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If you're getting ready to buy a home in Las Vegas, you might very well be wrestling with two communities in particular: Henderson vs Summerlin. If it feels like a tough call, that’s because it is. Each one offers its own unique benefits. Let’s look at both a little more closely, individually, so that you can gain a better idea of what it might be like to live there. (Spoiler alert: They’re both wonderful.)
Your dream home awaits you.
Henderson Vs. Summerlin: What You Need to Know
Location, Location, Location
Location is an important factor, and it’s one thing about your home that you can’t change. So, you should give it serious consideration.
First, it’s important to note that Henderson is actually an entirely different city. It is not technically part of greater Las Vegas. This means that Henderson has its own schooling system (more on that in a few minutes), fire department, etc. Think of it like Las Vegas’s friendly neighbor.
On the other hand, Summerlin is a part of Las Vegas. More specifically, it’s a master-planned community and pretty self-contained. It still feels like its own little city because of the way it’s been designed, but you’re still in Vegas.
If you want to be close to gorgeous scenery and Mother Nature, you might prefer Summerlin. It’s just minutes from Red Rock Canyon — almost 200,000 acres of beauty located within the Mojave Desert. Red Rock is a Nevada icon in its own right. People come from all over the country to experience it.
In fact, Summerlin is kind of known for its breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled views. There are countless hiking trails, camping opportunities, biking paths, and so much more. For people who love being outdoors, it’s tough to beat.
That’s not to say that Henderson (the second largest city in the state, by the way) doesn’t have something to offer. You’re closer to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead — two stops you won’t want to miss. And Henderson does indeed have nature trails and hiking opportunities, although they might not rival Summerlin’s.
When it comes to necessities like McCarran International Airport and major highways, you can’t go wrong with either community. You can get to McCarran within about 20 minutes, and access to major highways is almost always nearby.
If you plan on spending time on the Las Vegas Strip, driving from Summerlin, you can expect 10 to 20 minutes on the road. Henderson is roughly the same, although in certain areas, it can take another 10 minutes or so to get there. It’s worth doing your homework here particularly if you work on the Strip.
Safety First
Of course, if you’re looking for your future home, you want to live in a safe area. Rest assured that in this case, you can go with Henderson or Summerlin and you’re in good hands.
This year, AdvisorSmith (a leading source of business advice and original research) released a study finding that Henderson is the second safest large city in America. In 2018 and 2019, some research said that it was the safest city in the country, period.
While Summerlin might not have the same accolades, it has still been recognized for its safety and lower crime rate. It’s a great area for families and is well-known for its beautiful communities.
School System
If you’re a parent, we know how important it is to pick a city with a reliable school system.
Henderson schools consistently outperform state standards when it comes to proficiency tests in math, reading, etc. The city also has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in the state.
Summerlin has plenty to brag about, too. The community is home to some of the highest-ranked public schools in the state. Oftentimes, test scores are higher than the state averages; student bodies are diverse; and the teacher-to-student ratio is promising.
Similar to safety, you can go with either Henderson or Summerlin when it comes to the school system and trust that your children will do very well. Depending on the age of your child/children, more specific information is available for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Real Estate
Of course, we have to talk about the real estate opportunities in each city.
Currently, the average cost of a home in Henderson is roughly $350,000. And you certainly have plenty of variety to choose from. The city is home to dozens of award-winning communities. They’ve got townhomes and condos. The guard-gated neighborhood of MacDonald Highlands is a winner; and Anthem, Seven Hills, and Green Valley are absolutely stunning. There’s a reason that so many people who move to Henderson never leave.
While the numbers vary, typically, Summerlin homes tend to have a slightly higher price tag – somewhere in the range of $370,000-$400,000. It has dozens of higher-end communities, single-story homes, condos, and townhomes. Plus, new homes are always under construction. It’s a fresh and rapidly-growing place to live.
Worth mentioning is that Henderson is notably older. It was officially incorporated in 1953, while Summerlin was founded in 1990. Don’t let Henderson fool you, though. You know what they say: Age is just a number.
Henderson Vs. Summerlin: Which Should You Go With?
It probably goes without saying that we can’t decide this for you. The best community for you will depend on your needs and goals. Consider questions like:
- Do you live alone? With your partner?
- Do you have children? How old are they?
- What do you like to do for fun?
- What’s your budget like?
- What are you looking for in a home?
Answering these questions will help you start to narrow down the best community for you.
And as always, we’re here to help. Contact The Brendan King Group today, and let’s find the home you’ve been looking for.
