Inside the MacDonald Highlands lifestyle: Golf, glamour, and Henderson’s elite social scene

With its panoramic Strip views, resort-style amenities, and private championship golf, MacDonald Highlands in Nevada offers a lifestyle built for those who live above it all—literally and figuratively.

Tucked into the desert hills of Henderson, this gated enclave attracts residents who value privacy, design, and access to the best of greater Las Vegas Valley without the noise. From world-class fitness and dining to intimate gatherings and high-profile events, let’s take a closer look at what makes MacDonald Highlands one of the most compelling places in Nevada to call home.

⧫ A short primer on MacDonald Highlands ⧫ A crown jewel of Henderson luxury, MacDonald Highlands spans 1,300+ acres along the McCullough Mountains. Its hilly topography enables much of the community to enjoy views of the Las Vegas skyline, as well as privacy behind guarded gates. Known for bold, custom estates that blend cutting-edge design with the desert landscape, the MacDonald Highlands community stands out as a defining force in Southern Nevada’s luxury real estate market. Homes range from ultra-modern desert estates with clean lines and glass walls to Mediterranean or Tuscan-style residences rich in texture and tradition. Pricing typically starts around $2 million and can exceed $10 million for the most exclusive custom builds.

Dragonridge Country Club: The Social And Recreational Heart

At the center of the MacDonald Highlands community is the DragonRidge Country Club, a private sanctuary where luxury meets connection. It’s more than a club; it’s a lifestyle anchor. From early morning tee times to elegant evening galas, this is where the rest of the neighborhood gather and celebrate.

DragonRidge was established in the early 2000s as the centerpiece of the MacDonald Highlands vision. Rather than just being all about championship golf, it was designed to be a fully integrated lifestyle hub within Henderson’s most exclusive enclave. Over the years, the club has evolved into a multi-generational destination.

Championship golf with skyline views

DragonRidge is home to an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by Jay Morrish and David Druzisky. Stretching for nearly 7,000 yards, it winds through desert hills with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. Each hole is carefully sculpted to challenge seasoned players while remaining approachable for casual golfers.

Beyond the course, members also have access to over 60,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art practice facilities, including an all-grass driving range, two putting greens, and a short game area with practice sand bunkers. Meanwhile, at the golf shop, you can purchase new gear, custom fittings, or a new golfing outfit. Personalized instruction is also available, with private lessons and golf clinics led by veteran golf instructor Mike Davis.

Clubhouse luxury: Dining, fitness, and connection under one roof

The DragonRidge clubhouse is the centerpiece of social life in MacDonald Highlands, Nevada. Designed with style and community in mind, it offers a full spectrum of amenities for both wellness and social connection.

• Dining is a standout experience at the clubhouse, which has two signature venues: the Montrose Steakhouse for refined, gourmet dining and Onyx Bar, a more casual spot with shared plates and live music.
   
• Wellness takes center stage at DragonRidge’s full-service fitness center featuring strength and cardio equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training. Residents can also enjoy tennis and pickleball courts, plus locker room facilities that rival those of top-tier resorts.
   
• A full calendar of social events brings members together through wine tastings, seasonal celebrations, live music, and more. Programming for kids and teens makes the clubhouse a true multi-generational hub.
   

The Spa at DragonRidge

For residents who want to relax and recharge, the on-site luxury spa offers a serene escape just steps away from home. Services include massages, facials, and skin treatments—perfect for post-golf recovery or indulgent self-care.

One of the most popular offerings is the membership facial program, where members enjoy a customized facial each month, tailored to their individual skincare needs and billed directly to their club account. It’s a hassle-free way to prioritize long-term skin health and enjoy the spa’s high-quality treatments.

⧫ Membership at DragonRidge Country Club ⧫ While membership isn’t automatic with homeownership* in MacDonald Highlands, Nevada, residents are encouraged to join and enjoy access to golf, dining, wellness, and social events. Membership categories range from Full Golf to Social, offering flexible ways to experience life at the club. For more membership information, click here. *Buyers in select custom neighborhoods—like Dragon Gate and Glenbrook Canyon—receive a golf membership included with their lot purchase.

A Private Social Universe: Events, Connections, And Community

Beyond the gates of MacDonald Highlands, Nevada, social life unfolds in elevated, carefully curated moments. This is a neighborhood where relationships are nurtured through shared experiences, and where exclusive events turn neighbors into trusted friends.

• Signature events with style and substance: The calendar at DragonRidge Country Club features private parties, themed soirées, and black-tie galas. Past highlights have included celebrity-hosted fundraisers, masquerade balls and poker nights, pop-up experiences from luxury brands, and seasonal celebrations with live music and fine dining.
   
• Networking, redefined: Professionals and entrepreneurs also enjoy curated networking events in refined, distraction-free settings. Deals are discussed over cocktails, partnerships sparked over dinner, and connections built in an atmosphere of trust and prestige.
   
• Entertaining at home: Many residents host private gatherings in their own estates, where indoor-outdoor spaces, chef-grade kitchens, and infinity pools set the scene for unforgettable evenings. In a world where privacy is currency, MacDonald Highlands, Henderson offers a rare blend of exclusivity and community that’s impossible to replicate.
   

Celebrity Residents And High-Profile Homeowners

It’s no coincidence that some of the most successful names in sports, entertainment, and business choose to call MacDonald Highlands in Henderson home. From championship athletes to tech founders and A-list performers, this is a neighborhood designed for those who could live anywhere and choose privacy with style.

While individual names are kept confidential, the presence of high-profile residents is part of the community’s quiet prestige, earned through a commitment to both elegance and discretion. That sense of privacy is reinforced by guarded gates, 24/7 security, and proximity to Henderson Executive Airport, which offers seamless access to private aviation.

Sustainable And Eco-Conscious Living

Luxury in MacDonald Highlands Nevada also means being a responsible steward of the land. Increasingly, homeowners and developers are embracing sustainable design principles that preserve the natural beauty of the region while minimizing environmental impact.

• Design with intention: New construction throughout the MacDonald Highlands community increasingly incorporates sustainable strategies: solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, and smart irrigation controls. Many homes are also designed with passive solar orientation, natural ventilation, and recycled or locally sourced materials.
   
• A landscape-first mindset: Preserving the natural beauty of the desert isn’t just a design goal; it’s a shared community value. Walking and biking paths encourage alternative transportation, while home sites are often sculpted to follow the land’s natural contours rather than override them. Even outdoor lighting is designed with care, supporting dark-sky initiatives that let the stars shine through.
   
• A community ethos of care: Beyond the home, MacDonald Highlands supports broader eco-initiatives that align with today’s wellness and values-driven buyers. Local clean-up events, desert preservation programs, and support for farm-to-table dining and organic markets all contribute to a lifestyle rooted in purpose as much as pleasure.
   

This commitment to sustainability reflects a growing awareness among luxury buyers: true prestige isn’t just about owning more—it’s about leaving a lighter footprint while living better.

Wellness In The Wild: Trails & Recreation

In MacDonald Highlands, wellness isn’t confined to fitness centers and spas; it’s embedded in the landscape. Residents embrace an active lifestyle shaped by desert terrain, sweeping views, and some of Southern Nevada’s most scenic outdoor destinations.

• Private trails, daily rituals: Winding through the hills of the community, MacDonald Highlands’ private parks and trail system offers peaceful routes for early morning walks, jogs, or meditative strolls. Surrounded by native flora and valley vistas, these trails provide a quiet connection to nature without ever leaving home.
   
• Sloan Canyon, steps beyond the gates: For those seeking more rugged adventure, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is just minutes away from MacDonald Highlands. With over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, ancient petroglyphs, and dramatic desert landscapes, it’s a favorite among residents who crave solitude, challenge, and discovery.
   
• Weekend escapes to Red Rock Canyon: About 30 minutes northwest of MacDonald Highlands, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers iconic scenery, world-class climbing, and trails through red sandstone cliffs. Other activities you can enjoy include hiking and nature photography.
   
• Outdoor variety within reach: Residents also frequent nearby favorites like Lake Las Vegas, ideal for paddleboarding and relaxed waterfront walks; Clark County Wetlands Park, with its family-friendly trails and wildlife habitats; and the River Mountains Loop Trail, a 34-mile paved route beloved by local cyclists and endurance runners.
   

Henderson’S Rise As A Luxury Destination

While Las Vegas may steal the spotlight, Henderson has quietly emerged as a luxury capital in its own right, with MacDonald Highlands at its peak.

Nevada’s tax-friendly environment, including zero personal income tax, continues to draw those seeking to preserve wealth without compromising lifestyle. But Henderson offers more than financial appeal. Residents also benefit from award-winning schools, top-tier healthcare, and a future-forward approach to economic development.

With visionary city planning and a commitment to quality of life, Henderson has become a magnet for families, entrepreneurs, and retirees. For MacDonald Highlands residents, that means access to opportunity without compromise.

Art, culture, and the creative rhythm of Henderson

Though known for its privacy and prestige, Macdonald Highlands, Nevada is also deeply rooted in the creative energy of the greater Henderson area. Residents are often patrons of local galleries, live music venues, and artisan markets that highlight the vibrant creative community of Southern Nevada.

• Creative connections beyond the gates: Just minutes away, Lee’s Family Forum—a state-of-the-art indoor arena that opened in 2022 on the former site of the Henderson Pavilion—hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theatrical performances, and community gatherings.
   
• A growing landscape of local talent: Henderson continues to invest in its creative identity with an expanding network of public art installations, artisan markets, and pop-up exhibitions that celebrate local makers and visual artists.
   

Shopping, dining, and high-end conveniences

MacDonald Highlands offers quick access to the very best of Henderson and Las Vegas. High-end grocers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and boutique wine shops are just minutes away, turning daily errands into a pleasure.

Upscale retail and dining await at The District at Green Valley Ranch (approx. 11 mins), where national names like Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn sit alongside local boutiques. Restaurants such as King’s Fish House, The Cheesecake Factory, and Balboa Pizza serve everything from casual eats to fine dining experiences.

Just down the road, the Eastern Avenue and Green Valley Parkway area offers a lively mix of chef-owned bistros, sushi spots, and classic steakhouses. For instance, elevated comfort food with a twist is available at Boom Bang Fine Foods & Cocktails, while handmade pastas are the specialty at family’run Gaetano’s Ristorante along Eastern Avenue south.

And for truly world-class experiences, the Las Vegas Strip is just 15 to 20 minutes away. Michelin-starred restaurants, designer shopping at The Shop at Crystals and The Wynn, and unmatched entertainment are close at hand, yet always followed by a return to the calm, private hillside setting of MacDonald Highlands, Henderson.

The Intangible Prestige Factor

There’s a quiet kind of prestige in MacDonald Highlands, Nevada. It’s not about flashing wealth, but living well. It’s in the way residents greet each other at the club, the pride of hosting loved ones in a home with sweeping views, and the knowledge that you’ve earned this address.

Homes in this community often become generational legacies. They’re places where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and families return year after year. Architects and designers are selected with intention, crafting spaces that feel personal, poetic, and permanent. For many, that’s the greatest luxury of all: the ability to create something lasting, meaningful, and deeply your own.

This Is What Home Should Feel Like

Does all of this sound like the life you’ve been waiting for? If so, then it may be time to make MacDonald Highlands just not a dream, but your actual address in Southern Nevada. This is more than a move; it’s an upgrade to everything you value.

FS Property and Realty Management is your partner in exploring your real estate options in MacDonald Highlands. Give us a call at 702.754.5400 or email us to explore luxury homes that aren’t just built to impress, but to belong.