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Development of Highlands Ranch began in 1978 by Mission Viejo Development Company. They had a plan to build a master planned community similar to the one they developed in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Thus, the community we now know as Highlands Ranch was founded in 1981.  Highlands Ranch has been regonized as one of the most successful developments in the country.

Highlands Ranch real estate offers many families the very best in amenities and proximity to local attractions. It is located approximately 20 miles to the south of Downtown Denver, on the west side of I25, on the northern edge of Douglas County. The historic town of Cstle Rock, Colorado is less than 20 minutes to the south. Many Highlands Ranch residents commute to Denver or the Denver Tech Center. The average commute time to Denver is approx 30 minutes each way and 15 minutes to the DTC and access to the Light Rail transit system is convenient as well.  The population of Highlands Ranch recently surpassed the 100,000 mark, residents living in a myriad of types of housing across roughly 22,000 acres. Highlands Ranch home prices range from the $190s for a 2 bedroom townhome to 1 million plus for a custom built, 6000sf home. The average home in Highlands Ranch is 3-4 bedrooms with 3-4 baths, a 2 car garage and approx. 1900 sf. Highlands Ranch real estate typically sells for between $250k-$280k depending on finishes, square footage, views, and lot size.

The quality of life in the area is often measured by the amenities offered to Highlands Ranch residents. 61% of the land will be dedicated to trails, parks, open space and community facilities.  Four recreation centers serve the residents. Each recreation center has its own indoor and outdoor pool, exercise facility, weight room and a wide variety of available activities for all ages. In addition, there is the 8200 acre Backcountry Wilderness Area, the many programs and special events produced by the Highlands Ranch Home Owners Association (HRCA) and the Highlands Ranch Library.

Truly a wonderful community in an even better setting, the Highlands Ranch community serves as a model for community planners. Another nearby community worth looking into is Castle Pines, directly South of Highlands Ranch and can be accessed via Quebec. If you're interested in instantly searching for homes for sale in Highlands Ranch, Colorado be sure to check out our free Dream Home Finder.  You'll have access to all the Highlands Ranch, Colorado homes for sale, hundreds pictures & virtual tours, school information, & more. It’s a free service that puts the power of our 40,000 home database at your disposal, with data management authority that comes from your own specifications, to find the home they you want.

 

Clock Tower in Highlands Ranch

 

Just 12 miles southeast of Denver, Highlands Ranch is a young unincorporated community -- only 27 years old this year. Settled by Native Americans long ago, it remained a series of farms and ranches until the 1980s brought suburban development.

The community is home to the Highlands Ranch Mansion, or "Castle Isabel," a turn-of-the-century, 22,000-square foot structure built by a wealthy resident in 1904.

Though the area is still unincorporated – you might not find it on a map – community is strong here. All Highlands Ranch residents must follow a community covenant that has firm guidelines on housing modification, fencing, and contribution to the local library and recreation centers.

 

 

Financial City stats Best places avg. Median family income (per year) $118,127 $93,313 Family purchasing power (annual, cost-of-living adjusted) $113,584 $84,802 Sales tax 5.10% 6.60% State income tax rate (highest bracket) N.A. 5.22% State income tax rate (lowest bracket) 4.63% 2.42% Auto insurance premiums (Average price quotes, for the state) $1,552 $1,854 Job growth % (2000-2007) 44.65% 18.60% Housing City stats Best places avg. Median home price $300,000 $293,712 Average property taxes (2006) $2,753 $4,072

 

Education	City stats	Best places avg.
Colleges, universities and professional schools (within 30 miles)	26	40
Junior colleges and technical institutes (within 30 miles)	21	20
Test scores reading (% above/below state average)	34.7%	17.3%
Test scores math (% above/below average)	56.1%	16.6%
% students attending public/private schools (located within town limits)	91.8/8.2	89.5/10.5
Quality of life	City stats	Best places avg.
Air quality index* (% of days AQI ranked as good)	84.5%	76.0%
Personal crime incidents (per 1,000)	13	2
Property crime incidents (per 1,000)	N.A.3	25
Median commute time (in minutes)	23.9	23.0
% population with commute 45 mins. or longer	16.7%	15.8%
% population walk or bike to work	1.1%	3.0%
Leisure and culture	City stats	Best places avg.
Movie theaters (within 15 miles)	59	51
Restaurants (within 15 miles)	3,494	4,141
Bars (within 15 miles)	395	338
Public golf courses (within 30 miles)	186	242
Libraries (within 15 miles)	76	90
Museums (accredited by AAM; within 30 miles)	5	11
Ski resorts (within 100 miles)	16	13
Arts funding (Dollars per person of state funds spent on arts)	0.9	1.5
Weather	City stats	Best places avg.
Annual rainfall (inches)	17.97	36.31
% clear days in the area	32	30
High temp in July ° F	85.8°	87.8°
Low temp in Jan ° F	14.3°	22.9°
Health*	City stats	Best places avg.
Has health plan (% of residents)	85.9%	88.2%
Body mass index (avg. for residents)	25	27
Diabetes rates (% of residents diagnosed)	7.0%	9.6%
Hypertension rates (% of residents diagnosed)	20.3%	27.3%
Meet the neighbors	City stats	Best places avg.
Median age	31.0	36.0
Completed at least some college (% of residents)	87.2%	73.6%
Married	72.5%	57.5%
Divorced	6.8%	8.3%
Racial diversity index (100 is national average; higher numbers indicate greater diversity)	45.8	104.0
Amount spent on vacations (domestic and foreign, household avg. per year)	$8,509	$8,012

From the August 2008 issue Notes: * County data ** State data (3) Crime incidences are estimates based on FBI 2006 Universal Crime and incidence reports, OnBoard analysis.