Accessible amenities, mature trees, cultural offerings and locally owned restaurants drew Kimberly and Ric Rushton to downtown, but it's the friendly sense of community that keeps them there.

Kimberly, an attorney with Cooper Levenson and a native Las Vegan, and her husband Ric Rushton, a VP at Colliers International, both work nearby and enjoy the minimal commute.

"We've lived in Rancho Nevada Estates since 2003," said Kimberly. "We bought the house when we were expecting our daughter and looking for a great place to raise our family."

They fell in love with the beautiful old trees lining the neighborhood that provide shade for afternoon walks, and they appreciate the fact that so many second- and third-generation families are moving back to their parents' neighborhood.

The Rushtons are passionate about sharing meaningful cultural experiences with their daughter, Alex, 7, and son, Maxson, 6.  The couple says they are looking forward to the opportunity to broaden these experiences once The Smith Center for the Performing Arts opens at Symphony Park next year. They appreciate the already vastly diverse resources surrounding their home in the heart of the city, including the Springs Preserve to the west and the Gehry-designed Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health to the east.

The Rushtons also enjoy trying new restaurants and dining out downtown. "Whether it's one of the many new places opening up in the area, like Bar+ Bistro at the Arts Factory, or a longtime favorite like Triple George, there are great restaurants off the beaten path," said Ric.

Kimberly added, "By far the best pizza joint in town is Broadway Pizzeria - sinful and super!"

Starbucks on Rancho and Charleston is a convenient destination for the whole family where the Rushtons indulge in their favorite drinks: coffees for Ric and Kimberly; smoothies for Alex and Maxson. 

"No matter what time of day we go out, we always see a friend," said  Kimberly. "Maria, the baker at Smith's, or a neighbor on our street - we never fail to see someone we know. If I had to pick one thing I love most about the Rancho Nevada neighborhood, it would be the other families that live there. Our neighbors and friends are what make it a truly special place to live."

Photo: The Rushton family