Air Force couple makes landing at Aliante

When former Washington D.C.-area residents Gary and Kari Barrett were preparing to relocate to Southern Nevada last summer, the couple wanted to find a home in a desirable location that would be near Nellis Air Force Base.

Kari Barrett, an Air Force major is stationed at the base, and Gary will begin a position in a civilian capacity at Nellis in mid-April.

Being newcomers to Southern Nevada, the Barretts engaged the services of local Realtor Ed Hellmuth, who familiarized them with the housing options available in the Las Vegas Valley. Their search took them through many new and resale homes in all areas of the valley. Ultimately, the Barretts said, they found exactly what they were looking for at Aliante, a master-planned community in North Las Vegas.

"After looking for about 10 days, we determined that Aliante best met our needs and wishes, in terms of the quality of housing, the design of the community and the short commute to Nellis Air Force Base," Gary Barrett said.

"Ed Hellmuth took us to look at the models in the various new neighborhoods and he also encouraged us to visit the Aliante Information Gallery to learn more about the amenities incorporated in the master plan. We went there and the people were just great," he said. "They showed us what was existing, what was under construction and what kind of development was planned for the future. Based on our own observations and what we learned at the Information Gallery, we fell in love with this community."

Kari Barrett said, "We like the concept of master-planned living and Aliante is a wonderful master plan. Here, we found a beautiful home and a great living environment as well. It's nice to be able to walk to the nearby shopping centers, the Aliante Library, Nature Discovery Park and other areas of interest in the community. We're also looking forward to the opening of Aliante Station, which will bring new entertainment and dining opportunities to the community."

The Barretts chose the single-story Plan Two design at Pardee Homes' Springdale neighborhood in Aliante. Their home features three bedrooms and 21/2 baths in 2,512 square feet.

"The Plan Two we found at Springdale was perfect for us," Gary Barrett said. "It was ready for move-in, very highly upgraded and located on a home site that overlooks the arroyo and offers a spectacular view of the Sheep Mountain range. We were particularly pleased with the way the floor plan design accommodated our furnishings and felt that the price of the home was an excellent value, considering its size, quality and location."

The couple said they were equally pleased with the services they received from the Pardee Homes sales and customer service staff.

"Our Pardee sales consultant Sharon Numrich did an exceptional job for us, every step of the way," Gary Barrett said. "Much of our transaction had to be handled from across the country and the people at Pardee made sure that every detail on their end was taken care of in a professional and timely manner.

"We're very pleased with our decision to buy a home in Aliante and, based on our experience, we would certainly recommend this community to others," he said.

Three home builders are offering new homes in five Aliante neighborhoods.

The Fields at Aliante, by Astoria Homes, features a selection of homes that range from 2,228 to 3,374 square feet. Prices start in the low $300,000s and zero closing costs and VA financing is available on selected homes.

Prominence, by Astoria Homes, is a gated neighborhood of two-story homes ranging from 2,830 to 4,449 square feet and priced from the upper $300,000s.

Sun City Aliante, by Del Webb, is an age-qualified community offering single-story homes that range from 1,155 to 1,716 square feet and priced from the mid-$200,000s.

Now in the final closeout phase, Springdale, by Pardee Homes, is a gated neighborhood of one- and two-story homes ranging from 1,990 to 3,289 square feet and priced from the upper $200,000s.

Autumn Ridge, by Pardee Homes, is a gated neighborhood that offers a selection of one- and two-story homes ranging from 2,695 to 4,025 square feet and priced from the high $300,000s.

Aliante is a development of North Valley Enterprises LLC, an affiliate of American Nevada Co. and Pulte Homes. Encompassing more than 1,900 acres the community is bordered roughly by Grand Teton Drive, Centennial Parkway, Decatur Boulevard and Clayton Street.

Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, intersects Aliante, providing easy access to Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 95.

About 428 acres in Aliante are designated for recreational and public purposes including the Aliante Golf Club, the 20-acre Nature Discovery Park, Deer Springs Park, Aviary Park, more than 24 miles of lighted concrete trails, linear parks and an arroyo.

Proposed plans for Aliante include two elementary schools and a middle school, all of which would be built by the Clark County School District. The community's first school, the Theron H. and Naomi D. Goynes Elementary School, opened in 2005.

A fire station opened in 2004 and the Aliante Library, located adjacent to the Nature Discovery Park, opened in 2006.

About 100 acres in Aliante are allocated for commercial development, including the Aliante Corporate Center office park. Ground was broken last year for the Aliante Station hotel and casino at the northeast corner of Aliante Parkway and Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway.

Information about new homes and neighborhoods in Aliante can be obtained at the Aliante Information Gallery, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Information also can be obtained at AlianteHomes.com or by calling 866-787-2951.