Henderson, NV

Henderson is a fairly new city, incorporated in 1953. City officials and Henderson's 250,000 residents proudly refer to the city as "A Place to Call Home," although its proximity to popular destinations such as Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam also makes it a great vacation spot. At first glance, Henderson might seem easy to write off as similar to nearby Las Vegas, with its resorts, bars, and casinos. However, Henderson's 40 parks set it apart from Sin City. Its population is expected to increase in the coming years, perhaps finally filling out the more than 90 square miles that make it the second-largest city in the state.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Henderson benefits from the tourism and services industry due to its proximity to Las Vegas. Companies find Henderson a very attractive place because of its favorable tax structure and various incentive plans. The city has an Economic Development Division that offers free services to help local businesses reallocate and expand.

The major employers who have large offices or headquarters in Henderson are Levi Strauss & Company, Ocean Spray, Ford Motor Credit, Toyota Financial Services and Good Humor-Breyers.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Henderson has emerged from a small industrial town to one of the most dynamic communities of the United States. More than 270,000 people reside in Henderson. The median house or condo value of the city is more than the statewide median home value.

Downtown Henderson is a bustling place for many commercial buildings, such as The Pinnacle, The Meridian, Water Street South and the City Towers.

The Water Street District is one of the major redevelopment areas. The district is an entertainment, retail and residential area attracting developers, retailers, restaurateurs, artists, future residents and customers.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Clark County Heritage Museum: This museum offers tours of its exhibits, which range from the prehistoric era through the past century. It focuses on the animals that inhabited the area around Henderson and Las Vegas, along with the Native American tribes that eventually came along and stayed for more than 12,000 years.
• Event venues: This city is home to Henderson Convention Center, Henderson Amphitheatre, Henderson Pavilion, and Henderson Events Plaza, which hosts free arts performances every Thursday night.
• Art galleries: Art lovers can find exhibits at a number of galleries, including The Water Street Gallery, City Lights Gallery, Plaza Gallery, Elayne LaPorta Fine Arts, and the Gallery at Liberty Pointe.

FAMILY FUN

• Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens: This three-acre cactus-filled area displays more than 300 types of cactus and desert species, along with an example of how a wastewater treatment facility works.
• Lake Las Vegas: This area encompasses a 320-acre manmade lake and a more than 3,000-acre area filled with several casinos and hotels. One of its most notable sights is the 18-story dam that is responsible for creating the lake.
• Wildhorse Golf Club: This club takes advantage of the Southwest's perpetually sunny weather with an award-winning 18-hole course filled with ponds.
• Black Mountain Recreation Center: This complex offers 41,000 square feet of sports courts, game rooms, a gym, a playground, a pool, a waterfall, and athletic programs for residents.

SHOPPING

One of the most well-known shopping centers in the area is Galleria at Sunset, which is one of the biggest malls in the state and the only enclosed mall in the city. It is known for its unique beauty; the mall is full of fountains and southwestern décor in addition to its 133 stores. Its popularity has prompted plans for many future expansions. The District at Green Valley Ranch is a newer outdoor shopping center that has more than 50 stores and restaurants.

FOR VISITORS

• Ethel M Chocolate Factory: This is where Ethel M chocolates, available throughout the country, are created. The new line, simply called Ethel's Chocolate, is made up of nearly 50 types of gourmet chocolate. Visitors can tour this factory free of charge.
• Sunset Station Hotel and Casino: This 98-acre casino is frequented by both locals and tourists who prefer off-strip locations. It includes more than 2,000 slot machines, a movie theater, bingo, a 24-hour bowling alley, an arcade, several restaurants, and a 21-floor hotel.
• Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, and Casino: Located in the Henderson community of Green Valley, this 50,000-square-foot hotel, resort, and casino boasts 8 restaurants and close proximity to the District at Green Valley Ranch.

EDUCATION

• Nevada State College: This four-year college is fairly new, having opened in 2002, and enrolls just over 2,000 students. This school is plagued by a low graduation rate, about one-third of the national average, but it has plans to address the issue.
• University of Southern Nevada: This private school focuses on the health-care industry, offering a bachelor of science in nursing and a doctor of pharmacy, among other degree programs.
• College of Southern Nevada: This is the largest public school in the state. It offers mostly 2-year degrees to its nearly 40,000 students, who are spread out among the 3 Las Vegas-area campuses.
• The Art Institute of Las Vegas: This school concentrates on design, fashion, and culinary and media arts. The campus in Henderson is one of about 40 throughout the country.