Former Californians see the `Lights'

When walking up and down the stairs in their two-story home became too tough, Norris and Cecelia Elmore decided to look for a new home with only one level. They found it at City Lights, a condominium development in the northeastern valley.

"City Lights was one of the first places where we looked for a one-story home, and the idea of the convenience of condominium living started to become attractive," Norris Elmore said.

The couple purchased the two-bedroom, two-bath Paris model.

"We'll put my desk and computer in (the secondary bedroom) with a convertible couch for company," Cecelia Elmore said, pointing out that its walk-in closet is an ideal place to store her hobby supplies. She enjoys creating children's greeting cards.

"I'm also thinking of putting a convertible couch in the living room," she added. "That's (also) where the Christmas tree will go."

Before moving to Las Vegas, the couple lived in Southern California until Norris Elmore retired after a 36-year career in engineering. They then moved to Texas, where they farmed for 10 years.

"That became too much," Norris Elmore said. "When you have farm animals, you never can take any time off."

They sold the farm four years ago, and moved to Las Vegas because they were familiar with the city. Plus, it was closer to their family in Southern California. The Elmores have two daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

"We had been coming (to Las Vegas) for decades, so it seemed like a good place for us," Cecelia Elmore said. "Before we would come here to gamble, but we don't gamble now that we live here."

Although the 1,018-square-foot Paris model is about 600 square feet smaller than her previous home, Cecelia Elmore said she had a big yard sale before that home sold, so their remaining possessions would fit comfortably in their new home.

She is delighted that it is only a few steps from one of the development's two swimming pools.

"The grandkids and great-grandkids will love that. We had a pool at our home in Texas, and I've missed not having one."

Construction supervisor Michael Mikula escorted the couple on their final walk-through of the home. They checked out the appliances, turned on the faucets, and even got a lesson in changing the return filter for the air-conditioning unit.

The Elmores praised the service they received from Mikula, then attempted to work out the logistics of going to California for the weekend, signing the final purchase papers, getting their furniture out of storage, and moving in to the development.

Cecelia Elmore said the idea of being able to pack up and travel without worrying about mowing a lawn or taking care of trees and shrubs was appealing.

"We just celebrated our 50th anniversary," she said, "and we spent so much money on the party that we didn't give each other gifts. I'm thinking it might be fun to take a cruise."

The Paris floor plan is priced from $129,900.

City Lights also offers the 776-square-foot New York model, a one-bedroom, one-bath home that starts at $98,900; and the Milan, a three-bedroom, three-bath design that starts at $151,900.

To visit, take Lake Mead Boulevard, just east of Hollywood Boulevard, and turn into the first development on the left. The sales office and models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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