I’ll be honest. Relocating to Las Vegas was never a twinkle in my eye. I came to town kicking and screaming after a midlife divorce without having researched the area much beforehand. I just wanted to get out of southwest Utah, where I’d been living for the previous 10 months. Las Vegas was the nearest city, and I figured I could start over there. I settled in Green Valley near Highway 215 and Gibson Road because I found a cool apartment I thought I’d be happy in. Or at least less miserable.
In some ways it doesn’t matter where you live in the Las Vegas Valley, since everything you need is always at your fingertips. You’re never more than a quarter mile from a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop or pub, and nail salons are even more ubiquitous. But I believe I lucked out by landing in Green Valley. It’s an awesome place to live, and here are five reasons why.
1. Easy highway access. From my apartment, I can hop on the 215 and be in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on the Strip in about 20 minutes. The airport is even closer, which for me is important. I fly quite often, plus it seems I’m always schlepping to Terminal 1 to pick up friends and family who’ve come to party it up in Sin City for a few days. (When you live in Las Vegas, you get a lot of visitors!) And because I’m also close to Highway 95, I can shoot up the east side of town and be planted on a barstool at Hogs and Heifers in downtown Las Vegas in less than a half hour, or I can drive south and be on a hiking trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in the same amount of time.

The District at Green Valley Ranch:
pleasant shopping and free
concerts
2. The District at Green Valley Ranch. Vegas is a land of strip malls, and there aren’t too many places where you can park the car and walk around to shop and dine. But I’m lucky enough to live close to The District, a mixed-use community adjacent to the Green Valley Ranch Casino and home to many nationally branded retailers, unique shops and boutiques, and a variety of bars and restaurants. Though the family-friendly District strikes me as a bit sanitized with its faux-downtown vibe, it is nonetheless a good place to do some people watching. You’ll often find me taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi in Panera Bread, listening to a blues band at Lucille’s, or shamelessly indulging my ice cream addiction at Ben & Jerry’s.

The Water Street District in
downtown Henderson, home of
vintage architecture like the
Emerald Island Casino
3. Downtown Henderson. Though I’ve heard people refer to it as “Hender-tucky,” downtown Henderson is truly a diamond in the rough. I like to show off the main drag, Water Street, to my out-of-town guests — it’s so quaint, so old-school, you feel like you’re in a small town on a trip back in time, far from the glitz of the Strip. I’d love to see downtown Henderson become a funky little arts-and-music hub — I see so much potential! I can spend hours playing the penny slots at the Emerald Island Casino while grooving on the classic 70s hot hits from my high school days. The difference is that now I’m sipping Guinness instead of Piels Real Draft.
4. Great views all over! In many parts of the country, it’s hard to position yourself high enough to see beyond your immediate surroundings. Back where I’m from, in Albany, N.Y., I’d have to drive 30 minutes to gain enough elevation to get a decent view; in Green Valley I can enjoy incredible 25-mile panoramas simply doing errands around town. For the best vistas, my advice is to drive along Horizon Ridge Road as often as possible.

Linda Lou at the top of the
McDonald Ranch Hiking Trail
5. The McDonald Ranch hiking trail. I almost hate to spill the beans since it’s such a well-kept secret, so let’s keep this little gem between us. This trail, in Sun City McDonald Ranch, a 55+ residential community, provides a spectacular view of the Valley every step of the way. Generally I prefer not to hike alone, but this quick 15-minute climb is a perfectly safe way to work off those Vegas buffets. To get to the trailhead, take Horizon Ridge Road to High Mesa Road (between Green Valley Parkway and Valley Verde) and then continue up High Mesa almost to the end. You’ll see a small parking lot on the left.
Hiking is prohibited at night — the lot closes at dusk — but I admit I’ve broken the rules more than once. It’s great fun to sit on the bench at the summit with a six-pack while marveling at the expanse of twinkling lights below. It’s also a super make-out spot! I probably shouldn’t say that since I’m a grandmother and all, but I’m here to report the truth.
If you’re thinking of relocating to Las Vegas, or if you already live here and are considering a move, think about Green Valley. It’s an awesome place to live. If you see me around town, be sure to say “hi,” though if you’re headed up the McDonald Ranch trail at night, do me a favor and give me some warning as you approach the top of the hill.
Another great article Linda. Makes me want to move South.
I live in Green Valley and couldn’t agree more. The schools are some of the best in the valley for those readers who have children. There are lots of parks, libraries, and such within a short drive. I love the Henderson Pavilion for concerts and events….I say Bruce Hornsby while my husband and I cuddled on a blanket in the grassy area above the rows of seats. It was great.
I’ll have to check out the hiking trail.It sounds like a wonderful place to unwind.
Peace,
Lisa
“Hender-tucky!” Made me laugh. I’ve heard it referred to as “Hooterville,” but I agree with you. It’s charming and a lovely counterpoint to big city Vegas. And the new events center is great.
Thanks for sharing the info about the McDonald Ranch Hiking Trail. Sounds wonderful!
I’ve always been a bit hesitant about Hendricksburg or whatever because the first time I was there was as a passenger in a car that got crunched when my forever thereafter-nicknamed friend “Crash Davis” decided to cross 2 lanes without looking.
Perhaps I will need to re-think this based on the words of the L&T Linda Lou.
I’m with you about how downtown Henderson would make a great funky arts hub…
It already has made some attempts at “Third Thursday” where galleries and stores have extended hours, but with very little fanfare so far.
I just wish they would relocate First Friday to downtown Henderson location! So much more quaint and pleasant and …seemingly safer than scummy, dirty, creepy downtown Las Vegas! Parking at FF currently is such a pain! I know people that have gotten their vehicles broken into! If you miss the last free shuttle bus at 9:30, (which is always overcrowded) then you have to walk thru scary, high-crime areas in order to get back to your car parked at the Govt. Center! Nobody wants to do FF downtown in LV anymore! Friends absolutely refuse with good reason.
PS: The Henderson Pavilion is a great place to go for concerts and other special events. It is located just down the street from GVR & The District. I attended an awesome ballet performance which was free to attend!
Laura, I know what you mean about the Third Thursdays not quite taking off; I’m afraid the state of the economy isn’t helping downtown Henderson realize its potential. It’s a diamond in the rough, I tell you!
First Friday in downtown Las Vegas is supposed to be quite the scene, but honestly, I attended one a few years ago and haven’t been inclined to go back. I really hate to say that since I fancy myself as a big supporter of the arts. I’m also reluctant to admit that I haven’t warmed up to the downtown LV area at all. I lived in an old city for the first 43 years of my life and maybe that’s why I dig the openness and cleanliness of Green Valley. But downtown Henderson… oh, I have such visions for that place!
Speaking of Third Thursdays, be sure to read Brian’s article about this ongoing cultural event.
–LLV Publisher
Green Valley is a beautiful place , one of the best in Vegas area, highly recommended! One more reason: The weather in great around the year…
You mean there is more to Vegas than the Strip? Wow humans actually are born, go to school and raise a family there. And I thought everyone was on stage!
Thanks Linda for an illuminating article!
I have just stumbled by this site, I am just loving it, its great and interesting.
I would never thought about living in Vegas, but after reading this it sounds really great, but still not for me. I just had a really great chuckle at Tom McLaughlin comment thanks for the giggle who would have thought.
You know, Amy, I never would have thought Vegas would be for me, either. But I’ve been here six and a half years now and can’t imagine living anywhere else!