Las Vegas natives and long-term residents often start stories with the phrase, "I remember when this was just a dirt road into the desert…" It’s true that Las Vegas’ burgeoning growth and expansion has rapidly turned bare desert earth into flourishing neighborhoods.

While many Las Vegas newcomers are awed by our nightlife, exciting entertainment options and breathtaking vistas, they’re even more delighted by the myriad of housing options available Valley-wide. Whether you’re looking for rural seclusion, a lush, private master-planned community or a high-rise overlooking the Strip, you’ll find your options are endless!

Master-planned communities have become increasingly popular during the past several years. Master plans are typically comprised of a wide variety of housing options, including everything from apartments and condos to multimillion dollar custom mansions. This mix of housing options is paired with carefully planned retail and entertainment amenities, parks and trail systems and public and private schools.

In addition to its master plans, Southern Nevada is also home to rural and established neighborhoods that vary in size, price and amenities. Many older homes are situated on large lots and have mature trees and landscaping. Rural communities offer more personal freedoms, including specially-zoned areas that allow people to board horses and raise animals. Las Vegas is also home to a number of age-restricted neighborhoods designed with the wants and needs of Las Vegas’ healthy retiree in mind. And last, but not least, there are a myriad of options for corporate and temporary housing, high-rise living and apartments, condos and town homes.

The "little sister" of Las Vegas has done some significant growing up during the past several years. With a population estimated at more than 250,000, Henderson has evolved from a small suburb of Las Vegas into a flourishing community. Created for Basic Magnesium, Inc.'s defense plants during World War II, Henderson is now home to award-winning master planned communities, a revitalized downtown business hub and a vast array of parks, recreational facilities and dining and retail options.

While some confuse North Las Vegas with the "northern part" of Las Vegas, this burgeoning area is an independent city unto itself. North Las Vegas was recently named the third fastest-growing large city in America with a population of more than 179,000. Several successful master planned communities have fueled economic development by attracting new business and retail amenities to the area. A proactive city government has led the way in creating a technology hub in the area. The city is home to the bulk of Southern Nevada’s manufacturing, technology, distribution and industrial facilities. More companies are emerging, particularly in the older areas of the city, where an effort is underway to attract new business with an expanded redevelopment zone and public beautification efforts.