Explore Las Vegas

America's Safest Cities, 2011 - Las Vegas

“One of the underlying things, in terms of a city’s safety, would be a very strong tax base, as there are a number of services that are reliant on it,” notes Scott B. Clark, president of the New York-based Risk and Insurance Management Society. “That includes an effective, well-staffed police department, fire department and school system.”

"To find America’s 10 safest cities, we looked at metropolises with populations above 250,000. We ranked them by violent crime rates - the number of violent crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault) per 100,000 residents in 2010, as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"We also ranked each city on the traffic-fatality rate per 100,000 residents based on 2009 data, the most recent available, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We then averaged the ranking for each city to arrive at final scores. In the event of ties, the city with the lower crime rate got the higher ranking.

Plano, TX
Car fatality rank: 6
Violent crime rank: 1
Plano, TX is No. 1 on the safest cities list.
Henderson, NV
Car fatality rank: 5
Violent crime rank: 3
Henderson, NV is No. 2 on the safest cities list.
Honolulu, HI
Car fatality rank: 7
Violent crime rank: 4
Honolulu, HI is No. 3 on the safest cities list.

Hawaii has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, the city is relatively affluent and that famous relaxed aloha spirit may play a role in keeping accident and violence rates low.
Santa Ana, CA
Car fatality rank: 4
Violent crime rank: 11
Santa Ana, CA is No. 4 on the safest cities list.
Lincoln, NE
Car fatality rank: 1
Violent crime rank: 16
Lincoln, NE is NO. 5 on the safest cities list.

View all 10 safe cities

View other Communities (Largest)

What Is It Like to Live in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has multiple personalities. To visitors its a glitzy scene of excitement, wonderous sites, and non-stop entertainment. To residents it's a place to work, hang out, go to church, do some shopping and enjoy occasional entertainment options. Those who live in the valley see the Strip as a distant billboard or a place to work.

Benefits to living in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas you can find anything you're looking for. If you want traditional and conservative you can find it. If you want wild and exciting you can find it. If you want weird and kinky you can find it. Las Vegas is the place to find anything.

Exceptional entertainment options
Compact city - Quick relative commutes
Highways allow for manageable traffic
There is a steady job base - not all careers are steady, but for many there is always work
One can find religion - reports suggest there are more churches per capita than anywhere else in the country
Residential neighborhoods are well organized and there are housing options to fit all tastes

Things to Do

There is plenty to do in the valley. Whether it's hitting a hot destination for fun or treking out in the desert on a hike there are many, many options.

Catch a show
Tour the Strip
Visit Mt. Charleston
Explore Red Rock
Golf
Meet with a group or club
Play Laser Tag or Paintball

Places to Go

There are many places to explore and visit.

Red Rock
The Shark Reef
M&M Store
Lion Habitat
City Center

Culture

Las Vegas tends to have friendly people. Most people don't know their neighbors well because of the extreme temperatures. However, if you approach someone they are willing to help and often start up conversation. Many people who come to Vegas come looking for something. They want friends, work, spiritual guidance, adventure, etc. They enjoy entertainment and seek for the good things of life.

The Summerlin Community, Las Vegas, NV

Summerlin is located at the northwest part of the Las Vegas valley. Located within the foothills of the beautiful Red Rock Mountain Range are well planned communities and neighborhoods. Summerlin is well known throughout the nation and is often synonymous with "living in Las Vegas".

About 22,500 acres were purchased by the Howard Hughes Corporation intending to build a large-scale master-planned community land development. Much of the major infrastructure has been built for years and many more homes are yet to be constructed. Summerlin is one of the top communities for home starts and sales in Las Vegas.

Families of all sizes and incomes call the community home. Summerlin is known for its lifestyle and the awe of its beautiful natural surroundings, street designs, parks, and neighborhoods. An abundance of parks, trails, golf courses, along with great schools, houses of worship, cultural facilities, shopping centers, business centers, and medical facilities create an incomparable lifestyle. Hundreds of homes are built annually and newcomers request to explore the housing options as a first request.

Summerlin has several points of access from the I-215 and Summerlin Parkway. It is only minutes from the entrance to the canyon leading to Red Rock. Many homes are positioned in the mountainous regions and boast spectacular views of the strip.

Summerlin Homes and Real Estate

Summerlin real estate is considered among some of the top in the country. In fact, people come from all over the world to live in quality homes built by renown builders. Summerlin real estate has appreciated greatly in recent years. Residents take advantage of a well planned, well kept Las Vegas community.

Summerlin is considered one of the great places to live in the United States. In 2002 it was voted by CNN as one of the top places to live in America:

"Las Vegas – Summerlin is a top community in the city with its residential, commercial and civic features. Downtown Vegas is making a comeback while Boulder City, the only township in Nevada to ban gaming, proves there is life off of the strip."
- Ten Best Places to Live in America - CNN Money

Neighborhoods Located in Summerlin

Centre Real Estate in Summerlin
The Arbors Real Estate in Summerlin
The Canyons Real Estate in Summerlin
The Gardens Real Estate in Summerlin
The Hills Real Estate in Summerlin
The Mesa Real Estate in Summerlin
Paseos Real Estate in Summerlin
Pueblo Real Estate in Summerlin
Trails Real Estate in Summerlin
The Vistas Real Estate in Summerlin
The Willows Real Estate in Summerlin
Sun City Real Estate in Summerlin
West Summerlin Real Estate

Hiking Red Rock in Las Vegas - Not Your Typical Desert Hike

It rained yesterday around Las Vegas and the temperature was around 72 degrees. I decided to take a hike in the Red Rock area. It was beautiful. The desert acts different when it rains.

Normally the desert is dry, hot, and prickly. Instead, it was inviting and the flora aroma was intoxicating. The air was sweet and very fresh. I could sense the life of the plants in their vibrant greens against the red back drop. There was a sign of relief after many days of scorching sun.

Water pooled in places including sections of trail. The drainages had running water. There was plenty of evidence that torrents could very possibly rush out in flash flood style. I definitely kept my distance from the creek bed.

The hike was a great trek. One of my favorite while in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Golf and Golf Courses

Las Vegas has some great golf. It has a great season of ideal outdoor weather and climate for trips to the links. Some courses are located near top notch resorts with specials targeting frequent golfers.

The variety of golf courses and terrains that it offers is amazing. The city golf courses with different terrains has plenty in store for people who need to practice and learn golf. There are golf courses that range from 9 holes to 18 holes so that you can choose the one that you like.

Golf Courses

Las Vegas golf courses cover a wide range of quality, price, and prestige. Some are high end clubs attracting the most elite golfers. Others are much more casual and suit anyone.

Some of these courses serve as training academies for golf aspirants. Many of these golf courses are associated with clubs that provide other sport facilities for various age groups. The golf courses are maintained well so that the playing conditions are always optimal. There are some that are full service places with practice facilities, golf equipment and more. There are many that also arrange for training and coaching too.

The courses are affordable and many provide lessons for those that are wanting to learn the sport or wishing to improve their game. Golfers of all skill levels will find a course that offers them the challenge they need in a setting that is purely spectacular.

Las Vegas Theaters

Las Vegas has some of the best theaters. Great options include exciting movie theaters while others consist of stunning performance facilities.

Las Vegas Movies

Some nights just call for a trip to the movie theater. Las Vegas has some great locations. Some are the latest, state-of-the-art facilities with 3D, IMax or other fascinating features. Some attract smaller audiences and avoid the vibrance of a crowd-drawing location.

Movie theaters in Las Vegas carry the latest releases. Some offer matinees so patrons can view the classics on a budget. View greats like Avatar, Harry Potter, Cars, and other great movies.

Las Vegas Plays and Fine Arts

Experience the culture of Las Vegas by visiting a fine arts theater to enjoy one of the latest productions. Watch talented actors and singers perform their scenes with precision.

Some theators have been around for many years and others are newer and have state of the art sound and lighting gear. Enjoy a night out by watching some of the performance greats.

Las Vegas Little League Baseball

Little League baseball is a non-profit youth sports organization. While it is headquartered in South Williamsport, PA, it organizes baseball leagues and teams across the United States. Teams across the country compete in their league and may progress to regional and national stages.

The Little League was founded by Carl Stotz in 1939. Today, millions enjoy baseball. Youth can participate in the program and adults can take part as well as coaches, umpires, assistants, chearleaders, etc.

The Las Vegas Little League Baseball program is usually well organized a great opportunity for Las Vegas youth. Players often learn sportsmanship, teamwork, hard work, and more when they play.

Prospective players can engage with a team by contacting the local Las Vegas league office. Fees are usually manageable and rules and guidelines can be found online.

Equipment typically consists of a uniform, cleats, a bat, ball, and glove. Players of all ages and skill can enjoy the sport.

Contact your Las Vegas Little League office to get involved.

Las Vegas Urban Living

Some of Las Vegas's residents thrive in the vibrance of city life. Many choose to reside close to work and other city featues. They find it exciting to hang with others who enjoy the city.

Communities

Las Vegas urban communities are the middle of the social scene. Some neighborhoods are connected to the city's best features. Some communities offer a great lifestyle and opportunity to connect with others.

Apartment buildings, homes with close proximity to office centers, shopping centers, and other city functions allow residents rapid access to what they want most. Other communities provide more space with the same access.

Home Types

Many Las Vegas communities are apartment facilities. Some offer pools, exercise centers, private parking, security, and other great options. They share common areas to minimize upkeep and a great social environment.

Some of the urban communities are single family residences. They offer a bit more privacy but still allow access to the city. They provide a real estate option for those who want to own their own space.

Lifestyle

Urban lifestyle tends to be the sources of the action. Las Vegas residences often fit the profile. Families, couples, and singles can usually find a great home option that fits the bill. Many communities target a certain demographic. Some go after families while others go after singles. Some target highend buyers and others go after starters. Las Vegas has a community and home type for you.

People

Las Vegas communities often attract certain types of people. Singles can mingle with other singles. Families can get to know great neighbors. Some enjoy the nightlife and others enjoy social venues and entertaiment options.

Many love Las Vegas urban living.

Las Vegas Parks

Las Vegas features some great parks. Families, exercise buffs, and others looking to escape city life and engage in wholesome recreational activities can find all sorts of park styles. Some are near water features, some have playgrounds. Some have running areas and others have large fields.

The parks are an important aspect of community life. For that reason, they are maintained regularly.

Las Vegas Park Activities

Playgrounds - Most children love to swing, slide, explore, and play on child-friendly equipment.
Skate Parks - Skaters, bladers, and bikers enjoy equipment built for their engaging sports.
Jogging/Running Paths - Runners can take advantage of meandering pathways designed as a runner's haven.
Water Features - Water features add great fun when the weather is hot.
Amateur Sports - Amateurs enjoy engaging sports in large, open, well kept fields.

Las Vegas Night Life

The Las Vegas night life is exciting! People from every walk of life find their niche and have a ton of great options to choose from. Some locations are well known for their style and environment. Great food, great atmospheres, great music and great people make for an exciting night on the town.

Social Scene

Many Las Vegas residents and visitors love to play, party, and mingle. There are venues for nearly any style and taste. Some love to dance, dine, play games, and hang out.

There are many lifestyles, cultures, and personalities. People can find others like them or explore groups who are different.

People can get find anything they want. Some want solidarity; some want interaction; some want excitement; some want serenity. One can get lost in the crowd or find friendship and more. Las Vegas is a great place to take advantage of a great social environment.

Venues

Whether you look for a dance floor, a place to mingle, or somewhere to play games and interact, Las Vegas venues have a lot of options. Entertainment businesses make it their passion to create great attractions and features.

Las Vegas restaurants, clubs, gyms, and other spots offer a great experience. Concerts, sporting events, and other large events bring huge excitement and energy.

Dining

Las Vegas has outstanding dining options. Restaurants with rich, delicious food, classic on-the-go food chains, and nearly any ethinic cuisine one could want are available nearby. Whether it be ritzy, signature dining, mid range casual restaurants, or inexpensive fast food chains you can find an option to suit your taste. Las Vegas is known for its range in prices and breadth of food style.

Enjoy the great, exciting Nightlife Las Vegas has to offer!

Las Vegas Suburban Lifestyle

Many people prefer to escape the noise of the city to reside in suburban life. Las Vegas offers some great suburban communities.

Communities

Las Vegas suburban communities are an escape from urban life. Some neighborhoods are close to city amenities. Others are a significant distance away, creating distance from the city buzz.

Neighborhood amenities vary. Some communities have parks, pools, proximity to golf courses, water features, etc. They also range in age. Some are classic, some are older and more affordable and others are new and modern. There are options to fit nearly any taste, budget and need.

Home Types

Las Vegas suburban homes range in style, size, age, and features. Home types include single family with yard space, single family without yard space, condos, rentals, luxury, etc.

They range in price and function. A resident can find any type of real estate needed.

Lifestyle

Suburban lifestyle tends to be more peaceful and calm than urban city life. Las Vegas suburbs often fit the profile. Families, couples, and singles can usually find a housing option that works. Many communities target a certain demographic. Some go after families while others go after singles. Some target highend buyers and others go after starters. Las Vegas has a community and home type for you.

People

Las Vegas suburban living is very attractive to many, especially those who want to escape busy city life.

Las Vegas Dining

Las Vegas has outstanding dining venues. It's known for many great options in fine dining, ethinic cuisine, and classic food-on-the-go options.

Ethinic Foods

Las Vegas is a great location for tasty ethnic restaurants and venues. Diners can find great mexican, italian, asian, indian, european, jewish, and other great foods. Many locales focus specifically on their cuisine and they be come well known for their signature dishes.

Whether you are looking for lunch specials, dinner dates, or other outings, you can find great options to fit any budget or style. Some are well established high-end restaurants and some are of the mom and pop style with a warm atmosphere.

Fine Dining

Las Vegas offers a number of fine dining options. Upscale restaurants treat guests with great entrees. Some locations are in such demand that reservations must be set out in advance.

You can find venues for groups or secluded private dining. High end wines and other beverages are common features. Prime cuts of meat and great breads, pastas, salads, and other great food are right at your finger tips.

Award winning chefs and restaurants are anxious to create a memorable dining experience.

Lot of Eating Options

Whether it be ritzy, signature dining, mid range casual restaurants, or inexpensive fast food chains you can find an option to suit your taste. Las Vegas is known for its selection and dining experience.

Look forward to satisfying your appetite!

Las Vegas Home Choices

Las Vegas has many different neighborhood options to choose from. The types of homes vary as well from neighborhood to neighborhood. Some communities are built for family living while others are built for singles and/or couples. Las Vegas has a home style for anyone.

Single Family Homes

Many Las Vegas communities are designed for single family living. Some homes are single-story and built for people who prefer not to climb stairs. Some are built to maximize space and minimize costs and may include multiple levels. There are many home types to choose from and many neighborhoods designed to suit a variety of life style needs.

Condos

Many residents don't want to maintain a lawn or other home improvements and prefer to share common interests with other residents. Las Vegas has a number of condo style complexes to choose from. While condominiums tend to be lower maintenance than single family, they still allow for homeownership.

Luxury

Las Vegas has a number of luxury communities intended for the wealthy. Large, stylish properties are common in resident areas like these. Luxury homes and condos may be very large or may contain amenities and features other homes don't offer. The quality of living may range considerably from community to community.

Rentals

Some residents don't want to own a property or are unable to. Las Vegas offers a large variety of homes for rent. Some are maintained by management companies and some are maintained by the landlord. Apartments, condos, single family, and other types of housing is available.

Las Vegas offers a large variety of living opportunities. You can find the type of home that fits your situation.

Las Vegas Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the most participated in youth organizations in the United States. Las Vegas has a strong scout movement. Youth in the area can find a great troop and council to attend.

Boy Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. They wear a uniform and work together in patrols of eight to ten boys with an elected patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance.

The Boy Scouts was founded in 1907 by British General Robert Baden-Powell with the goal to help young men become responsible and self sufficient. A man, W. D. Boyce, encountered an 'unknown scout' and learned of the scouting movement. Shortly after the movement gained momentum and began to expand.

Las Vegas scouts can begin in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts or the Venture program depending on their age. Contact the local scout chapter to find your troop and begin.

Some key tenants set the scouts apart from other organizations:

Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country;
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Scout Slogan

Do a good turn daily

Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best, to be clean in my outdoor manners, to be careful with fire, to be considerate in the outdoors, and to be conservation minded

Las Vegas YMCA Programs

The Young Men's Christian Association (commonly known as "YMCA" or in the USA "the Y") is a worldwide organization with a strong presence in the United States and Las Vegas.

In 1844 the organization was founded in London, England by Sir George Williams, put Christian principles into practice, achieved by developing "a healthy spirit, mind, and body."

All YMCA programs have a strong importance on the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These core values were adopted formally by the YMCA of the United States in the early 1990s. They were developed to help teach children right from wrong.

Each of the core values has a color that is connected to it in order to help people remember them. Caring is associated with red, honesty with blue, responsibility with green and respect with yellow.

Individuals or groups can participate in activities ranging from religious to academic to athletic. It is very common for YMCAs to have swimming pools YMCA Swimming and weightrooms, along with facilities for playing various sports such as basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and futsal. The YMCA also sponsors youth sports teams for swimming, cheerleading, basketball, futsal, and soccer.

Get involved with your local Las Vegas program.

Las Vegas Community Guide Introduction

Welcome to the Las Vegas community guide!

Explore Las Vegas and all it has to offer. Find information on lifestyle, entertainment, communities, people, vacation spots, hotels, travel, organizations, and more.