Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Highlands a guard-gated community?
Yes, Southern Highlands consists of several distinct neighborhoods, many of which are guard-gated. The most exclusive section, The Estates at Southern Highlands, features 24/7 security and custom luxury homes surrounding the private Southern Highlands Golf Club.
What are the primary amenities in Southern Highlands?
Residents enjoy seven sprawling parks, including the Olympia Sports Park and Goett Family Park, which offer splash pads, tennis courts, and soccer fields. The community also features miles of walking trails, the private Southern Highlands Golf Club, and convenient shopping at the Fire Station Plaza.
How long does it take to get to the Las Vegas Strip from Southern Highlands?
Southern Highlands is ideally situated at the southern end of the valley with direct access to the I-15 freeway. Under normal traffic conditions, residents can reach the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Community Details
| Elementary School: | Charles and Phyllis Frias Elementary School | HOA: | No |
| Middle School: | Lois and Jerry Tarkanian Middle School | Guard Gated: | Yes |
| High School: | Desert Oasis High School | Golf Community: | Yes |
| Jurisdiction: | Clark County | Luxury: | Yes |
| Primary ZIP: | 89144 | Equestrian: | No |
| Median Price: | $615,000 | Large Lots: | No |
| Region: | henderson | Historic: | No |
| Master Plan: | Southern Highlands | Walk Score: | 19 |
Description
Southern Highlands: Mediterranean Elegance at the Gateway to Las Vegas
Nestled in the foothills of the southern rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Southern Highlands is a premier master-planned community that serves as a lush, Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary. While often confused with other master plans due to its sprawling footprint, Southern Highlands is distinctively located in the **89141 ZIP code** (unincorporated Clark County). It occupies a strategic position west of the I-15 freeway, with its main entrance marked by the iconic stone monument and waterfall at Southern Highlands Parkway. Just 10 minutes from the M Resort and 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, it offers a sophisticated “commuter-friendly” luxury lifestyle for those who want proximity to the resort corridor without the urban density.
Developer Vision and Historic Roots
Founded by Garry Goett and the **Olympia Companies**, construction on Southern Highlands began in the late 1990s. The original vision was to create a community that felt fundamentally different from the desert landscape of the rest of the valley. Goett focused on a Tuscan and Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic, characterized by heavy stonework, terracotta roofs, and an abundance of mature pine trees and manicured parkways.
The community is split into two distinct areas: the northern “traditional” half, which features family-oriented neighborhoods and sprawling public parks, and the southern half, known as **The Estates at Southern Highlands**. The latter is one of the most prestigious guard-gated enclaves in Nevada, centered around the ultra-exclusive Southern Highlands Golf Club.
A Diverse Housing Product: From Entry-Level Luxury to Custom Mega-Mansions
Southern Highlands offers a wide spectrum of housing across its 2,300 acres. In the more accessible neighborhoods north of the golf course, you will find high-quality builds from **Lennar, Pulte, Woodside Homes, and KB Home**. These residences typically range from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet, often featuring courtyards and balcony views of the surrounding mountains.
However, the community is world-renowned for **The Estates**. This double-guard-gated section features custom-built masterpieces from legendary builders like **Blue Heron**, **Christopher Homes**, and **Toll Brothers**. Many of these lots exceed half an acre—a rarity in modern Las Vegas development—with home sizes often surpassing 10,000 square feet. Current market values in Southern Highlands range from the mid-$500,000s for entry-level single-family homes to over $15 million for trophy estates overlooking the fairway.
World-Class Amenities and the Golf Club Lifestyle
The crown jewel of the community is the **Southern Highlands Golf Club**, a private club featuring a course co-designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. It is one of only four such collaborations in the world. The 42,000-square-foot clubhouse is a masterwork of old-world architecture, offering fine dining and a highly coveted social calendar.
For the broader community, the lifestyle is anchored by an exceptional park system. **Goett Family Park** and **Inzalaco Park** are local favorites, featuring massive grass fields, splash pads, and dog parks. The community is also connected by miles of paved walking and biking trails that wind through the neighborhoods, offering stunning views of the city lights and the nearby desert peaks. Residents also have access to **Spa Southern Highlands**, a private fitness and relaxation retreat featuring lap pools, tennis courts, and a full-service spa.
Education and Local Conveniences
Families in Southern Highlands are served by the Clark County School District, specifically **Evelyn Stuckey Elementary**, **Jerry Tarkanian Middle School**, and **Desert Oasis High School**. The community is also a short drive from several prestigious private institutions, including Southern Nevada Christian Academy and the various campuses of Somerset Academy.
Retail and dining have flourished along the Southern Highlands Parkway corridor. The **Southern Highlands Marketplace** serves as the community’s commercial hub, anchored by a Smith’s Food & Drug. Locals frequent **Spaghetty Western** for authentic Italian fare, **Rise & Shine** for a high-end breakfast experience, and **Off the Strip** (the original location) for a sophisticated bistro atmosphere.
Why Southern Highlands Stands Out
The distinguishing feature of Southern Highlands is its “Old World” soul. While Summerlin offers a modern, desert-contemporary vibe, Southern Highlands leans into timeless European charm. Its location is also its greatest asset; because it is the southernmost major development in the valley, it is the first community encountered by those driving in from Southern California, making it a favorite for professionals who frequently travel between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Furthermore, its proximity to the Raiders’ headquarters and practice facility in Henderson (just 10 minutes east via St. Rose Parkway) and Allegiant Stadium (10 minutes north via I-15) has made it a preferred neighborhood for professional athletes and coaching staff, adding a layer of celebrity prestige to this quiet, refined corner of the valley.
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