Peccole Ranch - Las Vegas, NV

The Peccole family developed and constructed the master-planned community of Peccole Ranch from the mid 1980s through the late 1990s. When Bill Peccole traded 15,000 acres in northern Nevada for 3,000 acres outside of Las Vegas, few believed that his vision of golf courses and upscale neighborhoods would ever be realized. He saw his dream come true before his death, and Peccole Ranch stands as one of Vegas's most desirable communities.

Historical facilities like the Nevada State Museum lie just a short drive away, and specialty art stores add a touch of culture to the neighborhood's retail areas. Check out the Color Me Mine pottery studio at Village Square to build and color a vase with your kids.

Take a walk to Village Square or the north-bound strip malls to uncover local grills serving up gourmet versions of your favorite foods like subs, pizza and burgers. When you dig past the chain restaurants, you're sure to be enamored by the creative mix of trendy cafes and all-American eateries catering to Vegas's diverse crowd. Living in Peccole Ranch puts you just minutes from the world-class entertainment of the Strip, but most locals bypass the tourist-heavy bars and clubs for local nightlife establishments like The Martini for a relaxing evening.

For a taste of the community's upscale dining, make yourself at home at Via Brasil Steakhouse. The house's tender Brazilian-style flank steak is just the tip of the iceberg; don't pass up the menu's South American delicacies like Brazilian fried doughnuts and brigadeiros, chewy chocolate truffles hailing from the tropical country. Though meat remains the restaurant's specialty, don't pass up the fresh salad bar with cheeses and other tidbits.

If you're looking for a laid-back cafe to grab some breakfast before work, stop by The Cracked Egg. Here you find home-style dishes with enough of a modern twist to make any gourmet chef jealous, and fast coffee refills start your day off right. Try the breakfast skillet with seasoned potatoes for a fail-proof meal, or order the coconut macadamia pancakes or banana chocolate chip coffee cake for a sweeter treat.

When night time creeps around, the locals head to The Martini for a classy atmosphere that's anything but stuffy. This place serves every martini under the sun, and you can't beat the $5 happy hour cocktails. Try the chocolate martini if you have a sweet tooth, or enjoy one of the area's best apple martinis. If your stomach's growling, order some truffle mac and cheese balls or the impressive fried Oreo dessert, complete with a scoop of ice cream served in a martini glass.

Very little traffic greets you as you drive through Peccole Ranch, but you're sure to pass a few neighbors traveling by bicycle or by car. To reach downtown Vegas, get on Summerlin Parkway just north of the neighborhood for a 20-minute commute. Although most homes and complexes have their own garages and parking areas, you can find plentiful public parking in Village Square and other shopping hubs.

Limited public transportation options await in this suburban area, but RTC buses have frequent stops along major roads on the outskirts of Peccole Ranch. When you need a quick drive to Red Rock Casino, feel free to call a Nevada Taxicab or Uber. When you want to explore the neighborhood, make use of the paved trails weaving through the gated communities that welcome bikes and pedestrian traffic. Cruise down the safe bike lanes on streets like Red Hills Road and Winning Colors Drive, or take a walk to dozens of nearby amenities.

Rather than providing residents with cookie-cutter public parks, Peccole Ranch's creative green scene includes a few pocket parks, along with miles of tree-lined, paved trails snaking through the neighborhood. Take advantage of these scenic path during your morning jog or for walking your pooch.

If you're craving the picnic tables and shaded playgrounds of an open green space, go to Community Park, just a few blocks west of the neighborhood. Kick back on the grass, or play a game in the park's soccer field.

Housing upscale homes and luxury apartments, Peccole Ranch remains one of Vegas's most elite suburban neighborhoods, with an above-average cost of living for the city. If you're looking to rent, get ready to pay around $800 to $900 for a basic one-bedroom apartment.

If you're taking public transportation into downtown Vegas, expect to pay $6 for a two-hour pass. A trip to other residential stops only costs $2. Gas prices hover around 4 percent above the national average, and going out for a pint of beer costs $5 to $6.

With its upscale malls and treasure trove of specialty shops, Peccole Ranch creates a royal shopping experience fit for a day out. Head to the north and south sides of the neighborhood to find chain retailers mixed in with mid-priced local boutiques, or go a few blocks out to find national fashion retailers. If you're looking for thrift stores and consignment shops, make your way east to the neighboring Canyon Gate community.

The heart of shopping in Peccole Ranch, Village Square is a chic outdoor mall that invites shoppers with tall palm trees and an eclectic assortment of gourmet restaurants and unique shops. Here, you can take a class at the yoga center or grab a drink at Tropical Smoothie before ending the day with a movie at Regal Cinemas. The renovated parking lot features a well-designed layout, so you have no trouble getting in and out if you're coming from the main avenues.

While you're exploring the Square, don't pass up Alligator Soup for crafts, cards and gifts. Create custom invitations for a wedding or your kid's birthday party, or browse cute candles and picture frames for a last-minute gift. Be sure to take advantage of the custom gift-wrapping service.

Another local favorite, Pisces Reef Fish Emporium attracts amateur and expert fish keepers alike with its endless selection of tanks, plants and sea life. Bring your kids to watch the sharks and sting ray swim through tropical reefs, or pick up a specimen for your own aquarium.

For your weekly grocery shopping, head to Smith's along Charleston Boulevard for all your basics, or stop by Walgreens to pick up some bread and milk. Be sure to check out Sprouts Farmers' Market for organic produce.