With a scenic landscape, excellent schools, family-friendly amenities, and a vibrant local culture and economy, Highlands Ranch offers an exceptionally high quality of life.
In This Article
For those considering a move to this thriving community, this guide provides indispensable insights and advice. From an overview of the area’s neighborhoods, real estate market and outdoor recreation to tips on relocation logistics, settling in and employment opportunities, read on to learn everything you need to know about making Highlands Ranch your new home.
TL;DR
- With abundant parks and trails, Highlands Ranch is a recreational paradise perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Crisscrossed by over 100 miles of trails, this landscape provides a scenic backdrop for the community's outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyle.
The area enjoys a semi-arid climate, with average high temperatures of 67°F in summer and average lows of 20°F in winter. Compared to other Front Range cities, winter snows tend to be higher due to the community’s elevation and proximity to the mountains.
For families, Highlands Ranch offers top-rated schools, low crime rates, and abundant amenities like parks, pools, and recreation centers, which make it an attractive place to put down roots. The local economy continues to grow as well, with major employers in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
Local Experiences and Culture: Community Connection
Despite its large population, Highlands Ranch retains a strong community feel rooted in shared spaces and experiences. The area offers many community events and local traditions that foster connections between residents.
Several major events attract crowds each year, like the Taste of Highlands Ranch food festival in June and the Highlands Ranch Concert Series featuring live music on Friday evenings in August. Markets selling local produce, baked goods and crafts also operate regularly.
Public art installations add character and beauty across neighborhoods, with over 80 pieces from regional artists on display. Community facilities like the Backcountry Wilderness Area and the Highlands Ranch Mansion event venue provide spaces for residents to gather and interact through scheduled programs.
Neighborhoods and Real Estate: Homes for Every Lifestyle
With its blend of new developments and well-established neighborhoods, Highlands Ranch offers diverse housing options tailored to different lifestyles and budgets.
On the community’s eastern side, areas like The Canyons draw families with custom-built homes and proximity to top-ranked schools. Coachlite and Highlands Ranch Mansion offer more affordable homes near parks and recreation facilities. And continuing growth in the Northridge neighborhood provides new construction for those seeking modern amenities.
Due to high demand from buyers, real estate values remain consistently strong across all Highlands Ranch neighborhoods. Median home prices currently sit around $600,000, having appreciated over 9% in the last year. Experts forecast steady, continued growth.
For homebuyers, experts recommend selecting a knowledgeable local real estate agent, pre-approving financing, and moving quickly on desirable listings. Going over listing price has become common when demand outpaces limited inventory.
Education and Family Activities: Resources for All Ages
Highlands Ranch offers an abundance of educational opportunities and family-oriented amenities that make it a welcoming community for households of all types.
Outstanding public schools and enrichment programs cater to students of all ages. Three highly-ranked high schools anchor the area, along with a robust mix of elementary, middle, and charter schools. Well-funded schools provide excellent academics, athletics, and performing arts.
Families also enjoy over 2,800 acres of parks, pools, trails, and facilities like the Backcountry Community Center and Eastridge Recreation Center. Youth programming includes sports leagues and summer camps covering everything from academics to arts. Events like movie nights and holiday celebrations foster community as well.
Outdoor Recreation: Beautiful Spaces in Every Season
Surrounded by protected natural areas and crisscrossed by trails, Highlands Ranch makes appreciating the outdoors easy no matter the season.
An extensive regional trail network links neighborhoods to community parks and nature preserves perfect for hiking and mountain biking. In winter, sledding hills and groomed cross-country ski trails offer plenty of family-friendly spots to play in the snow. Several large reservoirs provide boating, watersports, and seasonal fishing access.
For golfers, Highlands Ranch features eight public, private and resort courses designed by leading architects. Other recreational facilities in the area include tennis courts, sports complexes and an outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts in warmer months.
With peak hiking season extending from April through November, Highlands Ranch serves as a base camp for enjoying Colorado’s natural beauty year-round.
Local Services and Amenities: Community Connectivity
Highlands Ranch residents enjoy access to a full suite of local services and amenities that support health, public safety, and convenient daily living.
For healthcare, SkyRidge Medical Center provides comprehensive emergency and hospital care with Level II trauma center designation. Urgent care clinics and scores of general practitioners and specialists serve the area as well.
Public safety ranks as a top priority, with low violent crime rates less than 20% of national levels. Multiple fire stations maintain rapid response times, and community outreach helps further prevention efforts.
Residents also benefit from a well-connected transportation network. Light rail access, bus routes, and the Highlands Ranch Senior Transportation service provide options for navigating the community and connecting across the Denver metro region.
An abundance of shopping, casual, and upscale dining and entertainment make Highlands Ranch a convenient home base. The Town Center area offers a vibrant mixed-use district with retail, restaurants, a movie theater, and events.
Moving and Settling In: Smart Planning for a Smooth Transition
Planning a move to any new community poses challenges, but smart preparation and an understanding of local resources can ensure the process goes smoothly.
Experts strongly recommend using only fully licensed and insured moving companies when relocating to Highlands Ranch. Checking credentials, reviews and obtaining binding estimates from multiple movers reduces chances of issues. Those moving within Colorado should also verify companies have valid PUC permits.
When it comes to packing, take time to carefully organize, label boxes and declutter unnecessary items before moving day. This prevents frustrating searches later while settling into your new home. Consider as well if certain items like vehicles, pets or valuables require special handling to move safely.
Understand how taxes, fees and closing processes differ from your old hometown to avoid financial surprises. And connect early on with local groups and associations based around your neighborhood, hobbies or kids’ activities to jumpstart community integration.
Employment and Lifestyle Perks: Jobs and Local Flavor
New residents will find a strong and expanding local economy in Highlands Ranch, with business growth focused on professional services, technology, and health care.
Major employers include corporations like Dish Network, OmniVision and Verizon Business along with health providers like SkyRidge Medical Center. In recent years, there have also been openings for many remote work and work-from-home positions.
The lifestyle here caters to a range of interests with pet-friendly spaces, chef-driven dining, and boutique shopping. Quaint walkable areas like the Backcountry offer chances to connect over coffee or craft beer. An array of family-friendly amenities, outdoor recreation access, and cultural events provide easy ways to enjoy free time.
So whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, career-focused or family-oriented, Highlands Ranch offers welcoming neighborhoods and perks allowing you to fully customize your Colorado lifestyle.
FAQ About Moving to Highlands Ranch
What are some trusted moving companies in Highlands Ranch?
Highly rated local and statewide movers include Gentle Giant Moving Company, CandC Moving and Storage, College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, and Fischer Van Lines.
What tips help kids better adjust to our Highlands Ranch move?
Involving kids in planning, arranging video calls to introduce new friends early on and exploring fun activities in the new hometown can ease transitions. Also prepare kids for the first day at their new school.
Is Highlands Ranch very pet-friendly? What do I need to know?
Yes! With over 30 parks and 100+ miles of trails, there are many pet-friendly spaces. Good vet care, pet sitters/walkers and understanding leash laws will help pets acclimate smoothly as well.
