Former Maryland residents find their place in the sun at Springdale

When William and Annie Simms were ready to relocate to Southern Nevada, the former Maryland residents were already familiar with the area, as their son, his wife and their 6-year-old granddaughter were already living here.

"We had been visiting over the years, and had watched the area grow. Then, when we were ready to move here permanently, we leased a condominium for about a year, in order to take our time and find the right home," said William Simms, a retiree who served with the Diplomatic Security Services for the U.S. Department of State.

The Simms looked at both new and resale homes and neighborhoods, primarily in the northwest and southwest areas of the valley. Their search took them through dozens of communities but ultimately, they found the combination of design and living environment they wanted at Aliante, a master-planned community in North Las Vegas, a few miles from where their son lives in the northern valley.

The Simms couple purchased a single-story, 2,512-square-foot Springdale Plan Two, which offers three to five bedrooms and 21/2 to three baths. Their former home in Maryland, which they still own, is located in a country club development. They said they wanted to find a desirable and convenient location in Southern Nevada.

"Our first priority was to find the right home," Simms said. "We have some friends here who own a Pardee home and based on their strong recommendation, we were sure to include Pardee on our list of prospective builders. When we arrived at Aliante, we went to Pardee's Springdale neighborhood; walked through the models; talked to the sales agent; and knew our search was over. Not only did we love the home we found, but the location was perfect for us."

Upon purchasing their new home, the Simms came to discover how much Aliante offers for people of all ages.

"It's a nice, quiet community, with convenient retail shopping, eateries, schools, parks, a public library, the golf course and so many other recreational opportunities within a short distance of home," Simms said. "I especially enjoy taking my granddaughter to Nature Discovery Park -- she just loves it there. We also make use of the walking trails and other outdoor amenities. It's a very well-designed community.

The former government employee said he and his wife are happy they chose Aliante and Pardee Homes.

"Buying our home was a pleasant experience and we felt we got a great value for our money as well," Simms said. "Since moving in, we have gotten to meet many new neighbors -- all of whom are very nice people. We feel blessed to have found such a wonderful home and community."

Three builders are offering new homes in five Aliante neighborhoods.

The Fields at Aliante, by Astoria Homes, features a homes ranging from 1,654 to 3,374 square feet. Prices start in the low $300,000s. Zero closing costs and VA financing is available on selected homes, according to the builder.

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

Sun City Aliante, by Del Webb, is an age-qualified community offering single-story homes ranging from 1,155 to 2,105 square feet and priced from the mid-$200,000s.

Springdale, by Pardee Homes, offers one- and two-story homes ranging from 1,990 to 3,314 square feet, priced from the low $300,000s.

Autumn Ridge, by Pardee Homes, is a gated neighborhood that offers one- and two-story homes ranging from 2,695 to 4,025 square feet, priced from the mid-$400,000s.

Aliante is a development of North Valley Enterprises, LLC, an affiliate of American Nevada Co. and Pulte Homes.

Information about new homes can be obtained at the Aliante Information Gallery, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information can also be obtained at AlianteHomes.com or by calling 866-787-2951.