Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV

Summerlin was originally commissioned as a master planned community by the Howard Hughes Corporation in the 1950s. Twenty-five thousand acres of land in the Southern Nevada area was designated for the construction of the neighborhood, but it wasn't until 1990 that planning and infrastructure construction began. An additional 1,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land was added to Summerlin in 2002 through an exchange between the Bureau of Land Management and the Howard Hughes Corporation. Since its founding, Summerlin has flourished into a full-blown community housing more than 150 villages and neighborhood parks, numerous shopping centers and several business parks.

Residents of Summerlin can access an array of dining options, from traditional fast-food chains to trendy high-end restaurants and intentional eateries. The central restaurant locations fall between the areas of Downtown Summerlin, Tivoli Village and Boca Park.

A local hot spot located on N Rampart Blvd, German Bread Bakery specializes in the careful crafting of old-world, handmade German bread, rolls, pastries and coffeecakes. The establishment is highly regarded among locals for its affordable pricing, high quality and phenomenal customer service. Staff at German Bread Bakery take special care to freshly bake each and every item on a daily basis, while maintaining a clean and welcoming atmosphere for customers. Be sure to try the Apple Danish, a flaky and delectable combination of rich apple filling and buttery crust.

Babystacks Cafe functions as the local connoisseur of both breakfast and brunch, with a diverse selection of traditional American dishes. Located on N Buffalo Drive in Site 145, Babystacks Cafe features a small, cozy setting, coupled with a friendly staff and affordable prices. If there's a particular breakfast food that you have in mind, chances are this restaurant serves some of the best around. From hot-and-savory pancakes and farm-fresh eggs to hot-grilled sandwiches and juicy hamburgers made fresh to order, this local gem has it all. For a breakfast experience unlike any other, order the restaurant's signature red velvet pancakes, which are served with fresh whip cream and chocolate crumbles, topped off with a sweet cream cheese syrup.

Nightlife in Summerlin is comprised of a combination of traditional bars, pubs and a handful of dance clubs throughout the area, so entertainment can range from a cozy afternoon of drinking with friends to a high-energy, music-filled night to remember.

Most locals make their way to Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, which offers its guests an expansive selection of entertainment options consisting of casino-style gaming, several lounges and bars, a full-sized movie theater and a bowling alley. The resort houses the Rocks Lounge, recognized as one of the best live-music venues in the Vegas area.

As a neighborhood of Las Vegas, the common methods of transportation within the community of Summerlin consist of cars, buses, taxis and pedestrian traffic. However, residents can also travel throughout the Las Vegas area by hopping aboard the Las Vegas monorail. Additionally, limo and private car services can be accessed easily, with Uber routes covering UNLV to Downtown Summerlin at rates between $34 to $45.

Public parking can be found throughout the city along some of the streets as well as within the parking lots of local businesses. Moreover, Summerlin features its own dedicated freeway, known as the Summerlin Freeway, which is accessible throughout the town and connects to US Route 95 and County Route 215. Summerlin is also great for cyclists, with biking lanes and over 1,000 cycling routes within the city.

Numerous parks, all varying in function and features, can be found throughout Summerlin. Whether you're looking for a good spot to hike or just an open field of green to bring the family dog, a park suitable for your needs is in the area.

Stationed in a quiet residential area The Hills Park presents grassy green hills, multiple pavilions and a playground area. Perfect for patrons of all ages, the park offers a variety of recreational amenities (tennis courts, basketball courts, open fields) able to please any crowd. If you're into astrology, be sure to bring your telescope to catch a glimpse of the starry night sky. Similarly, The Vistas Park, off of Alta Drive, offers a relatively identical set of features and an especially pet-friendly environment that is perfect for long walks in a quiet and peaceful setting.

Summerlin calls for a cost of living considerably above the city's average. However, to offset this, the RTC covers bus routes throughout Las Vegas, so getting to the center of the city can cost as little as $6. Single-bedroom apartments in the Summerlin area are fairly affordable at an average of $750. Gas prices sit at about 6.6 percent higher than the national average. But if you ever find yourself close to a bar, you can grab a pint for about $6.

Everything from nationally recognized chain retailers to independently owned boutiques span the Summerlin area. However, the main centers of commerce are located within Tivolli Village as well as Downtown Summerlin, which features an array of boutiques, specialty stores and lavish restaurants.

A high-quality selection of the best flowers and gifts can be found at Thimbleberry House, a store within Tivolli Village. Customers can browse through a selection of unique outdoor living accessories, gorgeous plants and exciting garden additions at this full-service florist. Thimbleberry House also offers custom flower arrangements for any occasion.

A one-stop shop for cyclists in the Summerlin area, Pro Cyclery, can be found along W Charleston Blvd. Known for its knowledgeable and professional staff and expansive selection of bikes and biking accessories, Pro Cyclery is highly acclaimed among locals. Due to its excellent customer service and bike rental availability, the store is the most heavily-frequented cycling shop in the area.

Residents visit Costco as the main location for grocery needs. Additionally, the Las Vegas Farmers Market sits off of Gardens Park Drive and features produce from two local farms.