Why Is It Called Naked City in Las Vegas?

The neighborhood called Naked City in Las Vegas got its name from showgirls who sunbathed nude in the area during the 1950s and 1960s. This small, densely packed community sits just west of the Las Vegas Strip.

Why Is Naked City Called Naked City in Las Vegas?

The name traces back to the golden age of Las Vegas entertainment. Showgirls performing on the Strip lived in the affordable apartments of what was then known as Meadows Addition or Meadows Village. After long nights on stage, these performers would sunbathe without clothing in the courtyards and backyards of their apartment complexes during the day. Neighbors and locals noticed, and the nickname stuck.

One notable resident was showgirl Gail McQuary, who lived on Boston Avenue in 1956. She was among the many entertainers who called the neighborhood home because of its proximity to the Strip and its low rents. The area was roughly 90% apartments, making it a natural landing spot for workers in the casino and entertainment industry.

Where Exactly Is Naked City Located?

Naked City covers just 0.15625 square miles, bounded by Sahara Avenue to the north, Valley View Boulevard to the west, Desert Inn Road to the south, and Rancho Drive to the east. Its ZIP code is 89102. Despite its small size, the neighborhood has one of the highest population densities in Las Vegas at roughly 228,860 people per square mile. Most of the housing stock dates from the 1950s through the 1980s, with the earliest homes built in the 1930s.

Has the Neighborhood Always Been Called Naked City?

The official name was Meadows Village, but by the late 1960s nearly everyone in Las Vegas referred to the area as Naked City. The nickname became so widespread that it replaced the original name in everyday conversation and eventually in media coverage. Today, some revitalization efforts have introduced the term "Gateway District" to rebrand the area, but longtime residents and real estate professionals still use the Naked City name.

Ryan Rose frequently fields questions about why it is called Naked City and explains that the name is a piece of authentic Las Vegas history. He notes that the showgirl connection gives the neighborhood a character unlike any other community in the valley, and understanding that backstory helps buyers appreciate what makes this location unique.

Ready to explore what Naked City offers today? Contact Ryan Rose for a neighborhood tour and current listings.

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Source: 96.3 KKLZ