Southern Highlands - Las Vegas, NV

Southern Highlands was designed by developers looking to create a master planned suburban community. Over 200 million dollars has been invested into this 2,300 acre community. Different developers built 20 enclaves within the neighborhood, giving home buyers a choice of different styles, floor plans and price ranges. While there are homes to suit most budgets, many of the areas offer options for high-end home buyers. Because the area is still so young, expect to see further development for many years to come.

The active Southern Highlands Community Association plans events throughout the year, including a Memorial Day celebration with fireworks, a summer movie series in the park, a fall festival, and a winter celebration and tree lighting.

Most of the neighborhood's restaurant are located in the Southern Highlands Marketplace on the east side of Southern Highlands Parkway. Popular local spot Off the Strip serves a creative menu in a trendy atmosphere, much like what you might find a few miles away on the strip but without the tourist-inflated prices. Locals recommend starting with the rolled New York, comprised of grilled asparagus, sun dried tomatoes, basil, and Provolone wrapped in Choice Black Angus New York Strip steak. Popular entrées include scamp-stuffed chicken and beef Wellington. If you still have room, finish with the raved-about cheesecake.

For a culinary trip to Spain, head to Barcelona Tapas & Bar. Regulars love the pan-seared bacon-wrapped dates, fish tacos, garlic shrimp, and filet mignon medallions. When your cravings head south of the border, Roberto's Taco Shop has something to satisfy you. In addition to the taco, burrito, and fajita options, those in the know suggest trying the fully loaded carne asada fries.

For a night out, the Lodge at Cactus is a perfect spot. If you come hungry, try the Philadelphia tri-tip dip, the shrimp fajitas, or a burger and fries. Gaming options, happy hours and televisions for watching sports keep everyone happy. Of course, enough nighttime entertainment options for a lifetime are just 10 minutes away on the Las Vegas Strip.

Southern Highlands is located off I-15 and County Route 215, providing the neighborhood with easy highway access. Sidewalks and paths make walking around the neighborhood safe, but shopping and dining options are not a close walk from most residential areas, so having access to a car makes life easier.

Paths and sidewalks make biking around the community easy, and the rest of Las Vegas implemented a bicycle safety plan that ensures there are bike lanes or bike-friendly roadways almost everywhere. Efforts made to support bike commuters include bike centers at the downtown bus center, so you can ride your bike to the bus and leave it there safely.

Because no bus lines run through Southern Highlands, biking to the downtown bus center or getting dropped off by a car at one of the bus stops in another neighborhood are your only options for taking public transportation. Hailing a cab on the street is not an option in Southern Highlands, so call a cab in advance or use Uber.

The master plan for Southern Highlands emphasizes the importance of setting aside land for recreational use. Residents love that the various parks are all immaculately maintained. Access to all of the parks in the area is free, and they all have restroom facilities. Dog- and kid-friendly Goett Family Park, a favorite on hot summer days, has a splash park, an outdoor fitness trail and a basketball court that are perfect for working up a sweat then cooling down in the water spray.

Jim Pettyjohn Jr. Park provides a safe option for families with young children. The fully gated park houses a playground with state-of-the-art equipment, a shaded gazebo for relaxing and beautifully maintained grass for kicking or throwing a ball around. The Paseo Walking Path, a hiking path that winds through Southern Highlands, passes through the park. This dog-friendly park is free to use, and only neighborhood locals come here because there is no parking. Stonewater Park is also fully gated, and its all-natural amphitheater sets it apart. Bring your furry friends to enjoy the park's seven acres of rolling hills.

Tennis enthusiasts practice volleys and serves on the courts at Somerset Hills Park. Somerset Hills also features a water spray park and playground. Plenty of walking trails make this park a perfect place for a stroll.

Dr. Harry B. Johnson Rose Garden, also known as Rosepark, is the perfect setting for a picnic. Young and old visitors appreciate the beauty of the roses in bloom. Kids have a blast on the playground and in the splash park.

It costs about 18 percent more to live in Southern Highlands than the average cost of living in Las Vegas. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area averages $852 per month. A pint of beer at the local bars costs about $4, while gas prices typically mirror the national average.

Southern Highlands Marketplace, the main shopping center, includes a Walgreens, several retail chains, and Smith's grocery store. Shopping options in the neighborhood cover only the basic, everyday necessities.

For boutique and specialty stores, locals head elsewhere. Fortunately, 10 minutes away on the Strip, you can find stores to suit any budget and every need. For off-Strip shopping, Las Vegas Premium Outlets-North houses a wide variety of national retailers offering steep discounts.

No farmers markets set up within the borders of Southern Highlands, but residents head to the Las Vegas Farmers Market at Bruce Trent Park on Wednesdays, Gardens Park on Thursdays and Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Locals do their regular grocery shopping at Kroger or Smith's Food & Drug Store, both located on Southern Highlands Parkway.