Areas of the Las Vegas Valley

Freeways In The Las Vegas Valley

There are only three main freeways throughout the areas of the Las Vegas Valley, even though it seems like more because of multiple names. North-south is 1-15, east-west is I-215, and part of the US 95. The circle around the Las Vegas Valley areas is made by the 215 Beltway and US 93-US 95.

It really gets confusing knowing many highways have multiple names. They include County 215, which is the same as I-215. One stretch of the freeway along the east side is a combination of US 93, US 95, I-515, and the new I-11 (Interstate to Phoenix). The Las Vegas Valley areas with a freeway are considered the most desirable locations to live.

A few other confusing highway issues are the Summerlin Parkway, Boulder Highway, and the road to Pahrump. The Summerlin Parkway looks like a freeway but prettier. Boulder Highway looks like a street but was named decades ago. Highway 160 to Pahrump is a street until you leave the Las Vegas Valley.

Compass Direction Locations

For compass points, picture Downtown Las Vegas in the middle of the Las Vegas Valley. North of Downtown is North Las Vegas. Henderson in the southeast. The road to California- I-15 is straight south, and Summerlin (the largest Master Planned Community in the United States) is the entire west side of the Valley.

Beyond Summerlin is Red Rock Recreation Area and the road to Pahrump. Sunrise Mountain is to the east, and Lake Mead is behind it. Above the Northwest part of the Valley is Mount Charleston, which has hiking, snow, and pine trees. Beyond the Valley to the Southeast are Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Boulder City.

Housing Tour

We know that many people don’t know where they want to live when they meet with us. Maybe a friend suggested that you move to Henderson or Summerlin. You get a lot more square footage and land for the same price in North Las Vegas. It helps to look with us.

Areas and housing are directly tied to which era the age of the property. Scotch 80’s is an area with beautiful older homes; however, as you drive through the neighborhood, there are large satellite dishes on roofs and yards. Do you want that?

Do you want an area with no rules where you can install a 40-foot tall antenna or park on the lawn? We have those too; however, homes with no CCR’s are typically built before 1990 or in a more rural environment.

Modern homes are easier to maintain and are more energy-efficient. Those homes are around the outskirts of the Valley, meaning they are in all areas. Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas all have different pros and cons.

Zoning For Horses

Some Las Vegas Valley areas have neighborhoods dated Pre-WW2 with smaller bedrooms. They also have fewer baths and beautiful mature trees. Near Downtown Las Vegas, you’ll find homes built by the gaming and entertainment elite.

These homes have great built-in features, shelving, and furniture. Many are on 1/2 acre or larger lots and are zoned for horses. Most people downtown don’t have horses, but they are a legal option. See our Downtown Las Vegas Page.

Las Vegas Horse Property

Again, there are many 1/2 acre homes with custom homes on them. Over the years, people who don’t ride horses have built homes with huge entertainment backyards, gardens, multiple garages, and casitas. Other areas with horse zoning are called Rural Preservation Neighborhoods. Horse zoning is strictly enforced. If you have 1/2 an acre (gross) and can have up to two horses.

Rural Preservation Neighborhoods are a special rural zoning designation designed to enhance the urban experience. There are fewer lights and sidewalks, larger setbacks, and no CCR’s or HOA’s. Trails and dirt pathways often lead to mountain trails. You don’t have to ride to enjoy living on a large lot and enjoy the peace and tranquility of your private paradise.

Wildlife Preservation Areas

There are two wildlife preservation areas in the Valley. Are you a bird watcher? Living near one of these areas might appeal to you. The east side of the city along the Las Vegas Wash is a wildlife preservation area.

There are Las Vegas Valley areas dedicated to tortoise preservation. Desert tortoises are protected in a big way. If one is found during construction, the entire construction site is closed. The tortoise preservation people come in and watch the tortoise walk to his burrow to see if he/she has a mate.

This can take up to a week. Sometimes there are stories in a few Las Vegas Valley areas where builders pick up tortoises and drive them to a preservation area. Time is money, but this is a serious crime.

When BLM started auctions for vacant land in Las Vegas Valley areas with builders, the tortoise colonies became rich. A percentage of all land sales goes to wildlife in the state equally divided between Northern and Southern Nevada. Southern Nevada has fish, tortoise, and bighorn sheep that all live the best lives possible!

Areas of the Las Vegas Valley

The most popular type of neighborhood in all areas of the Las Vegas Valley is the master-planned community. In case you don’t know what one is, link to our page on  Master-Planned Communities. Master-planned communities are pre-plotted with organized and beautiful. That is due to the enforcement of CCR’s that residents need to abide by or be fined.

Golf courses are rare in North Las Vegas and on the east side of the city. Sunrise Mountain has the Morman Temple, many affordable custom homes with views on 1/2 acre plus lots. There are great subdivisions of homes near Nellis Air Force Base. Being in the proximity of a higher crime area, malls and stores are sparse.

Is There A Difference In Home Prices By Area?

Home prices vary according to which area of the Valley you are looking at homes for sale. Henderson is the most expensive city because it has the least amount of vacant land to develop. North Las Vegas is the most affordable because 1/2 of the city’s land is still undeveloped. Las Vegas has older, less expensive housing and brand new homes priced somewhere between Henderson and North Las Vegas home prices.

Las Vegas home prices are all over the board because Las Vegas covers the Valley’s width and also the northwest and southwest parts of the Valley. Las Vegas has pockets of undeveloped land all over the Valley that is currently being filled in. Henderson is almost completed except in Henderson West and the Lake Las Vegas area.

When relocating to Las Vegas, if you are unsure about where to live, we offer our clients a “Three Hour Tour.” During this time, we share our knowledge with you so that you can make an informed decision about which area you want. Then we look for houses.

On our website, we have a Blog about Future Growth Directions in the future. It’s good to know these things too.