The Section Seven - Las Vegas, NV

Perhaps the first notable settlement of Las Vegas was by members of the Church of Latter-Day saints, who built a fort to help move supplies between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Well into the early 20th century, Vegas was just a spot in the desert.

In 1931, everything changed when Nevada legalized gambling and decided to grant divorces after six weeks of residency. This gave rise to the first casino and hotels for those seeking temporary housing while they waited out their divorce.

By the 1960, Vegas was home to some of the biggest, most luxurious hotels in the world, attracting actors, singers and the mob. With business expansion came more workers and the need for family housing. This demand for housing ultimately led to the creation of the suburban area of Spring valley and the Section Seven neighborhood.

Although mostly populated with subdivisions and strip malls, Section Seven stands only a few miles from the heart of Vegas. That mean you live just minutes from the best bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos the city has to offer.

If you want to sample exquisite cuisine without paying fine dining prices, take advantage of Vegas' famous buffets. These buffets look and feel like upscale restaurants and let you fill your plate with foods that have been designed and cooked by some of the best chefs in the world. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace is known for its Mini Wagyu sliders, Japanese curry and made-to-order dessert crepes.

The Buffet at Wynn also earns praise from locals and visitors. In addition to international dishes such Korean kimchi and Thai beef, this swanky buffet also serves an abundance of vegan options.

When it comes to bars, clubs and nightlife, the sky's the limit in Las Vegas. Once you finish gambling at one of the many casinos, hit up a few of the areas famous clubs. Start with XS Nightclub, and then stop by Drai's Beach Club Nightclub to enjoy some hip-hop music on a less-crowded dance floor. With so many nightclub option, including the world-famous Ghostbar at the top of the Palms Casino Resort, you'll run out of hours before you run out of options.

With so many tourists visiting the strip everyday, cheap, reliable transportation is in abundance. You can hop a ride on the monorail, ride on one the city's double decker buses, or take advantage of one of several free tram rides. Many of the hotels and casinos even offer free shuttles that travel among different popular destinations.

When visiting the strip, most locals leave their car at home to avoid the hassle of paying for prime parking spots. Hailing a cab is a cinch, and one of the thousands of taxis in the city can help you get anywhere you want to go for a relatively cheap fair, considering how close Section Seven is to the strip.

If you need to walk your dog or wish to enjoy a nice bike ride, Section Seven is crisscrossed with plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks.

The abundance of family- and dog-friendly parks in and near Section Seven make it a great place for people who love spending time outdoors. There are a total of five dog parks located in or close to the neighborhood, including the Barkin' Basin Park, which was built to accommodate dogs of all sizes. Residents of the area also enjoy access to several local pools, sports complexes, skate parks and recreational centers that are perfect for hosting family gatherings.

Almost all of the parks offer jogging trails, playground equipment, and benches and tables for picnics. The temperate weather throughout most of the year makes the parks a great venue for outdoor concerts and festivals. There is always something going on, so be sure to do your research and stay up-to-date on upcoming events.

Although many people typically associate Las Vegas with its famous, crazy nightlife, the Section Seven neighborhood thrives as an example of the city's family-friendly offerings and commitment to providing outdoor, community-oriented spaces.

Living in Section Seven is notably more expensive than other areas of Vegas. Residents can expect to pay around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which is about one-third more than the average for the rest of the city.

However, you can save on other expenses. Plenty of free transportation options and gas prices that run below the national average make it affordable to get around. With so many food and drink deals at the local casinos, you can practically drink for free. However, if you don't take advantage of some of the area's deals, expect to pay about $6 for a beer at a pub.

The Section Seven neighborhood is well stocked with convenient strip malls where you can pick up some groceries, get your nails done, and enjoy all the conveniences of modern life. Conveniently located retail giants such as Wal-Mart and Whole Foods make it easy to run errands, and the local farmers market is open several days a week.

Las Vegas is also home to some of the best shopping in the world. High-end malls and stores are directly connected to many of the casinos. The Grand Canal Shoppes actually features singing gondoliers in addition to some of the most exclusive shops and boutiques.

If you need to find something a little bit more affordable, stop by the Bonanza Gift Shop. You can spend an entire day browsing the 40,000 square foot building, which is packed full of fun, collectible Las Vegas souvenirs.