Photo by Linda EvansPaseo Verde Parkway: an example of the fully
landscaped roads and sidewalks in Green Valley
Ranch
“Green Valley Ranch” isn’t a name one expects to find on a community located in the heart of the Mojave Desert. And in its natural state the area would not be considered verdant. But coordinated landscaping is a major part of this master-planned community. As a result, Green Valley Ranch offers a fairly lush, yet desert-friendly environment right in the City of Henderson. Add the pleasant location in the Black Mountain foothills, the terrific views of the entire Las Vegas Valley, and plenty of family-friendly amenities, and it is easy to see why Green Valley Ranch remains a strong favorite among those seeking a suburban lifestyle here in Vegas.
Green Valley Ranch comprises a total of 1,310 acres south of the Beltway between St. Rose Parkway and Arroyo Grande. Of the total acreage, 775 acres are devoted to the individual residential neighborhood villages, which have picturesque names like Castle Rock, Copper Ridge and Monument Pointe. Another 310 acres are developed as retail shops, office space and medical facilities, as well as the area’s crowning jewel, Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. The remaining 200-plus acres are dedicated to community amenities, including parks, schools, recreational centers, open space areas, and walking and bike paths.
The developers of Green Valley Ranch, American Nevada, Inc., part of the Greenspun Corp., set out to develop a distinctive and coordinated sense of place for the entire community, giving it, for example, a thematic architectural style. While there is some architectural variety, the houses are uniform in color and materials, with stucco finishes and tile roofs. Vibrant desert landscaping also ties the community together. A drive down Green Valley Parkway, which has a corridor of stately palm trees, cannot fail to make an impression. That sense of distinction is heightened by the addition of gateway pavilions and monument signage in generous quantities.
The elegant lines presented by these harmonized details could easily evoke a sense of standoffishness or austerity, but my impression of Green Valley Ranch is much the opposite. To me, the overall atmosphere presented here is rather youthful and family-oriented. Contributing to that sense are the many amenities found within this community, including four parks, each offering a variety of sports and play facilities. For example, Paseo Vista Park has picnic shelters, basketball courts, a lighted dog park and bocce courts. The summer favorite in this park, though, has to be the splash pad, an area devoted to wet fun with water rainbows, water trees, water cannons and waterfalls. The surface of the splash pad is covered with recycled rubber to keep bare feet from burning up.
Another factor contributing to Green Valley Ranch’s family atmosphere is the presence of key City of Henderson facilities. Foremost among these is the Henderson Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater offering a variety of entertainment programs for prices well below those found on the Strip. I’ve enjoyed such varied events here as a Weird Al Yankovich concert, a show with the gang from “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” and concerts by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.
Photo by Linda EvansChildren’s playgrounds, shade trees and lush lawns
are typical of public parks in Green Valley
Another strong draw for families is the Henderson Multigenerational Center/Aquatic Complex, located right next to the pavilion. This 84,120-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes a rock-climbing wall, a jogging track, indoor and outdoor pools, an art gallery, assorted athletic facilities, and a dance and fitness room. Classes catering to a variety of fitness, arts and personal enrichment tastes are available year round. Close by this center is the Paseo Verde Library, which regularly offers story times for children of different ages along with family movies and multigenerational book clubs.
Green Valley Ranch is also home to The District, a small urban center in the heart of this suburb. In addition to its condominiums, The District offers a variety of shops, including Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, as well as such national chain eateries as Ben & Jerry’s, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory. My favorite District store, though, is Whole Foods Market, the best place for fresh everything. The District reaches out to its community with more than just trendy stores, as it is a frequent host of family-friendly entertainment, including outdoor movies and concerts every weekend in summer.
Like most master-planned communities, Green Valley Ranch’s many benefits come with what I personally consider to be a major drawback – homeowners associations. If you live here, your outdoor décor is subject to review, and you must submit to the rules of the community (click here for an informational booklet that explains some of those rules). But whatever I think of such outside control, it is undeniable that many people value the assurance that their neighbors will not paint their houses fuchsia or keep cars up on blocks in the front yard.
Most of my friends who live in Green Valley Ranch have young children. It does seem like a very nice place to raise a family.
Thank you for this article which gives me special pleasure mainly because I don’t live in Las Vegas and only see the tourist aspects of the place. I visit often and am very curious about the ‘real’ people of the city and what its like to live in Las Vegas. Your description of Green Valley Ranch makes it sound idyllic – unfortunately without some measure of outside controls the pleasant atmosphere would be at risk of being lost.
Your article confirms to me that although Las Vegas may be identified by the Strip, the Strip does not define the authentic Las Vegas, the Las Vegas of a regular community. As a tourist I see Las Vegas from the point of view of the Strip and if I had the ability to write well I would tell you what that actually means. I am so interested in understanding how residents see the Strip from the point of view of a Las Vegas citizen.
The lushness of the street and park landscaping really is a sharp contrast with other sections of the Las Vegas valley.
Tie Pin – I think most residents here view the Strip the way residents in most cities view their own tourist attractions — as a place to be visited mostly when company is visiting. Fun, sometimes exciting, exotic even, but not really part of everyday life (unless, of course, one works there).
As I sit here at my computer, I can honestly say that I am not sure when I last set foot in a casino. Chances are, though, that it was when I had relatives visiting.
Hi Tami,
I agree. We have relatives in Green Valley and it is absolutely breath taking. We basically have the same rules they do here in Summerlin as far as gated communities and rules that govern they way we keep our properties in order, but I don’t mind that at all.
I also have to agree with you on how we locals feel regarding the strip. Although it is beautiful, fun, exotic and mesmerizing, we only go when company comes or during the holidays when it’s all decorated.
The Bellagio is always changing the atrium durng the seasons which is an attraction not to be missed along with their water show.
I’m a local and I love visiting the strip. For one reason or another, I’m down on the strip at least once per week. However, I rarely, if ever, take visitors to the strip. Las Vegas is one of those self-fulling prophecy places and let our visitors form their own impressions and “see” the city the way they want to see it.
I haven’t gambled in any significant way since the early 1990s, so that’s not the attraction — but there are few places in the world that are as interesting as the Strip for people-watching. I like the energy and creativity of those who create the new restaurant spaces and the way people-management logistics are employed by the private security operations. I drive the Strip whenever I can — and see what’s new to see.
Mark
We’ve lived in GVR since 2006 and love it. (the house in that 2nd photo is on our street)
Your article outlines GVR’s multi-faceted appeal very well. Too well in fact. I feel it’s my duty to mention that the entire area is over-run with giant snakes and spiders and mutant serial killers!!! ;- )
I like Green Valley a lot, too. The name says it all. As planned communities go, it’s one of the loveliest I’ve ever seen, and the fact that it’s maturing well is a testament to its good design.