You’ve probably driven through countless suburbs where every street looks the same, every house is painted the same color, and the only green space is a small patch of grass in front of each home. Feels a bit soulless, right?
If you are thinking about relocating to Las Vegas (or you’re already here and you feel restless), you might be worried about ending up in one of those cookie-cutter neighborhoods. However, there’s good news – just 20 minutes west of the Strip, a community is completely redefining what suburban living can be.
Summerlin stands out as the antithesis of typical suburban development. It’s what happens when developers actually prioritize quality of life over cramming in as many houses as possible – a place designed for people to truly live in.
Here’s a fun trivia: Did you know that the community was named after Howard Hughes’ grandmother, Jean Amelia Summerlin. So when you tell friends you’re moving to “Summerlin,” you can impress them with that little nugget of info.
A Suburb That Makes Sense
Spanning 35 square miles and home to over 123,000 residents, Summerlin represents 34 years of thoughtful planning. Unlike those rushed developments that appear virtually overnight, this community has evolved gradually over time. Each new neighborhood builds on what worked in previous areas, creating a more cohesive and well-designed place to live.
Why Right Now Is the Perfect Time
Brand New Neighborhoods Are Opening
Over a dozen new neighborhoods will welcome residents in 2025, which means you will have access to brand-new homes with all the latest features. We’re talking about properties from top-tier builders like Toll Brothers, Pulte Homes, and Richmond American – companies that have been perfecting their craft for decades.
Whether you’re looking for a starter townhome in the mid-$400s or ready to splurge on a custom estate north of $2 million, there’s something that’ll fit your needs and budget.
Property Values Are Appreciating
The price of homes for sale in Summerlin averages around $525,000 compared to Las Vegas’s $364,000. Properties in this area have increased in value over the past year, consistently outperforming other areas in the valley. When you buy a home in Summerlin, you invest in a community that already has a proven track record.
Remote Work Has Never Been Easier
If your job allows you to work anywhere, you’re going to love Nevada’s tax advantages. With no state income tax, every dollar you earn goes further here than it would in places like California or New York. That’s money you can put toward your savings, mortgage, or retirement.
What Makes Summerlin Different
Climate
Summerlin is located 3,500 to 4,400 feet above sea level, which means that the weather is consistently a few degrees cooler than the rest of Las Vegas. It may not seem like much, but during the summer months, this slight difference makes outdoor activities significantly more enjoyable throughout the year.
Outdoor Paradise
The community has over 250 parks and green spaces, plus 150 miles of walking and cycling trails connecting virtually every neighborhood. Then there’s Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just right in your backyard, offering every outdoor activity you can imagine, whether hiking, rock climbing, or biking.
You’ll also never run out of activities to do with 10 championship golf courses and five community pools. And unlike many desert communities, the weather here is mild enough to enjoy these amenities most of the year.
The Downtown District
No need to head to the Strip or downtown Las Vegas when downtown Summerlin has all the daily essentials and entertainment you need right in the neighborhood. This vibrant urban district has over 125 retail stores and over 30 restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, movie theaters, and major entertainment venues.
You can catch a Las Vegas Aviators baseball game at Las Vegas Ballpark or watch the Vegas Golden Knights practice at City National Area. It’s a complete urban experience without the crowds, traffic, and tourist chaos you’ll find on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Excellent Education
Summerlin takes education seriously, with 16 public schools and 10 nationally recognized private institutions serving the community. Many of these schools consistently earn top rankings in statewide assessments, which gives families peace of mind about their educational investment.
From elementary through high school, you’ll find programs that challenge and inspire students. Several private schools even feature facilities rivaling small colleges, complete with state-of-the-art labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
Is It Worth The Investment?
Living in Summerlin does cost more than other Vegas suburbs, but its value is clear once you consider these factors:
- Nevada’s tax benefits: No state income tax means more money in your pocket
- Property value stability: Homes here have consistently held and increased their value
- Comprehensive amenities: Less driving to find good restaurants, entertainment, and services
- HOA value: Unlike some communities where fees disappear into a black hole, here you see tangible benefits
Yes, those HOA fees might make you wince at first – often $200-300 monthly in many neighborhoods. But when you see how well-maintained everything is year-round, most residents find it’s money well spent.
Is Summerlin For You?
Summerlin attracts a wide range of residents. But the most important question is, is it right for you? Let’s break it down by lifestyle.
If you’re raising a family, the community provides an environment where children can genuinely flourish. The combination of top-ranked schools, extraordinarily safe neighborhoods, and an abundance of recreational spaces creates an ideal setting for young minds and bodies to develop.
For active adults and those who are already in retirement, Summerlin offers a lifestyle that balances luxury with leisure. The community has several exclusive 55+ neighborhoods with their own dedicated amenities.
Remote workers who live in Summerlin find that their work-from-home experience got better when they moved in. This is thanks to the fiber-optic internet infrastructure throughout the community, professional co-working spaces, and thoughtfully designed homes.
After work hours, the transition to leisure activities, whether it’s a sunset hike or dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, creates a work-life balance that feels less like a compromise and more like an upgrade.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Summerlin’s location truly is something special. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, you can just hike on a whim and witness the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest.
Whether you’re into hiking challenging trails, conquering rock climbing routes, cycling scenic roads, or simply finding peace in nature, you’ll discover that outdoor recreation isn’t just an occasional activity here. It becomes a big part of your daily life, with breathtaking vistas serving as the backdrop to your everyday experiences.
Should You Move To Summerlin?
Every neighborhood has its trade-offs, and Summerlin is no different. Yes, homes cost more than in other Vegas suburbs. Yes, you’ll need a car for most errands. And yes, some find the HOA guidelines restrictive.
But when you weigh these factors against the benefits – consistent property values, world-class amenities, excellent schools, tax advantages, and a genuine sense of community – the decision often becomes clearer.
If you’re ready to move beyond the ordinary suburban experience and discover what intentional community planning can create, Summerlin deserves a serious look. The timing might be perfect for your next chapter.
Also Read: Inside Vegas’ Smart Casino Tech Revolution
