MacDonald Highlands

THE MACDONALD HIGHLANDS REAL ESTATE MARKET IN DETAIL

Local real estate in MacDonald Highlands is consistently tight, with low inventory and strong demand. Homes don’t come up often, and when they do, they tend to move quickly, especially those with coveted Strip views or newer finishes. Most properties are owner-occupied, and turnover is slow compared to other high-end Henderson communities.

Prices here sit near the top of the valley’s range, reflecting both the limited supply and the neighborhood’s prestigious reputation. Naturally, living in MacDonald Highlands comes with higher costs than most other parts of Henderson.

Home architecture and design

As intended by its developer, MacDonald Highlands homes take their cue from the natural terrain. Many properties are designed to take advantage of elevation, utilizing wide layouts, long rooflines, and floor plans that open toward great views.

Older properties skew Mediterranean or transitional (traditional and contemporary) but are often updated to blend with the neighborhood’s more current visual tone.

A quick search for homes for sale in MacDonald Highlands will show you more modern offerings that feature low-pitched or flat roofs, smooth stucco, steel accents, and oversized windows.

What’s inside MacDonald Highlands homes

Home interiors in MacDonald Highlands reflect the same purpose-built ethos and attention to detail. There’s a neat separation between main living areas, guest suites, and outdoor spaces.

It’s common to see climate-controlled wine storage, oversized garages, dedicated home offices, and guest suites with separate entrances. Many properties also include smart home systems that help residents easily manage lighting, security, and indoor temperatures.

Outdoor spaces are equally impressive, fitted with pools, dedicated kitchens, shaded patios, and city views that anchor the entire layout.

Notable enclaves

MacDonald Highlands is divided into 18 distinct enclaves. While the overall neighborhood aesthetic across the community is consistent, the experience of living in each section varies depending on lot location, layout, immediate access to amenities, elevation, and architectural tone.

Some of the best homes for sale in MacDonald Highlands are in these areas:

• The Highlands: Located along the western edge of the community, The Highlands features some great vantage points. Homes here sit on oversized lots with wide spacing, long sightlines, and unobstructed Strip views.
• Lairmont: Known for its golf course frontage, privacy, and minimal through-traffic. Lairmont homes are set back and shielded by mature landscaping.
• The Reserve: Positioned near the north end of the golf course, The Reserve combines water and course views with proximity to the clubhouse and main roads. Many homes here are custom-built.
• Palisades: A favorite for those seeking custom homes, Palisades features traditional floor plans, generous lots, and an overall layout that emphasizes privacy without sacrificing accessibility.
• Vu Pointe: This is a modern enclave of luxury townhomes and single-family homes with rooftop decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, and clean-lined architecture. Popular among part-time residents and those seeking lock-and-leave convenience.
• Dragon’s Reserve: Directly bordering the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, this section offers utmost privacy, fewer neighboring homes in view, and arguably the best desert and mountain views in the community.
• Stone Mountain Ridge: Set along the southern edge of MacDonald Highlands, Stone Mountain Ridge has one of the highest elevations in MacDonald Highlands. The draw: hillside living with deep setbacks, curved streets, and views that stretch across the valley.

LIVING IN MACDONALD HIGHLANDS

Getting around

Public transit doesn’t reach into MacDonald Highlands, with no commercial areas or walkable retail zones inside. That said, going in and out is very easy with a car. Within neighborhood gates, traffic is minimal. Roads are wide, gently curved, and designed to slow things down.

MacDonald Highlands is just a few minutes away from the I-215 beltway, which connects directly to Summerlin, the airport, and the Strip. Harry Reid International Airport is about a 20 to 25-minute drive, depending on the time of day. Grocery stores, coffee shops, and other essentials are within 10 minutes, with most of them clustered along Horizon Ridge Parkway and Eastern Avenue.

Nearby schools

MacDonald Highlands is part of the Clark County School District, which serves much of Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley. Families in the neighborhood have access to a range of public, private, and higher education options nearby:

• Public schools: Zoned schools typically include high-performing elementary and middle schools in the nearby Green Valley and Anthem areas. Families often look into options like Neil C. Twitchell Elementary and Bob Miller Middle School.
• Private schools: Foothills Montessori School offers a Montessori-based curriculum from pre-K through middle school and is located about 10 to 15 minutes from the neighborhood. Henderson International School is another nearby option, offering a fully accredited K-12 program with a strong college-prep focus.
• Higher education: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is roughly 20 minutes away and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Several satellite campuses and continuing education centers are also located throughout the valley.

Dining and shopping

MacDonald Highlands doesn’t have commercial retail within the gates, but residents and their guests have access to excellent dining options at the DragonRidge Country Club.

• ONYX Bar & Lounge: A sleek, modern space with Strip views, craft cocktails, and a small plates menu. It’s also popular for happy hours and live music events.
• Dragon Grille: A casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that works for families and club regulars.
• Montrose Steakhouse: A more upscale, reservation-only option within the clubhouse offering steaks, wine pairings, and a quieter dining experience.

For errands and dining outside the community, residents typically head to:

• The District at Green Valley Ranch: An open-air shopping and dining complex offering upscale boutiques, popular brands, Whole Foods, and spa services — all just minutes away.
• Galleria at Sunset: A traditional indoor mall with department stores, national retailers, and a large food court, about 15 minutes east.
• Trader Joe’s: A go-to for its unique selection of groceries, including specialty and gourmet items.
• Target & Costco: For everyday basics and bulk household needs. Although it’s a bit of a drive, both stores are easily accessible located along the I-215 corridor.

Outdoor recreation

At the heart of MacDonald Highlands is DragonRidge Country Club, a private, member-owned club. Its crown jewel is an 18-hole championship golf course that twice hosted Tiger Woods’ Tiger Jams III and IV charity golf tournaments. Spanning 6,975 yards from the back tees, the course was designed to take full advantage of the community’s elevation and terrain, offering dramatic views and a challenging layout.

But there’s more to the club beyond golf. The DragonRidge athletic center includes tennis courts, a full gym, pickleball courts, group fitness classes, and a spa. There’s also a resort-style pool, dedicated event space, and family-friendly programming every year.

Elsewhere, you’ll find small private parks, shaded walking trails, and pocket green spaces woven into the layout — making it easy to stay active without going outside the community.

Beyond neighborhood gates, these are some of the frequent outdoor activities:

• Hiking, wildlife watching, rock climbing: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area offers miles of trails, ancient petroglyphs, and wildlife sightings. Meanwhile, Red Rock Canyon is popular for rock climbing and has various routes for different types of climbing (trad, sport, bouldering).
• Boating and kayaking: Lake Mead gives access to wide open water, hidden coves, and scenic shoreline drives.
• Cycling: The River Mountains Loop Trail and surrounding Henderson paths are popular with serious and casual cyclists alike.
• Nature walks and birdwatching: Clark County Wetlands Park and Cornerstone Park provide flatter trails and quieter spaces.
• Family-friendly activities in nearby parks: Anthem Hills Park and Discovery Park have playgrounds, walking loops, and shaded picnic areas.

Nightlife

MacDonald Highlands stays quiet after dark, but if you want to go on a night out, there are several options. You’ll find some frequent haunts along Eastern Avenue and in parts of Downtown Henderson.

• PKWY Tavern: This laid-back bar features a huge beer list, plenty of TVs, and a casual crowd, making it a go-to for game nights and low-key weekends.
• CraftHaus Brewery: This locally owned brewer is known for its rotating small-batch releases, casual tasting room, and strong neighborhood following.
• The Local: This cocktail bar offers lounge-style seating, regular live music, and a short but well-executed food menu.
• Gold Mine Tavern: A mainstay on Water Street, this classic neighborhood bar draws locals and musicians alike with its live entertainment, no-frills vibe, and genuine Henderson character.

Alternatively, going to the popular spots in the Strip may be a bit of a drive (about 20 to 25 minutes away), but if you have an eventful night out in mind, it’s totally worth it.

Local attractions

MacDonald Highlands is just minutes away from some of Henderson’s most established cultural events and local attractions. Residents have access to live performances, seasonal events, and family-friendly venues that run year-round.

Here’s a snapshot.

• Water Street Plaza: This open-air venue features stadium seating, a 42-foot screen for movies and sports, splash pads, a playground, shaded turf, and public art—making it a year-round hub for family fun and a variety of live events.
• America First Center: This facility is home to the Henderson Silver Knights and regularly hosts public events, youth sports leagues, and local programs.
• Cowabunga Bay Water Park: This summer destination features water slides, splash zones, shaded seating, and draws large crowds on weekends.
• Art Festival of Henderson: This annual two-day event showcases artists, food trucks, live music, and draws a citywide crowd.
• Holiday programming at The District: This includes tree lightings, ice skating, live music, and family photo setups throughout the winter season.