While many tourists still think of Las Vegas as a transient party city where the singular industry is gaming and hospitality, locals know this town is a dynamic place to live. Not only are there outdoor activities like those at Red Rock and Mount Charleston, but the hotels both on and off The Strip are top-notch. Although Las Vegas has been known as an affordable city great for first-time homebuyers, it’s also a place where the luxury real estate market is booming. Like Palm Springs, which is known for its hot springs, luxury hotels, spas, and golf courses, Las Vegas is a desert town with a cool vibe that suits both luxury buyers and outdoor adventurers. But is it really the next Palm Springs of the West Coast?

A recent article for KTNV suggested this might be the case. Because of the high cost of real estate in California, an increasing number of homebuyers are drawn to Las Vegas, where real estate is high-end and slightly more affordable for top buyers. These days, luxury homes are getting nearly double the number of offers than they have in previous years. Real estate agents suspect it’s because the Las Vegas market offers that same desert-meets-luxury vibe that Palm Springs has. So what do they have in common, besides high summer heat and a similar landscape of rocky mountains, desert pines, and palm trees? 

Mid-Century Modern Neighborhoods

Arts District neighborhood of Las Vegas photo courtesy of Roman Eugeniusz

Like Palm Springs, Las Vegas has its very own mid-century modern historical neighborhoods. While only two neighborhoods are acknowledged by the City of Las Vegas, areas like John S. Park, Scotch 80s, and Beverly Green are the reason why the Nevada Preservation Foundation conducts regular tours of homes in the area. Just a half mile from The Strip, John S. Park is well-known for its tree-lined, curved streets. While architecture ranges from Period Revival to Ranch, Tudor homes have also staked a claim in the area.

Although Fremont East isn’t necessarily in the mid-century modern style of other historical neighborhoods near Downtown, it has the historic flavor that keeps tourists and locals coming back. It’s also a neighborhood known for its ties to pop culture, since elements of Fremont East have appeared in iconic films like “Viva Las Vegas” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” And, like Palm Springs, Las Vegas has its own Arts District that thrives because of its high concentration of galleries, shops, and eateries, making it one of the best places in town for leisure.

Luxury Amenities

Aerial view of Summerlin

Luxury neighborhoods and resort-style amenities make a master-planned community like Summerlin a great place for luxury buyers. At The Summit near Red Rock Canyon, residents have access to an 18-hole golf course, a lavish clubhouse, resort-style pools, a local market, full-service spa, and dining options exclusive to residents.

Plus, for homebuyers who aren’t interested in living in large homes, the city offers luxurious lofts in neighborhoods like Downtown and Henderson, giving buyers easy access to The Strip. These upscale lofts also feature modern finishes—like waterfall-edge kitchen islands, infinity pools, high-end appliances, and marble countertops—without requiring the extra space of a single-family home.

Great Spas

Green Valley Ranch Resort's pool photo courtesy of SarekOfVulcan

Although MGM and Caesars properties are known for their prestigous spas, neighborhoods like Green Valley Ranch and MacDonald Ranch also offer these services. Green Valley Ranch—known for its shopping, parks, libraries, and coffee shops—has spa services at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Just past The District, a shopping and dining mecca known for its European-inspired facades and hard-to-get condominium spaces, is the spa. Although the resort has views of The Strip, the subtle remove from the fast pace of city life gives customers a soothing experience in an immersive environment.