Retirees move to Mountain Falls home

When longtime Chicagoans Joyce and Al Wano visited family at Mountain Falls last summer, they arrived as house guests and left as home buyers.

It took the couple only one day to find their home lifestyle within William Lyon Homes' master-planned golf course community, Mountain Falls, located in Pahrump, which is 45 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.

"We were at Mountain Falls less than 24 hours when we contracted to have a home built," Al Wano said.

The couple was staying with Joyce's sister and brother-in-law Edna and Frank Kozik, who had previously purchased a home at Mountain Falls.

"We woke up bright and early the first morning of our stay, walked over to the model homes and decided on our favorite. It was that simple," Al Wano said.

The couple purchased the 1,970-square-foot floor plan in William Lyon Homes' single-story community of Tramonto at Mountain Falls.

It offers a great room, three bedrooms, two or three baths and a three-car garage. A den option is available.

In addition to the home builder's Cascata Ancora and Bella Sera, Tramonto is one of three neighborhoods selling within the master-planned community.

Home buyers can choose from 11 floor plans, ranging from 1,429 to 2,897 square feet, priced from the low $200,000s. Classic Homes, Celebrate Homes and Desert Wind Homes will debut communities shortly.

The Wanos started exploring their relocation options long before visiting Mountain Falls.

For Al Wano, who spent his career in downtown Chicago, escaping congestion was a top priority.

"I hated getting in my car and being frustrated. The Chicago area is just town upon town and nonstop traffic," he said. "I found my peace and quiet at Mountain Falls."

"My sister and brother-in-law kept encouraging us to check out Mountain Falls. Our house in Illinois was too big for us, we didn't use the space and it was time to downsize," Joyce Wano said.

Married 43 years, it's the first time the Wanos have family members within 100 miles of their home.

"Now we have a home that works well for us and family just a few blocks away. It's really neat to be so close to my sister," Joyce Wano said.

In addition to spending time with their family members turned neighbors, the Wanos take advantage of the amenities at Mountain Falls.

"We just bought bikes and enjoy riding around Mountain Falls to soak in the nice weather," Joyce Wano said.

Al Wano plays golf weekly at Mountain Falls Golf Club, the 18-hole parkland course that anchors the community.

"We love being surrounded by the beautiful golf course and mountainous setting. We're used to looking at flat land, so it's really breathtaking to see Mt. Charleston from our front yard," Joyce Wano said.

Residents of Mountain Falls have access to a community resident facility overlooking the golf course and surrounding mountains.

It houses a complete fitness center, locker rooms, resident lounge with a pool table and multi-purpose room where fitness classes are offered for a nominal fee. Outdoor highlights include a family pool, adult pool, spa and interactive water-play area.

The Mountain Falls Grill Room, located adjacent to the resident facility, is open to golfers, residents and the public. A Sunday brunch buffet is now offered. Banquet facilities can accommodate up to 300 guests for special events.

Mountain Falls is planned to include dozens of neighborhood mini parks and a 4-mile walking trail. Homeowner association fees are established at less than $50 per month.

To visit from Las Vegas, travel about 45 miles west on Highway 160 (Blue Diamond Road) past Interstate 15. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road. Proceed to Hafen Ranch and turn right, then left on Lakeview. Follow the signs to the Mountain Falls Information Center.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, please visit mountainfalls.com or call 866-468-3255.