• Sign Up
  • Log In
simpliHŌM
Keli James S.56134 LLC
(702) 265-4323kelijameslv@gmail.com
  • Search
    • All Homes
    • Featured Listings
  • Communities
    • The Lakes
    • Rhodes Ranch
    • Summerlin
    • Desert Shores
    • Red Rock Country Club
  • Buying
    • Buying Process
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Relocation Guide
  • Selling
    • Selling Process
    • Home Valuation
    • Sold Properties
  • About
    • Meet Keli
    • Testimonials
  • Local Events
  • Articles
  • Contact
  • Keli James S.56134 LLC(702) 265-4323
    kelijameslv@gmail.com
    Copy Email
  • Las Vegas, NV

Home

  • Search
  • Communities
  • Buying
  • Selling
  • About
  • Local Events
  • Articles
  • Contact
simpliHŌM - Footer Logo
    • Privacy
    • Terms
    • DMCA
    • Accessibility
    • Fair Housing
    © 2026 simpliHŌM. All rights reserved.
    Website built by CloseHack.
    Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors

    IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

    Waterfront Living Meets Urban Access: Exploring Homes for Sale in The Lakes Las Vegas

    Waterfront Living Meets Urban Access: Exploring Homes for Sale in The Lakes Las Vegas

    Published 11/07/2025 | Posted by Keli James

    Tucked along man‑made lakes and winding greenbelts on the west side of Las Vegas, The Lakes blends serene waterfront living with quick access to shopping, dining, and the Strip. If you’re searching for homes for sale in The Lakes Las Vegas, you’ll find a rare mix of single-family residences, townhomes, and condos—some with private docks and glittering water views—set within mature, well-kept neighborhoods. As a local real estate professional with simpliHŌM, I help buyers and sellers navigate The Lakes’ unique opportunities, from lakefront estates to lock-and-leave condos, and everything in between.

    Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, use this guide to understand the lifestyle, housing options, HOA nuances, and market dynamics that make The Lakes a standout choice in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Where The Lakes Is—and Why People Love It

    The Lakes sits just east of Summerlin, generally bordered by W Sahara Avenue to the north, W Desert Inn Road to the south, S Durango Drive to the east, and S Hualapai Way to the west. It’s one of Las Vegas’ original west-side master-planned areas, known for:

    • Tranquil water features: Several shimmering lakes and canals create a peaceful backdrop rarely found in the desert.
    • Mature landscaping: Tree-lined streets and established greenbelts are a welcome contrast to newer, more xeriscaped developments.
    • Convenience: Everyday needs are just minutes away—grocers, fitness studios, cafes, pharmacies, and services along Sahara, Desert Inn, and Durango.
    • Quick connections: Reach the 215 Beltway in about 10 minutes, Downtown Summerlin in roughly 10–15 minutes, the Strip in 15–20 minutes, Red Rock Canyon in ~20–25 minutes, and Harry Reid International Airport in about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.
    • Nearby recreation: Desert Breeze Park (one of the area’s largest) is right down the road with fields, skate areas, dog runs, and community programs. Golfers appreciate proximity to Canyon Gate Country Club and Spanish Trail Country Club, while hikers and cyclists love the short drive to Red Rock Canyon’s trails and scenic loop.

    The Lakes offers the best of both worlds: a quieter, established residential feel with quick city access. That balance is a big reason homes for sale in The Lakes Las Vegas often draw strong interest.

    Home Types, Styles, and Price Ranges

    Housing in The Lakes was primarily built in the late 1980s and 1990s, which means you’ll encounter a range of architectural styles and renovation levels. Typical options include:

    • Single-family homes: One- and two-story properties from roughly 1,500 to 3,500+ square feet. Many feature tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and backyards with pools. Renovations vary—some are turnkey, others offer equity-building potential with cosmetic updates.
    • Waterfront estates: Custom and semi-custom homes lining the lake with expansive patios, broad sliders, and private docks in select sub-associations. These properties are the crown jewels of The Lakes and tend to be tightly held.
    • Townhomes and patio homes: Ideal for low-maintenance living, often in gated enclaves with community pools and lush landscaping.
    • Condos: A smart option for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors seeking a lower entry price and easy upkeep.

    Pricing will vary with market conditions, waterfront status, size, and renovation level. As a general orientation: - Condos and townhomes often range from the mid-$200,000s to the $400,000s+. - Non-waterfront single-family homes commonly list from the mid-$400,000s to the $800,000s+ depending on size and updates. - Waterfront and custom properties can range from the high hundreds to well into the seven figures, with premium listings exceeding $1 million.

    Because inventory in The Lakes can be limited—and waterfront homes especially scarce—pricing and availability change quickly. If you’re monitoring homes for sale in The Lakes Las Vegas, it pays to be pre-approved and ready to act.

    HOA, Lake Access, and What to Know Before You Buy

    Most homes in The Lakes are part of a master association plus a sub-association for your specific neighborhood. Key points to consider:

    • Monthly dues: Expect a master HOA plus a potential sub-HOA. Combined fees can range widely depending on property type—often modest for single-family interior lots and higher for waterfront, gated, or condo communities due to additional maintenance and amenities.
    • Lake privileges: Rules about private docks, fishing, and non-motorized watercraft (such as paddle boats or kayaks) vary by sub-association. If lake access is important, we’ll confirm community-specific guidelines and any associated fees during due diligence.
    • Exterior rules: Architectural guidelines typically govern paint colors, landscaping, fencing, and exterior changes. We’ll request the latest covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) early in your escrow.
    • Short-term rentals: Many HOAs in The Lakes do not permit short-term rentals. If you’re investing, we’ll verify minimum lease length and tenant policies so your plan aligns with community rules.

    These details can materially affect both your lifestyle and total ownership cost. My role is to gather the documents early, interpret them clearly, and ensure your offer reflects any HOA-related considerations.

    Everyday Life: Shopping, Dining, Parks, and Healthcare

    Living in The Lakes means you’re never far from what you need:

    • Shopping and dining: Grocers, coffee shops, casual dining, and services cluster along Sahara, Desert Inn, and Durango. Upscale restaurants, national retailers, and entertainment can be found at Downtown Summerlin, Boca Park, and Tivoli Village within a 10–15 minute drive.
    • Outdoor spaces: Desert Breeze Park’s sports fields, playgrounds, dog areas, and community center anchor the local recreation scene. Lakeside walking paths and greenbelts within many sub-communities invite morning jogs or sunset strolls.
    • Fitness and wellness: Local gyms, yoga and pilates studios, and boutique fitness options are minutes away. Medical clinics and pharmacies are nearby, with Summerlin Hospital Medical Center a short drive to the northwest.
    • Golf and country clubs: Nearby private clubs like Canyon Gate and Spanish Trail offer golf, tennis, social calendars, and dining—popular with Lakes residents seeking an active lifestyle.

    In short, you’ll spend less time driving across town and more time enjoying where you live.

    Schools and Commute Considerations

    The Lakes is served by the Clark County School District, with zoning that can shift from year to year. Nearby public options typically include local elementary, middle, and high schools within a short drive, plus charter and private schools across the west valley. If school choice is a priority, I’ll help you verify current zoning for any property you love and review commute time to your preferred campus.

    Commuters appreciate: - Rapid access to the 215 Beltway via Sahara or Desert Inn. - Multiple east-west corridors (Sahara, Desert Inn, Flamingo, Spring Mountain) to reach the Strip or I-15. - Straightforward routes to Downtown Summerlin, the Medical District, and major employment corridors.

    The Market Pulse: What Buyers and Sellers Should Expect

    In The Lakes, well-priced homes—especially updated properties and those near or on the water—tend to move quickly. Expect:

    • Lower inventory: The community is built out, so new listings depend on resales. Scarcity often supports values, particularly for waterfront homes.
    • Condition matters: Updated kitchens and baths, newer roofs and HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows and doors can command a premium.
    • Timing is key: Seasonality and interest rates affect demand. Strategic pricing and presentation make a noticeable difference in days on market.

    As your simpliHŌM advisor, I analyze hyper-local comps, preview competing listings, and time your strategy around current demand—whether you’re buying or selling.

    How Keli James and simpliHŌM Elevate Your Experience

    Every offer, negotiation, and escrow in The Lakes benefits from local nuance. Here’s how I help:

    For buyers - On- and off-market opportunities: I network with fellow agents and homeowners to surface quiet opportunities, vital in a low-inventory pocket like The Lakes. - HOA and lake due diligence: From CC&Rs to dock rules, I clarify lake privileges, pet policies, parking rules, and lease restrictions. - Property condition insights: Many homes date to the late 80s/90s. I flag big-ticket items like roofs, plumbing updates, pool equipment, and HVAC age so your offer reflects true costs. - Negotiation and protections: I structure contingencies and credits around inspections, appraisals, and HOA reviews to protect your interests.

    For sellers - Pricing precision: I pair recent sales with buyer trend data to position your home competitively without leaving money on the table. - Marketing that moves buyers: Story-driven listing copy, targeted digital exposure, and high-impact visuals (photos, video, floor plans) showcase what makes your property and The Lakes lifestyle special. - Preparation plan: I advise on repairs and staging that deliver the best ROI in this neighborhood—often small updates yield outsized returns. - Seamless execution: With simpliHŌM’s streamlined systems, showings, feedback, negotiations, and escrow are handled proactively and professionally.

    Smart Steps for Buying in The Lakes

    If you’re ready to pursue homes for sale in The Lakes Las Vegas, here’s a practical roadmap:

    1) Get pre-approved - A strong pre-approval clarifies your budget and strengthens your offer in a competitive neighborhood. We’ll pair your pre-approval with a search strategy that targets the right sub-communities.

    2) Define must-haves vs. nice-to-haves - Waterfront vs. interior lot; one- vs. two-story; pool; garage count; renovation level; HOA rules that fit your lifestyle.

    3) Tour strategically - We’ll focus on homes that truly align with your criteria so you don’t miss a great fit. When the right home surfaces, speed matters.

    4) Offer with confidence - I’ll analyze comps, days on market, and seller motivation to craft an offer that protects you yet remains compelling.

    5) Thorough due diligence - Inspections (general, roof, pool), HOA documents, lake-use confirmations, insurance quotes, and utility estimates ensure you know exactly what you’re buying.

    6) Close and enjoy - I coordinate with lenders, title, and HOA contacts to keep your closing on schedule—and I stay a resource well beyond the keys.

    Tips for Maximizing Value as a Seller

    If you’re considering selling in The Lakes, targeted preparation pays off:

    • Elevate curb appeal: Fresh paint accents, trimmed trees, clean stucco, and updated lighting make a strong first impression—especially around the front entry and lakeside patio, if applicable.
    • Modernize touchpoints: Replacing dated fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware can transform spaces without a full remodel.
    • Service mechanicals: Clean the pool, tune HVAC, and address any minor roof or stucco repairs ahead of listing to avoid inspection surprises.
    • Stage for lifestyle: Highlight what makes The Lakes special—stage patios for sunset dining, open blinds to frame water views, and add soft landscaping to reinforce the tranquil setting.
    • Price with purpose: I’ll recommend a strategy that captures full market value while avoiding the “stale listing” trap.

    Frequently Asked Questions About The Lakes

    • Are short-term rentals allowed? Most HOAs in The Lakes restrict short-term rentals. Minimum lease terms vary by sub-association. We’ll verify the exact rules for any property you’re considering.

    • Can I have a dock or use a paddle boat? Some sub-communities permit private docks and approved, non-motorized watercraft for waterfront homeowners. Regulations vary and may include registration or additional fees. We’ll confirm specifics in HOA documents.

    • What are typical HOA fees? Expect a master HOA plus a neighborhood sub-HOA. Condos and gated/waterfront communities generally have higher dues to cover amenities and lake maintenance. We’ll review exact amounts for each listing and factor them into your budget.

    • How old are most homes? Many residences date to the late 1980s and 1990s. Renovations differ widely: some homes are fully modernized, others present value-add opportunities. Inspections are essential to assess roof age, pool systems, windows, and HVAC.

    • How competitive is the market? Waterfront homes and well-updated properties can see multiple offers due to limited supply. Pre-approval and quick, decisive tours make a difference.

    • What about property taxes and insurance? Nevada property taxes are generally competitive compared to many states, and there’s no state income tax. Actual taxes and insurance premiums vary by property characteristics and assessed value. I’ll connect you with current estimates for any home you’re considering.

    Your Next Move Starts Here

    From peaceful morning walks along the water to quick outings at Downtown Summerlin and easy drives to Red Rock, The Lakes offers a lifestyle that feels both relaxing and connected. If you’re exploring homes for sale in The Lakes Las Vegas, partnering with a local advisor who understands HOA rules, lake privileges, and market nuances will save you time and set you up for success.

    I’m Keli James with simpliHŌM. Whether you’re buying your first Las Vegas home, moving up to a waterfront property, or preparing to sell, I’ll deliver clear guidance, proactive communication, and a strategy tailored to your goals. Ready to tour, value your home, or get a custom list of available properties in The Lakes? Reach out today, and let’s make your next move seamless.

    • waterfront homes
    • local amenities
    • expert realtor
    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be up-to-date or completely accurate. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified real estate expert before making any property decisions. We are not liable for any reliance on this information.

    Related Articles

    Keep reading other bits of knowledge from our team.

      Request Info

      Have a question about this article or want to learn more?