Summerlin residents say they are thankful for community

Thanksgiving is a time for thankful reflection, and for Summerlin residents who are proud of their community, the season is especially meaningful. Nearly 100,000 valley residents currently live in Summerlin, and here is a small sampling of their seasonal sentiments.

Kam and Katherine Brian moved to Summerlin after looking at the valley's crime rates.

"As a former prosecutor in the district attorney's office, I was acutely aware of criminal activity in neighborhoods throughout the Las Vegas Valley," said Kam Brian. "And like most other husbands and fathers, I wanted my family to live in a safe place. We intentionally moved to Summerlin 10 years ago and have been very happy here."

Quality educational offerings were a key priority for the seven-member Stagg family.

"With five kids, we needed to be close to good schools," Jolynn Stagg said. "Summerlin has more schools -- private and public -- than any other community in Southern Nevada, so we knew we would have plenty of options and opportunities for our family."

Dave and Skye Alleman wanted an active lifestyle for their young family. "We love spending time outdoors as a family," Dave Alleman said. "Being surrounded by parks, trails and various recreational offerings is a big draw for us."

Dave Alleman is a coach and board member on the Summerlin South Little League, and his three sons play on the league.

Skye Alleman is frequently spotted walking on the trails in the community while pushing their young daughter in a stroller.

According to Kevin Orrock, executive vice president of master-planned communities for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, homebuyers are attracted to Summerlin for many reasons. "Whatever the reason, we're grateful so many Southern Nevadan's chose to live in Summerlin," he said. "The community is unlike any other in Las Vegas because of its residents. They are the fabric of the community, and we wish all Summerlin residents a healthy and safe Thanksgiving."

Summerlin began to take shape in 1990 and has ranked in the country's top 10 best-selling master-planned communities for nearly two decades.

Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with about 7,500 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth within the master plan. The community is currently home to nearly 100,000 residents.

Amenities include more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin Trail System, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, nine golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks and more than three dozen actively selling floor plans.

For more information, visit summerlin.com or facebook.com/summerlinlv.