Finding Your Dream Home within a Las Vegas Lakefront Community
A surprising number of people don’t realize that Las Vegas waterfront properties exist, but they do, and they’re often referred to as a desert oasis. In fact, there are three beautiful lake communities in the Las Vegas area that boast homes on the water’s edge. This includes properties with private boat docks and personal shorelines, direct access to the lake, and the ability to enjoy a tranquil, retreat-like lifestyle.
Each lakefront community features beautiful, pristine, sparkling man-made lakes that are well-cared for and stocked with fish each spring. The fact that Las Vegas offers homebuyers three distinct lake neighborhoods makes finding your dream home even easier with more options to match your preferences for community style and scenic surroundings.
At this point, you’re probably eager to learn more about these locations that offer lakeside living. That said, dive into the following three sections below that will give you a well-rounded view of each lakeside community:
1. Lake Las Vegas – Premier Resort-Style Living
Those seeking out premier waterfront living should consider the Lake Las Vegas area for their new home. Even the Las Vegas Review-Journal recognizes this location as a desirable place to live, as they awarded it Gold Winner status for master planned communities in Southern Nevada. The community is uniquely stylish and beautiful, offers upscale amenities, and provides the opportunity to live a relaxing, yet active, and fun lifestyle. You can take a sneak peek at the real estate available in the area before you continue by heading over to our Homes for Sale in Lake Las Vegas page.
Ok, now let’s dig further into the details on what makes this particular lakeside community so high on everyone’s list.
Amenities That Create a Truly Desirable Living Experience
The amenities within Lake Las Vegas are beyond comparison, with many focused around the pristine lake that draws future residents to this location. This 320-acre man-made lake provides those who live in the area with a vacation or retreat-like feel year-round.
Imagine walking out your front door and easily heading over to the lake for activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or electric surfboarding. If you don’t have what’s needed to enjoy these activities, you can rent them from Lake Las Vegas Water Sports. You’ll even be able to rent an electric boat so you can enjoy your own private excursion on the lake. There’s much more to this Las Vegas community than lake activities, though. Let’s find out what they are:
Public & Exclusive Waterfront Golf Courses in Lake Las Vegas
If you love to hit the greens regularly, you’ll be happy to know that situated around the lake are two prestigious golf courses – South Shore Country Club, which is private, and Reflection Bay Golf Club, which is open to the public.
SouthShore Country Club is the first private Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Nevada. This private country club sports an exceptionally designed and well-maintained course, a private sandy beach, and a clubhouse that features a sparkling pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and more. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 28,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that houses a restaurant and bar. If you’re interested, take a moment to view private golf course homes in the South Shore of Lake Las Vegas.
Reflection Bay is also a lakeside course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Just like SouthShore Country Club, it was designed with a private white sand beach, a clubhouse, and offers casual and fine dining. In addition to this, Reflection Bay boasts unique live performances held on a floating stage over the lake. What makes this particular golf course stand out from the rest is the fact that it’s home to the High Performance Golf Institute, a well-known golf instruction facility. You can get ahead of the game by checking out the Reflection Bay Golf Homes that are available at this time.
Land Lovers Enjoy Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails
If you’d rather enjoy the lake while on land, there are plenty of walking spaces, hiking trails, and bike paths with breathtaking views of the water. You’ll want to head over to the nearby trail connector at Terrazza Park, which is a great starting place for a morning jog or leisurely stroll.
Lake Las Vegas is known for being a community where residents can stay active within a retreat-like environment. Patrick Parker, president of Raintree Investment Corp., master developer of Lake Las Vegas, makes note of this as he states, “Where else can you grab your paddleboard and head out to the lake, hike or ride some of the city’s best desert trails right from your front door? Whether you want a casual evening stroll with your dogs or an invigorating trail ride after work, there are lots of opportunities to stay fit outdoors at Lake Las Vegas.”
Connect with Neighbors at The Lake Las Vegas Sports Club
Those who live in this resort-style lake community will love being a member of the Las Vegas Sports Club. It’s an upscale place to gather to not only get active and fit, but also to socialize with neighbors who take part in the events and entertainment that’s held there. There are two exceptional pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a variety of classes, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a studio for personal training. You’ll also find a steam room and a game room for children and those who are young at heart.
The MonteLago Village on the Lake
Another amenity that residents enjoy is The MonteLago Village, which is a beautiful re-creation of an authentic Tuscan village. You’ll certainly be taken in by the charming cobblestoned streets, Ponte Vecchio-style bridge, and piazzas. Residents also admire the gorgeous view of the lake and picturesque mountain ranges from this vantage point, especially as sunset approaches.
There’s more to the village than a scenic destination, though; it offers up some of the best dining in the area, as well as fabulous shopping opportunities, events, and live entertainment such as the Henderson Symphony on Lake Las Vegas.
When it comes to dining, head over to Mimi’ & Coco’ Bistro, where you’ll enjoy a casual French experience. You can also visit the Sonrisa Grill for Mexican-style lake view dining, or one of the many other restaurant options within the village. Also, don’t forget that the Las Vegas Strip is only 17 miles away, so you’ll have even more exceptional restaurants and shops within a short distance.
If you happen to be looking for a low-maintenance vacation home, you can actually own a condo that’s located in the MonteLago Village in Lake Las Vegas. They’re called Luna Di Lusso Condos, and they’re considered a prominent Henderson, NV condo hotel.
Overall, Lake Las Vegas having its own village is a perk that draws residents to this location and provides various levels of year-round entertainment.
Quality Health Care for Local Residents
It may be your dream to live in a waterfront property in Las Vegas, but no matter where you plan on setting your roots down, you should ensure there’s quality health care in the vicinity. The good news is that the Lake Las Vegas community has convenient access to area hospitals such as the new Henderson Hospital in Union Village, as well as local physicians and urgent care facilities.
Moving to Lake Las Vegas with Children – Nearby Schools
If this lake community is on your radar and you have kids, you’ll be happy to know that there are nearby schools for students of all ages – from kindergarten to college. You’ll also find specialty schools like the Lake Mead Christian Academy and Signature Preparatory in Henderson, and a K-8 public charter school only 7 miles away within the city of Cadence.
Neighborhoods & Homes within Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas offers upscale waterfront properties with many located within gated communities with exceptional golf course views. For instance, the Lago Vista community boasts modern designs, scenic lake views, and overlooks the Reflection Bay Golf Course. In addition to this, Lago Vista provides private docks with access to a private beach with cabanas. As you can imagine, homes such as these, in such a desirable location, and properties in this community in general, are in high demand, which limits inventory. To view what’s available at this time, take a look at our Lake Las Vegas homes for sale section.
All Lake Las Vegas homes are beautifully designed, with many featuring a Mediterranean or Tuscan theme. However, in recent years, builders such as Blue Heron Homes have been shifting towards a more contemporary style, which the community loves as well.
A Variety of Housing Types to Suit Your Needs
No matter what your property preference, you’ll most likely find it here within this waterfront community. The area has a mix of single-family homes, condos and townhomes, luxury estates, golf villas, and custom-built properties. For those looking for a 55+ community, you’ll find it within Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas, but overall, anywhere within this resort-style lake community would be absolutely perfect for retirees.
This location also caters to those who are seeking out an investment property, along with anyone wishing to buy a 2nd home. If you’re looking into investing in a rental property within Las Vegas, you’ll be able to gain some insight into the area housing market by heading over to our Investing in Las Vegas Real Estate post.
For those looking to buy in this area, here are a few communities you can start your search with:
Lake Las Vegas North Shore Homes for Sale
Lake Las Vegas South Shore Homes for Sale
If you’re convinced that this lake community is you’re new home, it would be wise to explore a few other areas before making your final decision. You can start by diving into the next location, The Lakes, another waterfront community that has much to offer. But first, for those who are on the fence about moving to the area in general, if you need some inspiration, bookmark the following article – Discover Why People Are Moving to Las Vegas.
2. The Lakes – Luxury Waterfront Homes in Las Vegas
The Lakes is a master planned community located in west Las Vegas, just east of Henderson and about 10 minutes from the heart of Summerlin. Over the years, the area has attracted a diverse range of residents, from young families to individuals enjoying a peaceful retirement.
The Lakes community surrounds Lake Sahara, a shimmering 30-acre man-made lake that’s only accessible to waterfront area residents and their guests – it’s a hidden gem within Nevada, and locals love residing there. With that in mind, let’s explore the area to find out more about Lake Sahara, The Lakes community in general, the housing market, and the amenities you’ll enjoy if you move to this popular area of Las Vegas. Anyone wishing to start by gaining more insight into the housing market should head straight over to our real estate within The Lakes listing page.
Top Amenities at The Lakes that Attract Residents
I’ll start with what the majority of the residents feel is the most attractive amenity, and that, of course, is Lake Sahara. As mentioned, direct lake access is exclusive to homeowners and their visitors who live within the gated waterfront community. Meanwhile, residents of The Lakes who live outside this gated area are still able to take in the breathtaking lake views. Also, if you’re wondering why this location is called The Lakes, when it appears there’s only one lake, it’s because the city had plans to develop a 2nd lake, but halted those plans after deciding one lake was perfect.
If you’re contemplating buying a beautiful Las Vegas home on the water within The Lakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for a resort-like lifestyle. Lake Sahara offers a wide variety of water sports and activities such as paddleboarding, sailboating, cruising on an electric powerboat, and kayaking. Along with this, the lake is stocked with fish so you and your family can enjoy “catch-and-release” fishing year-round. The highlight of owning a lakefront property in this community is unwinding on your patio while soaking in the stunning lake views, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
Parks & Trails with Exceptional Lake and Mountain Scenery
Like most Las Vegas master planned communities, fabulous walking, biking, and hiking trails are incorporated into the landscape. This particular location boasts miles of treelined trails along with parks, with many of them sporting lake and mountain views. Popular parks you’ll want to visit that feature waterfront scenery are Lake Sahara South and Lake Sahara North Park. In addition to this, you’ll also find peaceful ponds sprinkled throughout the area.
Lake Town Center Shopping and Dining Accessible by Boat
Although anyone in The Lakes community has access to Lake Town Center, those who own Las Vegas waterfront properties on Lake Sahara are able to travel to this plaza by boat. Residents can conveniently pick up groceries at the mini mart, take care of dry cleaning, or head over to the salon. But one reason the Lake Town Center is so popular is that it has several great eateries, like The Lakes Lounge and Gaming Bar, a 24-hour restaurant that has been serving the community since 1987. Or, for a unique experience, grab a vegetarian dish at the Baby Birds Cafe.
If you’d like a wider variety, you can simply drive up the road for more options, such as Frank & Fina’s Cocina, which dishes up authentic Mexican food, or The Ledgends Oysters Bar & Grill, a fun and unique place if you’re in the mood for seafood, along with a handful of other eateries to sit and enjoy a meal. Or, drive a little further, just under twenty miles, for fine dining and shopping on the Las Vegas Strip.
Places of Interest within The Lakes and Nearby
When you live at The Lakes, there’s more to do than spend the afternoon on the water. In fact, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained all within a short driving distance. For instance, you can stop by the Desert Breeze Aquatic Center, as well as the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which makes for an excellent place to go hiking or even mountain climbing. Also, if you check the Red Rock Canyon events calendar, you’ll find things like “Art in Nature – Paint a Red Rock Canyon Postcard” or “Connect Through the Lens – Photography Guided Hike”. For those who are golf enthusiasts, know that the members-only Canyon Gate Country Club is close by.
This was only a fraction of the activities offered within the area; you’ll find there’s plenty more to uncover at The Lakes when you settle in and start exploring. The Lakes community is also a short distance from downtown Summerlin, which offers a whole host of amenities and outdoor activities as well.
Quality Las Vegas Health Care
Comprehensive health care facilities are nearby, this includes Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, and Swanlake Medical Center. You’ll also have specialty medical centers, doctor’s offices, physical therapy practices, and senior care centers to choose from. The Lakes community is centrally located, so there wouldn’t be an issue finding quality health facilities when the need arises.
Quality Public and Private Schools in the Vicinity
For those with children, know that there are a number of reputable schools in the area. This includes elementary, middle, and high school, as well as private Christian and Lutheran schools, all located within the Clark County School District.
Neighborhoods & Homes Within The Lakes
The Lakes offers a range of properties to suit various budgets and preferences. For instance, depending upon a buyer’s budget, they’ll have the opportunity to own a luxury lakefront single-family home, or a condo or townhome that also sits on the water’s edge. These particular Las Vegas properties line Lake Sahara and are in a beautiful gated neighborhood, with most homes sporting a private dock and shoreline. Also within this gated community are homes that don’t line the lake, but instead sit within this neighborhood. And although they don’t have their own private shoreline and dock, they do, however, have access to the lake.
You don’t have to live within this specific gated lake neighborhood to be a part of The Lakes. Why is this the case? Because The Lakes also includes lovely homes that are not directly lining Lake Sahara. These properties consist of luxury estates, large and small, modest single-family homes, along with affordable condos and townhomes. To get an idea of what’s available, whether directly on the shores of Lake Sahara or nearby, take a look at our waterfront home listings within The Lakes by price range.
- $200,000 – $300,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $300,000 – $400,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $400,000 – $500,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $500,000 – $600,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $600,000 – $700,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $700,000 – $800,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $800,000 – $900,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- $900,000 – $1,000,000 Priced Homes at The Lakes
- Homes at the Lakes Priced Over $1,000,000
3. Desert Shores – Master Planned Lakefront Community
In the foothills of northwest Las Vegas, you’ll find Desert Shores, a private lakefront community that some refer to as a best-kept secret. Desert Shores is located just north of Summerlin, about 28 miles from the Vegas Strip, which is close enough to enjoy the excitement, yet far enough away to return to a tranquil lakeside neighborhood. On top of this, the area offers a family-friendly, community-focused atmosphere, and this is certainly one aspect of Desert Shores that the locals really appreciate.
This master planned community boasts fantastic amenities and diverse housing options, which is a mix that makes for the ideal destination to call home. Now, let’s take a look at what this location has to offer, starting with a quick video tour to give you a visual of just how breathtaking the area really is:
Desert Shores Amenities that Create an Exceptional Residential Experience
I referred to Desert Shores as a best-kept secret, and the reason for this is that it’s a location that many people who live outside of Las Vegas have not heard of. The truth is that Desert Shores is an excellent relocation destination because it offers residents a unique and unexpected oasis-like experience in the middle of the desert. One amenity that makes this a reality is the community’s four pristine man-made lakes, which are Lakes Jacqueline, Sarah, Maddison, and Lindsey.
These lakes are the highlight of Desert Shores and offer a chance to own waterfront property and enjoy a vacation-like lifestyle. All four lakes are worthy of mention, but I’ll just focus on the largest of the four, which is Lake Jacqueline.
Lake Jacqueline Provides an Outstanding Waterfront Lifestyle in Las Vegas
Lake Jacqueline isn’t just an amenity; it’s an element that brings this Las Vegas community together. And no matter where you live in Desert Shores, you’ll have access to this sparkling lake and all it has to offer. For instance, residents can enjoy an afternoon of kayaking, paddleboating or electric boating, year-round, seven days a week. For those who love to spend quality time fishing, know that the lake is stocked with fish each year, with a catch-and-release policy in place.
At the edge of Lake Jacqueline, you’ll find the Swim Lagoon, which is open during the summer months. It’s a 400,000-gallon crystal clear swimming pool designed to resemble a real tropical lagoon, complete with a sandy beach and palm trees. The lagoon is a community favorite that’s considered an upscale amenity with a Caribbean resort feel.
Surrounding the lagoon, which is located at Lagoon Beach Park, you’ll find a basketball court, as well as sand volleyball. There are also picnic pavilions and barbecue grills for those who want to make a day of it. In addition to this, you’ll see a community clubhouse that’s used for special events and can be rented for private parties.
Those who buy a Las Vegas waterfront property in Desert Shores will have access to all these incredible lake amenities. As you can imagine, this is a highly sought-after community, so be sure to take a moment to browse through the Desert Shores properties to see what’s currently available.
Picturesque Walking and Biking Paths Surrounding All Four Lakes
Desert Shores offers a chance for residents to get out and enjoy the scenic lake views and fresh air with its series of walkways that loop around the four lakes, which conveniently connects various neighborhoods. If you’re up for something more challenging, you can head over to the nearby Red Rock Canyon, where you’ll be able to take on its hiking trails and enjoy the spectacular views.
Waterfront Dining and Shopping
Las Vegas waterfront properties in Desert Shores come with the perk of easy access to lakeside dining options, and there are many fabulous eateries to choose from. Even if you don’t live directly on the water, it’s still a quick drive to any of the local lakefront restaurants. Located in Lakeside Village, off the shores of Lake Jacqueline, you’ll find a few of these amazing places to sit and dine by the water. This would include Marche Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop, which was awarded the TOP 10 Las Vegas Restaurant. It’s fine dining at its best and boasts an exceptional Wine Cellar as well.
In the same location, there’s Vino Aromi Italian Bistro & Bar, and The Americana, featuring modern American cuisine, and home to the renowned chef, Steven Blandino. For something a bit more casual, there’s The Daily Bread, which is open for lunch and breakfast, as well as Buena Vista Kitchen, serving Mexican food you’ll be sure to love.
These were just a few lakeside dining options, but there are plenty of other restaurants and cafes you can explore throughout the area. If you’d like to do some cooking and dine at home, there are nearby grocery stores, and premium grocers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s.
As far as shopping is concerned, you’ll find a variety of charming local mom-and-pop shops, to well-known national retailers. And don’t forget, the Vegas Strip is not too far and offers endless shopping opportunities.
Essential Medical Facilities Available to Residents of Desert Shores
Moving to a lake community sounds like an amazing opportunity, but first things first, is there great healthcare in the area? You’ll be happy to know that you’ll have access to top medical facilities if you move to Desert Shores. This includes Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas Urgent Care, and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room. Along with this, there’s a wide array of primary and specialty practices, and dental offices just a few short miles from the Desert Shores community as well.
Clark County Schools Catering to Desert Shores Families
Families thinking about moving to Desert Shores that would like to ensure quality schools are in the area can rest assured knowing there are great schools of all levels that cater to this location. Desert Shores is served by the Clark County School District, which offers access to one of the state’s most respected educational systems. This includes elementary, middle, and high schools, plus exceptional charter schools such as the Doral Academy of Nevada.
Desert Shores Neighborhoods & Homes
Desert Shores boasts beautiful neighborhoods with a variety of housing types – luxury villas, single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. Many homes line the shores of the four lakes, making these Las Vegas waterfront properties highly desirable and so they are often limited in availability.
Overall, there are roughly 3,500 homes standing in this master planned community of Desert Shores, which includes lakefront and non-lakefront properties. Additionally, because the community was developed over a period of time, starting in the late 1980s, there’s a blend of housing styles such as contemporary, southwestern, Spanish, and Mediterranean. A good number of these Desert Shores properties sit behind gated communities that have their own governing board, yet still adhere to the Desert Shores master association rules, which keeps the community beautiful and safe.
Las Vegas Waterfront Properties Within the Desert Shores Area
If you’re here because you’re specifically interested in a Lakefront property, know that this community features resort-style living with direct access to the lake as well as private boat docks. For instance, you’ll find these features in the upscale gated community of Diamond Bay, which touches the shores of Lake Jacquelin and Lake Maddison. If your interest has been sparked, browse through the listings of the available properties within Diamond Bay. You can also dive into other lakeside subdivisions within Desert Shores below:
To expand your lake community home search, head over to our main Desert Shores listing page. Also, for those who would like to dive deeper into their Las Vegas real estate options, see our related article – Moving to Las Vegas? Your Guide to the Best Communities in the Area.
Are You Ready to Buy a Las Vegas Lakefront Home?
Las Vegas Waterfront properties are in high demand, so if you’re contemplating buying a lakeside home, don’t delay. Housing market activity has picked up, and so the best lakefront real estate may not remain on the market for long.
If you’d like help with your Las Vegas home search, reach out to Leslie Hoke, a seasoned Las Vegas realtor who can guide you in locating the perfect home for you and your family, whether you’re looking for a home on the lake or a property that is situated more inland.
