The Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle in 2025

Las Vegas’ best neighborhoods include Downtown for nightlife and walkability (75 walk score), West Sahara for young adults (A diversity rating), and Centennial Hills for families (higher-ranked schools). Here’s how to find the right fit based on your preferences and desired budget.

We’ve ranked nine of the best places to live in Las Vegas based on lifestyle, safety, and amenities.

Note: We used internal data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Apartments.com, Rent.com, and HotPads.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Las Vegas as of September 2025. Walk, transit, and bike scores come from WalkScore.com, and crime rates come from CrimeGrade.org. Click on one of the links to a neighborhood page to view more listings.

What Are the Most Walkable Las Vegas Neighborhoods?

Downtown

• Best for: Renters seeking a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with easy access to jobs, entertainment, and nightlife
• Walk score: 75
• Bike score: 61
• Transit score: 55
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,638
• Crime grade: Below average

With a walk score of 75 and an average two-bedroom apartment rent of $1,638, Downtown Las Vegas is ideal for young professionals and students who value connectivity and culture.

The neighborhood is steps away from Fremont Street, the Las Vegas Arts District, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and music venues. It’s also approximately a 20-minute drive to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and College of Southern Nevada campuses.

It’s important to note that the area has a below-average safety rating, which tends to intensify late at night. Still, for renters who want a car-optional lifestyle, proximity to schools and employers, and walkable entertainment, Downtown Las Vegas is a good option at a livable price.

Arts District

• Best for: Young professionals who appreciate convenient proximity to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars
• Walk score: 86
• Bike score: 61
• Transit score: 68
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,466
• Crime grade: Below average

With a walk score of 86 and an average two-bedroom rent of around $1,466, the Arts District is ideal for artists, young professionals, and urban explorers who crave walkability and a vibrant cultural scene.

This neighborhood is packed with art galleries, coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and live music venues. Popular spots like The Arts Factory and Velveteen Rabbit create a lively, creative atmosphere.

Plus, it’s only a short drive to Downtown Las Vegas, and convenient public transit options make a car-free lifestyle totally doable. If you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood with a thriving arts community, the Arts District offers an unbeatable mix of culture, convenience, and affordable living.

What Are the Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods for Families?

Centennial Hills

• Best for: Families looking for a suburban lifestyle with access to quality amenities
• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: B-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,747
• Crime grade: Average

Centennial Hills offers a solid mix of affordability, space, and suburban comfort, with access to well-rated public schools like Henry and Evelyn Bozarth Elementary and Arbor View High School. It’s an ideal neighborhood for families looking for room to grow and a quieter pace of life.

With open green spaces like Centennial Hills Park, which features splash pads, sports courts, and shaded playgrounds, and facilities like the Centennial Hills YMCA, the area is packed with family-friendly amenities.

The neighborhood has a relaxed, residential vibe with easy access to shopping, casual dining spots, and outdoor escapes. It hits the spot for families wanting a safe, community-focused environment without straying too far from the city.

Providence

• Best for: Families looking for a peaceful, nature-friendly neighborhood with easy access to hiking and parks
• Public school grade: B+
• Overall Niche grade: B-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,967
• Crime grade: Below average

Providence is a polished, master-planned community that’s ideal for families who want space, safety, and neighborhood pride. With a B+ public school grade and access to top-rated public schools, it’s a smart pick for parents focused on education.

Families enjoy Providence’s generous green space and kid-friendly design. Parks like Knickerbocker Park feature splash pads, sports courts, shaded playgrounds, and picnic areas.

The area has a peaceful, residential vibe with regular community events like movie nights and holiday parades that bring neighbors together. With easy access to nearby shopping centers and local dining, Providence offers a balance between suburban comfort and city convenience.

Peccole Ranch

• Best for: Budget-conscious families and professionals working in the Energy Corridor
• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: B+
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,655
• Crime grade: Below average

With an overall B+ Niche score and a low two-bedroom average rent of $1,655, Peccole Ranch offers an excellent environment for families. The area is zoned to well-regarded schools like Palo Verde High School.

Peccole Ranch features peaceful streets and convenient access to Cottonwood Canyon, along with Summerlin’s shopping and dining areas. While commutes to Downtown Las Vegas can take 25 minutes or more during rush hour, Peccole Ranch is ideal for families seeking affordable living, good schools, and a calm suburban lifestyle.

What Are the Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods for Young Adults?

Desert Shores

• Best for: Renters seeking lakeside living with nearby dining
• Transit score: 35
• Diversity rating: B
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,519
• Crime grade: Average

With a transit score of 35 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,519, Desert Shores is a popular choice for young adults seeking a laid-back yet active lifestyle. This lakeside community offers scenic walking trails, water activities, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Just a short drive from Downtown Las Vegas and the Arts District, Desert Shores provides easy access to dining, nightlife, and events.

For young adults who appreciate outdoor space, affordability, and proximity to urban amenities, Desert Shores fits the bill.

Founders District

• Best for: Young adults who appreciate an affordable artsy neighborhood with character
• Transit score: N/A
• Diversity rating: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,100
• Crime grade: Below average

Located just north of Downtown with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,400 and a diversity rating of A, the Founders District is a great option for young adults looking to balance affordability with city access.

You'll find coffee shops, local eateries, and grocery stores within easy reach, plus quick access to nearby nightlife and cultural spots in the Arts District and Fremont East.

For young adults who want a neighborhood with historic charm, rising potential, and less tourist traffic, Founders District offers an ideal mix of urban living without the Strip’s high price tag.

West Sahara

• Best for: Young adults who appreciate convenient shopping and easy access to entertainment and transit
• Transit score: 39
• Diversity rating: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,674
• Crime grade: Below average

West Sahara offers young adults a mix of affordability and convenience, with a transit score of 39, an A diversity rating, and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,674. This neighborhood appeals to budget-conscious renters who want easy access to shopping, dining, and transit without breaking the bank.

Located near the Las Vegas Strip and Fashion Show Mall, West Sahara provides quick connections to entertainment hubs and employment centers. With multiple RTC bus routes along Sahara Avenue, getting around the city without a car is manageable.

While the area has a moderate crime rate, many apartment complexes offer gated living for added security.

What Are the Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods for Students?

Downtown

• Best for: Students seeking creativity, networking, and affordable living
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,638
• Proximity to universities: 10-minute drive to UNLV and near multiple RTC transit lines
• Diversity rating: B
• Crime rating: Below average

Downtown Las Vegas is one of the city’s most student-friendly neighborhoods, located just a 10-minute drive from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and nearby College of Southern Nevada (CSN) campuses. It holds a B diversity rating, and the average two-bedroom rent is $1,638.

Students enjoy walkable access to the Las Vegas Arts District, local cafés, and food spots like Fergusons Downtown. The neighborhood is also connected by multiple RTC transit lines, making it easy to commute without a car.

While Downtown can be loud in certain areas, it’s a good pick for students seeking convenience and a vibrant atmosphere.

Huntridge

• Best for: Renters who want affordable housing close to UNLV
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,615
• Proximity to universities: Access to RTC transit lines and a short drive from UNLV
• Diversity rating: A
• Crime rating: Below average

Huntridge is a great choice for students, located just a 10-minute drive from UNLV and close to multiple College of Southern Nevada (CSN) campuses. With average two-bedroom rents of $1,615, it offers affordable living near campus.

Students appreciate the neighborhood’s easy access to several RTC transit lines, making commuting without a car simple. Huntridge also features a mix of local shops, cafés, and eateries, creating a welcoming, laid-back vibe ideal for student life.

West Sahara

• Best for: Budget-conscious students who want easy bus access to UNLV and CSN, with nearby shopping and dining
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,674
• Proximity to universities: 20-minute drive to UNLV and 10 minutes to CSN, with direct RTC bus access along Sahara Avenue
• Diversity rating: A
• Crime rating: Below average

West Sahara offers great value for students, with an average two-bedroom rent of around $1,674, an A diversity rating, and RTC transit routes that connect directly to UNLV and College of Southern Nevada.

This centrally located neighborhood attracts student renters looking for affordable apartments near city amenities. It’s close to grocery stores, international dining, and quiet cafés, making it ideal for balancing school and daily life.

Although some areas have higher traffic, students appreciate West Sahara’s blend of affordability, accessibility, and connectivity.

Find Your Perfect Las Vegas Apartment

Las Vegas has a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, so finding the best fit comes down to what matters most to you.

• Best overall for urban living: Downtown - Walkable and transit-accessible with lively nightlife
• Best for families: Centennial Hills and Providence - Quiet, spacious, and surrounded by parks
• Best for young adults: Desert Shores - Scenic, affordable, and close to dining and nightlife
• Best for students: Huntridge - Budget-friendly, close to campus and public transit
• Most walkable: Downtown - Full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment

Whether you're after nightlife or good school zones, there are many parts of Las Vegas that are as diverse as the city itself. Decide what matters most, such as commute, safety, or rent, and you’ll discover a spot that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to find your perfect match? Take the Apartment List quiz. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods

What is the safest neighborhood in Las Vegas?

Peccole Ranch is known for being a safer area, with lower crime rates than the city average.

What are the most walkable areas in Las Vegas?

Downtown and the Arts District are the most walkable areas, offering quick access to restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues.

Where do creatives live in Las Vegas?

Creatives gravitate toward Desert Shores and West Sahara, where there’s access to art spaces, live music venues, and local cafés.

Is Las Vegas affordable for renters?

Yes—especially in neighborhoods like Founders District, where average rents fall well below the national average.

How do I choose between living in the city and the suburbs of Las Vegas?

City neighborhoods provide easy access to nightlife and quicker commutes, while suburban areas offer more space and quieter surroundings. Make the decision based on your daily priorities.

What neighborhood has the best access to public transit in Las Vegas?

Downtown and the Arts District have the best public transit access, thanks to their proximity to major RTC bus routes.

What is the average rent in Las Vegas in 2025?

According to internal Apartment List data, the average rent in Las Vegas is $1,576 for a one-bedroom and $1,828 for a two-bedroom as of September 2025.

What’s the cost of living like in Las Vegas compared to other major cities?

Las Vegas is significantly more affordable than NYC or Miami, and slightly cheaper than Charlotte’s average one-bedroom rent of $1,676.

Is Las Vegas a good city for remote workers?

Yes, many neighborhoods offer coworking spaces and convenient access to outdoor spaces for breaks.

How is the traffic in Las Vegas?

Traffic in Las Vegas can be heavy during rush hours, especially on Interstate 15, the 215 Beltway, and Summerlin Parkway. Neighborhoods like West Sahara offer easier access to major highways and job centers, helping to reduce commute times.

What are the quietest neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

Areas like Centennial Hills and Peccole Ranch offer a quiet residential atmosphere.

Where do young professionals live in Las Vegas?

Young professionals tend to enjoy Desert Shores and West Sahara for nightlife, convenience, and access to job hubs.

Which part of Las Vegas is the best?

It all depends on your personal preferences. Downtown is best for walkability, Centennial Hills is best for families, and Founders District is best for affordable rent.