9 Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods for 2024 (A Local’s Picks)

View of a mountain range from afar with houses from one of the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas

Drawn by the neon lights and endless entertainment, the population of Las Vegas is increasing more and more each day. However, moving to (and even just visiting) Las Vegas can be intimidating because it is such a large city and there are so many different neighborhoods in Las Vegas to explore. 

I’m a long-time Vegas local, and I’m here to help you discover the best Las Vegas neighborhoods. In this guide, I’ll describe the best areas in Las Vegas and where to stay during your visit or new home search. I’ve also provided maps to help you get a better idea of each place.

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9 Best Neighborhoods in Las Vegas

Summerlin

A beautiful community with lots of activities and a great school district.

A welcoming sign of Summerlin under the clear blue sky

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

Summerlin is one of the best places to live in Las Vegas, especially for families. This master-planned community has an abundance of parks, coffee shops, golf courses, and outdoor activities. Plus, downtown Summerlin is home to some of the best Vegas attractions

Summerlin features over 200 miles of walking trails with stunning mountain scenery and wildlife. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only 15 minutes away from Summerlin, so if you love hiking, it is extremely convenient. Places like Red Rock Casino, the Las Vegas Ballpark, and Tivoli Village are also all worth checking out.

It is easy to feel like you are part of the community in Summerlin, with plenty of events and places to get to know your neighbors. Weekly farmers markets and shopping in downtown Summerlin are fun activities in the community.

Pros of Summerlin

Cons of Summerlin

  • Rent is more expensive in this area
  • You will likely need a car to get around (in some ways, it’s more like the Vegas suburbs)

Skye Canyon

One of the new, modern neighborhoods in Las Vegas with incredible amenities.

View of houses in Skye Canyon

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Aliante Casino Hotel Spa

Skye Canyon is another of the best neighborhoods in Vegas. This new, master-planned community is family-friendly and located more toward North Las Vegas. The area is gorgeous and small, which provides a great feeling of community and connection with neighbors. 

Skye Canyon offers a number of amenities for its residents including free access to its gym, pool, and community events. The events range from fitness classes to sushi-making classes. The public can also access these amenities for a small fee.

Skye Canyon Park frequently hosts farmers markets and small art festivals for the community and the public. You will always see people walking their dogs and running around in this safe neighborhood. Other outdoor activities at Mount Charleston and Floyd Lamb Park (where peacocks roam freely) are just a short drive away. 

Pros of Skye Canyon

  • The area is plenty walkable
  • Great community feeling 
  • Quiet and friendly area
  • Modern houses and new amenities

Cons of Skye Canyon

  • Rent is more expensive in this area, except for apartments which are more affordable
  • Many parts of the area are still under construction, like schools, casinos, and restaurants
  • Not a lot of nightlife

The Lakes

A community with gorgeous waterfront property and cute local businesses.

Aerial view of the Lake Sahara and the houses that surrounded it
Picturesque homes surround Lake Sahara

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

In my opinion, The Lakes is the best place to live in Las Vegas for water activities. This planned community features several manmade lakes in the western part of the Las Vegas Valley.

The largest is Lake Sahara which many of the homes surround. You can go fishing, boating, or lay out on the dock in your own backyard. Indulge in a picnic by the water or at one of the parks.

Although waterfront properties are rare in Sin City, many homes and condos in The Lakes are budget-friendly. The Lake Town Center Plaza is a shopping area in the neighborhood, complete with local restaurants and a mini market. 

Pros of The Lakes

  • Quiet, secluded area
  • Many outdoor activities and places to walk
  • Affordable homes

Cons of The Lakes

  • Need a car to get to most places
  • Homes and condos are older

Southern Highlands

Luxury community with beautiful homes and scenery.

View of the golf course in Southern Highlands Golf Club
Southern Highlands Golf Club, the neighborhood’s private course

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: M Resort Spa & Casino 

Southern Highlands is a luxury, master-planned community featuring schools, parks, and an expansive golf course. It feels as if you are in your own world and no longer in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Southern Highlands is a very popular Las Vegas neighborhood for families, but beware that it is one of the more expensive places to live in the city. Existing and new homes are available, as are upscale rentals.

Pros of Southern Highlands

  • Great community feeling 
  • Quiet and friendly area
  • Very new and modern houses and amenities

Cons of Southern Highlands

  • Expensive area
  • Need a car to get to most places
  • Not a lot of nightlife

Green Valley Ranch

Gorgeous area with plenty of places to shop, dine, or explore the outdoors.

The Green Valley Ranch Resort and palm trees in front of it
Green Valley Ranch Resort (photo: Jeffrey J Coleman / Shutterstock)

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Green Valley Ranch Resort

Green Valley Ranch resides in Henderson, located just outside of Sin City. It’s one of the best places to live in Nevada if you want to escape city life, but still be within driving distance of downtown Las Vegas.

There are many neighborhoods within this community, plus a resort, four different parks, and a library. The District is a large shopping and dining complex where you can hang out and try delicious places to eat. 

Sloan Canyon Natural Conservation Area is only a 10-minute drive away and ranks as one of the top day trips from Las Vegas. Here, you can hike and see a large number of ancient petroglyphs.  

Pros of Green Valley Ranch

  • Escape from tourists and crowds
  • Quiet and friendly area
  • Many parks and family-friendly areas
  • Large shopping areas like The District

Cons of Green Valley Ranch 

  • Everything closes early
  • Need a car to get to most places
  • 15-minute drive to The Strip

The Strip

A magnificent area filled with lights and entertainment, perfect for those who love nightlife.

Aerial view of the illuminated Las Vegas at night
Captivating sunset views of The Strip, one of the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Clark County  | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Cosmopolitan

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, which also appeals to locals who love to go out. The Strip is constantly buzzing with action at all hours of the day, and there are always parties, clubs, and live music to enjoy. 

It is more common for single persons and couples to live near The Strip. There’s also a large number of students because the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is just a couple of minutes away.

But regardless, if you are a big fan of nightlife and going out, then The Vegas Strip is a great place to live. There are endless shops, delicious dining spots, and entertainment almost anywhere you go.

Pros of The Strip

  • Great nightlife and constant activities
  • Incredible selection of bars and places to eat
  • Easy place to meet new people
  • Apartments and houses are more affordable 

Cons of The Strip

  • Very loud and often crowded with tourists
  • Houses and apartment complexes are older
  • Not many parks or outdoor areas nearby
  • Driving and traffic can be chaotic 
  • Crime rates are higher in certain areas of The Strip

Arts District

A hip district with street art, delicious food and drinks, and friendly people.

People enjoying their food on an al fresco dining in Arts District
Al fresco dining in the Arts District (photo: Page Light Studios / Shutterstock)

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Circa Resort & Casino  

The Arts District is the best area to live Las Vegas if you want to be surrounded by art, culture, and exciting events. This downtown neighborhood is a trendy area with cool street art, new bars, and lots of unique shops.

There are mainly apartments in this area, so it is not as suitable for families. However, many of the apartments are new and considered to be luxury living at lower costs than in other Las Vegas areas. 

On the first Friday of every month, there is a fun art festival where you will find food trucks, local artists, and musicians. One of the most popular Vegas breweries, Able and Baker, is located in the Arts District. There’s also the Velveteen Rabbit, one of the best bars in Las Vegas.

Pros of The Arts District

  • Great nightlife 
  • Home to some of the most popular restaurants and bars
  • Very artsy and hip area
  • Apartments are more affordable 

Cons of The Arts District

  • Very loud and often crowded with tourists
  • Fewer homes and more apartments
  • Not many parks nearby
  • Driving and traffic can be chaotic 
  • Crime rates are higher near downtown Las Vegas

Peccole Ranch 

From affordable homes to million-dollar homes, Peccole Ranch has a place for everyone.

View of houses in Peccole Ranch 

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

Peccole Ranch is one of the best places to live in Vegas for a variety of preferences. This community has 22 neighborhoods, 10 of which are gated for an extra sense of security. There are condos, affordable homes for families, and expensive luxury homes. 

Peccole Ranch features a tennis court, clubhouse, and a swimming pool for its residents. There are also many gorgeous trails for those who like to take walks or go for runs. Some other nearby activities include laser tag, athletic gyms, and Red Rock Climbing Center where you can learn how to rock climb indoors.

Pros of Peccole Ranch

  • Well-maintained walking trails
  • Many shopping centers nearby
  • Price range from affordable to expensive, based on preference

Cons of Peccole Ranch

  • Not a lot of nightlife
  • Less dining options than in other areas

Lake Las Vegas

A secluded neighborhood with modern homes surrounding a stunning blue lake.

View of houses with lights at night in Lake Las Vegas
The center of Lake Las Vegas at night

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Clark County | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Westin at Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is one of the best towns near Sin City. It offers plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants, and amenities. It’s where to live in Las Vegas if you prefer a quieter, low-key lifestyle.

The community surrounds a 320-acre lake where you can indulge in kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just lounging out in the sun. Saturday nights also have live entertainment by the lake, so grab a bite to eat and enjoy the show.

Residents also gain access to amenities like the Lake Las Vegas Sports Club where you will find pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center. 

Pros of Lake Las Vegas

  • Variety of outdoor activities
  • Secluded and quiet
  • Beautiful, modern homes

Cons of Lake Las Vegas

  • Not a lot of nightlife
  • Most major grocery stores and schools are 10 to 15 minutes away
  • The restaurant selection is limited

FAQs About Las Vegas Neighborhoods

What are the best areas to live in Las Vegas?

The best areas to live in Las Vegas include Summerlin, The Lakes, and The Arts District. Each of these areas offers different styles of living, so there are neighborhoods for everyone’s preferences. 

What is the safest area in Las Vegas?

The safest areas in Las Vegas are Summerlin and The Lakes because they are less known to tourists, and most of the locals keep to themselves.

What are the neighborhoods of Las Vegas?

The neighborhoods of Las Vegas include The Strip, Summerlin, Southern Highlands, and Peccole Ranch. However, there are many more neighborhoods in Las Vegas, each with its own unique perks and amenities. 

***

Thanks for reading about the best Las Vegas neighborhoods! Let me know what you think of this guide in the comments, and discover more destinations with my article on the top cities in Nevada.

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32 Comments

  1. Desert Shores beats the Lakes any day – with 4 lakes, swimming lagoon with sandy beach, restaurants on the water including Americana and Marche Bacchus.

    1. Except the huge uptick in crime in DS in recent years, resulting in plunging property values. This is what happens when you flank a beautiful community with apartments and low cost condominiums.

  2. These are all upper middle income neighborhoods not all can afford them. ARTS district is an area they are trying to bring back nut still reworking on. It is one of my favarice areas buy not some where to live yet.

  3. I love the area I live in now. Having lived in some of the Las Vegas areas mentioned, I much prefer where we live now, but will not reveal it because it’s reasonable, has nice parks near me and entertainment not far away. I don’t need anyone else moving here.

  4. I live in Cadence in Henderson and love the area and being only 20 minutes from just about everything. Not too close to worry about much noise or crime, but close enough to make it to any event. Houses here are nice, too.

  5. No where did you mention Centennial Hills
    Beautiful upscale area close to freeways and far enough away from the strip and downtown to feel like your in the suburbs but close enough if you need to see the nightlife
    Centennial Hills is the place for me

    1. I agree… Centennial Hills is awesome.., not too congested, very low crime near Mt Charleston, shopping restaurants,etc!

  6. I lived in Cadence, Henderson since 2018. Lovely areas around but there are also many run-down areas with older run-down stores that NEED to be revamped. Seeing those areas makes it feel a bit depressing. They are slowly bringing in businesses, and a lot of housing. It’s quite quiet and nothing is too far away that you dread the drive.

  7. what about Spring valley? close to the strip, diverse community and restaurants, unique homes that are less cookie cutter.

  8. My wife and I have lived in Anthem(Henderson)for the past 16+ years and find it very pleasant. We live in a 55+ Community named Solara

  9. what do you all think of silverado ranch
    it’s close to a few areas already mentioned and as a temp necessity it may be an area i MUST consider

  10. North Las Vegas is really being built up! Lots a great new construction. There’s an old NLV and the some what new NLV. Just moving to this area (frm the Midwest) is very nice.

  11. SW Las Vegas is crime ridden and failing quickly. I guess that’s all of the Las Vegas Vallley unfortunately.

    1. Yeah, it’s a shame the way Las Vegas is on one hand building and adding amazing things and then ignoring hundreds of drug addicted people living in the wash where it’s polluting the water supply. They have been in the tunnels underground for decades. But they are now living in tent cities around the valley. It’s starting to resemble the failed streets is San Fran. Sad.

  12. We lived in the southwest for 20 years and now we are enjoying Skye Canyon in the northwest. I wish we had made the switch years ago.

  13. Hi, I am looking into purchasing a condo in Las Vegas and looking at Spring Valley and Paradise. Are these safe neighborhoods? I would appreciate any input you have!

  14. You listed nice areas…but you barely touched on actual Las Vegas. The “Vingtage Vegas” neighborhoods like Scotch 80, Alta, Rancho Bel Air, Rancho Circle, Nevada Estates, McNeil Estates and even Section 10 are all amazing “neighborhoods”with custom homes, large lots (1/4 acre – over an acre), mature landscaping, large pools in the backyards and minutes from The Strip, Downtown and airport. If someone does not want the “cookie cutter neighborhoods” with every tract home looking alike on “postage stamp” lots…they should see look in these neighborhoods. As the valley keeps growing, traffic is getting worse and with more things happening on the Strip that locals want to attend…Golden Knights, Aces, A’s, (coming NBA team), F1, Raiders, Allegiant stadium, concerts, shows, amazing restaurants…locals are going to start wishing they lived closer.

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