by Victoria Hunter

Created on: April 20, 2010   Last Updated: April 28, 2010

Life in Las Vegas is pretty much like life anywhere else. . .on steroids. Entertainment galore is probably the biggest difference between living here and living in, say, Denver. Having the ability to go out to eat any time, day or night, is another distinction. Once you get settled in to your new home in Vegas, however, you will find that life here in the valley is very much like life anywhere else.

When you first move to Las Vegas you will no doubt get lost. . .a lot. The city is actually less confusing than it first seems. Las Vegas is broken up into four main areas: north, south, east and west. Ok. That seems easy enough. Then, there is the east and west of the north and south. Uh- oh, getting confusing now.

The city is divided into east and west by Highway 15, which runs north and south. If you live east of the freeway, you live on the east side of  town and if you live west of the freeway you live in west Las Vegas.

Highway 215 acts as the dividing line between the Strip and south Las Vegas. Sahara Avenue marks the northern division. The Strip is considered “central Las Vegas,” even though it technically isn’t even located in the City of Las Vegas, but in unincorporated Clark County. But, that’s another story.

If you are looking for nice areas in which to live, consider the southern portion of the valley. Southern Highlands to the west and Silverado Ranch in the east are both very nice areas, convenient to the strip with easy access to the freeway. If your tastes run a bit more elegant, consider the Seven Hills community, located right at the edge of where Las Vegas meets Henderson.

Moving north a bit is Summerlin on the far west side of the valley. Somewhat over-rated, it is a bit of a hike to the strip but contains its own commercial area that includes some great shopping and a few good restaurants. Then, there is The Lakes. Waterfront homes in the desert? Only in Las Vegas.

A master-planned community, east of Summerlin, The Lakes was developed in the 80s and 90s around Lake Sahara, a man-made lake. Here you will find over 300 single-family homes, many with private docks. There are also a number of condominiums and apartment complexes. Residents enjoy 15 miles of bike paths, loads of open green space and two public parks.

The Lakes was developed with convenience in mind and offers shopping, dining and recreation all within walking, distance or a boat trip of the homes. In fact, Lake Town Center Plaza offers a place for you to tie up your boat while you shop at the mini-mart or dine at one of the several restaurants.

You will find that once you’ve lived in Las Vegas for a year or more it’s just like living anywhere else. The lure of the Strip wears off and life settles into a routine. But it sure is nice to know the Entertainment Capital of the World is ten minutes away.

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