Spangler began methodically looking all over the Las Vegas Valley for the neighborhood and community that "felt like home" to him, but it was somewhat by coincidence that he found his favorite -- the Aliante master-planned community.

"I played golf in Aliante with some of my co-workers from Pulte Homes and that was the first time I got a real good look at this area," Spangler said. "To me, Aliante is the best-kept secret in the valley -- a wonderful place to live. It is something you have to see to truly appreciate.

"What I really like about Aliante is that there is a great sense of community here and so many places to go and relax," he continued. "It is a great getaway, but close to everything you need at the same time. You also feel like you are on the ground floor of a growing area of the north valley."

Spangler said he has been thrilled with all the new things he has discovered at Aliante since moving into his new home at the beginning of the year.

He said the parks, the library and the overall design of the community impressed him from the start, but lately he enjoys being surprised by new amenities going up in the area, including the Aliante Station Hotel and Casino.

"To me, a great selling point was just how new this area is and all of the amenities emerging here," he said. "Everything you need is close to home and new things are being developed all the time. I also like to golf, and having the Aliante Golf Club within my own community was a big attraction for me."

As a first-time buyer, Spangler was pleased to find he could find a home the size he wanted in an area he liked. He said his home was at offered affordable price and he likes the people in the Aliante community.

"I like the people who live here. They feel like my kind of people, very friendly," he said.

Aliante is a development of North Valley Enterprises, LLC, an affiliate of American Nevada Co. and Pulte Homes.

Encompassing more than 1,900 acres, the community will collectively have as many as 7,500 homes and a population of about 20,000.

Home builders at Aliante include Astoria Homes, Del Webb, KB Home, Lennar, Pardee Homes and Pulte Homes. Homes prices range from the upper $100,000s to the low $500,000s.

About 428 acres in Aliante are designated for recreational and public purposes including the Aliante Golf ,Club, the 20-acre Nature Discovery Park, Deer Springs Park and Aviary Park.

Information regarding new homes and neighborhoods in Aliante can be obtained at the Aliante Information Gallery.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, heading east and exit at Aliante Parkway and proceed south.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Information can also be obtained at aliantehomes.com or by calling 866-787-2951.