Earlier this year, the list of the 20 Top Selling Master Planned Communities for 2016 was released by research firm RCLCO, and to no one’s surprise, two extraordinary Las Vegas area master planned communities were included on that list – and you don’t even have to go past #7 to find them.

Clocking in at the #5 position is Summerlin, and at #7 is Inspirada. (Woo-hoo, Las Vegas and Henderson!) Plus, Mountain’s Edge, Providence, and Cadence also made the list of the Top 50 Master Planned Communities. That’s pretty solid proof that the real estate market in Las Vegas is recovering well from the Great Recession – (something we’ve known for some time). Considering the popularity of these areas, it occurred to us that if you’re just thinking about moving to the Las Vegas valley, perhaps a primer in a few of the successful master plans might come in helpful! Remember, this list is by no means exhaustively complete – because Las Vegas continues to grow and attract new residents from all over the country – but it can come in helpful to give you a sense of the ‘lay of the land’ to get your in-person home search under way soon.

Summerlin

Located along the western rim of the valley at the edge of Spring Mountain and Red Rock, Summerlin is the largest master planned community in Las Vegas – covering 22,500 acres. More than 100,000 people live there – which is about 5 percent of Clark County’s total population. Well-known for its thoughtful neighborhoods, beautifully landscaped avenues, and numerous parks, community centers, and hiking and biking trails – Summerlin lies at the higher end of the Las Vegas elevation with many homes offering picturesque views of both city skyline and nearby mountains – capped by the close proximity of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Many of Las Vegas’ finest homebuilders offer new communities in the various villages at Summerlin, where buyers can find both production and custom homes to choose from. Summerlin itself began selling homes in 1990, so the resale opportunities in this area are immense.

Inspirada

This 1,900-acre project is located in the heart of Henderson (which Bloomberg Businessweek ranked as one of America’s 50 Best Cities – and named America’s Second Safest City by Forbes Magazine in 2011). Situated on the southern edge of the valley, it’s among the top-selling master planned communities nationally, as we mentioned – with builders closing 564 new-home sales in Inspirada last year, up 45 percent from 2015. Nationally recognized homebuilders in this master plan include Beazer Homes, Century Communities, KB Homes, Pardee Homes, and Toll Brothers. Inspirada’s park system is one of the defining features here – with four already built and 85 acres of parks and trails planned. Community events are varied and inviting to residents of all ages, and homes range from approximately 1,500 to over 4,500 – priced from the $200s to the $400s.

Mountain’s Edge

Located in the southwest part of the valley, this 3,500-acre master planned community calls for 14,500 homes in more than 22 neighborhoods that will include multiple schools, stores, office space, and shopping centers. Builders include D.R. Horton, Woodside, Beazer, Pardee, Discover, Lennar, Toll Brothers, KB Homes and many others. Mountain’s Edge features hundreds of acres of land devoted to open spaces, parks, and trail systems. It was developed as the region’s first drought-tolerant community, estimated to save over 200 million gallons of water annually vs. traditional grass sod landscaping. Close to both the city and stunning mountainscapes and featuring an active community event calendar, Mountain’s Edge began in 2004 and was the #1 selling Las Vegas community from its opening through 2008. Both new and resale homes are available at Mountain’s Edge to explore.

Providence

Found in the northwest Las Vegas valley, Providence is a 1,200-acre master planned community that will ultimately include about 7,500 single and multifamily homes in 39 different neighborhoods. Located near schools, shopping, dining and the 215 Beltway/U.S. Highway 95 access. In addition to being in close proximity to both Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases, Providence attracted new-home builders KB Homes, Lennar, Pardee, Richmond American, Ryland, Warmington Residential, Woodside and Summit Homes. With acres of neighborhood parks and trail systems, a thriving community center and an active event calendar, Providence has previously ranked in the Top 10 master planned communities in the country. Winding avenues and numerous amenities have made Providence a lovely and peaceful addition to the Las Vegas landscape. Next stop: Mount Charleston!

Cadence

Located near the intersection of Lake Mead Parkway and Boulder Highway in Henderson, Nevada, Cadence is a 2,200-acre master planned community calling for 13,250 homes, over one million square feet of commercial property, 30 acres of trails, six schools, and a casino resort. Homebuilders include Richmond American, Lennar, Ryland, Woodside, and more. Schools, shops and restaurants are right inside this community – along with parks, pools, and trails – with the 50-acre Central Park a main draw (amphitheater, pickleball, and free wifi anyone?). Add in a bike-share program, and close proximity to Lake Las Vegas and Cowabunga Water Park – and you’ve got the makings for Las Vegas fun any time of year.

Keep in mind that both new and resale homes are available for purchase in all these areas, too. And whichever route you choose for your Las Vegas home, you can rely on the experienced services of the New Home Resource Team to look after your interests and ensure a smooth and seamless transaction.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!