Whitney: A small recreational city near the Las Vegas strip
Whitney is a suburban mountainside community with extensive desert landscapes, known for its relatively low housing prices compared to Las Vegas 9 miles away. “What pulls people there is the price points,” says Robin Smith, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a Las Vegas native. “Also, the proximity means people can hop on [the highway] and reach downtown in just 20 minutes and the airport in 10 minutes.” Whitney has tons of recreation, including wetlands, hiking trails and plenty of pocket parks; views of the surrounding River Mountains are visible from every angle.
The city is a part of Clark County, where major employers include the Nellis Air Force Base, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the casino and entertainment industries. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s average household income is $64,000, compared to $80,000 nationally, and its population in 2020 was 49,000.
Early 2000s Spanish Revival homes
Whitney has many early 2000s Spanish Revival homes and newly constructed two-story properties. Most homes have garages, and neighborhoods are lined with sidewalks. The median home price is $355,000, lower than the national median of $420,000. Properties stay on the market for an average of 37 days, compared to 45 days nationally.
Start school at Whitney Elementary
Clark County School District received a B from Niche and is ranked No. 1 among the state's most diverse school districts. The city’s namesake school, Whitney Elementary School, earns a C-plus from Niche. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is a public college 6 miles away. Whitney has no private schools, but city churches include St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Charity Christian Church.
Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park stretches over 2,000 acres on Whitney’s eastern side and includes a large nature preserve with wildlife like rabbits and coyotes. It also has five trails, including the Duck Creek Trailhead, a popular hiking spot. Silver Bowl Park has traditional amenities like a playground, soccer and baseball fields and a small RC car track, and the Stallion Mountain Golf Club is a semi-private, gated course. Whitney Ranch Recreation Center offers a place to play sports indoors. The Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Garden has over 3,000 species of cacti 4 miles south. The Cowabunga Bay Water Park is open seasonally 3 miles away.
The Galleria, Green Valley Town Center
Albertsons is the city’s grocery store. Teriyaki Madness serves Asian fusion cuisine, while Omelet House serves breakfast and lunch. The Galleria is a popular shopping destination 3 miles away with over 100 stores, while the Green Valley Town Center has a movie theatre and bowling alley 4 miles south. Local casinos also have entertainment. “If you happen to be a local who likes to gamble, there are many casinos nearby,” Smith says. “But the casinos also have the best restaurants and movie theatres.”
What to know about Whitney: Commuting, crime and climate
Nevada State Route 582 is the city’s major freeway. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada offers commuters public transportation. Harry Reid International Airport is 6 miles away. According to Nevada Crime Statistics, the city’s property and violent crime has declined in the past few years. The Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center is 7 miles away. Whitney has a dry and warm climate with little annual precipitation. Nevada's wildfire season is May through October, when vegetation is the driest.
