Henderson is the second-largest city in the state of Nevada, after only Las Vegas. While close enough to Las Vegas to allow quick access to all of the glitz and glam that it is so well known for, Henderson also has much to offer in its own right. It has frequently been named one of the safest cities in America, as well as one of the best to call home in multiple publications. Even better, it is also a very diverse and welcoming city with a thriving LGBTQ community. Those who choose to move to Henderson will find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Henderson's History
Henderson was named in honor of Senator Charles B. Henderson, and its founding, compared to most other large cities in the country, was fairly recent. The township of Henderson was first founded in the 1940s during World War II, with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant, which was built to supply the U.S. War Department with magnesium for munitions and airplane parts. Following the conclusion of the war, the plant ceased operations, but the city continued to grow. Initially, only 13 square miles in size, the city continued to expand after its founding, eventually becoming the second-largest city in the state of Nevada, one full of opportunity, diversity, and much to see and do. It is truly a wonderful and welcoming city where all can feel at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Henderson
Read more fun facts about Henderson here.
Henderson’s LGBTQ Community
Henderson is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Las Vegas is the Henderson area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, often simply called, “The Center,” is a community-based organization that supports and promotes activities intended to encourage the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the LGBTQ community in the greater Henderson and Las Vegas communities. The group provides events, support, and resources to the area's LGBTQ community, and is an essential part of the area’s LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Henderson?
Henderson has a desert climate which typically means long, hot summers, a warm spring and fall, and a short, mild winter with cooler nights. The area receives more than 300 sunny days per year, which is significantly more than the national average. July is the hottest month, with an average daytime high of 104 °F. December is the year's coolest month, with an average daytime high of 38 °F. The area receives an average of 5 inches of rain each year, and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Henderson
Las Vegas Pride is only a short drive from Henderson, and it is certainly a can’t-miss event each year. Held in October of each year at Sunset Park, it is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Henderson
Henderson doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” like some towns do, although the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood is particularly popular with the LGBTQ community. The current median list price of homes for sale in this neighborhood is around $584,000. Otherwise, the LGBTQ community in Henderson is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from.
Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Henderson LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Generally, homes throughout the city are fairly affordable, although there are a wide variety of home styles in varying price ranges available. The current median list price of homes for sale in Henderson is around $450,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Those who love the arts will love Henderson’s Water Street District. This beautiful, eclectic district is home to a variety of art galleries, shops, and boutiques. It’s a great place to browse, buy, and have fun.
Parks and Recreation
The River Mountains Loop Trail is a 34-mile set of trails that link Henderson, Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and various other parts of the Las Vegas Valley. The trail is partially paved for cyclists and hikers, and there are other areas that have trails for horseback riding. It’s the perfect place to spend a beautiful Henderson day getting exercise and having fun.
It can get hot in Henderson during the summertime – but fortunately, there’s a great place to cool off. Cowabunga Bay is a huge 1960s-themed water park packed with waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and a wave pool.
Henderson Nightlife
Although it’s a little bit of a drive away in Las Vegas, you’ll definitely want to put The Phoenix on your list of must-try spots for a night out. You can’t miss it – the giant phoenix painted across the doors usually gives it away! This club offers a spacious bar, a comfortable lounge area, a dance floor with DJs spinning excellent playlists, pool tables, and a nice outdoor patio area.
The Garage is one of Henderson’s most popular LGBTQ bars. It’s a great place to enjoy a strong drink and a game of pool, shuffleboard, or darts, or simply to enjoy a relaxing evening out with friends.
Contact a Henderson Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Henderson, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Henderson, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Henderson gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!