When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture the glitz of the Strip, endless slot machines, and flashy nightlife. But beyond the neon lights, Vegas is a thriving city with quiet suburbs, excellent schools, and some of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas to live, especially for families and professionals.
Whether you’re moving for work, school, or just craving some desert sunshine, safety is often at the top of the list when house hunting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas where crime is low, community is strong, and life is more than just blackjack and buffets. Let’s dive into the safest areas to live in Las Vegas, so you can pick the right spot to call home.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
When it comes to safety, not every Las Vegas neighborhood is on the same level. While the tourist corridors have their share of hustle and bustle, there are pockets of peace and security across the valley. Below are the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas that consistently rank high for their low crime stats, livability, and overall quality of life.
1. Summerlin
If you're looking for safety with a side of luxury, Summerlin is it. Tucked on the western edge of the city near the Red Rock Canyon, Summerlin is a master-planned community with a reputation for being one of the safest areas in Las Vegas.
- Crime Rate: About 18% lower than the national average.
- Average Rent: $1,800 – $2,300 for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Why It’s Safe: Summerlin is highly patrolled and well-maintained, with gated communities, strong HOA presence, and private security in many areas.
- Perfect For: Families, retirees, and professionals who want upscale living with plenty of parks, top-rated schools, and entertainment like Downtown Summerlin and City National Arena.
From well-lit walking trails to an involved neighborhood watch, it’s easy to see why Summerlin remains one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas year after year.
2. Southern Highlands
For those who love a suburban vibe with an upscale twist, Southern Highlands delivers. Located in the southern foothills of Las Vegas, this neighborhood is designed for peace of mind.
- Crime Rate: 20–25% lower than the city average.
- Average Rent: Around $1,700 – $2,100, depending on the unit.
- Why It’s Safe: Gated communities, private schools, and low traffic streets make this one of the safest areas in Las Vegas to live. Many residents are long-term homeowners, contributing to the neighborhood’s close-knit vibe.
- Perfect For: Families with children, executives, and golf lovers (Southern Highlands Golf Club is a major local perk).
Southern Highlands gives you that quiet, protected feel far from the Strip but close enough for a weekend getaway. It’s easily one of the safest places to live in Las Vegas if tranquility is a must.
3. Summerlin South
Don’t confuse this with its neighbor to the north; Summerlin South has a personality all its own. Often considered an extension of Summerlin, this area offers the same polished feel but with a slightly quieter and more residential tone.
- Crime Rate: Roughly 25% lower than the national average.
- Average Rent: $1,850 – $2,250 for modern one-bed units.
- Why It’s Safe: Planned developments, family-focused amenities, and plenty of private patrol services contribute to its reputation as a safe area to live in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: Families, remote workers, and retirees who want to be close to the action but not in the action.
Summerlin South feels like a safe, suburban retreat tucked into a high-end resort town. It’s undoubtedly one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas, with a balanced lifestyle and exceptional community design.
4. Henderson
Henderson is technically its city, but it is one of the most popular and safest areas in Las Vegas to live. Just southeast of the Strip, Henderson is known for its master-planned communities and suburban charm.
- Crime Rate: About 30% lower than the Las Vegas average.
- Average Rent: $1,650 – $2,000 for one-bedroom apartments.
- Why It’s Safe: Strong police presence, community watch programs, and a focus on family-friendly living make Henderson a top pick among the safest places to live in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: Families, commuters, and anyone who wants Vegas access without the Vegas chaos.
With excellent schools and low property crime, Henderson easily makes the list of safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas, ideal for long-term living.
5. Green Valley
Green Valley is a neighborhood within Henderson and offers all the perks of suburban life with a splash of greenery. It's one of the most desirable and safest areas in Las Vegas for young families and retirees.
- Crime Rate: Lower than both the national and Las Vegas averages.
- Average Rent: $1,600 – $1,950.
- Why It’s Safe: Well-maintained properties, ample green spaces, and low violent crime rates make it one of the most secure neighborhoods in the Vegas metro.
- Perfect For: Young families, retirees, and students attending nearby colleges.
If you want peaceful streets and a close-knit community vibe, Green Valley is one of the safest areas in Las Vegas to live, no doubt.
6. Desert Shores
Desert Shores offers a unique touch of lakeside living in the middle of the Mojave Desert. This gated community in the northwest offers serious peace of mind.
- Crime Rate: Among the lowest in Las Vegas.
- Average Rent: Around $1,700 – $2,200, depending on proximity to the lake.
- Why It’s Safe: Gated entries, private security, and HOA guidelines help keep crime minimal, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: Retirees, professionals, and families who love water views without leaving the desert.
It’s not just beautiful, it’s incredibly safe. Desert Shores truly stands out among the safest places to live in Las Vegas.
7. Centennial Hills
Centennial Hills is a fast-growing residential area in northwest Las Vegas known for its wide-open spaces and peaceful vibe.
- Crime Rate: Roughly 22% lower than the city average.
- Average Rent: $1,500 – $1,900.
- Why It’s Safe: A mix of new developments, active community involvement, and plenty of parks make it one of the most family-friendly and safe areas in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: New homeowners, families with kids, and anyone looking for affordable, safe living away from the hustle.
Centennial Hills keeps things quiet, making it a consistent contender on lists of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
8. The Lakes
The Lakes is another peaceful, planned community built around man-made lakes and scenic paths. It's like a resort town tucked into the west side of the valley.
- Crime Rate: Significantly lower than most areas in the city.
- Average Rent: $1,600 – $2,000.
- Why It’s Safe: Gated access, low traffic, and excellent neighborhood coordination make this one of the safest areas in Las Vegas for both renters and buyers.
- Perfect For: Couples, retirees, and remote workers looking for a relaxed, scenic lifestyle.
If you’re after lake views, good neighbors, and minimal crime, The Lakes is among the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas to consider.
9. Rhodes Ranch
Rhodes Ranch is a vibrant, master-planned golf course community in southwest Las Vegas with a strong reputation for safety.
- Crime Rate: Around 20% below the city average.
- Average Rent: $1,700 – $2,100.
- Why It’s Safe: The neighborhood is gated, has 24-hour security, and a tight-knit HOA, earning it a top spot among the safest places to live in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: Golfers, families, students, and working professionals seeking modern amenities and safety.
The community vibe and well-maintained infrastructure help Rhodes Ranch shine as one of the safest areas in Las Vegas to live.
10. Aliante
Located in North Las Vegas, Aliante is a peaceful, planned community that’s growing in popularity for its affordability and safety.
- Crime Rate: Considerably lower than the surrounding areas in North Las Vegas.
- Average Rent: $1,400 – $1,800.
- Why It’s Safe: Aliante offers gated developments, walkable parks, and family-centered planning, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
- Perfect For: Young couples, first-time buyers, and retirees.
Don’t overlook Aliante. It's a gem in North Las Vegas that delivers comfort and safety in one tidy package.
Why These Neighborhoods Are the Safest in Las Vegas
When it comes to picking the safest area to live in Las Vegas, it's not just about crime stats, though those matter. The neighborhoods we’ve explored share a few key characteristics that make them stand out as the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas.
1. Low Crime Rates:
First and foremost, every one of these communities reports significantly lower crime rates than the Las Vegas average. Whether it’s violent crime or property theft, places like Summerlin, Henderson, and Aliante consistently rank among the safest areas in Las Vegas.
2. Strong Community Engagement:
Safety doesn’t just happen, it's built by people who care. Neighborhoods with active HOA boards, regular community events, and neighborhood watch groups tend to be more secure. Areas like Rhodes Ranch and Desert Shores show how resident involvement translates into safer streets.
3. Gated Access & Private Security:
Many of the safest places to live in Las Vegas are gated communities with private security patrols. This added layer of protection makes neighborhoods like The Lakes and Southern Highlands more appealing to families and retirees alike.
4. Excellent Infrastructure & Amenities:
Safe neighborhoods usually offer well-lit streets, well-maintained parks, and quality schools. This isn’t just convenient, it contributes to lower crime. Areas like Green Valley and Centennial Hills, with their access to top-rated schools and local amenities, are a great example of this dynamic.
So, what makes these the safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas? A combination of vigilant communities, physical safety features, and a strong local culture of care.
Is Las Vegas a Safe Place to Live?
This question comes up a lot, especially from people who’ve only visited the Strip.
Here’s the thing: While Las Vegas is known for its nightlife, casinos, and 24/7 energy, that image doesn’t reflect what it’s like to live in the city. Many of the safest areas in Las Vegas are far from the tourist zones, in quiet, master-planned suburbs or gated communities.
Yes, the Strip and parts of downtown can experience higher crime, mostly due to the dense crowds and party culture. But once you head west toward Summerlin or south toward Henderson, you’ll find a completely different side of the city, clean, green, and family-oriented.
Residential Las Vegas is home to some of the most sought-after safe areas in the state. Many locals will tell you that they feel more secure here than in other major cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix.
So, is Las Vegas a safe place to live? If you choose the right neighborhood, absolutely. And every spot we’ve highlighted ranks among the safest areas in Las Vegas to live.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Safest Area to Live in Las Vegas
If you’re relocating or planning a long-term stay in Vegas, safety should be one of your top priorities. Luckily, you’ve got some great options. From the upscale vibes of Summerlin and The Lakes to the suburban calm of Henderson and Green Valley, there’s no shortage of safest neighborhoods in Las Vegas to fit your lifestyle.
- Families? Look at Rhodes Ranch or Centennial Hills for schools and space.
- Professionals? Summerlin South and Southern Highlands offer commute-friendly, upscale communities.
- Retirees? Desert Shores and Aliante offer peace, plus safety and comfort.
No matter your age or stage in life, the safest places to live in Las Vegas combine low crime, good amenities, and strong community vibes. So take a deep breath, skip the stereotypes, and find your perfect spot in the safest area in Las Vegas to live.