Southern Highlands

A brief history of Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands was developed by the Arizona-based Olympic Group in the 1990s. The project was originally named Olympic Highlands, but was subsequently changed in 1998 due to licensing concerns from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The following year, the community's centerpiece was established — the gorgeous Southern Highlands Golf Club. The Southern Highlands Marketplace, a 21-acre business center, was established in 2003. Today, among its many developments include two retail centers, two health facilities, and a resort.

The best neighborhoods in Southern Highlands, Las Vegas

Although neighborhoods in the Southern Highlands share many characteristics — architecture, special features, amenities — there’s enough variety between each locale that every homebuyer can find a place that truly aligns with their preferences. These are just a few of the most desirable neighborhoods in Southern Highlands:

The Foothills at Southern Highlands

With over 260 luxury homes built between 2001 and 2005, The Foothills offers a wide range of properties within a peaceful, mid-sized neighborhood.

Developed by Pacific Southwest Development, properties in The Foothills are thoughtfully designed to provide what families and homeowners desire, whether it’s a spacious lot, modern interiors, or a resort-style backyard. Homes range in size from 2,580 square feet to more than 6,300 square feet.

Stonewater in Southern Highlands

Stonewater is a prestigious, gated community developed by the award-winning Blue Heron team. This upscale neighborhood features single-family homes with three to five bedrooms, offering three meticulously designed models:

• The Veran floor plan offers three to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and 2,790 to 3,366 square feet of living space. This model emphasizes seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• The Elevar model provides three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and 2,750 to 3,659 square feet of space. Notable features include a sky deck and double-height ceilings.
• The Abrir model includes three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and 2,820 to 3,501 square feet of living area. This model boasts an open layout that flows not only between rooms but also between levels.

In addition to these lovely homes, residents have access to the nearby Stonewater Park, which spans seven acres.

Olympia Ridge Estates

While many homebuyers prefer a move-in ready property, others prefer starting with a blank canvas. If that sounds like you, then consider buying a custom lot at Olympia Ridge Estates. Here, spacious lots range from one-third of an acre to as much as five acres, granting you the freedom to personalize every inch of your property. With all of this space, coupled with the immaculate mountain views, it makes sense that this neighborhood is the most appealing to luxury buyers seeking the finest in bespoke living.

Royal Highlands at Southern Highlands

Royal Highlands offers beautiful homes at relatively affordable prices, with a collection that includes 669 residences. This community is known for its spacious floor plans, making it a great choice for families or anyone who appreciates a lot of room to spread out. With four- to five-bedroom layouts, some homes stretch over 5,000 square feet, providing ample space for comfort. You’ll also find features such as multi-car garages, optional basements, Tuscan-inspired architecture, and modern touches like stainless steel appliances.

The Bluffs at Southern Highlands

The Bluffs is an exclusive, double-gated community near the Golf Club. Here, you can expect to find sleek, Desert Contemporary homes that harmonize with their surroundings.

Each of these homes boasts an open floor plan, maximizing the flow of space and energy within the interiors. Outside, tiered lots are strategically designed to maximize the stunning views of the area.

Residents can choose between two curated floor plans:

• The Quartz model spans about 6,034 square feet. This design includes 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a 4-car garage, emphasizing seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• The Topaz floor plan offers a more expansive 6,823 square feet. It boasts a two-level design featuring 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a 4-car garage. You also get additional options such as a wine room and a media room with a wet bar for those seeking luxury and versatility in their living space.

Top-notch facilities at the Southern Highlands Golf Club

The Southern Highlands Golf Club is a par-72 championship course spanning 7,537 yards. Designed collaboratively by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and his father, Robert Trent Jones Sr., this lavish course is known for its strategic layout, immaculate landscaping, and dramatic elevation changes.

One of its most famous features is the 11th hole, which offers a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip lying north. In order to achieve this impressive vantage point, the tee box had to be placed much higher than the rest of the fairway — nearly ten stories above it, in fact. It’s often considered one of the most picturesque holes in the region.

Also worth recognizing is the 12th hole, which is said to be the last hole Jones Sr. designed before retiring.

When it’s time to relax, the Spa Southern Highlands provides a luxurious setting for members and guests to unwind after their round. Elegant Tuscan architecture graces the 13,000-square-foot space, which offers an extensive selection of spa services and treatments as well as an oversized jacuzzi. If you want to explore other sports, a 25-meter lap pool and several lighted tennis courts await. Members can also join a variety of fitness classes at the 4,000-square-foot fitness center, while kids can burn off energy at the children’s play area or designated pool.

The Southern Highlands Golf Club has garnered numerous accolades for its design and amenities, including being named one of the top 50 residential golf courses in the country by Golf Week. Since 2013, it has enjoyed the company of other prestigious American golf courses in Golf Digest’s list of the Second 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the country.

Abundant parks and green spaces

Residents have access to seven beautifully landscaped parks scattered throughout the community. These green spaces offer a variety of amenities, including walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities for residents of all ages.

• Olympia Sports Park – Active families and sports enthusiasts can often be seen at Olympia Sports Park, which boasts multiple sports fields, including soccer, baseball, and softball diamonds, as well as basketball and tennis courts. There's also a dedicated skate park for those who prefer to ride on wheels. After a game or workout, families can relax in the shaded picnic areas or let their children loose on the playground. The park's walking trails wind through lush greenery, providing a scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll or jog.
• Stonewater Park – If you’re looking for an easily accessible park with little to no noise, a visit to Stonewater Park might become part of your daily routine. It’s located next to a gated community so expect it to be very tranquil and serene, perfect for a relaxing stroll and getting absorbed in nature. Children and families can sometimes be found enjoying a game of football on the wide, grassy field at the edge of the park.
• Dog parks – Your four-legged friends can roam free at two dog parks in Southern Highlands. Cactus Jones Dog Park features two enclosed dog areas, a water fountain, and a designated pet waste station. Near Valley View, Fire Station Dog Park spans a third of an acre and boasts a large enclosed grass area for pups to play in.

Keep an eye out for these parks, too:

• Inzalaco Park
• Goett Park
• Dr. Harry B. Johnson Rose Park
• Somerset Hills Park
• Jimmy Pettyjohn Jr. Park

Multiple shopping and dining options

Southern Highlands Marketplace, a vibrant shopping center, is the heart of the community's retail scene. Here, you'll find an array of shops, including Ace Hardware, Haute Chix Boutique, and Smith’s Food & Drug Store.

The marketplace also boasts an eclectic mix of dining options to suit any palate. Whether you're in the mood for the fresh flavors of Kazuki Sushi, the comforting dishes at Mama Bird Southern Kitchen, or the bold tastes at Dragon Tiger Noodle, going hungry isn’t an option. SO HI Bistro is great if you’re looking for something on the fine dining side. For dessert, Baskin Robbins offers a sweet treat, and Starbucks is there for your coffee fix.

At Fire Station Plaza, you can book an appointment at the Highlands Nails and Spa or make a visit to the dentist at Royal Highlands Dental. On the dining front, local hotspot On Demand Sushi serves up a hearty buffet, and Le Café du Sud invites visitors to try French pastries in a sophisticated setting.

High-quality education

Southern Highlands wouldn’t be a top choice for families without its schools. Elementary-age children have several options: Evelyn Stuckey Elementary, Charles and Phyllis Frias Elementary, and Dennis Ortwein Elementary. Lois and Jerry Tarkanian Middle School welcomes students in sixth to eighth grades, while students in grades nine to 12 attend Desert Oasis High School. Southern Highlands Prep School, one of the top private schools in Las Vegas, enrolls pupils from pre-Kindergarten to eighth grade. A branch of the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Las Vegas is also located in this neighborhood.

Exciting community events

Community is a major part of the Southern Highlands lifestyle. There are plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors or even become involved in local events. Each year, residents can look forward to exciting festivities like the Memorial Day Celebration, Fall Festival, and Holiday Tree Lighting.