Summerlin rests on higher ground

It’s a fact. During the hot Las Vegas summers the higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures. And Summerlin has some of the highest elevations in the valley.

According to Jim Harrison, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Las Vegas, on average, the temperature difference is about 3 degrees Fahrenheit lower per 1,000 feet in elevation year-round.

“But during the warmer months, April through September, it’s more like a 5 degree temperature decrease per 1,000 feet gained in elevation,” he said. So generally speaking, it’s always cooler when you go up.”

Developing along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, the master-planned community of Summerlin is, on average, 3,500 feet above sea level, with a maximum elevation of 4,400 feet above sea level near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. In comparison, the Las Vegas Strip is about 2,000 feet above sea level and Henderson is generally 1,900 to 2,000 feet above sea level.

Even Henderson’s higher elevations in the McDonald Highlands and Anthem neighborhoods average 2,400 and 2,800 feet above sea level, respectively. That means it’s cooler in Summerlin year-round, a benefit not lost on Summerlin residents who especially appreciate the community’s cooler summer temperatures, both day and night.

“In general, people who live in Summerlin will feel a distinct difference in the temperature compared to other parts of the valley,” said Julie Cleaver, vice president of planning and design for Summerlin.

She said cooler Summerlin temperatures make it more inviting for residents to enjoy more than 150 miles of walking, jogging and cycling trails that connect the community’s 19 villages.

In addition to outdoor recreational amenities, many new homes in The Mesa and The Paseos villages include architectural elements that encourage people to step outside and enjoy their immediate surroundings with features such as front porches, covered patios and courtyards.

Rooftop decks are featured in The Mesa’s Amado Pointe by Ryland Homes that offer four floor plans priced from the high $200,000s and range from 2,175 to 2,389 square feet. These decks provide unobstructed views of the Las Vegas Valley.

“The advantages of higher elevation include cooler temperatures,” Cleaver said, “but also amazing views of the valley.”

Visit www.summerlin.com for additional information on Summerlin’s new homes and amenities or download the free new home finder app by searching “Summerlin” in your smartphone app store.