Whitney Ranch - Henderson, NV

The town of Henderson first came into being in the 1940s as a magnesium supplier during World War II. The once-industrial city of Henderson was incorporated in 1953, and Whitney Ranch was later built as one of the city's master-planned residential communities with a heavy focus on retail development.

Living here puts you just minutes from the flurry of museums near the Vegas Strip, and you can enjoy an arts scene right in Whitney Ranch with arts and crafts stores such as Desert Art Supplies populating the shopping areas. You also have easy access to town events such as the annual Henderson Heritage Parade and Festival.

Thanks to the popular retail area making up the Galleria Mall at Sunset and other plazas, locals enjoy a rich dining experience with affordable and mid-priced cuisine. Explore the melting pot of international cuisine ranging from Korean, Greek to Mexican cafes. Whitney Ranch may be just a short drive from the 24/7 entertainment of the Strip, but locals know that the area creates a more genuine nightlife scene with its less crowded local casino, sports bars, and late-night grills that give you the true Vegas experience that tourists rarely see.

Head to The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill if you're craving an authentic gyro, and be sure to order the feta fries fresh out of the fryer and piled high with crumbled feta. The juicy steak souvlaki also makes a mean meal with a portion fit for a king.

While tourists fight through crowds in the Strip's casinos, locals come to Sunset Station to play the slots while sipping on cocktails. Check out Club Madrid for live music ranging from jazz to rock every weekend, or stop into KingPin Lounge to watch sports on the TV while downing some cold beer. Gawk at the Gaudi-inspired mosaic ceiling of Gaudi Bar for a classy night, and be sure to try the orange creamsicle cocktail.

With the convenient Great Basin Highway taking you to downtown Vegas in 15 minutes, it's easy to see why most residents drive in this low-traffic area. However, the RTC buses also make frequent stops in the neighborhood for a greener alternative. Like much of city, you find ample free parking even in the busy shopping areas, and you can get a quick pick-up by calling a Nevada taxicab or Uber.

If you're bringing your bike on your move, get ready for safe, spacious roads and dedicated bike lanes on major streets such as Whitney Ranch Drive and Galleria Drive. Thanks to its large shopping area, this neighborhood also creates an ideal environment for traveling on foot.

Whitney Ranch may be best known for its shopping scene, but residents can also kick back and relax in the community's public park. Head to Stephanie Lynn Craig Park at the north end of the neighborhood to watch your kids tire themselves on the playground, or pack some sandwiches to enjoy in the sheltered picnic pavilions. No trees grace the desert landscape, but the park has grass for playing a game of Frisbee. This is also a popular place for pet owners to walk their pooches. If you go off the beaten path, enjoy short hikes around the park's hilly desert plains south of the play area.

When the desert temperature starts to bog you down, cool off in the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center's swimming complex for a minimal fee. This complex has become a popular teen hangout, as it's situated close to several schools, and it also has a fully equipped fitness center.

With its top amenities and safe environment, Whitney Ranch maintains a slightly higher cost of living compared to the Las Vegas average. If you choose to rent, expect to pay around $700 to $800 for a one-bedroom apartment in one of the neighborhood's upscale complexes.

Like much of Vegas, gas prices get steep, so look to pay around 6 percent above the national average. Catching a ride to downtown on the RTC costs you about $6 for a day pass, but you only pay $2 for a residential stop. When you go out for a beer at a local bar, expect to pay around $4 to $6 for a pint.

With its towering malls and sprawling shopping plazas, Whitney Ranch draws in locals from all over Henderson. You find more big-name stores for the casual shopper than upscale boutiques and chic thrift stores, but a quick trip can meet all your shopping needs from shoe stores and discount clothing shops to trusted jewelers and craft stores. To start your shopping experience, head to the Galleria Mall at Sunset, the neighborhood's thriving retail center. This mall gets less tourist traffic than popular destinations such as Fashion Show Mall and the Vegas Strip, so it has transformed into a local hangout. Bargain shopping and fashion mainstays await you in this sky-lit building with national retailers for every budget, an eclectic food court and even a children's play area.

When you're in the market for a boho chic dress with a trendy belt and handbag, make your way to Coco's Gifts in the Galleria. This gem of a boutique displays a large selection of couture dresses, and only one item of every size keeps the color-splashed selection as broad as possible.

Comic lovers may never want to leave once they step into MaximuM Comics, a Vegas shop with a large comic collection ranging from "G.I Joe" to "Silver Age." Browse artwork, figurines and plush toys from your favorite comics and cartoons. Ask the staff about upcoming events such as artist signings, free movies at the Rave and parties.

When you're making your grocery run, stop by the Walmart Supercenter for affordable food items. No local farmers markets serve the area, but the Sprouts Farmers Market is a great place to pick up affordable organic fruits and veggies.