The venue was recognized in the Las Vegas Review Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” contest in 2022, and residents can pick from over 450 penny slots to play until 3 a.m.<br><br>Black Mountain offers a desirable mix of older and new construction single- and multi-family homes on roomy lots. The housing landscape offers newcomers a mix of ranch-style homes, Spanish-inspired houses and modern, custom-designed properties with picturesque Vegas Strip and mountain views. Most homes were built in the early 1990s, ranging from $340,000 to over $1.3 million. “It’s a nice area,” says Bartok. “Black Mountain gives them a variety of options to choose from. Homebuyers who are used to spacious lots will find them here.” Black Mountain Ranch, a master-planned housing development by Lennar, offers three- to five-bedroom homes with an RV garage starting at $455,00. The neighborhood also offers one- and two-bedroom condos in the Black Mountain Condo subdivision, ranging from $183,000 to $230,000, with access to a community pool and spa. Buyers can expect to find three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot homes on the lower end of the price range, up to six-bedroom luxury homes boasting over 5,000 square feet of space. A third acre or larger lot sizes are standard and great for backyard entertaining. Black Mountain Golf & Country Club subdivision boasts million-dollar custom homes. Most homes here are gated and offer resort-style backyards and spacious driveways for RVs or other toys. While higher-end homes have better views and amenities, most residents have spacious pools, multi-car garages and well-kept lawns. <br><br>Festivals and events are a year-round occurrence here and within a short drive for Black Mountain residents. Most are held in Downtown Henderson, like the city’s Art Festival in Water Street Plaza, which includes a juried art show, a market and a chalk art gallery. The Water Street Plaza and Amphitheater is another popular spot for concerts, watch parties for the Golden Knights, the Cinco de Mayo celebration and the three-day St. Patrick’s celebration, one of the largest events in the state with a car show and a parade. The community is also home to one of the oldest Latter-Day Saint organizations in the city. A central part of the entire Henderson area’s culture for over 50 years, Black Mountain Stake organizes “Community Day” every year, uniting as many as 500 people for local service projects, like cleanups at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. <br><br>Clark County School District serves the area, and local students attend Ulis Newton Elementary within the neighborhood, followed by Lyal Burkholder Middle in Downtown Henderson and Foothill High School in Highland Hills. The elementary and high schools hold a B grade on Niche, and the middle school earned a B-minus. Ulis Newton offers a before- and after-school enrichment program, and its fifth graders placed first out of 29 elementary schools in a 2023 model bridge-building contest sponsored by the UNLV College of Engineering. And Foothill High’s marching band—the largest in the state’s history—has won numerous national competitions. In addition, Foothill also partners with the College of Southern Nevada in a dual enrollment program, allowing students to earn college credits early. <br><br>Highway 11, State Route 52 and Interstate 215 easily get residents around the region. The neighborhood is 16 miles from the Vegas Strip and 12 miles from Harry Reid International Airport. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada provides public transit for Black Mountain and the entire Henderson area with 50 bus routes.

With scenic mountain views as its backdrop and a short drive to the Vegas Strip, Calico Ridge offers the best of both worlds. South of Lake Las Vegas and at the foothills of Sunrise, Frenchman and River Mountain ranges, this Southeast Henderson custom-home community is an outdoor lover’s dream. While it may be small, Calico Ridge treats residents to luxury homes on the hillside and is ranked in the top four neighborhoods in the city, scoring highly on safety, median income and home values. “With the community set in the desert hillside, Calico Ridge truly seems worlds apart with its serene atmosphere and surrounding mountain views,” says Jonathan Catalano, Realtor for Live Better in Las Vegas, serving the area for over 19 years and a Las Vegas resident for over 35 years. “Locals generally don’t visit the Las Vegas Strip much, and Calico Ridge, being set in the far south end of the valley, offers residents an escape from the big city with the feeling of being immersed by nature and the outdoors.”<br><br>Developed from the late 1980s into the 2000s, today, Niche ranks Calico Ridge as the ninth-best neighborhood to live in Henderson. The quiet suburb comprises two subdivisions, Tuscany Village and Lakeview Estate, and features approximately 400 Mediterranean-style custom and semi-custom homes and single-story houses between 1,900 and 4,000 square feet. Most were built in the early 2000s and range from $450,00 to $4 million, with lot sizes from one-quarter to one-third of an acre. “Home values are higher than the average in Las Vegas due to the community's location, views, home designs and exclusivity,” Catalano says. “Values today range from about $500,000 into the multimillions.” Lawns are meticulously landscaped, complementing the dessert surroundings with towering palms and cacti. There’s also a separate RV parking area for those with oversized toys. Residents are treated to unmatched views of the mountain ranges and the Strip and most have multi-car garages and large pools. Higher-end homes are secluded and built into the hillside for ultimate privacy and peaceful living. Many of these million-dollar homes have negative edge pools with swim-up bars, elevators, Lake Las Vegas views and access to the nearby country club. Most homes in the neighborhood come equipped with pools, multi-car garages and backyards, with all the amenities prime for entertaining. “Homes have a very relaxed, almost vacation-like atmosphere,” Catalano says. Calico Ridge’s guard-gated Tuscany Village, a 526-acre master-planned community, is designed to look like an Italian village. Filled with single-family and townhouses, each home is different, and most come with spacious layouts, gourmet kitchens and private courtyards. <br><br>Opportunities to explore the outdoors abound, with diverse community parks, trails and nearby lakes for boating, swimming, and fishing. At Mountain Lake Park, which is themed to reflect the Mojave Desert, kids can climb on giant, colorful lizard sculptures. The park also offers bocce ball, picnic tables and open turf fields perfect for pick-up games. Or shred some pavement over at Tuscany Park, in the heart of the neighborhood. Residents can also play tennis, basketball and stroll around its walking paths. And nature lovers don’t have to travel too far to enjoy their surroundings, as Clark County Wetlands Park is just along the northern boundary at the edge of the valley’s eastern mountain ranges. <br><br>The 2,900-acre park is the largest in Clark County, home to a 210-acre Nature Preserve and five trailheads. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds and 70 mammals, including coyotes and bobcats. Explore three habitats in this oasis filled with cottonwood trees, a desert pond and the Rainbow Gardens Weir. And its nature center provides diverse programs for children and adults. “It’s part of the Las Vegas Wash, which feeds into Lake Mead,” says Catalano. “it’s a wonderful place to spend the day hiking and exploring the number of ponds, trails, marshes and meadows.” The Wells Trailhead is located within this park and leads to a scenic overlook over the wetlands. Its Duck Creek Trailhead connects the Wetlands Park trail system to other trail networks in the valley for hikers who want a more intense trek through nature. Of course, just a short drive away, hikers and cyclists can hop on the River Mountains Loop Trail, a 34-mile gem delivering scenic views and glimpses of the Mojave Desert. This trail connects to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and other parts of the Las Vegas Valley. Golfers will love having Chimera Golf Club in the neighborhood; an 18-hole, 72-par championship desert course play against a sweeping backdrop of The Strip, Downtown Las Vegas and Mount Charleston. Located in the guard-gated Tuscany community, the club also offers Slice 19, a full-service grill, bar and driving range. Tuscany Recreation Center is next to the golf course, which offers state-of-the-art amenities. Residents can get a workout at the full-size gym and fitness center outfitted with free weights and aerobic equipment, basketball, tennis and racquetball courts and a swimming pool. <br><br>Those looking to take a dip in the water outside don’t need to go far, as Lake Las Vegas is just over the northern boundary 3 miles away. “It’s by far the most popular attraction,” Catalano says. “It’s a freshwater lake that rises like a mirage out of the southern Nevada desert. “They rent out paddleboards, kayaks and electric boats, but you can also just relax on the beach.” The lake is surrounded by a Mediterranean-inspired village that offers restaurants and shops for the perfect day or weekend trip. <br><br>Most shopping and dining options are along Lake Mead Parkway, along the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Grab pancakes and other breakfast classics at Mountainside Restaurant & Tavern, or head to this laid-back pub for dinner for pizzas or their famous wood-fired burgers while enjoying views of the Las Vegas skyline and a pint. JAMÓN JAMÓN is another popular local spot, serving tapas, paella and other traditional Spanish comfort food with an old-school vibe. At night, Just LeDoux It Saloon & Steak Out Las Vegas is the go-to spot, a no-frills watering hole serving classic pub fare, steaks, upscale whiskey libations and other cocktails with a western vibe. Groceries stores like Albertson’s and Smith’s and other essential shopping are nearby along Lake Mead Parkway. <br><br>Clark County School District serves the area, and local students attend Josh Stevens Elementary, B. Mahlon Brown Junior High School in neighboring Foothills and Basic Academy of International Studies in the Valley View neighborhood. The elementary school has an A-minus ranking on Niche, and the middle school has a B-minus. Josh Stevens has an after-school All-Stars program, a cheerleading team and a fall carnival. Earning a C-plus on Niche, Basic Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School and offers a chess club, bowling and volleyball teams. <br><br>Calico Ridge residents can hop over to Lake Las Vegas to enjoy celebrations during the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, Halloween and the annual Lake Las Vegas Days Festival. Downtown Henderson is also a central hub for year-round events and festivals, just a 4-mile drive for Calico Ridge residents. <br><br>Residents can conveniently get to Routes 564 (Lake Mead Parkway), 582 and Interstates 215 and 11, providing access to the rest of the region. The Strip is 15 miles away, and Harry Reid International Airport is an 11-mile drive.

At the base of the River Mountains and Lake Las Vegas, Foothills gives residents a slice of rural living in the Las Vegas Valley. While the great outdoors is the appeal here, the mountain town is a short drive from Downtown Henderson, home to a vibrant shopping and dining district. With scenic mountain, valley and city views, trailheads in every direction and a laid-back feel, Foothills has become a favorite place for newcomers to settle. <br><br>From playgrounds to decked-out dog parks, to expansive recreation centers and hiking trails, Foothills offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The 10-acre Haley Hendricks Park is a destination for skateboarders and volleyball players alike to test their skills. At 160 acres, Heritage Park is the largest multi-use sports complex in the Las Vegas Valley. It offers ballfields, a splash pad, an amphitheater, outdoor classrooms and multi-purpose fields. The adjacent Heritage Park Aquatic Complex features two indoor pools and is open year-round. An eye-catching aspect of Heritage Park is the fenced-in, 5-acre Bark Park. Henderson’s largest, it was designed with input from pet owners and boasts a life-sized dog statue that pups can play on, bone-shaped benches, an agility course, a splash area, drinking stations and a giant doghouse-shaped pavilion with a mural of a bulldog. Kids can also let their imagination run wild at Mountain Lake Park, themed to reflect the Mojave Desert, where they can climb on giant, colorful lizard sculptures. Avid hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders also have a variety of adventures close by. Burkholder Trail, which connects to the area’s most popular River Mountains Loop Trail, can be accessed in Heritage Park and allows hikers to get to Lake Mead Parkway Trail. The 34-mile River Mountains Loop winds through the mountain range and links Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Hoover Dam and the rest of the valley. Hikers, cyclists and campers enjoy panoramic views of the valley, access to a network of other trails and catch glimpses of wildlife like bobcats and bighorn sheep. Lake Las Vegas is to the northeast, only an 8-mile drive for residents. A destination for boating, stand-up paddle boarding, flyboarding and other fun on the water, the lake also has a full-service marina with dining, a resort, golf, a shopping village and festivities like yacht cruises. Along the way, residents can stop at the Art Walk of the Lake Mead Parkway Trail, a community-led project that fills the trail with nature-based art like painted rocks, chalk designs and trail stone markers, known as cairns.<br><br>Foothills is a mix of new and resale single-family homes and townhouses, from quaint starter homes to expansive estates suitable for stabling horses. Desert contemporary designs dot the neighborhood, with ranch-style homes, Italian villas and Southwest Pueblo and Tuscan-style houses covering the landscape, ranging from $400,000 to $3 million. Newcomers can expect three- and four-bedroom 1,600-square-foot homes at the lower price point and five- and six-bedroom 4,500-square-foot houses at the higher end. Most structures were built in the mid-1990s, but there’s also new construction in the area from Beazer Homes and KB Homes. Crosswind Estates by Beazer Homes offers three- and four-bedroom houses starting at $500,000. For low-maintenance living, consider Juniper Trails, a Beazer Homes gated community of three- to four-bedroom townhomes starting at $345,000. The subdivision features a pool, spa, playground and dog park. Residents pay homeowners’ association fees. New properties in Talesera Hills, a late 2010s subdivision, are being built by KB Homes. They offer three to six bedrooms, modern amenities and open floor plans. Homes in this community come with multi-car garages, spacious pools, and unmatched mountain views. Higher-end dwellings boast expansive lots of up to 5 acres and large balconies leading to resort-style backyards with the best views of the valley, mountains and the Vegas Strip. For equestrian enthusiasts, some even come equipped with horse stalls, arenas and track rooms. <br><br>Grocery stores Albertson’s, Smith’s Food & Drug and other essentials are within a short drive of Foothills along South Boulder Highway and East Lake Mead Parkway. Local favorite Mountainside Restaurant and Tavern lives up to its name with sweeping views of the Las Vegas Valley. Folks come here to sip a fireside cocktail and eat a burger while watching the big game on one of 20 flat-screen TVs. Santarosa Taco Shop is the go-to for authentic Mexican fare, known for its tamales and aqua frescas. Those wanting the traditional Las Vegas Strip experience don’t need to battle the tourist crowds to place their bets. Wildfire Lake Mead is a mile away and has the latest poker machines and slots, along with pub fare. Downtown Henderson is a 4-mile drive to the west. There, residents can dine at trendy restaurants, enjoy fancy cocktails, play at several casinos, shop boutiques or catch a live show at the outdoor amphitheater.<br><br>Clark County School District serves the area, and local students attend C.T. Sewell Elementary next door in Valley View, B. Mahlon Brown Academy of International Studies and Basic Academy of International Studies, also in Valley View. The elementary and middle schools hold a B-minus grade on Niche, and the high school earned a C-plus. Sewell offers a Green Our Planet program that uses a STEM curriculum geared toward the school garden. Basic Academy, a public magnet high school, prepares students for college or careers suited to their needs and interests. The international baccalaureate diploma program emphasizes community service, while the IB career-related program prepares students for jobs in 12 industries, including cybersecurity, video production and media communications.<br><br>Foothills residents can enjoy a variety of area events and celebrations. Heritage Park hosts most of them, including outdoor concerts at its amphitheater and a Fourth of July observance with games, fireworks and food vendors. The city also holds the Art Festival of Henderson every spring, a Battle of the Bands concert, car shows and a St. Patrick’s Day parade. <br><br>State Route 564 (Lake Mead Parkway) runs along the northern edge of Foothills. It connects to Interstate 11, a major artery in the region. The Las Vegas Strip is just an 18-mile drive from Foothills, Harry Reid International Airport is 13 miles away and Nellis Air Force Base is 26 miles away.

With the River and Muddy Mountain ranges as its backdrop, Gibson Springs is a Las Vegas Valley neighborhood known for its scenic beauty and convenient access to outdoor recreation and big-city amenities. The Henderson suburb is peaceful but appeals to newcomers for its proximity to a vibrant shopping and dining district to the west, an expansive nature preserve and wilderness trails to the south, beaches and lakes to the north and the glamourous neon-lit attractions of the Las Vegas Strip are just a short drive away. “You’re close to Green Valley Ranch, you’re close to the mountains on the southeast side, and you’re by the freeway, so you can have easy access to Boulder City, Lake Mead, Boulder Beach and Lake Las Vegas,” says Amanda Bolton, Realtor and Broker for LPT Realty, a Las Vegas resident for over 31 years and selling in the region for over 10 years. “The schools are also really great, and both crime and safety are really good, too.” <br><br>Outdoor enthusiasts of all types can enjoy the variety of recreational offerings in Gibson Springs. The 100-acre Cornerstone Park is a community favorite, with Railroad Lake at its center and the mountain terrain in the distance. Here, residents can shoot hoops, stroll or bike along the trail around the lake and work up a sweat at its outdoor fitness center. The 55-acre Arroyo Grande Sports Complex is near the western edge and boasts basketball courts, two playgrounds, multiple lit ballfields, an open turf area and a dog park. The Pittman Wash Trail is also located here, where hikers and bikers can explore a scenic section of Henderson. Trail Canyon, a pocket park, has tennis courts, a colorful playground and is within walking distance from most homes. Those seeking a deeper trek into nature only need to head 3 miles north to reach Whitney Mesa Park Recreation Area and Nature Preserve. The 20-acre preserve is perfect for hiking, riding BMX bikes and admiring wildlife. And just a 5-mile drive south is the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, a 48,000-acre oasis for hikers to escape into nature and explore the McCullough Wilderness trails and over 300 petroglyphs from native cultures dating from the Archaic to the historical era. And Lake Las Vegas is an 11-mile drive north for those who prefer to be on the water instead. The 320-acre lake provides 10 miles of shoreline and a variety of activities for all-day fun, including kayaking, paddleboarding and flyboarding. <br><br>Ranked the 11th-best neighborhood to live in Henderson, Gibson Springs has been a hot spot for newcomers to settle in the Las Vegas Valley area for the last decade. Its amenities, upscale subdivisions and proximity to big-city attractions have fueled this community’s growth. “Gibson Springs is smaller, but prices are going to be much lower,” Bolton says. Most homes in the quiet, tree-lined neighborhood were built in the late 1990s and range from $405,000 up to $800,000. Two-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot homes tend to be on the lowest end o the price range, with four bedrooms starting at $475,000 and on the highest end, expect five-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot homes with pools and beautiful landscaping. The housing landscape is diverse, from two-story Spanish-style homes to ranch-style houses and some condos and townhouses. Residents here are treated to homes that come equipped with multi-car garages, spacious, well-kept lawns dotted with towering palms and picturesque mountain views in the distance. <br><br>Dining options range from fast-casual spots like burger joint Farmer Boys and Fausto’s Mexican Grill to Sonoma Cellar, a high-end steakhouse inside the Sunset Station Hotel. Salvadoran restaurant Las Pupusas and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill are also favorite local eateries. Stephanie Street Shopping Center and Whitney Ranch Shopping Center take care of most shopping needs. And next door, at the Southwestern-themed Galleria at Sunset, residents will find over 120 eateries, shops, department stores and other essential retailers like Target, DICK’s Sporting Goods and Costco. Adjacent to Galleria at Sunset is the neon-lit Sunset Station Hotel and Casino. Here, residents can try their luck at over 35 table games and 2,000 slot machines while sipping drinks from the Gaudi-themed bar. The buzzing casino also has a buffet, wine cellar, bowling alley, movie theater and a 5,000-seat amphitheater. For more entertainment, boutiques and diverse dining, head 4 miles to Downtown Henderson, known as the Water Street District. <br><br>Clark County School District serves the area, and local students attend Lorna Kesterson Elementary, Barbara and Hank Greenspun Junior High and Green Valley High School. Lorna has regular bingo nights, an annual carnival and a free family academy. Both the elementary and middle schools have a B-plus ranking on Niche. Earning an A-minus on Niche, Green Valley offers basketball and wrestling teams, a pickleball club and a High School of Business™ program, one of only five in the state. High school students can also attend Nevada State High School, which is ranked the sixth-best charter high school in Nevada. <br><br>Interstates 215 and 515 border the neighborhood, and nearby Route 95 easily gets residents around the area, including Harry Reid International Airport, an 8-mile drive and the Vegas Strip, 15 miles away. <br> The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada provides public transit for the area.

As the northern area of Southern Nevada’s first master-planned community, Green Valley North perfectly blends suburban living with big-city amenities. Surrounded by the Black Mountain, Spring Mountain and Muddy Mountains ranges with easy access to trails and the neon lights of the Vegas Strip just a short drive away, the neighborhood beckons outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. “Green Valley North is like a little hamlet of Henderson,” says Amelia Keene, Realtor for the Keene Team Las Vegas, resident since 1997 and 10-year Green Valley homeowner’s association board member. “The location is fabulous for getting anywhere in town in about 10 minutes, seeing a show and getting to the airport. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”<br><br>Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Green Valley for its endless recreational opportunities, expansive parks and trails at the foothills of eastern mountain ranges. Fox Ridge Park is one of the most popular and has an interesting history. The park has a reputation for being haunted. Visitors frequently visit at night, hoping to witness something supernatural. Aside from this sensational narrative, the 4-acre park has a basketball court, baseball field, walking trail and an amphitheater for hosting events. Silver Springs Park is one of the largest city parks in Green Valley North. The 12-acre park offers an amphitheater, walking trails, tennis courts and multi-purpose fields. <br><br>Sunset Park is one of the crown jewels in the Clark County Park System, home to a massive pickleball complex with 24 courts used for recreational play, tournaments and leagues. The 324-acre park can also appease any sports fan or nature lover, boasting 11 ballfields, eight basketball courts, five playgrounds, walking trails, a disc golf course, a dog park, seven sand volleyball courts and a boat ramp. Sunset Park has won the Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Park in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas poll five years in a row. <br><br>Residents can explore over 300 diverse desert plants at the Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Garden and snag a piece of gourmet chocolate on the way out at Ehtel M. Chocolates, a family-run business that owns the garden. The garden has a longstanding tradition of hosting a garden lights festival during the holidays. <br>Hikers and cyclists can easily hop on the Harry Reid Union Pacific Railroad Trail, a 13-mile asphalt path in the neighborhood's southeastern corner. The trail interconnects several communities in the area and offers scenic views of Henderson. For those who prefer a little more leisurely activity, Wildhorse Golf Club in the center of Green Valley North welcomes beginner and seasoned golfers on its 18-hole public course.<br><br>Part of Green Valley, the region’s first master-planned development, which began in the 1980s, today Green Valley North is Henderson’s fourth-best neighborhood to live in, according to Niche. The neighborhood’s housing landscape is a diverse mix of ranch-style homes, two-story Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes, condos and custom, modern 10,000-square-foot estates with six bedrooms. Most single-family homes were built in the early 1990s and range from $375,000 to over $4 million. Most condos range from $210,000 for a 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom to $405,000 for a 1,700-square-foot three-bedroom. “Compared to the rest of the country, it’s incredibly affordable,” Keene says. “If a subdivision has an HOA, they’re usually very low fees, crime is very low, and taxes are low, and we have no state [income] tax.” Find condos in the gated Pacific Village and La Mancha subdivisions, single-family homes in the lower range in the Park Mesa and Wilton Commons communities and million-dollar custom Mediterranean homes in the Creekside Estates and Maquis subdivisions. Higher-end homes boast up to six bedrooms, 8,700 square feet of space, oasis-esque backyards and sky decks. Most Green Valley North homes have multi-car garages, pools and meticulously landscaped lawns. Beyond that, it’s a very walkable neighborhood with a very tight-knit community inside, according to Kenne. “There are parks within walking distance of every home,” she says. “People get to know their neighbors here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful in our community. It’s very well maintained, there’s a pride of ownership, and everyone works to keep up the value of their homes.”<br><br>The neighborhood offers a variety of convenient strip malls with dining and retail options to get most shopping done. At Green Valley Plaza, get groceries at Trader Joe’s or Green Valley Grocery and fuel up at Mothership Coffee. Over at Green Valley Town Center, enjoy table games, slots and pints at Barley Casino & Brewing Co., catch the latest flick at Galaxy Theatres and enjoy traditional Japanese rolls and fresh oysters at Top Sushi & Oyster. For hearty deli staples, meatloaf sandwiches and matzo ball soup, head to Weiss Deli, a small business beloved by locals. <br><br>Of course, for more high-end dining options, upscale boutiques and entertainment, residents only need to travel 3 miles to get to The District at Green Valley Ranch, a massive outdoor shopping and dining destination. Walking along its bistro light-decorated cobblestone streets, visitors will find upscale steakhouse Echo & Rig, laid-back comfort eats at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and The Local, a cozy wine bar serving fancy snacks and wine in old light canisters from the iconic Bellagio Fountain. “You’ve got many options to enjoy a glass of wine; you can sit outside and listen to music at night, have an ice cream cone, or go to brunch on the weekends,” says Keene. Those feeling lucky can head to the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino, a luxury entertainment venue not far from the outdoor mall. The resort boasts a poolside bar, live shows, over 2,000 slot machines and 55 table games. Or enjoy a different downtown experience just 7 miles east in Henderson’s vibrant Water Street District. “We’ve got the Henderson Silver Knights, who are NHL Stanley Cup champions, and Raiders Football,” Keene says. “There’s also the WNBA basketball champions, the Aces; there’s just so many things for people to do now.” <br><br>Calrk County School District serves the area, and local students attend James Gibson Elementary, Barbara and Hank Greenspun Junior High and Silverado High School. Both the elementary and middle schools earned a B-minus on Niche. James Gibson has trunk-or-treats, an annual Winterfest and art auctions. Holding a B ranking on Niche, Silverado High offers soccer and basketball teams and a student newspaper. <br><br>Green Valley North residents enjoy celebrations and activities year-round, from community-centered events to city festivals. Sunset Park hosts a variety of events, from wellness walks for charity, an annual Commissioner’s Cup tennis match, the Festival of Colors and a Clark County signature event, the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival. The District also hosts regular events, such as farmers' markets, outdoor movies, music in the courtyard, and group yoga.<br><br>Interstates 215, 515 and 15 provide residents convenient access to the rest of the area, including Harry Reid International Airport, a 5-mile drive northwest and Downtown Vegas, a 12-mile drive north. Public transit is easily accessible via the RTC of Southern Nevada, providing bus routes all along North Green Valley Parkway.