Three miles south of Downtown Summerlin is an unexpected lake surrounded by homes and parks in The Lakes community. Developed in the early 1990s, Lake Sahara is a 10-mile-long artificial lake popular for fishing and boating.
The Lakes is a well-established and picturesque lakeside community developed by Pardee Homes in the 1980s and 90s. The community was designed to offer residents a unique desert living experience focusing on outdoor recreation.
Today, the Lakes remains a popular, well-established neighborhood with luxury lakeside homes, starter homes, townhomes, and condominiums.
This post is helpful for anyone considering a move to The Lakes or Las Vegas. It details the homes, amenities, and HOA costs while providing information about the surrounding area. By the end, you’ll know if The Lakes is a community worth exploring. And we’ll be happy to set up a home tour when ready.
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A guide to The Lakes
The Lakes is a highly desirable Las Vegas community because of its convenient central location, well-established retail and restaurant options, and unique artificial lake, Lake Sahara.
The community offers a range of housing options and outdoor recreation, making it a popular choice for residents of all ages.
Where is The Lakes located?
The Lakes is located in the western part of the Las Vegas Valley, bounded by Sahara Avenue to the north, Desert Inn Road to the south, Durango Drive to the east, and Hualapai Way to the west.
It’s just a 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, 15 minutes from McCarran International Airport, and 20 minutes from Downtown Las Vegas.
The Lakes commutes and drive-times
Living in The Lakes means quick access to several shopping centers and entertainment options, including Village Square and Bocca Park.
The community is a short drive to Summerlin, providing access to the communities parks and amenities, including Downtown Summerlin.
Residents of The Lakes can access the 215-beltway from Sahara or Fort Apache to Flamingo. Here are the expected drive times from The Lakes to key areas of the Las Vegas Valley:
- 8 miles to the Las Vegas Strip, a 20-minute drive
- 15 miles to Reid International Airport, a 19-minute drive
- 9 miles to Allegiant Stadium, a 22-minute drive
- 4 miles to Downtown Summerlin, a 10-minute drive
- 20 miles to The District at Green Valley Ranch, a 25-minute drive
- 6 miles to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a 13-minute drive
Lakeside Living
295 residences sit within the crescent-shaped Lake East Drive, bordered by Crystal Water Way. These seven Lakeside neighborhoods include:
- Laguna Bay Townhomes
- South Shore Villas
- Lakeview
- The Landing at The Lakes
- Northshore Estates
- Lakes Estates
- Beach View Estates
Prices in the lakeside neighborhoods range from multi-million dollar lakefront estates to lake-adjacent townhomes under $500,000.
Many of the estates feature private docks with privately owned no-wake cruising boats.
Real Estate in The Lakes
The Lakes offers a range of housing options, from luxury lakefront homes to more affordable single-family houses. With over 5,000 homes, the community features a mix of architectural styles, including Spanish-style villas, ranch-style homes, and contemporary designs.
The median sales price for single-family homes in The Lakes is $460,000 for 2,080 square feet, about 10% higher than the Las Vegas Valley’s median home price.
The Lakes amenities
Residents of The Lakes enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including:
- The artificial Lake Sahara offers boating, fishing, and other water activities.
- Numerous parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas, including Desert Breeze Park, which features a skate park, basketball courts, and a water play area.
- Walking and biking trails that wind throughout the community allow residents to enjoy the area’s beauty.
- Various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including the popular Boca Park shopping center.
The Lakes is conveniently located near several large shopping centers with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including:
- Boca Park: This popular shopping center features a variety of stores and restaurants, including Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and Cheesecake Factory.
- Tivoli Village: Located just a short drive from The Lakes, Tivoli Village is a high-end shopping and dining destination that features a variety of luxury boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.
- Village Square: Located just outside the community on Sahara and Fort Apache.
- Downtown Summerlin: This sprawling outdoor mall features a variety of high-end stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a movie theater, a bowling alley, and an outdoor ice rink.
The Lakes HOA Information
HOA costs in The Lakes range between subdivisions, with some townhome communities having three HOAs.
Master-planned fee: $33
Fee frequency: Monthly
To contact the HOA:
Community manager: The Lakes
Community manager phone: 702-222-2391
