Las Vegas is famous for its vibrant nightlife, casinos and entertainment. However, another side to Las Vegas is often overlooked—master-planned communities.
What is a Master-Planned Community in Las Vegas?
A master-planned community is a thoughtfully designed community that integrates residential, commercial and recreational spaces to provide residents with a comprehensive, high-quality and desirable lifestyle.
These Las Vegas communities, such as Summerlin and Sedona Ranch, offer a range of amenities like parks, pools, libraries, golf courses and access to top-rated schools and shopping centers.
The focus on sustainability and community engagement separates master-planned communities from a run-of-the-mill suburban neighbourhood. A mix of housing options, modern amenities and a sense of belonging make master-planned communities in Las Vegas a unique and enriching living experience.
History of Master-Planned Communities in Las Vegas
Early Developments
Las Vegas' rich history of master-planned communities has shaped the city's housing market.
The first master-planned community in Las Vegas was Paradise Palms built in the early 1960s. This community aimed to provide a suburban lifestyle to residents with expansive lots and spacious homes. The community also featured a swimming pool, golf course and tennis courts.
Another early development was Sunrise Manor built in the late 1960s. This community offered affordable housing and a mix of single-family homes and apartments. The community was self-contained with parks, schools and shopping centers.
Characteristics of Master-Planned Communities
Design and Layout
A defining characteristic of master-planned communities is their comprehensive design and layout. They start with a clear vision, incorporating different housing types, green spaces and community and recreational facilities. The layout evokes a sense of community and promotes social interaction.
Homes in master-planned communities are also thoughtfully designed and built. Most homes are spacious and offer appealing features like covered patios and multi-car garages.
Master-planned communities keep affordability and living needs in mind by featuring a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
Amenities and Facilities
The allure of master-planned communities in Las Vegas is the amenities and facilities. Often, these communities offer a range of recreational facilities (parks, playgrounds and sports fields), designed to encourage an active lifestyle. Furthermore, modern versions of these communities have community centers, fitness facilities and other first-class amenities.
In addition to recreational facilities, master-planned communities often feature commercial and retail spaces, including grocery stores, restaurants and other retail outlets.
As master-planned communities in Las Vegas become increasingly popular in the U.S. housing market, more homebuyers will be looking to buy and adopt this lifestyle.
2 Benefits of Living in Master Planned Communities
Community Engagement
Living in a master-planned community provides residents with a wealth of opportunities to build relationships and be part of a community. In a volatile U.S. housing market, they offer stability, different housing types and various price ranges.
These communities are all about shared spaces and amenities and provide avenues for residents to interact and bond. Most master-planned communities offer packed social calendars with concerts, festivals, classes and fitness.
Enhanced Security
An attraction to living in a master-planned community is enhanced security. Gated or guarded entrances deliver peace of mind to residents. Additionally, many master-planned communities have security patrols and advanced surveillance systems to further deter crime and provide safety.
For those considering moving to Las Vegas, a master-planned community can offer a desirable living experience with many benefits.
5 of the Best Master Planned Communities in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a haven of popular master-planned communities. Let's take a look at five of the more prominent and attention-grabbing.
Inspirada
Inspirada is 20 miles south of downtown Las Vegas, giving residents access to weekend fun at casinos and classic Vegas attractions.
Perfect for nature lovers, Inspirada is close to Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. There are also five parks and various events all year-round and it's considered an overwhelmingly friendly community. If you're looking to buy, homes start at $400,000.
Summerlin
Located 10 miles from downtown Las Vegas, Summerlin exists on the edge of the Red Rock Canyon National Park. Developed by KB Home, residents can choose from over 20 floor plans. Homes range in price from roughly $475,000 to $2 million.
Summerlin's popularity is also derived from its ten private schools and 16 public schools, meaning there are options for parents looking for the best education for their children.
Runners will love experiencing the Summerlin Trail System, featuring a whopping 150 miles of trails. Amenities also include golf courses and shopping centers. The community has also implemented green initiatives such as water conservation programs and renewable energy sources.
The Lakes
Developed in the 1980s and located southeast of Las Vegas, The Lakes is the vision of more than ten builders, including Lennar and Taylor Morrison Homes, two of the most prominent. Residents can choose from a variety of floor plans and homes range from $450,000 to as high as $1.5 million.
The Lakes offers a country club, boating, fishing, scenic views, tranquillity, convenient shopping and dining and lakefront homes.
Sedona Ranch
Sedona Ranch can be found about 10 miles north of downtown Las Vegas. This master-planned community offers more than ten different floor plans with prices starting around $300,000. Many homes are designed with granite or quartz countertops and upstairs lofts.
Residents can dine at restaurants and shop at retail stores, all within walking distance or they can visit this community's parks, playgrounds and golf courses.
Valley Vista
At the edge of Valley of Fire State Park is the scenic Valley Vista master-planned community. A short drive to Las Vegas and its casinos and shopping centers, Valley Vista features beautiful homes with modern aesthetics surrounded by picturesque desert.
With close to two dozen floor plans, prices range from around $250,000 to $450,000. It offers access to a state park and plenty of outdoor fun.
Southern Highlands
Only 17 miles south of downtown Las Vegas, Southern Highlands is a master-planned community offering luxury to residents.
Home builders give prospective buyers the choice of over 20 different floor plans. Prices vary, starting from approximately $350,000 to over $1 million. Some of the more popular attractions are the Southern Highlands Marketplace and seven stunning community parks.
FAQ
What is a master-planned community in Las Vegas?
Master-planned communities in Las Vegas offer a unique and enriching living experience with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. These thoughtfully designed communities integrate residential, commercial and recreational spaces to provide residents with a comprehensive and desirable lifestyle. With a mix of housing options and modern facilities, master-planned communities in Las Vegas offer an exceptional living environment.
What are some of the more popular master-planned communities in Las Vegas?
Inspirada, Summerlin, The Lakes Las Vegas, Sedona Ranch, Valley Vista and Souther Highlands are some of the more sought-after master-planned communities in Las Vegas.
What amenities do most master-planned communities offer?
Amenities vary per community. Most master-planned communities in Las Vegas offer some combination of pools, parks, country clubs, libraries, golf courses, community centers, fitness centers, schools and shopping centers.
