Frequently Asked Questions
What is the centerpiece of The Lakes community?
The centerpiece of The Lakes is Lake Sahara, a private 30-acre man-made lake. It is one of the few communities in the Las Vegas Valley where residents can enjoy waterfront living, private docks, and the use of small electric-powered boats and kayaks in a desert environment.
When was The Lakes master-planned community developed?
The Lakes was primarily developed in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. It was designed as a lush, water-focused alternative to the typical desert landscape, predating many of the newer master-planned communities like Summerlin, which it borders to the east.
Are there many gated neighborhoods within The Lakes?
Yes, while the main thoroughfares of The Lakes are public, many of the residential enclaves—especially those with direct lake frontage—are guard-gated or gated. This provides an extra layer of privacy and security for the community’s luxury estates and townhomes.
Community Details
| Elementary School: | Herbert A. Derfelt Elementary School | HOA: | No |
| Middle School: | Ralph Cadwallader Middle School | Guard Gated: | No |
| High School: | Arbor View High School | Golf Community: | No |
| Jurisdiction: | City of Las Vegas | Luxury: | No |
| Primary ZIP: | 89131 | Equestrian: | No |
| Median Price: | $585,000 | Large Lots: | No |
| Region: | north_las_vegas | Historic: | No |
| Master Plan: | The Lakes | Walk Score: | 48 |
Description
The Lakes: A Waterfront Masterpiece in the Heart of the West Valley (89117)
While the Las Vegas Valley is often defined by its sprawling Mojave landscapes, one community stands as a lush, blue anomaly. Though often confused with the high-desert growth of the Northwest (89131), the premier master-planned community known as **The Lakes** is the crown jewel of the **89117 ZIP code**. Situated just east of Summerlin and west of the quintessential Las Vegas Strip, The Lakes offers a lifestyle that feels more like a coastal retreat than a desert basin.
Geography and the Original Vision
Established in the mid-1980s, The Lakes was one of the first major master-planned communities in the valley, predating much of Summerlin. It is located in unincorporated Clark County, bounded roughly by **West Sahara Avenue** to the north, **South Durango Drive** to the east, **Desert Inn Road** to the south, and **Hualapai Way** to the west.
The community was the brainchild of the **Collins Brothers (Mirola Development)**, who envisioned a “desert oasis” centered around a massive water feature. The result was **Lake Sahara**, a private, 30-acre man-made lake with over two miles of shoreline. This ambitious project required innovative engineering to maintain water levels in the desert, utilizing a sophisticated circulation system that has kept the lake a vibrant centerpiece for four decades.
Housing Product and Architectural Diversity
Because construction began in **1984** and continued through
© Copyright 2026 Michael Pollastro & MyLasVegas. All rights reserved on all content contained herein.
