Las Vegas lights up at night with the Strip standing tall among the suburbs.

Las Vegas is much more than the Strip — it’s a diverse city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own lifestyle, amenities, and vibe. Whether you’re seeking community parks and trails, golf course views, big-city energy, or convenient access to the university, these five standout neighborhoods make great places to rent and live in Las Vegas.

The five best neighborhoods in Las Vegas for renters are:

  1. Summerlin
  2. Canyon Gate
  3. Centennial Hills
  4. Downtown Las Vegas
  5. University District

Summerlin

Summerlin is built around the shopping center and mall in its center.

Why Summerlin is good for renters

Summerlin is a master-planned community on the western edge of Las Vegas, with parks, extensive trails, golf courses, and outdoor recreation. It’s anchored by Downtown Summerlin, a lively cluster of shops, restaurants, entertainment, office spaces, and year-round events. There are plenty of options to explore, from budget-friendly to luxury, so you can find a home that suits your lifestyle. This makes Summerlin not just a place to rest your head, but somewhere you can have an active life.

Fairly Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Exceptionally Drivable

Fairly Bikeable

50

Summerlin has a walkability score of 50 out of 100

20

Summerlin has a transit score of 20 out of 100

90

Summerlin has a drivability score of 90 out of 100

50

Summerlin has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100

Keep in mind

Living here can be pricier than other Las Vegas neighborhoods because of the popularity of the area.

Canyon Gate

Canyon Gate is situated west of the Las Vegas Strip, with closer proximity to the mountains.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,282/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Canyon Gate: $1,174/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Canyon Gate: 746 square feet

Why Canyon Gate is good for renters

Canyon Gate offers a quieter, more residential feel while still being close to the energy of the Las Vegas Strip. This guard-gated community is known for its well-maintained properties, access to golf courses, and scenic desert landscaping. Renters appreciate the balance of suburban comfort and city convenience, with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment just a short drive away. The neighborhood also provides a sense of privacy and exclusivity that’s harder to find in more tourist-heavy parts of the city.

Fairly Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Very Drivable

Fairly Bikeable

50

Canyon Gate has a walkability score of 50 out of 100

20

Canyon Gate has a transit score of 20 out of 100

80

Canyon Gate has a drivability score of 80 out of 100

50

Canyon Gate has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100

Keep in mind

It’s quieter and more residential than central Vegas; nightlife and major entertainment venues require a short drive. Walkability and public transit options are limited in Canyon Gate, so a car is essential.

Centennial Hills

Centennial Hills is divided into quiet neighborhoods.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,282/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Centennial Hills: $1,472/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Centennial Hills: 791 square feet

Why Centennial Hills is good for renters

Located in northwest Las Vegas, Centennial Hills is defined by local events, independent shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Residents frequent outdoor attractions like Centennial Hills Park and the Tule Springs Fossil Beds before heading back to quiet streets. With healthcare facilities, schools, and everyday essentials all within the neighborhood, Centennial Hills delivers a relaxed, self-contained lifestyle without feeling disconnected.

Moderately Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Exceptionally Drivable

Fairly Bikeable

70

Centennial Hills has a walkability score of 70 out of 100

30

Centennial Hills has a transit score of 30 out of 100

100

Centennial Hills has a drivability score of 100 out of 100

40

Centennial Hills has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100

Keep in mind

Some parts of the area can feel a bit spread out, so a car makes getting around easier.

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas has a city feel without the tourism traffic of the Strip.
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Las Vegas: $1,282/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Las Vegas: $988/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Las Vegas: 538 square feet

Why Downtown Las Vegas is good for renters

Downtown Las Vegas delivers big-city energy, trend-driven spots, and nonstop entertainment without the tourism-focus of the Strip. From the Fremont Street Experience and casinos to museums, breweries, and cultural events, this area blends classic Vegas with city energy. The dense nature of the neighborhood makes it walkable so it’s easy for renters to get from place to place, whether going to do errands or having a night out.

Moderately Walkable

Some Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

70

Downtown Las Vegas has a walkability score of 70 out of 100

50

Downtown Las Vegas has a transit score of 50 out of 100

70

Downtown Las Vegas has a drivability score of 70 out of 100

60

Downtown Las Vegas has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

Keep in mind

Downtown Las Vegas is lively and full of energy, but the constant buzz means more noise and foot traffic than in quieter residential areas.

The University District

University District has many housing choices, including homes and apartments, that have the Strip in the backgorund.

Why the University District is good for renters

The University District may center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), but it appeals far beyond the academic crowd. The neighborhood keeps things local, with independent restaurants and bars that rival the energy of the nearby Strip. Arts and history take the spotlight through museums and galleries, while parks and green spaces provide space to slow down and step outside. Add UNLV’s year-round lineup of sports and cultural events, and the area delivers an active, well-rounded lifestyle for renters.

Moderately Walkable

Some Public Transit

Very Drivable

Fairly Bikeable

70

The University District has a walkability score of 70 out of 100

40

The University District has a transit score of 40 out of 100

80

The University District has a drivability score of 80 out of 100

50

The University District has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100

Keep in mind

Because the area is busy, noise and foot traffic can be noticeable.

Ready to Make the Move to Las Vegas?

If Las Vegas and nearby communities are on your radar, start your apartment search on Apartments.com. Explore rentals across neighborhoods that match how you live — whether that means access to scenic trails and parks, master planned communities with top-tier amenities, a walkable urban vibe, or a quick commute to campus.

Browse apartments and homes by price, location, and must-have features, then narrow in on places that fit your lifestyle and budget. Find your next home on Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.

This article was originally published on January 15, 2026, by Sovann Hyde and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.

FAQs

Is Las Vegas a good place to live?

Yes, Las Vegas is a good place to live for people who enjoy an active city environment with plenty of entertainment, food, cultural events, and outdoor recreation nearby. The availability of lively nightlife, arts and cultural attractions, and access to natural landscapes and parks makes it appealing to everyone. Las Vegas also serves as a regional hub for jobs in hospitality, tech growth sectors, and logistics, giving renters lots of options for work and play.

Is Las Vegas an expensive place to live?

Las Vegas’s cost of living is 4.5% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities. Housing costs for renters in Las Vegas are an average of 4% lower than the national average.

What’s the average rent in Las Vegas?

The average rent in Las Vegas is $1,282/month as of April 2026, 22% lower than the national average rent of $1,639/month. To find rents below the average city rent, check out the most affordable neighborhoods in Las Vegas.

What salary do you need to live in Las Vegas?

According to cost of living data, a comfortable pre-tax salary for a single adult with no dependents in Las Vegas is around $71,000 per year.

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Chloe Savan

Chloe Savan is a content writer for Apartments.com. With a master’s degree in journalism, four years of professional writing experience, and two years of experience in the residential rental real estate field, she aims to help renters keep up with industry trends and navigate the ins and outs of leases.

Chloe Savan smiling in graduation pictures.
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