5 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Las Vegas

Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —  your friendly movers in Las Vegas and beyond).

You’ve no doubt seen our Las Vegas City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Las Vegas’s most popular neighborhoods.

This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with sneak peeks into popular destinations, as well as housing info and local schools

The 5 Most Family Friendly Neighborhoods in Las Vegas

Bachelor parties, gambling, glitzy bars, and all-you-can-drink booze: On the surface, Las Vegas looks like nothing more than a party city. But behind the slot machines and neon lights are the traits of Las Vegas that only its close friends know. 

Only the locals know things like its lower cost of living, affordable housing, top-ranking education systems, low crime rates, art and historical districts, outdoorsy destinations, and 300 days of sunshine each year. There are actually permanent residents of Sin City living happy lives – raising families even! A whole wealth of people have moved beyond the gaming and glamor and seen what’s behind Las Vegas’ dazzling front.

To give you an overview, let’s look at Las Vegas’ layout. The city sits right in the middle of the vast Vegas Valley desert. Most locals group Las Vegas neighborhoods into one of 12 regions. Within these regions, each of Las Vegas’ neighborhoods offers its own unique character. 

Although the neighborhoods and suburbs are numerous, we’ve narrowed down the list to these 5 best Las Vegas neighborhoods for families.

SUMMERLIN

Summerlin is a 22,500-acre, master-planned community that sits west of Downtown Las Vegas. It encompasses a few smaller communities, and its expansive area holds tons of parks, dozens of schools, and nine golf courses. Summerlin is most popular among higher-income families who can afford this very beautiful corner of Las Vegas. 

Since Summerlin sits separate from the bustle of Downtown, it provides a quiet getaway for families and professionals. The area is home to some of the best schools in the valley, and it’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas. 

Commuting into the city for work or for a night on the town is still easy for Summerlin residents. But many locals like to stay home and enjoy their neighborhood’s immense outdoor activities. After all, they’ve snagged a spot that most would envy in Las Vegas. 

What’s Happening in Summerlin

Summerlin is bordered by the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park offers over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. And if somehow that doesn’t do it for you, Summerlin is home to dozens of parks and the 150-mile Summerlin Trail System. 

Locals love to golf at Angel Park. And shopping is a popular daytime activity in Downtown Summerlin. This 1.6 million-square-foot center holds shops and restaurants and frequently hosts community events.

Schools in Summerlin

Schools in the area include John W Bonner, Linda Rankin Givens, and Staton Elementary School among others.

Homes in Summerlin

Summerlin is full of luxury apartments, condos, and beautiful single-family homes. There are plenty of high-ticket homes in Summerlin that look like they were built for royalty. But it’s not only millionaires who live here. Summerlin offers a number of charming 4-bedroom homes for under $300K.

RANCHO CHARLESTON

This quaint corner of Las Vegas is notably affordable, has low crime rates, and offers great schools. Rancho Charleston’s communal vibe and friendly neighbors have charmed many families. The area is small, but finding an inexpensive house is still very possible. 

Many people move to this area to buy their first home, and with a variety of restaurants and amenities, Ranch Charleston locals feel like they’ve found a special spot. The area is quiet and friendly, high-paying jobs are not too far off, and great eateries speckle the region. 

What’s Happening in Rancho Charleston

Rancho Charleston is just 10 minutes from Downtown Las Vegas, the Strip, and the Arts District, the three biggest entertainment destinations in the city. So residents certainly get their fair share of exciting Vegas nightlife and events. 

But Rancho Charleston can hold its own, with great restaurants like Nozomi Sushi, drinkeries like Frankie’s Tiki Room, and over 175 stores at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. Locals love playing a game of tennis at Bob Baskin Park or strolling through the botanical gardens at Springs Preserve. 

Schools in Rancho Charleston

Schools in the area include Rancho High School, Bracken Elementary School, and Advanced Technologies Academy among others.

Homes in Rancho Charleston

Housing in Rancho Charleston includes apartments, condos, and single-family homes. This neighborhood’s housing is lovely, but what makes it stand out is its long list of affordable options. While you can certainly find a beautiful, multi-million-dollar house, the area also features quaint homes for under $200K.

THE LAKES

This master-planned community features the sparkling, 30-acre Lake Sahara. Surrounding this centerpiece, single-family homes, shopping destinations, restaurants, and bars fill up with locals. 

The Lakes neighborhood is picturesque and peaceful. And it definitely has a touch of luxury to it. The area is secluded and removed from the busy Strip and Downtown, so Las Vegans flock to this quiet neighborhood to find a relaxing home. 

What’s Happening in The Lakes

Many of The Lakes’ amenities feature their beautiful, natural surroundings. The Canyon Gate Country Club is close by and has over 160-acres of green space. 15 miles of bicycle paths circle the beautiful Lake Sahara. And many locals enjoy boating or bass-fishing on the weekends. 

Stop by the Lakes Town Center Plaza for some great eateries like Those Guys Pies and The Lakes Lounge. The Lakes neighborhood is also home to a grocery store, salons, and fitness centers. 

Schools in The Lakes

Schools in the area include SpringStone Lakes, MJ Christensen Elementary School, and Herbert A Derfelt among others.

Homes in The Lakes

The Lakes offers a range of housing from affordable condos and apartments to luxury lakefront properties and gated communities. The pretty homes of The Lakes neighborhood are manicured from the inside out. Many show off well-landscaped lawns and you’ll spot a number of front yard palm trees. You’ll find 2-bedroom homes for around $270-thousand all the way to 7-bedroom homes for close to $4-million.

GREEN VALLEY

This neighborhood is located in the city of Henderson, southeast of Las Vegas. The area is known as one of the safest cities in the country. 

An 8,400-acre master-planned community, this neighborhood was designed with beauty in mind, and hundreds of palm trees line the streets. In summer months, Green Valley locals are commonly spotted taking walks, jogging, or playing with the kids during all hours of the day. 

One of the biggest draws of this area is its high-ranking public schools. Green Valley is most popular among families, but it’s also home to many singles, young professionals, millennials, retirees. Its great location and numerous amenities make it a popular spot for a diverse range of residents.

What’s Happening in Green Valley

Green Valley is home to The District at Green Valley Ranch shopping plaza which features many shops, boutiques, and great dining and drinking options. This neighborhood also features one of the most popular local casinos in the area, Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino. 

For an outdoor adventure, take a trip to the close by Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Or hop over to the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. In this conservation, you can bike, hike, or horseback ride along trails lined by rock art created by native cultures from the Archaic to the historic era.

Schools in Green Valley

Schools in the area include John C. Vanderburg, GV Christian School, and David M Cox Elementary School among others.

Homes in Green Valley

In Green Valley, you can easily find single-family homes, apartments, and condos. The area currently has a lengthy list of very affordable homes, with cute 2-bedroom houses for as little as $135K. That said, Green Valley also has $1.5-million homes available to families looking for the biggest and best.

WHITNEY RANCH

Located in Henderson, Whitney Ranch is close to Downtown, the Strip, and the airport. It’s convenient location has made it a popular spot among younger residents, professionals, and families. Whitney Ranch is one of the safest areas in Nevada and boasts of a lower cost of living than many other Las Vegas suburbs.

This neighborhood has been gaining traction and is an ideal place to buy a first home. As opposed to other popular neighborhoods in Henderson, like Green Valley, Whitney Ranch is extremely approachable and affordable with home prices on average around $65,000 less than other areas surrounding the neighborhood.

What’s Happening in Whitney Ranch

This neighborhood is packed with close-by amenities. Locals enjoy excellent shopping at the Galleria at Sunset Mall. Whitney Ranch Aquatic Complex draws the families. And the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center includes dance classes, recreation rooms, and racquetball courts. 

For outdoor adventure, check out the Clark County Wetlands Park. This massive space features a 210-acre nature preserve as well as walking and hiking trails and a nature center and auditorium. The White School Park has basketball and tennis courts and baseball fields. End the night with a slice from Manhattan Pizza III. And catch a movie or go bowling at the nearby Sunset Station Hotel & Casino. 

Schools in Whitney Ranch

Schools in the area include Sunset High School and Jim Thorpe Elementary School among others.

Homes in Whitney Ranch

Whitney Ranch has a spread of affordable single-family homes and apartments. The area features mainly Spanish-style homes with light stucco exteriors and barrels roof tiles. Prices range from around $250-500K.

There You Have It: The 5 Best Neighborhoods for Families in Las Vegas!

We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Las Vegas, and we would love to help.