Cooling Summerlin

Summerlin has much in its favor when it comes to climate. The community's elevation—approximately 3,000 feet above sea level—provides a wonderful baseline for both summer and winter coolness. During the hot months, when the rest of the valley swelters, residents of Summerlin enjoy a natural air-conditioning that the mountains provide.

Indeed, Summerlin ranks among the most prosperous and fully developed locales in Las Vegas. Its reputation stems from the well-laid plans of its developers. They have not only divided the area into various large residential parks but have also seen to it that those parks are well served by high-quality amenities. And it is these amenities that make Summerlin such a desirable address.

Summerlin can get really hot in the summer, with average high temperatures often sizzling in the upper 90s. But the winter nights here can get surprisingly chilly, with temps sometimes dipping down into the 30s and 40s. Fortunately, we don't see those ice cube makers work too hard around here, since it doesn't usually get below freezing.

Several elements converge to render Summerlin costly. Located adjacent to Las Vegas, this planned community displays all the requisite elements of an upscale, suburban plotted development. Property values here are pushed higher by strong demand and a limited supply. Summerlin has also been blessed with well-thought-out infrastructure, strong schools, and enough high-end outlets—think shopping, dining, and entertainment—that its residents don’t have to venture into the Las Vegas Strip for a night out. Indeed, with an abundance of parks, golf courses, and hiking trails, the place might as well be a suburban Shangri-La.

The summer heat is most bearable at the higher elevations of Summerlin, like The Ridges or The Paseos. These neighborhoods sit a bit above the rest of Las Vegas Valley, which makes them approximately 2 to 5 degrees cooler. Despite the relative mildness at Summerlin's heights, though, there's no escaping the need for air conditioning in the greater Las Vegas area when outdoor temperatures soar past 110 degrees for days on end.

Henderson is usually the warmer of the two. Although Henderson and Summerlin are both located in the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin is generally at a higher elevation, which often translates into somewhat cooler temperatures than those experienced in Henderson.

The upscale and well-cared-for community of Summerlin usually doesn't have much of a rat problem. But, like every other area, it can sometimes have a rodent issue, especially when conditions are right and food and shelter are plentiful. That's when enforcement really needs to pay attention to the commingling activities of the pests and take serious control measures. The local authorities and homeowners associations don't have the same problem with rats that other areas do, so Summerlin's residents can feel pretty safe.

Summerlin, Nevada, boasts a varied population with rich ethnic diversity. The area is mostly White but has many Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and African American communities, as well as a number of individuals of other ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.

Affluent individuals in Las Vegas typically opt for the upper-crust neighborhoods of Summerlin, Henderson, and Anthem, as well as the nearby MacDonald Highlands. These posh and palatial retreats are home to five- and six-star accommodations that tempt residents with golf and mountain vistas. Summerlin, the most populous of the upscale enclaves, draws a large number of well-heeled residents into its managed communities.

Undoubtedly, Summerlin has its share of scorpions. These arachnids thrive in desert habitats, so it is hardly surprising that they are found in Nevada—especially in the dry Las Vegas area. Having scorpions in your neighborhood is no reason to panic, though. They keep a low profile and are mostly harmless.