Highlands Ranch at a glance
- $720,000Median home price
- ≈105,000Residents
- Douglas CountyCounty
Highlands Ranch is a 22,000-acre master-planned community in northern Douglas County, about 12 miles south of downtown Denver along C-470. It is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Colorado thanks to its parks, trail system, four community recreation centers run by the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), and the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area.
The housing stock ranges from 1980s two-story homes in Northridge to newer luxury builds in Backcountry and low-maintenance townhomes near Town Center. Most single-family homes sit on lots between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet, and the HRCA fee gives every homeowner access to the rec centers, pools and fitness facilities.
Commuters reach the Denver Tech Center in about 15 minutes via I-25 or C-470, and RTD light rail is available at nearby Lone Tree and Littleton stations. Zip codes 80126, 80129 and 80130 cover the community.
Lifestyle
Highlands Ranch attracts families and professionals who want suburban space with an active lifestyle. Weekends revolve around the rec centers, youth sports, farmers markets at Town Center and trail runs in the Backcountry. The community hosts events year-round including the Highlands Ranch Days rodeo and concerts at Civic Green Park.
Cost of living and housing
Housing is the largest cost difference for most people relocating to Highlands Ranch. Expect a median price around $720,000 with a full range of $450,000 – $2,000,000+. Colorado property taxes are low, but check for metro-district mill levies and HOA dues. Utilities are moderate, and the dry climate keeps heating and cooling costs reasonable.
Schools
Highlands Ranch is served by the Douglas County School District (RE-1). Boundaries can differ across a single street, so confirm the assigned schools for any address before you buy. Charter, STEM and open-enrollment options are also available.
Where to live in Highlands Ranch
Backcountry
Single-family & patio homes · $900,000 – $2,500,000+
Tresana
Townhomes · $500,000 – $750,000
Firelight
Townhomes & single-family · $450,000 – $850,000
Gleneagles Village
Patio homes · $550,000 – $800,000
Westridge
Single-family · $600,000 – $1,100,000
Northridge
Single-family · $550,000 – $850,000
Southridge
Single-family · $600,000 – $1,000,000
Eastridge
Single-family & townhomes · $500,000 – $900,000
See all Highlands Ranch neighborhoods →
Relocation checklist
- Talk to Vlad about timeline, budget and commute so we can shortlist neighborhoods.
- Get pre-approved with a Colorado lender (Vlad can recommend a few).
- Schedule a neighborhood tour, in person or by video.
- Review school boundaries, HOA documents and property tax history for finalists.
- Write a competitive offer with a strategy suited to the current Highlands Ranch market.
Frequently asked questions
Is Highlands Ranch a good place to live?
Highlands Ranch consistently ranks among Colorado's best suburbs for safety, schools, parks and access to jobs. It suits families, professionals commuting to the Denver Tech Center and retirees looking for an active community.
How is the commute from Highlands Ranch to Denver?
Downtown Denver is 25–35 minutes in normal traffic via Santa Fe Drive or I-25. The Denver Tech Center is about 15 minutes. RTD light rail is available at Lone Tree, Lincoln Station and Littleton Mineral Station.
What are property taxes like in Highlands Ranch?
Colorado has some of the lowest residential property taxes in the country. Effective rates in Douglas County generally run about 0.5%–0.7% of market value, though metro-district areas can be higher. Vlad can pull the exact tax history for any home.
Which Highlands Ranch neighborhood should I choose?
It depends on budget, commute and school priorities. Vlad Kost provides a personalized shortlist of Highlands Ranch neighborhoods after a short call, and can arrange a neighborhood tour before you relocate.