When Denise Valdez, news anchor at 8 News Now, and her fiancé, Eric Villarreal, moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 2006, they knew when they saw the Scotch '80s that they were home. The couple was immediately taken with the wide streets, mature trees and interesting houses. But it was the large backyard that could easily accommodate their three large retrievers that cinched the deal for the couple and their dogs to put down roots in the center of the city.

"There is a real sense of neighborhood here," said Denise. "Some of our closest friends are our neighbors. We often take part in progressive dinner parties, where we start with cocktails and appetizers at one house, then enjoy a different course at a different house. And The Strip and Summerlin are just a short drive away."

In fact, Denise actively promotes downtown living via her TV station's promotional campaign called "Vegas is my home."  According to Denise, her spot was filmed at The Beat Coffeehouse, Holsum Lofts and Fremont Street. 

When Eric, who is an Engineering Manager for K-2 Energy, is not designing green batteries, you can find him riding his electric bike to work or skateboarding with the dogs down the Scotch 80's main drag. As a home brewer, he frequents Vegas Homebrew on Charleston and both are regulars at Dupars, The Mix Zone, Art Cleaners and Swim Inn pool supply.

"We love the nostalgia of hearing the whistle of the train in the distance, or on other nights, the faint squeal of thrill seekers atop the rollercoaster at the Stratosphere," said Eric. "We can't wait for The Smith Center and the Zappos campus to open. It will only add to the eclectic energy and enthusiasm we love about downtown."

Photo: Denise Valdez and Eric Villarreal