The Lakes
Mature trees, real lakes, and a central location — one of Las Vegas's most beloved established communities.
About the Community
The Lakes is a master-planned community in the western Las Vegas valley, developed in the 1980s around a series of man-made lakes and canals. It's one of the most established and beloved communities in the valley — and one of the few places in Las Vegas where you'll find mature trees, waterfront homes, and a genuine sense of history. The community has aged gracefully, and its central location makes it one of the most convenient addresses in the metro area.
Real Lakes & Canals
The community is built around actual lakes and canals — a rarity in the desert. Waterfront homes offer views and a lifestyle you can't find in newer developments.
Mature Landscaping
Decades of growth mean The Lakes has the mature trees and established landscaping that newer communities simply can't replicate.
Central Location
Positioned in the western valley with easy access to the 215, US-95, and I-15 — one of the most centrally located communities in the metro area.
Established Character
Homes built in the 1980s–2000s with larger lots and more architectural variety than newer master-planned developments.
Active Community
A well-established HOA, community events, and long-term residents who know their neighbors create a genuine neighborhood feel.
Value Relative to Location
The Lakes offers strong value for its central location — comparable homes in Summerlin or Henderson often cost significantly more.
"The Lakes is one of my favorite communities in the valley for people who want character, convenience, and value. The mature landscaping and waterfront homes are genuinely special — you can't manufacture 40 years of tree growth. The trade-off is older housing stock that needs attention. But for buyers who are willing to invest in updates, The Lakes offers some of the best value in a central Las Vegas location."
Thinking About The Lakes?
Get an honest, no-pressure conversation about whether this community fits your life and budget.
Schedule a Free ConsultationExplore Other Communities
Housing & Price Points
The Lakes offers a range of housing from condos and townhomes in the $300s to waterfront single-family homes approaching $900K. The majority of the market is single-family homes in the $400K–$650K range — generally larger lots and more square footage than you'd get at comparable price points in newer communities.
The housing stock is older — mostly 1980s through early 2000s construction — which means buyers should budget for updates and maintenance. But the bones are solid, the lots are generous, and the established landscaping adds genuine value that newer construction can't match.
Waterfront homes command a significant premium and are highly sought after. When they come on the market, they tend to move quickly.
Location & Commute
The Lakes is one of the best-located communities in Las Vegas for commuters. Positioned in the western valley near the intersection of the 215 beltway and US-95, it offers reasonable access to virtually every part of the metro area.
The Strip is about 15 minutes east. Summerlin is 10 minutes west. Henderson is 25 minutes southeast. The airport is 20 minutes south. For people who need to get to multiple parts of the valley regularly, The Lakes is hard to beat on pure location.
The Water Feature
The lakes and canals that give the community its name are genuine amenities — not decorative ponds. Residents fish in them, kayak on them, and enjoy them as a daily part of life. The walking paths around the lakes are popular with residents of all ages.
Waterfront living in the desert is genuinely special. The psychological effect of water in an arid environment is real — it makes the community feel cooler, calmer, and more livable than the surrounding desert landscape.
Things to Consider
The Lakes is an established community, which means the housing stock is older. Buyers should expect to invest in updates — kitchens, bathrooms, and systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) that are approaching the end of their useful life. A thorough inspection is essential.
The HOA is active and maintains the community well, but fees and rules apply. The community is also more densely developed than newer master-planned communities — lots are closer together, and the overall feel is more urban than suburban.
Ready to Explore The Lakes?
Let's Find Out If It's the Right Fit
I've worked with families across every neighborhood in this guide. A 30-minute conversation can save you months of searching in the wrong direction.