Newcomers select Carson Ranch II

The promise of less traffic and more square footage than their money could buy in Los Angeles prompted Raymundo and Esperanza Muro's Las Vegas home search. The California couple scoured Southern Nevada until they found a home that met their needs at William Lyon Homes' Carson Ranch II, an all-single-story gated community in the northern part of the valley.

Armed with a list that included everything from "single-story" to "formal living and dining rooms" to "near the mountains," the Muros said the 3,091-square-foot Plan Three satisfied all of their requirements.

"We were so tired from looking at houses and couldn't find anything we wanted. Then we visited Carson Ranch and were relieved," Raymundo Muro said. "We entered Plan Three and Esperanza said, 'This is it.'"

With a mountainous backdrop to its north, the couple's single-story residence includes three bedrooms, 31/2 baths and a three-car garage. Other highlights include an entry courtyard, family room and adjacent kitchen featuring an eating nook and island with extended countertop seating. The layout also includes formal living and dining rooms separated by a half wall.

"When family members visit, we don't want everyone gathered in the kitchen. We really like having a more formal dining and living space in addition to our family room. All of our furniture fits beautifully into our new home," Raymundo Muro said.

He said homes of similar size in Los Angeles cost nearly twice as much as homes selling at Carson Ranch II. And then, too, those California homes are surrounded by L.A.'s notorious traffic.

"We're so glad to leave that L.A. traffic behind," said Raymundo Muro, whose former 24-mile work commute could take up to two hours. "I couldn't take it anymore. Moving to Carson Ranch solved that problem."

Along with the Plan Three, Carson Ranch II offers homes measuring 2,527 and 2,692 square feet. The single-story layouts have up to four bedrooms and as many as 31/2 baths. Every home design includes a courtyard, three-car garage and country kitchen. Great-room and traditional layouts are available. Home buyers can opt for a den and super bedroom in lieu of multiple secondary bedrooms.

A fireplace in the family room or great room is included. Other interior appointments include recessed lighting and a kitchen island with countertop seating.

Every master bath features a separate shower stall, sit-down vanity and cultured marble countertops.

Water and energy savers include a programmable thermostat, soft-water loop and 50-gallon water heater with re-circulating pump. Homes also come with security prewiring and ceiling fan prewiring in select areas.

Home sites in the community's newest phase range from 10,000 to 16,000 square feet. Prices start in the low $400,000s.

Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday when they open at noon.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Ann Road. Proceed east on Ann to Jones Boulevard, turn left on Jones and left on Rome Boulevard, north of Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway.

For more information on Carson Ranch II residences, call 395-9009 or visit lyonhomes.com.