Valley View - Henderson, NV

The city of Henderson sprang up in the 1940s during World War II after the Basic Magnesium Plant was built. During the war, Henderson supplied the U.S. War Department with 25 percent of all wartime magnesium in the country, which ultimately helped lead the nation to victory. In 1988, a devastating explosion occurred at the PEPCON rocket fuel factory, injuring hundreds and damaging buildings miles away. After the explosion, Henderson moved away from industrial development and transitioned into residential expansion, eventually giving birth to Valley View.

The Clark County Museum helps preserve some of this history, focusing primarily on southern Nevada. Ghost towns with depots, wedding chapels, barns and more can be found throughout the museum's 30-acre grounds. Inside the Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall, visitors can view art and artifacts from the 1910s up to the 1970s.

Valley View residents have no shortage of dining options in Henderson. Asian fusion, Greek, German, Lebanese and traditional American cuisine comprise just a few of the choices locals can pick from when deciding on a night out.

At The Great Greek, you'll find authentic Mediterranean food made from the freshest ingredients available at wallet-friendly prices. For appetizers, take a seat in the outdoor patio and order dolmades stuffed with grape leaves and seasoned rice, or try the hummus with garbanzo beans. Be sure to leave room for a lamb gyro and The Great Greek's famous feta fries. To finish the meal off, indulge in a plate of baklava for dessert - a rich concoction of filo dough, walnuts and cinnamon drizzled with sweet honey syrup.

Italian food lovers frequent Bistro Pizza for its flaky garlic knots cooked to perfection and poutine smothered in homemade gravy. The pizza house also carries traditional Italian staples, such as chicken Parmesan subs, meatball sliders and New York-style pizza made from scratch. If you feel audacious, put on your big boy (or girl) pants and order the devilishly hot ghost pepper fries.

Post-dinner outings in Valley View consist of Gold Mine Tavern and Johnny Mac's. For live music and reasonably priced drinks, head to Gold Mine Tavern. The bar hosts local musicians every weekend and features daily drink specials such as 'Bottomless PBR' on Mondays and '2-for-1 Drafts' on Tuesdays. Catch the big game on one of Johnny Mac's numerous flat-screen TVs throughout the sports bar, and enjoy tasty pub food, including chicken wings and pizza.

The RTC bus services the Henderson area, with stops on Lake Mead Parkway and routes running north to Las Vegas and south into Utah. The bus runs residential, express, silver star and downtown routes, providing 24-hour, 3-day and 30-day pass at reduced rates. Taxis are limited, but do service the area. For transportation a bit more widespread with lower rates, try Uber instead.

About 50 percent of Valley View features bike lanes, so cyclists will need to plan their routes accordingly. Streets with sidewalks remain limited, meaning driving or utilizing public transportation present a planning challenge for trips around town. On the upside, work commutes prove easy with I-215 just a few minutes from the neighborhood.

Valley View residents have access to plentiful park choices in every direction and enjoy spectacular annual events throughout the year.

Mission Hills Park has a little bit of everything — a clean playground and splash pad area for little ones, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, lots picnic tables and wide sidewalks perfect for morning jogs. This free park also welcomes pets, so bring along your furry friend when you visit.

The Acacia Demonstration Gardens provide plenty of shade for picnickers as well as a basketball court, baseball field and two dog parks. You'll find cacti, palms and numerous types of desert foliage along the allergy-free garden's trails. In addition to its superb selection of parks, the city of Henderson puts on some noteworthy events each year. Don't miss the Art Festival of Henderson, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Super Run Classic Car Show or Winterfest.

Valley View residents pay nearly seven percent more than those living in Las Vegas, and it also has a marginally higher cost of living than the rest of the country. This aside, apartment rentals remain affordable, with the average one-bedroom residence weighing in at around $600 per month compared to the $800 Las Vegas average. Regular drivers plunk down roughly nine percent more than the national average for a gallon of gas. A one-way trip to Las Vegas via public transportation requires a $6 fare on the RTC bus. If nightlife interests you, grab a cold pint of beer for just $4 at local establishments.

If you need to stock up on groceries, Target on Lake Mead Parkway carries all the essentials. A Costco also lies up the road on Marks Street, featuring friendly wholesale prices. Henderson houses several farmers markets, including Connors Farmers Market and Country Fresh Farmers Market. The highly recommended Country Fresh Market draws in large crowds seeking loose-leaf teas, homemade kettle corn, custom golf clubs and a variety of fresh produce.

Crafty types love shopping at the Purple Monkey — a craft and gift boutique that sells charming home decor items such as liquor bottle lamps, candle holders made from tree trunks, wine cork cutting boards, and more.

If thrift stores tickle your fancy, Castaways Resale Store carries a large selection of home wares and clothing, with all proceeds going directly to charity. From bohemian purses to stereos and stuffed animals, this non-profit establishment proffers something for every taste.

For big-name retailers, drive over to the Galleria Mall at Sunset, where you'll find brand names at stores such as Foot Locker, Dillard's and Forever 21.