Las Vegas lights up at night with the Strip standing tall among the suburbs.

Las Vegas is much more than the Strip — it’s a diverse city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own lifestyle, amenities, and vibe. Whether you’re seeking community parks and trails, golf course views, big-city energy, or convenient access to the university, these five standout neighborhoods make great places to rent and live in Las Vegas.

The five best neighborhoods in Las Vegas for renters are:

Summerlin

Summerlin is built around the shopping center and mall in its center.

Why Summerlin is good for renters

Summerlin is a master-planned community on the western edge of Las Vegas, with parks, extensive trails, golf courses, and outdoor recreation. It’s anchored by Downtown Summerlin, a lively cluster of shops, restaurants, entertainment, office spaces, and year-round events. There are plenty of options to explore, from budget-friendly to luxury, so you can find a home that suits your lifestyle. This makes Summerlin not just a place to rest your head but somewhere you can have an active life.

Somewhat Walkable

Some Transit

Somewhat Bikeable

54

Summerlin has a WalkScore® of 54 out of 100. You might be able to get out and walk when living in Summerlin. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

35

Summerlin has a TransitScore® of 35 out of 100. You'll likely want a car since it has few transit options.

44

Summerlin has a BikeScore® of 44 out of 100. You might be able to find places to ride your bike, but you’ll likely want your car for most errands.

Keep in mind

Living here can be pricier than other Las Vegas neighborhoods because of the popularity of the area.

MacDonald Ranch

Golf courses run through single-family home neighborhoods in MacDonald Ranch.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,266/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in MacDonald Ranch: $1,498/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in MacDonald Ranch: 756 square feet

Why MacDonald Ranch is good for renters

Another master-planned community, MacDonald Ranch, provides a quieter lifestyle in Henderson’s foothills with tranquil streets, parks, miles of trails, and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood is primarily residential by design, with organized commercial districts providing convenient shopping and dining without leaving the area. It is also one of the best neighborhoods to rent a home as there are plenty to choose from. The result is a calm, cohesive community that makes it easy to settle in.

Somewhat Walkable

Some Transit

Somewhat Bikeable

60

MacDonald Ranch has a WalkScore® of 60 out of 100. You might be able to get out and walk in this neighborhood. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

27

MacDonald Ranch has a TransitScore® of 27 out of 100. You'll likely want a car since it has few transit options.

37

MacDonald Ranch has a BikeScore® of 60 out of 100. You might be able to find places to ride your bike, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Keep in mind

It’s quieter and more residential than central Vegas; nightlife and major entertainment venues require a short drive.

Centennial Hills

Centennial Hills is divided into quiet neighborhoods.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,266/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Centennial Hills: $1,470/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Centennial Hills: 790 square feet

Why Centennial Hills is good for renters

Located in northwest Las Vegas, Centennial Hills is defined by local events, independent shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Residents frequent outdoor attractions like Centennial Hills Park and the Tule Springs Fossil Beds before heading back to quiet streets. With healthcare facilities, schools, and everyday essentials all within the neighborhood, Centennial Hills delivers a relaxed, self-contained lifestyle without feeling disconnected.

Car-Dependent

Minimal Transit

Somewhat Bikeable

35

Centennial Hills has a WalkScore® of 35 out of 100. This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

21

Centennial Hills has a TransitScore® of 21 out of 100. You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

35

Centennial Hills has a BikeScore® of 35 out of 100. You might be able to find places to bike ride, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Keep in mind

Some parts of the area can feel a bit spread out, so a car makes getting around easier.

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas has a city feel without the tourism traffic of the Strip.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,266/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Las Vegas: $969/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Las Vegas: 537 square feet

Why Downtown Las Vegas is good for renters

Downtown Las Vegas delivers big-city energy, trend-driven spots, and nonstop entertainment without the tourism-focus of the Strip. From the Fremont Street Experience and casinos to museums, breweries, and cultural events, this area blends classic Vegas with city energy. The dense nature of the neighborhood makes it walkable so it’s easy for renters to get from place to place, whether going to do errands or having a night out.

Very Walkable

Good Transit

Bikeable

85

Downtown Las Vegas has a WalkScore® of 85 out of 100. If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

60

Downtown Las Vegas has a TransitScore® of 60 out of 100. The area has good transit with many nearby transportation options.

61

Downtown Las Vegas has a BikeScore® of 61 out of 100. While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Keep in mind

Downtown Las Vegas is lively and full of energy, but the constant buzz means more noise and foot traffic than in quieter residential areas.

University District

University District has many housing choices, including homes and apartments, that have the Strip in the backgorund.

Why University District is good for renters

The University District may center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), but it appeals far beyond the academic crowd. The neighborhood keeps things local, with independent restaurants and bars that rival the energy of the nearby Strip. Arts and history take the spotlight through museums and galleries, while parks and green spaces provide space to slow down and step outside. Add UNLV’s year-round lineup of sports and cultural events, and the area delivers an active, well-rounded lifestyle for renters.

Somewhat Walkable

Some Transit

Bikeable

64

University District has a WalkScore® of 64 out of 100. You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

44

University District has a TransitScore® of 44 out of 100. You'll likely want a car since the area has few transit options.

57

University District has a BikeScore® of 57 out of 100. While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Keep in mind

Because the area is busy, noise and foot traffic can be noticeable.

Ready to Make the Move to Las Vegas?

If Las Vegas and nearby communities are on your radar, start your apartment search on Apartments.com. Explore rentals across neighborhoods that match how you live — whether that means access to scenic trails and parks, master planned communities with top-tier amenities, a walkable urban vibe, or a quick commute to campus.

Browse apartments and homes by price, location, and must-have features, then narrow in on places that fit your lifestyle and budget. Find your next home on Apartments.com.

FAQs

Is Las Vegas a good place to live?

Yes, Las Vegas is a good place to live for people who enjoy an active city environment with plenty of entertainment, food, cultural events, and outdoor recreation nearby. The availability of lively nightlife, arts and cultural attractions, and access to natural landscapes and parks makes it appealing to everyone. Las Vegas also serves as a regional hub for jobs in hospitality, tech growth sectors, and logistics, giving renters lots of options for work and play.

Is Las Vegas an expensive place to live?

Las Vegas’s cost of living is 4.5 percent lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities. Housing costs in Las Vegas is an average of 3.8 percent lower than the national average.

What’s the average rent in Las Vegas?

The average rent in Las Vegas is $1,267/month as of January 2026. Comparing the city average to the national average rent of $1,627/month, Las Vegas is 22 percent lower. To find rents below the average city rent, then check out the most affordable neighborhoods in Las Vegas.

What salary do you need to live in Las Vegas?

According to cost of living data, a comfortable pretax salary for a single adult with no dependents in Las Vegas is around $71,000 per year.

Discover Your New Home

Discover Your New Home

Helping 100 million renters find their perfect fit.

Sovann Hyde

As an Associate Content Writer for Apartments.com, Sovann Hyde delivers data-driven articles on the rental industry that help renters navigate today’s housing market. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Public Writing and began her career writing content for a medical staffing agency before transitioning to the multifamily real estate industry. For the past year, she has applied her writing expertise and renter-focused perspective to producing trusted resources for Apartments.com.

Headshot image of a young Southeast Asian woman.
Continue Reading