Henderson Makes List of Best Places to Live | News

LAS VEGAS -- Henderson landed on Money magazine's annual list of America's 100 best places to live for the first time since 2008, ranking 66th on a list released Monday.

As the only Nevada city to make the list, Henderson was singled out for the quality of its parks.

"For a city in the desert, Henderson takes parks very seriously," Money wrote. "The town is connected by 65 miles of trails, and its award-winning parks and recreation department is working toward a goal of having a neighborhood park within a half mile of all city residents."

With a population of 263,300, Henderson has a median home price of $156,000, compared to $269,768 among the top 100 communities, and also has 3,784 restaurants within 15 miles versus 3,134 on average for the others on the list. Its employment also rose 45.4 percent from 2000 through 2011 compared to 25 percent on average among the top 100, though Henderson and the rest of Southern Nevada has been battered by high unemployment in recent years due to the "great recession."

"Henderson's budget dipped in the downturn, but no services were cut thanks to a rainy-day fund and sustainability efforts that save $2 million a year," Money wrote. "With affordable homes and no state income tax, the town is popular with young families and retirees alike."

Money ranked Henderson as the 20th best place to live in 2006 and 84th in 2008. Spring Valley also ranked 95th in 2008 even though it isn't an incorporated city.