Canyon Gate - Las Vegas, NV

After Las Vegas was founded as a city in 1905, the original townsite was located just a few miles north of the current Canyon Gate community, and it now remains as a historic area with original buildings such as the Westside School. During the population boom of the 1900s, Canyon Gate was built as an upscale suburb to house families moving to the city. Developers built a series of homes on the east end of the neighborhood, while wealthy landowners built custom mansions to the west near the country club.

Though not a historic area itself, Canyon Gate rests a short drive from Las Vegas Strip museums such as the Battlefield Vegas gun museum. In the neighborhood's commercial areas, cultural attractions await, such as the Sophia in Sapphire ballroom dancing facility and a flurry of art galleries such as Galleria de Chavez.

Take a drive down Sahara Avenue or Charleston Boulevard to find a variety of chain restaurants and local eateries ranging from Mediterranean dining to vegetarian fare. This off-strip retail area presents a diverse selection of culinary creations that give the overpriced Vegas Strip a run for its money, and most of Canyon Gate's restaurants cater to the budget-conscious connoisseur. Despite its unassuming suburban location, Canyon Gate also boasts a lively nightlife scene along Sahara.

For Middle Eastern favorites, stop by the laid-back Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe & Lounge to sample some of the best hummus in town. Be sure to try the Baba ghanoush and lentil soup during one of your visits, and don't miss the Tuesday Happy Hour for dirt-cheap drinks.

When you're in the mood for a concert, go to a free show at Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill. This place hosts local and touring rock bands ranging from metal artists and 80s hair bands to talented tributes. To save some cash, order the bucket of beers to split with friends. For a casual night out with your neighbors, join the locals at Blue Ox Tavern, a Minnesota-themed dive bar where you can watch a Vikings game with a gin and tonic.

If you own a car, like most of the neighborhood's residents, enjoy a 15-minute commute to downtown Las Vegas for work or play. Hop on the Oran K Gragson Freeway to the north, and enjoy ample parking wherever you roam. Most houses and complexes have garages, and businesses along the retail streets offer spacious lots. If you need a quick ride to the Strip for a game of slots, call an Uber driver or Nevada taxicab. You can also hop on an RTC bus at one of the frequent stops along Charleston Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.

For a greener commute, explore the neighborhood on two wheels using the bike lanes on Oakey and Sahara, or cruise down the wide, bike-friendly residential streets. Easily bike or walk to the retail areas to pick up your groceries, but be sure to bring a bottle of water during the summer to stay hydrated.

When you're not swimming in the country club's pool, kick back at one of the community's well-groomed public parks. Sports lovers stop by All American Park to play flag football or enjoy a game of tennis on the paid courts, and kids love the big playground. This is also the place to take your dog for a walk and meet other pet-loving neighbors.

Head to Firefighters Memorial Park on hot summer days to let your kids play on the covered playgrounds or eat lunch in the shaded picnic areas. Go for a jog on the paved path for a quick workout. Just be aware that this park has street parking only.

Canyon Gate's prime location and upscale homes maintain a cost of living that hovers above average for the city of Las Vegas. A few apartment complexes are located on the east end near the college with a median rent of $700 to $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Public transportation is a bit costly at $6 for a two-hour pass to get to the Strip or $2 for residential stops. If you go out for a drink at a local tavern, expect to pay around $4 to $5 for your favorite brew. Filling your tank after work costs about 4 percent more than average national gas price.

Living in Canyon Gate puts you just minutes from the upscale malls and specialty stores of the Strip, but plenty of boutiques and other gems are hidden in the neighborhood's simple strip malls. Take a stroll down the retail areas concentrated along main roads such as Sahara, Rainbow, and Charleston. Bargain shops tempt the frugal shopper, while car dealers and maintenance shops line Canyon Gate's southern end.

If you have a passion for music, stop at Today's Music for a wide selection of guitars and music accessories. Serving the neighborhood for nearly 20 years, this family-owned shop makes you feel at home, with friendly staff who know their guitars. Consider taking lessons if you want to learn an instrument or just brush up on your skills.

For rustic jewelry, clothing and decor with an urban twist, take a walk through Urban Ranch General Store, a charming boutique where you can pick up a turquoise necklace, browse vintage printed boxes or snatch up a Western-style leather handbag. Take advantage of the ample parking out front, and keep an eye out for frequent events, including art gallery shows and vendor fairs.

Make a trip to Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe's for organic groceries, or check out Max Market for Eastern European ingredients. For seasonal produce, be sure to visit the Las Vegas Farmers Market a short drive away.