Moapa Valley provides a flexible alternative to Las Vegas
In the shadow of multiple mountain ranges and organized along a series of quiet, sunbaked streets, Moapa Valley is a rural departure from the Las Vegas metro. And that’s exactly what draws some to this community of roughly 6,300. “Compared to Las Vegas, you’re going to get a lot more land for your money,” says Shayla Andrade, a Las Vegas native and a Realtor with Innovation Realty for over six years. “On average, the lots are about a half-acre or larger. All of them are livestock friendly.” The vast swaths of red-hued land feature a wide selection of homes. Locals are close to an array of outdoor recreation and are just over 60 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
Opportunities for hiking and water sports are all around
Residents don’t have to leave Moapa Valley to spend time in the sun at spots like the Bowman Reservoir. “It's great for the summer months,” Andrade says. “It’s essentially a lake area where the locals visit.” The reservoir is open to paddleboarding, waterskiing, swimming and fishing for species like bass and carp. More water recreation is available at Lake Mead — the lake’s Overton Arm is roughly 16 miles away. The Eco Bay Launch Ramp is a convenient access point for boaters and a spot for bass fishing from shore. Multiple beaches and trails surround Lake Mead, too. “A lot of people do four-wheeling out there,” Andrade says.
The Logandale Trails, 5 miles west of Moapa Valley, are another popular destination. Andrade says visitors ride horses and ATVs on those trails. The 40,000-acre Valley of Fire State Park, 14 miles outside Moapa Valley, is a significant draw for tourists. The Valley of Fire is known for its red sandstone landscape, limestone and petrified trees. People also travel from all over to play at Coyote Springs Golf Club, a course designed by Jack Nicklaus and open to the public.
Moapa Valley offers a range of housing options and prices
Moapa Valley offers a selection of spacious contemporary houses priced from $430,000 to $800,000. Andrade says there’s demand here from a developer’s perspective. “For people looking to leave Las Vegas for somewhere more affordable and they work from home, Moapa is a good option,” Andrade says. The area also has well-established houses dating to the 1930s. The older properties, which include bungalows, ranch-style dwellings and manufactured homes, sometimes come with lower prices. Those under 2,000 square feet go for $150,000 to $480,000, while larger floor plans sell for $530,000 to $900,000.
Many ride into Moapa Valley for the Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Moapa Valley hosts the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in April, one of the region’s signature events. It brings in people from around this sizable county, which has a population of more than 2.3 million. “Everywhere from Las Vegas, Cold Creek, Indian Springs, all of the surrounding cities,” Andrade says. The fair features everything from bull and bronco riding to carnival rides, live music, and arts and crafts. The Moapa Valley Corn Maze is another annual fixture in September and October. “It’s very much like an old-town corn maze,” Andrade says. “They have live music. They have a bunch of fire pits. A lot of people from Vegas will drive out there.”
Moapa Valley Boulevard is the hub for restaurants and shops
The community's central thoroughfare is Moapa Valley Boulevard, where locals can go for a bite to eat or to pick up groceries. Andrade estimates Overton Ace Hardware is the most visited spot, where people can pick up anything from cleaning supplies to fishing licenses. Lin’s Overton is known, in part, for its produce selection, and it's next to a Family Dollar. Salts is a new local restaurant offering a Saturday barbecue special with ribs. The Inside Scoop is a hot spot for ice cream.
Clark County School District’s massive footprint extends to this area
Moapa Valley fits into the northeast periphery of the Clark County School District. CCSD is the nation's fifth-largest school district and has a B rating on Niche. The system offers school choice, including a selection of magnet campuses. Among others, Moapa Valley is zoned for the B-rated Grant Bowler Elementary, where special events include a fall festival and a spring choir concert. Mack Lyon Middle has a B-plus grade and has basketball, cheer, dance, flag football and soccer teams. Students at the B-rated Moapa Valley High can take elective courses in topics including agriculture, computer science, construction, culinary arts and robotics.
Local thoroughfare makes commutes to Las Vegas straightforward
Moapa Valley Boulevard, the main road, provides a direct connection to Interstate 15. I-15 flows right into the heart of Las Vegas — the Strip — about 64 miles away. Andrade says a lot of people commute to Vegas. The Harry Reid International Airport is roughly a 66-mile trip. Mesa View Regional Hospital is about 35 miles away in Mesquite.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
