Summerlin Southwest - Las Vegas, NV Area Guide

Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley and the community of Summerlin have a unique place in Las Vegas history. In 1952, the area of land was bought up by legendary billionaire tycoon Howard Hughes. The area was originally called Husite, and consisted of 25,000 acres. Mr. Hughes had plans to build an aviation center on the land, however his plans never came to fruition and he passed away in 1976.

After Mr, Hughes' passing, his family decided to take the empty land of Husite and turn it into a master-planned residential community. The community was renamed Summerlin after Mr. Hughes' grandmother, Jean Amelia Summerlin. Summerlin Parkway, the road that connects the community to Las Vegas, was built in 1990, with Summerlin's first school following in 1993. There are no museums in the local community, however the Summerlin Art Group holds the annual Summerlin Art Festival each year, featuring work by local artists and craftsmen.

While the Las Vegas strip is lined with nightclubs, restaurants and casinos, the Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley neighborhood is in close proximity to an abundance of eateries and night spots right off the Summerlin Parkway.

If you have a taste for fresh Asian cuisine served in a friendly outdoor atmosphere, check out Nittaya's Secret Kitchen. Located on Rampart Boulevard off of the Summerlin Parkway, this vegan-friendly restaurant serves a wide selection of tapas, entrées and specialty desserts. From classic dishes such as spicy cashew shrimp to one-of-a-kind entrées like Southern Thai Cornish game hen, you will definitely find the perfect meal to satisfy your craving. Nittaya's is also known for their specialty curry dishes such as the grilled salmon avocado curry served with eggplant and zucchini. Their menus specifies the spiciness of each meal as well, so make sure to note that anything with two stars or higher has a nice amount of kick.

If Italian-European cuisine in a romantic and comfortable setting is more your style, be sure to give Parma by Chef Marc a try. Chef Marc has been cooking with his family since 1973, when they opened their first Italian restaurant. Known for its casual, romantic atmosphere and authentic "90-second wood fired brick oven pizza", patrons receive an authentic taste of Italy with each and every visit. One of the best aspects of Parma is their deli that specializes in fresh meats and cheeses, cold subs, hot subs and more. Stop by on your lunch break and enjoy the "Parma" sub, a local favorite consisting of olive spread, four different meats, provolone and mozzarella, all topped off with classic sandwich toppings and a red wine vinaigrette.

Local residents who enjoy a relaxing night out with a glass of wine head to Marche' Baccus on Regatta Drive in Summerlin's Desert Shores community. This elegant French Bistro and wine shop is known for its gorgeous view and romantic, fairy-tale like atmosphere. This place does pack in local residents and tourists, so you'll want to make sure to call ahead to reserve a perfect table with a view.

In addition to local eateries and night spots, the option is always available for those who are looking for additional excitement to head about 10 miles out and hit the casinos and nightclubs on the famous Vegas strip, such as the Bellagio, known for its dancing fountains, or the historic downtown Golden Nugget Casino, originally built in 1946.

Visitors and residents of Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley have multiple options when it comes to getting around the neighborhood and traveling into the city. The Westcliff Transit Center and Park & Ride is conveniently located in close proximity to Summerlin Parkway on Westcliff Drive, allowing for rapid transit to and from the airport. RTC bus stops are located throughout the community on main roads such as Rampart Drive, Westcliff Drive and Charleston Boulevard.

While the Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley neighborhoods are within walking distance to local restaurants and shops, you still may need transportation to the mid-city. Hailing a taxi is not common practice within the community, but you can easily schedule cab service by calling Frias Transportation Management, one of the largest taxi services in Las Vegas and be picked up within 15 minutes. Individuals who are traveling into Summerlin from downtown Vegas also have the option of scheduling rides with Uber, an alternative taxi transportation service that utilizes an online application to schedule and pay for rides.

The Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley community is located just off of the Summerlin Parkway, the roadway that connects to US 95 and CC 215, allowing for easy access in and out of the area. The Las Vegas Valley has over 80 miles of bike routes, over 100 miles of biking paths and over 180 miles of bicycle lanes. The Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley neighborhood streets and designated roads and freeways are designed to be safe for cyclists who adhere to local regulations. Standard metered parking is available throughout the city, as well as free multi-level parking structures at the Summerlin Mall and Summerlin Centre.

Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley residents have access to over 100 parks in the Summerlin community. Arbors Tennis and Play Park is a favorite among sports enthusiasts, as it has five lighted tennis courts and a lighted basketball court. Arbors is also a popular choice among families due to its large playground and custom-made tricycle track.

Village Green Park is a popular, 5-acre dog-friendly park with a large open play area and a special "tot lot." Dog owners can also participate in group dog training classes held in the park by "Sit Means Sit" dog training professionals. Locations for group classes are subject to change, so it is important for dog owners to check the company's website prior to attending classes. All of Summerlin's parks are free to enter, however reserved areas are subject to charges based on the size of the party and specific amount of space needed.

Knickerbocker Park on West Dorrel Lane in the Summerlin area is a popular spot during the winter, as it is home to the Providence Master Homeowners Association's annual Hometown Holidays event. This family-friendly event is free to enter, with activities such as arts, crafts and cookie decorating, as well as live entertainment and photos with the Providence mascot.

The cost of living in the Summerlin communities is approximately 27.7 percent higher that the average cost of living in the state and approximately 31.7 percent higher than the national average. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is approximately $1,199.06.

Bus fares into the city range from $1 to $2. The average cost for a beer at a local Summerlin pub ranges from $1.50 to $5.50; however prices can vary depending on the specific establishment, especially on the Las Vegas strip. Summerlin gas prices are slightly higher than the national average.

Outer Summerlin/Spring Valley residents have a variety of shopping options to choose from. The Downtown Summerlin on Sahara is a super regional mall anchored by Macy's and Dillard's and houses multiple retailers, such as Bath and Body Works and New Balance; as well as specialty stores such as beloved locally based mini-chain Patty's Closet, which has won recognition as a superior boutique and a favorite stop for fashionistas. Locals also love stopping in at the Cutie Baby Boutique for high-end rompers, bloomers, and adorable, affordable swing sets.

Residents pick up groceries at Vons on South Rampart, as well as Sprouts Farmers Market on West Sahara. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Sprouts also sells a variety of natural foods for health-conscious individuals.