When Trevor and Stacey Hatfield started looking for a new house in the spring of 2009, they put a spacious yard and ample acreage at the top of their priority list. "We wanted a little privacy as well as a place for the kids to play and us to hang out," said Stacey, a Public Information Officer for the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design.  "We knew we’d have to look at more established areas of the city to find what we were looking for and downtown was the obvious natural choice since Trevor works in the heart of the city.”  Trevor, who works as an attorney for Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, enjoys only a five-minute commute – yet another significant advantage to downtown living. 

"We also didn't want the cookie-cutter look that tends to pervade newer communities in the valley," said Stacey.  "We love that we don’t see a mirror image of our house when we drive down the street."

The Hatfields, who settled in McNeil, appreciate the nearly 60-year-old neighborhood for its sense of community and friendly neighbors. "People look out for each other and say hello when they pass on the street," said Trevor. According to Trevor, the neighborhood is home to many families and professionals which makes it a great fit for the Hatfield family which includes children: Victoria, age 3, and James, age 3 months. "The kids love the fact that we can walk to the Omelet House and Broadway Pizza as a family. Not many families who live in Las Vegas can say that."

"Trevor and I have been big proponents of downtown, even before we lived there," Stacey added. "We're both used to living in big cities, so it was natural for us to be drawn to the urban core. Now that we have children, we enjoy going to the Lied Museum and Springs Preserve. As season ticket holders of the Philharmonic, we're very excited about The Smith Center opening, not only because it will be a fantastic venue, but because it is so close."

Added Trevor, "We also appreciate the growing restaurant choices in the downtown area. We've added Firefly and Mundo to our list of downtown favorites." 

Photo: Trevor and Stacey Hatfield with children James and Victoria