Spring Valley, Nevada

Sandwiched between the raucous city of Las Vegas and the awe-inspiring Red Rock Canyon, Spring Valley is Nevada's prime neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts and nightlife lovers alike. Located two miles west of the Strip, there is no shortage of bars, restaurants, and casinos to frequent. And it's a good place to find a gig, too: Job growth in the county is projected to go up 9.13% by 2023, according to Moody's Analytics.

Local favorites in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area include the Ice Box Canyon and La Madre Spring trails. Hikers should be sure to bring plenty of water, though, as the Nevada desert heat can be grueling. Spring Valley itself has an average of 292 sunny days each year. The Spring Valley neighborhood is a quiet, family-friendly escape from Sin City, and still offers plenty of its own local flair. Highly-rated restaurants in town are Garlic Yuzu, a trendy Asian fusion spot, 595 Craft and Kitchen, a beer bar with a plentiful selection of draft beers, and small-plate restaurant EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine. — Chloe Wilt