Location: West Las Vegas, bounded by Sahara Avenue, Durango Drive, Desert Inn Road, and Hualapai Way.
Architecture: Waterfront Mediterranean, Desert Contemporary, Custom Lakefront Villas.
Key Feature: Lake Sahara—a 30-acre private man-made lake with electric boating and waterfront docks.
Key Attractions: Boca Park, Tivoli Village, Lake Sahara West Park, Canyon Gate Country Club.
Market Character: Rare waterfront living option in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
"The Lakes delivers a waterfront lifestyle in the desert—where private docks, electric pontoon boats, and Mediterranean villas sit alongside Boca Park and Summerlin."
Master-planned in the mid-1980s, The Lakes remains one of the most innovative and unique residential developments in the Las Vegas valley. Centerpiece to the community is Lake Sahara, a private 30-acre man-made lake that enables true waterfront living, private boat docks, and electric watercraft navigation in the middle of the desert.
Real estate within The Lakes is divided between private non-waterfront single-family homes, luxury condominiums, and exclusive custom waterfront estates situated directly along Lake Sahara’s shoreline. Architectural styles lean toward Mediterranean Revival, Desert Contemporary, and Spanish Modern, featuring barrel-tile roofs, stucco exteriors, multi-level view balconies, and private rear boat docks.
Metric / Attribute | Community Benchmark Data |
Primary Architecture | Waterfront Mediterranean, Desert Contemporary |
Average Price Point | $450,000 (Condos) to $3,000,000+ (Waterfront Estates) |
Water Asset | Lake Sahara (Private 30-Acre Electric Boating Lake) |
Value Drivers | Private boat docks, central westside location, proximity to Summerlin |
Commute Distances | Downtown Summerlin: 3 miles |
Waterfront properties along Lake Sahara carry a significant market premium due to the rarity of private water rights in Southern Nevada.
The Lakes occupies a prime West Las Vegas location directly adjacent to the eastern border of Summerlin.
The Bruce Woodbury Beltway (CC 215) is accessible within three minutes via Sahara Avenue, providing rapid freeway access to Harry Reid International Airport, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
Lifestyle at The Lakes centers on water recreation and upscale suburban amenities. Residents with lakefront properties enjoy electric pontoon boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and catch-and-release fishing on Lake Sahara.
Walking trails wind throughout the community, connecting to Lake Sahara West Park and neighborhood plazas. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are situated along the perimeter at Boca Park and Tivoli Village, offering high-end boutiques, fitness centers, and outdoor restaurants.
To compare waterfront living with master-planned communities, explore Summerlin Villages, browse central historic custom properties in Alta Drive, or visit our master Las Vegas real estate directory.
The Lakes is a premier master-planned community in the western Las Vegas Valley, centered around the scenic 30-acre Lake Sahara. Developed from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, The Lakes was one of the first neighborhoods in the area to offer waterfront living in Las Vegas, with many homes featuring private docks and stunning lake views.
This serene community includes over 4,000 residences, ranging from luxury single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, many with direct access to the lake. Exclusive gated areas such as Beach View Estates, Lakes Estates, and Northshore Estates provide upscale living with custom luxury homes ranging from 3,200 to over 6,000 square feet.
Residents enjoy a wealth of recreational amenities, including walking and biking trails, parks, and boating and fishing on Lake Sahara. The neighborhood also hosts the annual Lakes Festival of Lights, a celebrated Las Vegas tradition featuring decorated boats and waterfront festivities.
Located just eight miles from the Las Vegas Strip, The Lakes offers convenient access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment at destinations like Boca Park, Tivoli Village, and Downtown Summerlin, while maintaining a peaceful, lakefront lifestyle.
Whether you’re searching for a waterfront estate, modern family home, or investment property in Las Vegas, Tyler Brady is the trusted real estate advisor for The Lakes community. Known for his expertise in luxury Las Vegas real estate, Tyler provides personalized guidance to buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth, successful experience in this highly sought-after neighborhood.
Location: Approximately 10 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, between Sahara Avenue and Desert Inn Road, near the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Development: Built from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, spanning roughly 2 square miles with a mix of residential and commercial areas.
Number of Homes: Over 4,000 homes, including single-family residences, townhomes, condos, and luxury lakefront estates.
Lake Sahara: Private man-made lake offering scenic views and recreation, including boating and fishing.
Gated Subsections:
Beach View Estates – 37 luxury custom homes
Lakes Estates – 42 luxury custom homes
Northshore Estates – 7 custom homes