New Yorkers pick Mountain Falls

New Yorkers Ralph and Cristeta Franco considered living in many golf-course communities across the country for their retirement. They finally found the neighborhood to suit them at the 1,050-acre Mountain Falls master-planned golf-course community in Pahrump.

Ralph Franco cited community amenities, specifically an 18-hole golf course located six minutes walking distance from his home, as a deciding factor for moving from their longtime brownstone home in Brooklyn to the single-story Bella Sera neighborhood by William Lyon Homes, one of nine actively selling Mountain Falls neighborhoods.

"After narrowing it down to Nevada, we looked at many home builders and about a dozen golf-course communities in and outside of Las Vegas. We like Pahrump and think that Mountain Falls has a great golf course. And, I think the quality of my William Lyon home can compete with any builder," he said.

"If you consider the size and all of the features of our home, living in a golf-course community, and that our discounted golf membership allows for me to play golf every day, this is a great buy. We can enjoy a great lifestyle without needing to have deep pockets."

Annual, six-month, three-month and monthly golf club memberships are offered to residents at a discounted rate, which include unlimited golf cart and greens fees. Memberships to nonresidents and daily greens fees are also available.

The Francos, like all Mountain Falls residents, have access to an exclusive resident facility that offers a fitness center, a lounge with a pool table, and multipurpose room. Adjacent is an outdoor aquatic center which features a 25-yard lap pool and a spa for adults, plus a free-form family pool and an interactive splash pad for youth.

The Mountain Falls Grill Room, which is open to the public, is also onsite.

The Francos, who have been married for 40 years and have three children and four grandchildren, selected the single-story Plan One at Bella Sera.

They expanded the standard 2,495-square-foot design to include a fourth bedroom and an additional bath in lieu of a tandem garage, and opted for a den instead of the standard third bedroom design.

They further customized their home with a wet bar near the great room, as well as upgraded flooring and counter tops.

Their home site, which measures about 9,000 square feet, offers views of Mount Charleston from their back yard.

Finishing touches are being placed on a swimming pool with waterfall and a barbecue center is planned under a gazebo, allowing ample space to entertain.

Two additional single-story floor plans are available at Bella Sera, measuring from 2,635 to 2,897 square feet and priced from the $300,000s.

The community offers eight additional active neighborhoods.

William Lyon is also developing Entrata, Cascata, Cascata Ancora and Tramonto, where homes measure from 1,157 to 2,445 square feet. Prices start in the high $100,000s.

Celebrate Homes offers six single-story floor plans ranging from 1,609 to 2,513 square feet in its Villa Serena and Villagio neighborhoods.

Prices start in the low $200,000s.

Desert Wind Homes offers Tivoli, a single-story neighborhood with homes measuring from 1,938 to 2,097 square feet and prices starting from the $200,000s.

Classic Homes' Paradiso features five single- and two-story floor plans ranging from 2,850 to 4,300 square feet and priced from the high $400,000s.

To visit from Las Vegas, travel 45 miles west on State Route 160 (Blue Diamond Road) past Interstate 15. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road. Proceed to Hafen Ranch and turn right.

Sales offices are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday, when model homes open at noon.

For more information, visit mountainfalls.com or call 866-468-3255.