The Lakes
Las Vegas
The Lakes is one of only two true lakefront master plans inside the Las Vegas valley, built around the 30-acre man-made Lake Sahara. Waterfront homes, private docks and mature greenbelts sit minutes west of the Strip.
Representative imagery: the home styles and setting typical of The Lakes; this is stock imagery, not a specific listing
The Lakes Overview
The Lakes is a waterfront master-planned community in west Las Vegas centered on the 30-acre man-made Lake Sahara. It is one of only two true lakefront master plans inside the valley, the other being Desert Shores.
The community spans roughly 1,000 to 1,300 acres with a home count often cited between about 3,500 and 4,000 to 5,500 dwellings. Housing ranges from townhomes, condos and tract homes to custom lakefront estates, some with private docks and restricted homeowner-only access to the water.
Smaller lakes are peppered throughout the neighborhoods, with mature greenbelts, parks and jogging and biking trails tying it together. For buyers who want water and a quiet, established setting on the west side, The Lakes is one of the valley's original destinations.
- One of two true lakefront master plans in the valley
- Centered on the 30-acre man-made Lake Sahara
- Roughly 1,000 to 1,300 acres
- Development began in the late 1980s under The Collins Brothers
- Townhomes, condos, tract homes and custom lakefront estates
- Restricted homeowner-only access to the water
Where Is The Lakes?
The Lakes sits in west Las Vegas in ZIPs 89117 and 89128, roughly five miles west of the Strip, bounded generally by Sahara Avenue on the north, Durango Drive on the east, Desert Inn Road on the south and Hualapai Way on the west.
The location keeps the Strip nearby while giving residents quick access to Rampart Boulevard, Downtown Summerlin and the west side's retail corridors.
- West Las Vegas, ZIPs 89117 and 89128
- Roughly five miles west of the Strip
- Near Sahara Avenue and Durango Drive
- Close to Rampart Boulevard retail
- Short drive to Summerlin and Red Rock Resort
Builders & Development
The Lakes was developed over more than a decade, which is why its housing stock spans eras, styles and price points. Waterfront lots and dock access carry the premium, and value depends heavily on lot, view and condition.
The Collins Brothers
The Collins Brothers led the development of The Lakes, with construction beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s and continuing into the early 2000s.
Varied housing stock
Townhomes, condos, tract homes and custom lakefront estates mean a wide price range and many ways to enter the community.
Homes & Characteristics
Housing in The Lakes ranges from townhomes and condominiums to tract homes and custom lakefront estates. The premier positions front Lake Sahara with private docks and water views, while interior streets wind through mature greenbelts and parks.
Because the community is established and was built over many years, comparables vary widely. My appraisal background is useful here: matching a home to the right comparables separates an accurate price from an asking price.
Schools & Education
The Lakes is in the Clark County School District. CCSD assigns by exact street address and rezones periodically, so the boundary schools for a specific address here should always be verified with the official CCSD zone lookup.
- Clark County School District zone lookup · the official address-based attendance boundary tool
- Helen Jydstrup Elementary · commonly cited for The Lakes
- Walter Johnson Junior High · often cited for this part of west Las Vegas
- Palo Verde High School · a common west-side anchor high school
Parks & Outdoor Living
Summerlin's trail system threads through the area, and the community parks below anchor daily outdoor life.
- Community greenbelts and trails · mature greenbelts, parks and jogging and biking paths thread through the neighborhoods
Golf Nearby
Golf is part of daily life across Summerlin. Public courses are open to anyone; private clubs are members-only and usually require a resident or member introduction.
- Angel Park Golf Club · a public 36-hole Arnold Palmer-designed club on Rampart Boulevard
- TPC Summerlin · a private tournament course in nearby Summerlin
Dining Nearby
A short drive puts you at Downtown Summerlin's open-air restaurant row, Rampart Boulevard, and Red Rock Resort. These are neighborhood favorites within a few minutes of most The Lakes homes.
- Downtown Summerlin · open-air dining minutes west
- Boca Park · restaurants and shopping on Rampart Boulevard
Shopping & Everyday Living
- Downtown Summerlin · 125+ stores and restaurants
- Boca Park · grocery, retail and dining
Recreation & Entertainment
- Lake Sahara access · restricted homeowner-only access for sailing and paddle craft
- Angel Park Golf Club · public golf and putting course nearby
Healthcare Nearby
- Summerlin Hospital Medical Center · full-service hospital on Town Center Drive
The The Lakes Lifestyle
Daily life in The Lakes is shaped by the mix below. No two Summerlin villages feel the same, and The Lakes's personality comes from its homes, its people and its location.
Lakefront living
Private docks and water views on Lake Sahara and neighboring lakes.
Established setting
Mature greenbelts, parks and tree-lined streets.
Convenient location
Minutes west of the Strip with Rampart retail adjacent.
Housing choice
Townhomes to custom estates across a wide price range.
Who The Lakes Is For
Waterfront and lake buyers
Buyers who want an established west-side address
Those who value parks and greenbelts
Owners who want the Strip close but not too close
The Lakes FAQ
Where is The Lakes in Las Vegas?
The Lakes sits in west Las Vegas in ZIPs 89117 and 89128, roughly five miles west of the Strip, bounded generally by Sahara Avenue on the north, Durango Drive on the east, Desert Inn Road on the south and Hualapai Way on the west.
Is there a real lake in The Lakes?
Yes. The community is centered on the 30-acre man-made Lake Sahara, with smaller lakes peppered throughout the neighborhoods and waterfront homes with private docks in places.
How big is The Lakes?
The community spans roughly 1,000 to 1,300 acres with a home count often cited between about 3,500 and 4,000 to 5,500 dwellings, including townhomes, condos, tract homes and custom lakefront estates.
When was The Lakes built?
Development began in the mid-to-late 1980s, around 1988 to 1989, and continued into the early 2000s, led by The Collins Brothers.
What recreation does The Lakes offer?
Residents enjoy restricted homeowner-only access to the lake for sailing and paddle craft, mature greenbelts, parks, and jogging and biking trails, with Angel Park Golf Club and Downtown Summerlin nearby.
What schools serve The Lakes?
The Lakes is in the Clark County School District. Commonly cited schools include Helen Jydstrup Elementary, Walter Johnson Junior High and Palo Verde High, with charters such as Doral Academy also in the area. CCSD assigns by exact address, so verify the specific home.
The Lakes questions, answered with the evidence
Sandy Margolin, REALTOR and Certified AI Agent, with 36+ years in real estate and approximately 20 years of prior experience as a licensed residential real estate appraiser. Nevada real estate license S.72707.
Lakefront value is about the specifics: dock rights, the lake, water access rules and how the home sits on the lot. I read those details against actual comparables and give you the honest version of what a The Lakes property is worth, whether you are buying or selling.
- 702-683-3362
- Real Broker LLC · 9580 W Sahara Ave #200, Las Vegas NV 89117
Nevada Sales Person License S.72707 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Next Steps
Whether you are buying, selling, downsizing or just figuring out what comes next, the first step is a conversation with someone who reads the evidence.