New York Times features Summerlin

Summerlin was the subject of a front-page Escape section story in the Feb. 29 edition of The New York Times. In an article entitled, "Leaving Las Vegas for the Suburbs," written by Matt Villano, Summerlin is singled out as a place that's "a comfortable distance from the hubbub of Las Vegas, without keeping it too far out of reach."

According to Villano, Summerlin is "a booming community" that is retaining its appeal in a sagging real estate market particularly for those seeking second or retirement homes. Villano cited Summerlin's abundant amenities like restaurants, schools, shopping centers and parks, as well its proximity to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area as reasons for its popularity.

Villano wrote: "Summerlin has endless options for outdoor recreation; the area is home to more than 100 parks, nearly 150 miles of manicured trails and nine golf courses...add to these hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding available at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area....even the most committed couch potatoes can't stay slothful for long."

Villano's article quoted part-time Aspen, Colo. resident Howard Cohen, who purchased a home in Summerlin: "The area is new, exciting, convenient and has all the comforts of home."

The reporter also cited the community's proximity to shopping via "high-end boutiques (like) Talulah G, Pink and Von Dutch," as well as "top dining options" and "chic wine bars" as factors in the community's appeal to primary-home and secondary-home residents.

"Many residents live in tract-house neighborhoods...with European roundabouts, walking paths and easy access to a new (Interstate) 215 beltway," wrote Villano. "A handful of neighborhoods...are gated -- a feature that has appealed to second-home owners concerned about securing their investments between visits," he continues.

The article quoted JoAnne Federico, an agent with Prudential Americana Group in Las Vegas: "For these people, knowing that their homes will be safe and looked after if they don't get back to Summerlin for a month or two offers great peace of mind."

Tom Warden, vice president of community and government relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, said: "The article is a testament to the community's broad and sustained appeal -- more than 18 years after development first began."

According to Warden, the nation is taking note of what locals have known for years - that Summerlin is a great place to live for singles, families, couples and retirees.

"Thanks to a location second to none and a long list of amenities that create the best lifestyle in Southern Nevada, there's something here for everyone," Warden said.

Jeremy Aguerro, principal analyst at Applied Analysis, was quoted in the article: "Summerlin offers many different things to many different people."

The master-planned community began to take shape in 1990 and is located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley.

It encompasses 22,500 acres with about 9,000 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth, including the community's urban core of Summerlin Centre.

The community is home to more than 95,000 residents. Amenities include nine golf courses, a dozen houses of worship, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks, 22 public and private schools and more than 100 actively selling floor plans.

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the mid-$200,000s to more than $2 million. Custom home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s.

Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $900s.

For more information, call 888-898-5015 or visit summerlin.com.