Las Vegas 55+ HOA structures confuse most first-time buyers because there are typically two or three layers stacked on top of each other. Here’s how to read them.
Layer 1 — Master HOA. The master association fee for the larger neighborhood (Summerlin, Cadence, Lake Las Vegas). This covers shared parks, trails, perimeter landscaping, and master-plan governance. Sun City Summerlin pays no master fee because Sun City IS the master plan. Heritage at Cadence pays both a Cadence master fee AND a Heritage sub-association fee.
Layer 2 — Sub-association (your community).The 55+ community’s own HOA covers exterior landscape on your lot, the clubhouse and rec center, pools, fitness facilities, organized social programming, and reserves for major capital projects. This is usually the bigger of the two layers ($120-$200/month typical).
Layer 3 — Golf membership (if applicable). On-site golf is sometimes bundled (Trilogy at Summerlin includes Outlook Club golf in HOA) and sometimes separate (Sun City Anthem residents pay $50K-$100K+ for Anthem CC membership). Sun City Summerlin golf is technically public-access semi-private with discounted resident play — no separate "membership," just lower greens fees.
Recreation transfer fee on resale. Most master plans charge a one-time transfer fee at close ($500-$3,500) plus a capital contribution to the reserve fund. These are negotiable in some transactions but rarely waived — confirm the line items in your title commitment.
Special assessments for major work. When a clubhouse needs renovation, the HOA can levy a special assessment on every homeowner. Sun City Summerlin charged $1,400 per home in 2023 for the Mountain Shadows Pavilion renovation. Sun City Anthem assessed $850 per home in 2024 for Anthem Center HVAC replacement. Always review the most recent reserve study and 2-year meeting minutes before going under contract.