Why Retire in Southern Highlands? A Guide to 55+ Living

Gene Northup May 19, 2025


Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about choosing where and how to live your best years. For many, that choice is leading straight to Southern Highlands, one of Las Vegas’ premier master-planned communities. With luxurious amenities, beautiful desert surroundings, and a strong sense of community, retiring in Southern Highlands offers a compelling blend of comfort and convenience.

What Makes Southern Highlands Ideal for Retirement?

Southern Highlands is located in the southern foothills of the Las Vegas Valley, just 15 minutes from the Strip yet peacefully removed from the city’s hustle. Thoughtfully designed for both activity and leisure, this community appeals to retirees seeking more than just great weather—they’re looking for a place that enhances their way of life.

Residents enjoy 50 acres of parks, trails winding through the community, and access to retail, dining, and medical services—all without leaving the neighborhood. Additionally, when grandkids visit or friends come to town, the entertainment of Las Vegas is just a short drive away.

For anyone considering retiring in Southern Highlands, the area strikes the right balance: upscale, serene, and full of opportunity to stay socially and physically engaged.

Designed for Active 55+ Living

Southern Highlands is especially well-suited for adults who want to stay physically and socially active. Unlike age-restricted communities that can sometimes feel isolated, this area encourages everyday movement and connection with neighbors of all ages.

Fitness & Wellness

Residents have access to a 4,000-square-foot fitness center at Southern Highlands Golf Club, complete with strength training equipment, cardio machines, and fitness classes. The facility also includes a 25-meter lap pool, a children’s pool, an oversized Jacuzzi, a kids’ play area, and lighted tennis courts, making it easy to stay active in every season. Adjacent to the gym, a 13,000-square-foot spa offers an additional layer of luxury and relaxation for those looking to unwind.

Golf Lifestyle

The Southern Highlands Golf Club is a private, championship course co-designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr.—one of only four such collaborations in the world. The 18-hole, par-72 course features dramatic elevation changes, challenging bunkers, and sweeping views of the Las Vegas Valley. Members enjoy year-round play along with access to elegant clubhouse dining, the spa, curated wine events, and social gatherings like holiday galas and couples’ tournaments. For retirees, it’s an exceptional blend of sport, luxury, and community.

Walking & Biking Trails

The community offers nearly 6 miles of interconnected, paved trails that weave through parks, residential neighborhoods, and natural open spaces. Residents often use the trails for early morning exercise or casual evening strolls, with scenic routes passing through Goett Family Park, Jimmy Pettyjohn Jr. Park, and around Inzalaco Park. The trails also connect to picnic areas, shaded seating, and dog-friendly spaces, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors with family or pets.

Community Events

Southern Highlands keeps its social calendar full with thoughtfully organized events that bring neighbors together. At the heart of it all is Olympia Sports Park, which hosts regular happenings like outdoor movie nights, yoga in the park, and community-wide holiday celebrations, including a popular Halloween Spooktacular and a festive tree-lighting ceremony in December. Whether you're attending a wine walk or enjoying live music under the stars, these events create meaningful opportunities to connect and build lasting friendships.

Real Estate Options That Fit Your Lifestyle

The real estate in Southern Highlands is brimming with opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance villa or a custom luxury estate, the area offers homes designed for ease, comfort, and longevity.

  • Single-Story Homes: Many properties are designed with aging in place in mind—single-story layouts, wide hallways, and minimal stairs make day-to-day living effortless.
  • Gated Communities: Southern Highlands features several gated enclaves with added security, private amenities, and front-yard maintenance—ideal for snowbirds or part-time residents.
  • Luxury Estates: For those seeking space and elegance, homes in The Estates at Southern Highlands feature custom architecture, golf course views, and resort-style outdoor living with pools, spas, and guest casitas.
Home prices range from $500,000 for well-appointed single-level homes to $5 million+ for custom estates. With many buyers coming from California, Arizona, and the Northeast in search of better cost-of-living value and lifestyle, Southern Highlands offers a rare combination of luxury living and everyday convenience that’s hard to match.

Why Nevada Is a Financial Win for Retirees

Retiring in Nevada offers significant financial advantages, especially compared to states like California or New York.

  • No State Income Tax: Nevada does not tax individual income, which means Social Security, pension, and investment income are all tax-free at the state level.
  • Low Property Taxes: Nevada property tax rates are among the lowest in the western U.S., with caps in place that help prevent steep annual increases. Southern Highlands homeowners also benefit from predictable HOA fees that contribute to maintenance and amenities.
  • No Estate or Inheritance Tax: Nevada retirees can preserve more of their wealth and pass it on without heavy taxation.
These benefits make retiring in Southern Highlands a smart financial move. Many out-of-state buyers find they can stretch their retirement dollars further here without compromising on quality of life.

Healthcare Access and Everyday Convenience

Proximity to quality healthcare is often a deciding factor when choosing where to retire, and Southern Highlands delivers peace of mind on that front.

  • Nearby Hospitals: The community is less than 10 minutes from Southern Hills Hospital and within easy reach of St. Rose Dominican (Siena and San Martín campuses). These facilities offer everything from emergency care to specialized services in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
  • Everyday Services: Pharmacies, dental offices, and general practitioners are located directly within or adjacent to the community. Plus, mobile medical providers and telehealth services are widely used, offering even more convenience for routine care.
With all this in place, retirees can focus more on enjoying life and less on navigating logistics.

Start Your Next Chapter in Southern Highlands

Retirement in Southern Highlands offers more than just a change of address—it offers an upgrade in lifestyle. From the financial advantages of Nevada residency to the abundance of activities that support wellness and community, this is a place where retirees can thrive.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Connect with Gene Northup, a seasoned local expert who specializes in Southern Highlands real estate. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, a golf course estate, or a lock-and-leave villa, Gene will help you start your next chapter with confidence.



Gene Northup

Meet the Author - Gene Northup

Real Estate Professional

Gene's knowledge of the real estate and financial markets in Southern Nevada, combined with his impeccable judgment and understanding of the unique needs of top-of-the-market buyers and sellers, make him an invaluable asset to his clients.

Work With Gene

With his ready smile and engaging personality, Gene is always eager to share his most interesting deal: yours. If you are looking for a premier representative for luxury real estate in Southern Nevada, look no further than Gene Northup.