Highlands Ranch is the #5 BEST PLACES TO RAISE A FAMILY IN COLORADO.
More than 110,000 people live in the largest master-planned community in Highlands Ranch. It’s situated less than 15 miles south of Denver on a landmass that stretches 22,000 acres. The area was founded in 1981 and was known for grazing cattle but eventually transformed into a suburb. Highlands Ranch is bordered by Centennial, Castle Pines, Wolhurst, and Littleton.
- There are 155 active home listings and 10 new homes for sale in Highlands Ranch.
- Homes in Highlands Ranch were selling for a median price of $599,999 in December 2022.
- On average, homes in Highlands Ranch sell after 681 days on the market compared to 46 days last year.
- 213 homes were sold in Highlands Ranch in December 2022, up from 31 last year.
- Highlands Ranch is part of the Douglas County R-1 School District, with 10 Elementary Schools, 6 Middle Schools, and 5 High Schools.
- The average rating of all Highlands Ranch schools is 7 out of 10 by GreatSchools.
Outdoor Amenities Galore
Like other areas of Colorado, Highlands Ranch has plenty to offer regarding outdoor activities and things to do. The city has 26 parks, many of which include a space for off-leash dogs.
The local Civic Green Park is a favorite, with gorgeous trees, a playground, and beautiful gardens. It also has a rentable pavilion where up to 100 people can enjoy a picnic or event.
Northridge Park and Fly’n B Park are also famous. There are more than 70 miles of trails in Highlands Ranch for running, biking, or hiking. The community has also designated more than 2,500 acres of undeveloped land for exploring and 8,200 acres for conservation space in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
Steep Cost of Living
Due to its proximity to Denver and the housing demand, the living cost in Highlands Ranch has grown tremendously. You can find all housing types: tiny, older, medium-sized, and large, newer condos and apartments.
Decent Dining
There are plenty of food options if you live in Highlands Ranch. One of the best places to go is NoNo’s Cafe which has a menu of soups, salads, steaks, stroganoff, and salmon. Some of the dishes have a Cajun or southern comfort food theme. If you’re craving Mexican food, Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant is an excellent choice with burritos, tacos, mariscos, shellfish, seafood, and much more!
Large Population
Highlands Ranch might be too big for you if you want a smaller-town feel. With more than 110,00 people, it’s still growing. It’s a prominent suburb of Denver, so it’s no longer a “small” town. If you love the small-town fairs and small community festivals, Highlands Ranch does have a little bit of that but not to the same extent as some of the other smaller towns in Colorado. It will be perfect if you like the hustle and bustle of people coming in and out!
Excellent Education for the Kids
Highlands Ranch is a part of the Douglas County School District, the third-largest district in Colorado. There are incredible opportunities here for education from pre-schoolers to high school age. You can choose from 20+ best-recognized schools in the country. There are also various types of schools to choose from, whether you’re looking for a public, neighborhood-zoned, or charter school.
Comfortable Weather Conditions
The climate in Highlands Ranch is semi-arid, with low humidity and about 246 days of sunshine. Four seasons rarely see any extreme temperatures in summer or winter. July is the warmest month in Highlands Ranch, with temperatures reaching as high as 87 degrees Fahrenheit. December is the coldest, with temperatures getting as low as 18 degrees. The city’s 5,920 ft elevation and the dry cold weather can sometimes lead to uncomfortable conditions.
Check out the Mansion
One of the things Highlands Ranch is well-known for is the extravagant Highlands Ranch Mansion. The architecture and charm of the mansion will take your breath away! The historic mansion has been home to some of Denver’s most notable families, including battle barons, oil tycoons, socialites, and political and business leaders.
You can also rent the mansion venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.
Transportation Options
Highlands Ranch is in an ideal location with easy access to the highways leading to Denver International Airport and the Rocky Mountains. Having a car in Highlands Ranch is a good option and getting around the city is pretty straightforward. The roads are also well-maintained. If you don’t prefer to drive, bus routes link the community, and most residents can access them.
Some other major attractions you’ll have easy access to include: Coors Field, Chatfield Recreation Area, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver Tech Center, Pepsi Center, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and downtown Denver. Highlands Ranch is somewhat bikeable and walkable, depending on your area. The most walkable neighborhoods are Brownstones at Town Center, District 102, and District 77.
Highlands Ranch “Bubble”
A downside of moving to Highlands Ranch is that you might feel like you’re living in a bubble. If you live in Highlands Ranch, you stay in Highlands Ranch. It’s not a place that other people visit very often unless they live there. You’ve got the soccer moms, the book clubs, and the “Stepford Wives.” It’s a bit of a joke but also a stereotype of living in Highlands Ranch. But don’t judge a book by its cover! The people in the community are amiable and super welcoming of people who want to live there.
Breath-taking Views
If you live in Colorado, you will have amazing views almost anywhere. However, the views in Highlands Ranch are spectacular. When driving around the city, you’ll see the backdrop of the mountains no matter where you go. Nearly all of the properties and lots in Highlands Ranch will also have a view of the mountains.
Safe Place to Be
Highlands Ranch is a safe place to live! Niche says it’s about 21% safer than the national average. Overall, it’s higher for families who want a safe, quiet place to live. Property and violent crimes rank lower than the U.S. average in Highlands Ranch.
Highlands Ranch, CO Housing Market
In November 2022, the median listing home price in Highlands Ranch, CO, was $675K, trending up 8% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $258. The median home sold price was $810K.
Homes For Sale in Highlands Ranch, CO
There are 155 homes for sale in Highlands Ranch, CO, 10 newly listed within the last week. Additionally, 51 rentals range from $950 to $4.8K per month.
Get Connected With a Trusted Local Agent
At Homes Of Rockies, our realtors analyze millions of home sales to find the perfect home for you.
