If you’re considering relocating to the Denver area, then living in Highlands Ranch CO could be a wonderful idea! As the largest master planned community in Colorado, Highlands Ranch offers a small-town feel with all the conveniences of a modern suburb of Denver. Situated just 12 miles south of the Mile High City, this community provides easy access to Denver’s great job opportunities while offering a peaceful retreat with views of the Rocky Mountains.

Highlands Ranch contains a family-friendly atmosphere, diverse recreational activities, and competitive home sale prices. As such, Highlands Ranch is a good place to live. Join us as we explore why moving to Highlands Ranch might be the best decision for you and your family.

Where Is Highlands Ranch?

 

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Highlands Ranch is in Douglas County, Colorado, and is a part of the Denver metropolitan area. After moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll enjoy easy access to not only Downtown Denver but also neighboring communities such as Aurora, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree. As the largest master planned community in Colorado, Highlands Ranch enjoys a prime spot at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing residents with incredible scenery and recreational opportunities.

After moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll be in a very convenient location. Situated approximately 12 miles south of Downtown Denver and about 20 miles east of Aurora, Highlands Ranch is located in the ideal location for convenient access to city amenities, including top-tier medical care and diverse Denver neighborhoods. When living in Highlands Ranch CO, you can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle while still having access to the big city.

Highlands Ranch Information

• Highlands Ranch county: Douglas County
• Highlands Ranch area: 62.9 square miles
• Highlands Ranch zip code: 80126-80163
• Highlands Ranch area code: 303, 720
• Highlands Ranch elevation: 5,817 feet
• Highlands Ranch time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC-6 and -7)
• Closest airport to Highlands Ranch: Denver International Airport (DEN), 37.7 miles away

Highlands Ranch Population & Demographics

The population of Highlands Ranch Colorado is 103,444, which is a 6.9% increase over the past decade. After moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll be a part of the Denver Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 2.96 million. Residents living in Highlands Ranch Colorado are quite affluent, with a median household income of $148,227. This is higher than the Colorado average of $87,598. Moving to Highlands Ranch is popular among families, as 79% of households are occupied by married couples, and the median household size is 2.7 persons.

Additional Highlands Ranch Demographics:

• Sex ratio: 50.1% male, 49.9% female
• Racial and ethnic composition: 85.2% White (80.0% non-Hispanic), 6.1% Asian, 5.8% two or more races, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian
• Educational attainment: 98.8% high school degree (or higher), 65.7% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
• Foreign-born population: 8.7%
• Notable people from Highlands Ranch Colorado: Actress Keri Russell, NFL player Christian McCaffrey, physicist William C. Davidon

Transportation

 

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What can you expect from transportation after moving to Highlands Ranch? Most residents living in Highlands Ranch CO rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute, thanks to the suburb’s well-connected roadways. The community enjoys access to several highways leading into Denver, including C-470 and I-25.

For those who prefer public transportation, you’ll have a few options after moving to Highlands Rnach. The closest bus stop is located at Ridgeline Boulevard and Highlands Ranch Parkway, serviced by the RTD-Dever Regional Transportation District. This offers a viable alternative for getting around the Denver metro area without a car.

When it comes to air travel, Denver International Airport is just a 40-minute drive from Highlands Ranch. As one of the busiest airports in the country, Denver International offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide, making moving to Highlands Ranch a great option for those who love to travel.

Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch CO

Before moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll want to make sure the community is an affordable option for your family size and lifestyle. Living in Highlands Ranch CO is on the expensive end. The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Highlands Ranch is 143.6. This means that the Highlands Ranch CO cost of living is 43.6% more expensive than the national average. Additionally, the Highlands Ranch Colorado cost of living is also more expensive than the Denver average of 127.6.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $138,237 per year to comfortably live in Highlands Ranch. This comes out to about $11,520 per month.

Average Highlands Ranch Living Expenses

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
• Cappuccino: $4.90
• Gallon of milk: $3.74
• Pound of apples: $1.79
• Gallon of gas: $3.36
• Movie ticket: $18.00
• Average Highlands Ranch utilities per month: $183.99

Source: Numbeo

After moving to Highlands Ranch, you can enjoy fairly low taxes compared to the rest of the country. The sales tax rate in Highlands Ranch is 5%, while the income tax rate is a flat 4.40%. The property tax rate is set in statute at 7.15%, according to the Douglas County Assessor's Office.

Before moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll want to consider the impact of real estate on your cost of living.

Highlands Ranch CO Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices

Are you thinking about searching for homes for sale in Highlands Ranch CO? Luckily, there are plenty of Highlands Ranch real estate options to choose from after moving to Highland Ranch! According to Redfin, the average home price in Highlands Ranch CO is $725,000. This is higher than the national average of $439,000 and the Colorado average of $529,000.

Home sale prices are up 7.0% compared to last year, and homes sit on the market for an average of 13 days. When living in Highlands Ranch CO, you will find everything from large homes with three to four bedrooms to more cozy living spaces with a smaller square footage.

 

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If you would rather rent real estate in Highlands Ranch, then there are plenty of options for you to choose from. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Highlands Ranch is $1,755 per month. This is just slightly above the national average of $1,713. According to the 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to rent than to buy real estate in Highlands Ranch. After moving to Highlands Ranch, there are several great apartment options for you to explore.

Highlands Ranch Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Highlands Ranch

When moving to Highlands Ranch, it is important to choose a community that works well with your lifestyle. Highlands Ranch is full of diverse neighborhoods, so you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs. Here are just a few of the most popular neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch CO.

Northridge | One of the Most Popular Neighborhoods for Families

Situated just south of County Line Road sits the gorgeous neighborhood of Northridge. This fantastic neighborhood is popular among families moving to Highlands Ranch, as the area is largely residential with no busy street traffic. The houses in Northridge are mostly single-family homes built between 1984 and 1993. Within Northridge, you’ll find the parks Sand Creek Park and Northridge Park, which offer green space, walking and biking trails, and picnic areas.

Downtown Highlands Ranch | One of the Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch

The central area of Highlands Ranch, also known as Downtown Highlands Ranch, is a great option for those who want to be involved in the hustle and bustle of the city after moving to Highlands Ranch. In this area, you’ll find a strong mix of both houses and apartments. Some popular apartments in this area include The Audrey Apartments and Legacy at Highlands Ranch. Downtown Highlands Ranch is very walkable, and you can easily commute to local stores and restaurants on foot.

Westridge | Relatively New Community Great for Golf Enthusiasts

 

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Westridge is a great alternative to popular Denver retirement communities. Situated alongside Chatfield State Park, Westridge is a tranquil nature lover's paradise and perfect for seniors moving to Highlands Ranch. Here, you’ll find the prestigious Highlands Ranch Golf Club, where members can enjoy access to an 18-hole golf course designed by three-time US Open Champion Hale Irwin. Residents in this area can choose from large single-family homes with waterfront views, cozy townhomes, and spacious apartments.

Highlands Ranch CO Weather & Climate

After moving to Highlands Ranch, you can enjoy a semi-arid climate characterized by four seasons and low humidity. Residents will experience cool temperatures during the fall and winter, with occasional snowfall, while spring and summer bring warmer weather without the extreme temperatures found in other regions. Here are a few of the most important Highlands Ranch climate statistics:

• Average summer Highlands Ranch temperature: 78ºF
• Average winter Highlands Ranch temperature: 33.5ºF
• Average annual snowfall in Highlands Ranch: 78 inches
• Average annual rainfall in Highlands Ranch: 18.7 inches

Highlands Ranch Restaurants

Highlands Ranch is a popular destination for many different types of cuisine. After moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll find everything from delicious pizza to high-quality seafood. These are the best restaurants in Highlands Ranch CO.

• Smokin Fins: Smokin Fins is one of the best places to eat in Highlands Ranch, offering up delicious seafood dishes as well as a full bar. 1104 Cpl Max Donahue Ln #102, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129, (720) 594-3467
• Postino: Stop by Postino for classic cafe food like soup, salad, and paninis. 1497 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129, (720) 410-8600
• Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: This fantastic restaurant serves up house beers and yummy pub snacks. 1505 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, (720) 799-8110

 

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Things to Do in Highlands Ranch

Looking for fun things to do in Highlands Ranch? After moving to Highlands Ranch, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do. These are just a few of the major attractions in Highlands Ranch.

Top Highlands Ranch Attractions

• Main Event Highlands Ranch: Looking for a bowling alley after moving to Highlands Ranch? This Highlands Ranch bowling alley features bowling, arcade games, and a full restaurant.
• Fly’n B Park: This park is one of the best fishing spots in Highlands Ranch.
• K1 Speed: Check out this attraction for electric go-karting and food.
• Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area: This peaceful area is one of the best things to do in Highlands Ranch CO, offering walking trails and picturesque views.

 

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Highlands Ranch Museums, Entertainment & Arts

• Highlands Ranch Mansion: The Highlands Ranch Mansion is a historic building that offers guided tours as well as private events. This is a must-see after moving to Highlands Ranch.
• Play Street Museum: Grab the kids and head to this interactive children’s museum!
• Littleton Museum: Located in nearby Littleton, this museum showcases local artifacts from the 1800s.

Highlands Ranch Parks & Outdoors

• Northridge Park: Northridge Park is a favorite among the locals, offering outdoor activities and nature programs.
• Redstone Park: Stop by Redstone Park and explore a fishing pond, playground, and sports fields.
• Civic Green Park: Civic Green Park features beautiful gardens, restrooms, and a rentable pavilion.

 

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Shopping in Highlands Ranch

• Highlands Ranch Town Center: Looking for a great shopping mall after moving to Highlands Ranch? Highlands Ranch Town Center is one of the best shopping centers in the area, offering dozens of wonderful retail options.
• Highlands Ranch Shopping Center: This mall is at the heart of the commercial development in the area. Here, you’ll find popular retail stores as well as several restaurants.

Map of Highlands Ranch Things to Do

Here’s where you’ll find these major attractions after moving to Highlands Ranch.

Sports

While Highlands Ranch doesn’t have any professional sports teams, residents are just a short drive away from Denver, a city with a bustling sports scene. Denver is home to several professional teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Colorado Rapids (MLS). Whether you’re a fan of football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer, moving to Highlands Ranch CO gives you easy access to top-tier sports action.

Highlands Ranch Crime Rate

Is Highlands Ranch a safe community? Here’s an overview of the crime rate in Highlands Ranch CO.

• Overall crime rate: 3,496 crimes per 100,000 people (4.0% lower than state average and 50.4% higher than national average)
• Violent crime rate: 110 crimes per 100,000 people (50.3% lower than state average and 33.7% lower than national average)
• Property crime rate: 3,251 crimes per 100,000 people (3.3% higher than state average and 66.3% higher than national average)

Based on the data above, you can see that most of the crime in Highlands Ranch is property crime. While property crime is frustrating, it is not typically a threat to your safety and you can take measures to prevent it. As such, living in Highlands Ranch CO is very safe. After moving to Highlands Ranch, you will be served by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

 

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Jobs in Highlands Ranch

Looking for jobs before moving to Highlands Ranch? There are several amazing job opportunities to explore when living in Highlands Ranch CO. Residential and retail development has contributed significantly to job growth in the area, and large companies like UDR, Inc. and Peterson’s are headquartered in the community. Additionally, Visa Inc.’s Operations Center is based in Highlands Ranch.

Although Highlands Ranch’s workforce is growing, the easy access to Denver means that many people commute for work after moving to Highlands Ranch. According to Visual Capitalist, Denver is the sixth-fastest growing city in terms of GDP. Some popular companies headquartered in the Denver area include Arrow Electronics, Frontier Airlines, Leprino Foods, and RE/MAX.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the largest industries in the Denver Metro Area:

• Office and administrative support: 173,910 employees, average salary of $53,350
• Sales and related: 172,890 employees, average salary of $70,680
• Business and financial operations: 164,250 employees, average salary of $95,760
• Food preparation and serving: 140,150 employees, average salary of $39,780
• Transportation and material moving: 129,510 employees, average salary of $54,540
• Management: 94,920 employees, average salary of $163,890

What can you expect to make after moving to Highlands Ranch? According to PayScale, the average salary in Highlands Ranch Colorado is $82,000 per year. If you are searching for jobs in Highlands Ranch CO, then check out the community job board or search for ‘Highlands Ranch jobs’ on Indeed.

Highlands Ranch Schools

 

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Moving to Highlands Ranch with children? Highlands Ranch is served by the Douglas County School District, one of the highest-performing school districts in Colorado. Recently, the Douglas County School District was sent a $490 million bond measure to fund new schools, create more programs, and upgrade existing facilities and recreation centers, according to the Denver Gazette.

The schools in Highlands Ranch consistently rank among the best in the state, with many highly rated schools, such as Mountain Vista High School, Rock Canyon High School, and Cresthill Middle School, being standout options for families. One of the best Highlands Ranch high schools, STEM School Highlands Ranch, is a public charter school offering a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In addition to these many highly rated schools, Highlands Ranch is home to several prestigious private schools, such as Arma Dei Academy and Mile High Academy. For those seeking higher education options, Emily Griffith Technical College and Johnson & Wales University are within easy reach, offering programs that cater to a wide array of career paths.

After moving to Highlands Ranch, you can enjoy the Douglas County Library System.

Is moving to Highlands Ranch in your future? Move 4 Less is the best Highlands Ranch moving company around! Our Highlands Ranch movers have been serving the area for over 18 years, completing over 51,000 moves and maintaining a 97% referral rate. If living in Highlands Ranch CO sounds great to you, then get in touch with our Highlands Ranch moving company at (702) 381-1200 for a free quote.