Thinking About Moving to Highlands Ranch, CO

📍 Highlands Ranch, CO at a Glance

• Population: 103,444
• Location: 12 miles south of Denver in Douglas County
• Incorporated: Unincorporated (established 1981)
• Known For: Master-planned community, exceptional schools, extensive trail system

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

As an unincorporated community in Douglas County, Highlands Ranch leans conservative with active civic engagement through the Highlands Ranch Community Association. The area typically votes Republican in local and national elections, though demographics are slowly shifting with younger families moving in. Community involvement is high, with numerous HOAs and volunteer organizations shaping local policies.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Highlands Ranch consistently ranks among Colorado’s safest communities, with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides dedicated patrols, and the community’s design with cul-de-sacs and neighborhood watch programs contributes to the secure environment that attracts families.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

The dining scene centers around Town Center and Highlands Ranch Town Center, featuring local favorites like Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant, Los Dos Potrillos, and Indochine Cuisine. Entertainment options include AMC Highlands Ranch 24 theater, Topgolf, and numerous breweries like Living the Dream Brewing. The area offers a mix of chain restaurants and local gems, with new establishments regularly opening.

🏛️ Local Government

As an unincorporated area, Highlands Ranch is governed by Douglas County commissioners and managed by the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA). The HRCA maintains common areas, enforces covenants, and provides recreational programming. Metro districts handle specific services like parks and recreation, creating a unique governance structure.

🚍 Transportation

While primarily car-dependent, Highlands Ranch offers RTD bus service connecting to light rail stations in Littleton and Lone Tree. Major thoroughfares include C-470, Highway 85 (Santa Fe Drive), and Broadway. Most residents commute by car, with average drive times to downtown Denver around 25-30 minutes. The community features extensive bike paths and sidewalks for local transportation.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Housing ranges from townhomes starting around $400,000 to luxury estates exceeding $1.5 million. The median home price hovers around $650,000, with most properties built between 1980-2010. The market remains competitive due to excellent schools and amenities. Neighborhoods like BackCountry and Highlands Ranch offer diverse architectural styles and price points.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 70 miles of trails, 2,000 acres of open space, and 30+ parks, outdoor recreation defines Highlands Ranch living. Highlands Ranch Community Association operates four recreation centers with pools, fitness facilities, and sports courts. Popular spots include Chatfield Reservoir, Daniels Park, and the High Line Canal Trail. The community hosts numerous outdoor events and concerts throughout the year.

💼 Job Market

While many residents commute to Denver Tech Center or downtown Denver, local employment exists at Charles Schwab (major campus), UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, and numerous professional services firms. The median household income exceeds $130,000, reflecting the area’s professional demographics. Tech, healthcare, and financial services dominate the local job market.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Douglas County School District serves Highlands Ranch with some of Colorado’s highest-rated schools. Notable schools include Mountain Vista High School, Rock Canyon High School, and STEM School Highlands Ranch. Private options include Valor Christian High School and numerous Montessori programs. The area’s educational excellence drives much of its residential appeal.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Highlands Ranch enjoys Colorado’s famous 300+ days of sunshine with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (80s-90s°F) with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters bring moderate snowfall averaging 55 inches annually. The elevation of 5,900 feet means cooler nights year-round and lower humidity. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for outdoor activities.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents praise the family-friendly atmosphere, safety, and abundance of activities but note the lack of nightlife and higher cost of living. The community’s master-planned nature creates a cohesive feel that some find appealing and others consider too uniform. Overall satisfaction remains high, with many long-term residents citing the quality of life as unmatched in the Denver metro area.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Highlands Ranch

Families and professionals choose Highlands Ranch for its unbeatable combination of top-tier schools, safe neighborhoods, and outdoor lifestyle—all within easy reach of Denver’s job market and cultural amenities. While the cost of living runs higher than surrounding areas, residents find value in the community’s extensive amenities, from recreation centers to miles of trails, creating a quality of life that keeps multiple generations calling Highlands Ranch home.