Del Webb's Sun City Aliante suits longtime area residents

Barbara and Jim Callahan believe that Del Webb's age-qualified Sun City Aliante community in North Las Vegas was built with them in mind. The longtime Las Vegans had been living in the northwest, but decided it was time to "prepare for the future" and move into an adult community.

"It was pure luck and good fortune that Jim found Sun City Aliante the day he was out driving for prospective new homes," Barbara Callahan said. "We knew we wanted to stay north and in a single-story home. We also liked the idea of living in an ... adult community with no worries."

Seven single-story designs are available, ranging from 1,155 to 2,105 square feet and priced from the mid-$310,000s to the low $450,000s. Homes include most appliances, oak cabinetry, structured wiring, upgraded lighting, and desert landscaping in the front and back yards.

The Callahans purchased the 1,716-square-foot Cedar design, which has three bedrooms, two baths, a dining room, a great room and kitchen nook. It is priced from the high $300,000s.

"We decided on the Cedar because ... we preferred the layout. The home included a covered patio and an enormous walk-in closet," Barbara Callahan said. "We were especially lucky because we had five home sites to choose from. We literally stood on each of the home sites with our sales representative to make our selection."

She said they converted one of the home's bedrooms into an art studio. "I like to scrapbook, rubber stamp and create altered books," said the speech therapist for elementary school pupils.

Jim Callahan works at Nellis Air Force Base, and is an avid golfer. He said he plays three or four times a week and enjoys the nearby Aliante Golf Club, a public 18-hole course that is just "30 seconds from my home."

The two said they also are enjoying the opportunity to meet their neighbors, particularly at the community's regular socials for new residents.

"We benefited so much from this event because we made so many new friends," Barbara Callahan said.

They also praised the builder's staff.

"The people at Del Webb couldn't have been any better," she said.

The Callahans said they appreciate their home's energy efficiency.

"We keep our home very cool, from 68 to 72 degrees. Our bills have been lower than our previous home, which was 200 square feet smaller than our current home," she said.

All of the builder's homes incorporate the Environments for Living technology, which includes energy-saving features such as low-e windows and blown-in cellulose insulation. In addition to meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star requirements, they offer a three-year heating and cooling energy-use and comfort guarantee.

Tennis and bocce courts are open, while a recreation center is planned for completion in late spring 2005. It will include a swimming pool, fitness center, and club and hobby rooms.

Residents also have access to the community's amenities which includes the 20-acre Nature Discovery Park and its group picnic area, amphitheater, soccer fields, and tennis and volleyball courts. Stores and a resort with gaming also are planned.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to the Interstate 215 east exit. Proceed to the Aliante Parkway exit then go north. The sales office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Del Webb, a subsidiary of Pulte Homes Inc., is a leading builder of age-qualified communities. It also offers Sun City Anthem and Solera at Anthem, both in Henderson, and the all-ages Club Aliante in North Las Vegas.

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