Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Sahara open to the public?
No, Lake Sahara is a private 30-acre man-made lake exclusive to the residents of The Lakes. Homeowners and their guests can enjoy private boating, catch-and-release fishing, and waterfront views that are not accessible to the general public.
What types of boating are allowed at The Lakes?
To maintain the tranquility and water quality of the community, only electric-powered boats, sailboats, and paddle-driven watercraft (like kayaks and canoes) are permitted on Lake Sahara. Gas-powered engines are strictly prohibited.
Where is The Lakes located in relation to the Las Vegas Strip?
The Lakes is conveniently located in the western part of the Las Vegas Valley, approximately 15-20 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip. It sits just east of the Summerlin master-planned community, providing easy access to Downtown Summerlin and Red Rock Canyon.
Community Details
| Elementary School: | John Vanderburg Elementary School | HOA: | No |
| Middle School: | Neil C. Twitchell Middle School | Guard Gated: | No |
| High School: | Foothill High School | Golf Community: | No |
| Jurisdiction: | Clark County | Luxury: | No |
| Primary ZIP: | 89012 | Equestrian: | No |
| Median Price: | $525,000 | Large Lots: | No |
| Region: | southwest | Historic: | No |
| Master Plan: | The Lakes | Walk Score: | 52 |
Description
Desert Oasis: The Timeless Allure of The Lakes
In the mid-1980s, long before the master-planned giants of Summerlin and Henderson dominated the valley’s skyline, a visionary development emerged that defied the Mojave’s arid reputation. **The Lakes**, located in the 89117 ZIP code (often associated with the Spring Valley and Summerlin East corridor), remains one of the most distinctive and sought-after residential enclaves in Southern Nevada. While many modern developments lean into desert-contemporary aesthetics, The Lakes offers a lush, water-centric lifestyle centered around the 30-acre man-made **Lake Sahara**.
Geography and the Vision of Lake Sahara
The Lakes is an approximately two-square-mile master-planned community situated in unincorporated Clark County. It is bounded 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. Its location is strategically central: it sits roughly 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and a mere five minutes from the high-end shopping and dining of Downtown Summerlin.
Developed primarily by the **Collins Brothers (Dick and Jerry Collins)** starting in 1984, the community was designed to be an “oasis in the desert.” The centerpiece is Lake Sahara, a private, man-made lake with over 15 miles of shoreline. Unlike other valley neighborhoods that rely on xeriscaping, The Lakes features mature pines, weeping-willows, and expansive greenbelts that create a significantly cooler micro-climate and a tranquil, established atmosphere.
Architectural Diversity and Waterfront Estates
The housing product in The Lakes is remarkably diverse, ranging from luxury waterfront estates to cozy townhomes and condominiums. Because development spanned the mid-80s through the early 90s, the architectural styles are a mix of Mediterranean Revival, traditional ranch, and contemporary custom builds.
* **Custom Waterfront Homes:** Along streets like **Crystal Water Way** and **Lake East Drive**, you will find some of the valley’s most unique custom homes. Many of these properties feature private docks, allowing residents to park electric boats in their backyards.
* **Gated Enclaves:** The community features several prestigious sub-associations, most notably **Regency at The Lakes**, a guard-gated neighborhood known for its high-end security and sprawling lot sizes.
* **Production Builders:** While custom homes define the shoreline, builders like **Pulte** and **William Lyon** contributed to the surrounding subdivisions.
* **Stats:** Square footages range from 1,200-square-foot condos in **Northlight** or **Lakeside** to 10,000-square-foot custom mansions. HOA fees vary by subdivision but generally cover the maintenance of the lake, common areas, and 24-hour security patrols.
The Waterfront Lifestyle: Boating and Recreation
The defining characteristic of life in The Lakes is the water. Lake Sahara is strictly regulated to maintain its serenity; only electric-powered boats are permitted, ensuring that the community remains quiet and free from the noise of gas engines. Residents frequently spend evenings “cruising” to visit neighbors or heading to the **Lakes Town Center** for dinner.
The lake is stocked with bass and catfish, making it a premier (and private) fishing spot for homeowners. Beyond the water, the community is interconnected by a network of walking and jogging trails that weave through the various “villages.” For land-based recreation, the **Desert Breeze Park**—one of the largest regional parks in Clark County—is located just to the south, offering soccer fields, a skate park, and a community center.
Market Trends and Resident Profile
The Lakes has seen a significant resurgence in value as buyers look for “character” that new-build tract homes often lack. Original 1980s pricing for modest homes started in the low $100,000s; today, entry-level condos start in the $300,000s, while non-waterfront single-family homes typically range from $600,000 to $900,000. True waterfront estates now command anywhere from $1.5 million to over $4 million, depending on the frontage and renovations.
The community attracts a diverse demographic. It is a favorite for long-time Las Vegas professionals and “old money” families who value privacy and the absence of the “cookie-cutter” feel. In recent years, it has become a hotspot for California transplants seeking a lifestyle similar to Westlake Village or Newport Beach, but with the tax advantages of Nevada.
Education and Local Amenities
Residents of The Lakes are served by the **Clark County School District**, with zoning typically including:
* **Elementary:** Lucille S. Rogers Elementary or Herbert A. Derfelt Elementary.
* **Middle:** Victoria Fertitta Middle School.
* **High School:** Spring Valley High School.
* **Private Options:** The community is within a short drive of prestigious private institutions like **Faith Lutheran Middle & High School** and **The Alexander Dawson School**.
For dining and retail, the **Lakes Town Center** acts as the community hub, featuring the **Lakes Lounge** and local favorites with patio seating overlooking the water. A five-minute drive north on Durango leads to the **Tivoli Village** and **Boca Park** corridors, offering high-end retail like Whole Foods, Pottery Barn, and upscale dining such as Echo & Rig.
Why The Lakes Stands Apart
In a valley where “new” is often equated with “better,” The Lakes proves that thoughtful planning and natural (or man-made) beauty are timeless. It is the only community in the Las Vegas Valley that offers a true “dock-to-door” lifestyle in a centrally located, non-Summerlin-governed environment. For those who want the prestige of a waterfront address without the drive to Lake Las Vegas or the density of Summerlin, The Lakes remains the ultimate desert anomaly.
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