Centennial Hills vs North Las Vegas: Complete Comparison (2026)

by Ryan Rose

Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas offer the Las Vegas Valley's best value alternatives to Henderson and Summerlin—but the $75,000-$125,000 price gap between them reflects meaningful differences in schools, safety, and community character. Both provide affordable entry into Nevada's tax-advantaged market, but Centennial Hills delivers stronger fundamentals at modest premium. This guide compares both honestly, helping value-focused buyers understand whether North Las Vegas's deeper discount justifies its trade-offs or whether Centennial Hills's moderate premium buys genuine quality improvement.

Price Comparison

The price difference is substantial.

Centennial Hills median home price runs approximately $500,000. North Las Vegas median runs approximately $380,000. The gap of $100,000-$125,000 represents 25-30% savings in North Las Vegas.

What the difference buys is significant. A $400,000 North Las Vegas home typically offers 2,200-plus square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 2010s-2020s construction. A $400,000 Centennial Hills home typically offers 1,600-1,800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and older construction.

North Las Vegas delivers more house for the same money. The question is what you're giving up.

Safety Comparison

Safety represents a meaningful difference.

Centennial Hills crime rates run 30-40% below Las Vegas citywide averages. Master-planned design and family demographics contribute to low crime.

North Las Vegas citywide crime runs higher than Las Vegas averages. However, Aliante and upper North Las Vegas run 50-60% below North Las Vegas citywide—approaching suburban norms.

The verdict shows Centennial Hills as safer overall with consistent quality across the community. North Las Vegas safety requires careful neighborhood selection.

For buyers who will research carefully, the safety gap narrows significantly when comparing Centennial Hills to Aliante specifically. For buyers who won't research, Centennial Hills provides more consistent safety.

Schools Comparison

Schools favor Centennial Hills.

Centennial Hills schools rate 6-8 out of 10. Schools exceed Las Vegas averages with strong elementary options.

North Las Vegas schools rate 4-6 out of 10. Aliante-area schools perform better but still trail Centennial Hills.

The gap is meaningful for families. Centennial Hills schools provide better daily educational experience without the premium Henderson charges.

Charter options exist in both areas. Research specific options and apply early if charter education is your plan.

Construction Age Comparison

Both areas offer newer construction, with different concentrations.

Centennial Hills construction spans primarily 2005-present with substantial 2010-present inventory. Skye Canyon offers 2015-present construction.

North Las Vegas construction is more varied. Aliante spans 2003-present. Tule Springs offers newest 2015-present. Older areas have 1980s-2000s construction.

For buyers wanting newest construction, both areas offer options. Centennial Hills has more consistent newer inventory throughout. North Las Vegas requires more targeted searching.

Community Character Comparison

Community character differs significantly.

Centennial Hills character reflects established master-planned development. Skye Canyon offers comprehensive community programming. Providence provides family-oriented environment. Consistent quality throughout.

North Las Vegas character varies dramatically. Aliante offers complete master-planned experience comparable to Centennial Hills. Other areas range from developing suburban to challenged urban.

The verdict positions Centennial Hills as more consistently family-friendly throughout. North Las Vegas requires selecting the right neighborhood.

Location and Commute Comparison

Both occupy northern Las Vegas Valley with similar commute patterns to many destinations.

Strip commute runs similarly at 25-35 minutes from both areas depending on specific location.

Downtown Las Vegas commute favors North Las Vegas at 15-25 minutes versus Centennial Hills at 20-30 minutes.

Henderson commute runs 30-45 minutes from both areas—cross-valley drive.

Red Rock Canyon access favors Centennial Hills at 20-30 minutes versus 35-45 minutes from North Las Vegas.

Apex Industrial Park access strongly favors North Las Vegas for employment in that zone.

Location choice depends on specific employment and lifestyle priorities.

Amenities Comparison

Amenities favor Centennial Hills.

Centennial Hills amenities include Centennial Hills Park with 30 acres, Skye Canyon Park with community programming, developed retail along Centennial Center Boulevard, and Summerlin access via 215 Beltway.

North Las Vegas amenities include Aliante Casino and Golf Club, Aliante Nature Discovery Park, and developing retail in various areas.

Centennial Hills offers more comprehensive community amenities. North Las Vegas (Aliante specifically) offers unique amenities including casino and golf.

New Construction Comparison

Both areas offer active new construction.

Centennial Hills new construction in Skye Canyon starts in the $450,000s from Toll Brothers, Lennar, Taylor Morrison, and Pulte.

North Las Vegas new construction in Tule Springs starts in the $350,000s from Lennar, KB Home, Century Communities, and Richmond American.

Price gap of $100,000-plus for comparable new construction reflects the community quality difference.

Investment Comparison

Investment profiles differ.

Centennial Hills investment offers moderate appreciation potential with stable community fundamentals. Lower risk, moderate returns.

North Las Vegas investment offers potentially higher appreciation as community develops. Higher volatility historically. Higher risk, potentially higher returns.

Conservative investors may prefer Centennial Hills stability. Growth-oriented investors may see North Las Vegas opportunity.

Who Should Choose Centennial Hills

Centennial Hills suits families prioritizing stronger schools without Henderson premium, buyers wanting consistent safety throughout community, those preferring established community character, families wanting community programming and amenities, and buyers willing to pay modest premium for quality improvement.

Who Should Choose North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas suits value-maximizers prioritizing lowest price above other factors, buyers who will research neighborhoods carefully, families comfortable supplementing schools with charters or private, those working at Apex Industrial Park or downtown Las Vegas, and investors seeking potential appreciation in improving market.

The Middle-Ground Option

Some buyers consider Aliante specifically versus Centennial Hills.

Aliante offers North Las Vegas's best neighborhood with complete master-planned amenities, safety approaching suburban norms, and casino and golf within community.

Aliante prices run approximately $450,000-$600,000—closer to Centennial Hills than North Las Vegas overall.

The comparison shows Aliante as genuinely competitive with Centennial Hills. The choice becomes casino and golf amenities versus community programming and slightly stronger schools.

The Bottom Line

Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas serve different buyer priorities. Centennial Hills delivers stronger schools, more consistent safety, and established community character at modest premium. North Las Vegas (especially Aliante) delivers value and unique amenities for buyers who research carefully. The $100,000-plus price gap is real—whether it's worth paying depends on your priorities. For families prioritizing education and convenience, Centennial Hills justifies the premium. For value-maximizers comfortable with research, North Las Vegas delivers genuine opportunity.

I help buyers compare Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas based on their specific priorities. Reach out for honest guidance on which fits your situation.

Deciding between Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas? Call or text Ryan Rose at 702-747-5921 for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Centennial Hills vs North Las Vegas

Q1: What is the typical price difference between Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas homes?

Centennial Hills median home prices run approximately $500,000, while North Las Vegas median prices are around $380,000. This creates a price gap of $100,000-$125,000, representing 25-30% savings in North Las Vegas. For the same $400,000 budget, you'll get more square footage and bedrooms in North Las Vegas compared to Centennial Hills.

Q2: Which area is safer: Centennial Hills or North Las Vegas?

Centennial Hills crime rates run 30-40% below Las Vegas citywide averages with consistent safety throughout the community. North Las Vegas citywide crime runs higher than Las Vegas averages, but neighborhoods like Aliante run 50-60% below North Las Vegas citywide rates, approaching suburban norms. Centennial Hills offers more consistent safety, while North Las Vegas requires careful neighborhood selection.

Q3: How do schools compare between Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas?

Centennial Hills schools rate 6-8 out of 10, exceeding Las Vegas averages with strong elementary options. North Las Vegas schools rate 4-6 out of 10, with Aliante-area schools performing better but still trailing Centennial Hills. The gap is meaningful for families, with Centennial Hills providing better daily educational experience without Henderson's premium pricing.

Q4: Is Aliante in North Las Vegas comparable to Centennial Hills?

Yes, Aliante is North Las Vegas's best neighborhood and genuinely competitive with Centennial Hills. Aliante offers complete master-planned amenities, safety approaching suburban norms, and unique features like casino and golf within the community. Aliante prices run approximately $450,000-$600,000, closer to Centennial Hills than North Las Vegas overall. The choice becomes casino and golf amenities versus community programming and slightly stronger schools.

Q5: What kind of new construction is available in each area?

Centennial Hills new construction in Skye Canyon starts in the $450,000s from builders like Toll Brothers, Lennar, Taylor Morrison, and Pulte. North Las Vegas new construction in Tule Springs starts in the $350,000s from Lennar, KB Home, Century Communities, and Richmond American. The $100,000-plus price gap for comparable new construction reflects the community quality difference.

Q6: How do commute times compare from both areas?

Strip commute is similar at 25-35 minutes from both areas. Downtown Las Vegas favors North Las Vegas at 15-25 minutes versus 20-30 minutes from Centennial Hills. Henderson runs 30-45 minutes from both areas. Red Rock Canyon access favors Centennial Hills at 20-30 minutes versus 35-45 minutes from North Las Vegas. Apex Industrial Park access strongly favors North Las Vegas.

Q7: Which area offers better amenities?

Centennial Hills offers more comprehensive community amenities including Centennial Hills Park (30 acres), Skye Canyon Park with community programming, developed retail along Centennial Center Boulevard, and easy Summerlin access. North Las Vegas amenities include Aliante Casino and Golf Club, Aliante Nature Discovery Park, and developing retail. Centennial Hills provides more overall amenities, while Aliante specifically offers unique casino and golf features.

Q8: Which area is better for investment purposes?

Centennial Hills offers moderate appreciation potential with stable community fundamentals—lower risk with moderate returns. North Las Vegas offers potentially higher appreciation as the community develops but with higher historical volatility—higher risk with potentially higher returns. Conservative investors may prefer Centennial Hills stability, while growth-oriented investors may see North Las Vegas opportunity.

Q9: Who should choose Centennial Hills over North Las Vegas?

Centennial Hills suits families prioritizing stronger schools without Henderson's premium, buyers wanting consistent safety throughout the community, those preferring established community character, families wanting community programming and amenities, and buyers willing to pay a modest premium for quality improvement.

Q10: Who should choose North Las Vegas over Centennial Hills?

North Las Vegas suits value-maximizers prioritizing lowest price, buyers who will research neighborhoods carefully, families comfortable supplementing schools with charter or private options, those working at Apex Industrial Park or downtown Las Vegas, and investors seeking potential appreciation in an improving market.

Q11: What construction age should I expect in each area?

Centennial Hills construction spans primarily 2005-present with substantial 2010-present inventory, and Skye Canyon offers 2015-present construction. North Las Vegas construction varies more—Aliante spans 2003-present, Tule Springs offers 2015-present, while older areas have 1980s-2000s construction. Centennial Hills has more consistent newer inventory throughout, while North Las Vegas requires more targeted searching.

Q12: Is the $100,000+ price difference worth it?

Whether the premium is worth it depends on your priorities. For families prioritizing education, consistent safety, and convenience, Centennial Hills justifies the premium. For value-maximizers comfortable with thorough research who can identify quality North Las Vegas neighborhoods like Aliante, the savings deliver genuine opportunity. The price gap buys stronger schools, more consistent safety, and established community character—meaningful improvements for some buyers, unnecessary premium for others.