Welcome to Highlands Ranch
The most populous unincorporated community in Colorado, Highlands Ranch is a charming, robust, and spacious locale within the Denver Metropolitan Area. Surrounded by green countryside, the rows of homes here appear to run along the curves of the surrounding gently rolling hills. A splendid region replete with wide open spaces, the nearby mountains are visible no matter where you are in Highlands Ranch. The snowy peaks emerge gracefully over the horizon, accentuating the placid, suburban community below.
Although the first homes here were only built in 1981, Highlands Ranch’s story begins in 1859 when Colorado’s potato king, Rufus Clark, set up shop on the same plot of land where this community now flourishes. In 1891, construction began on the renowned Highlands Ranch Mansion, which today stands as a museum, local landmark, and popular venue for weddings, ceremonies, and events.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
A vibrant and active community that hosts a wide variety of local events and celebrations, life in Highlands Ranch exudes the best of suburban tranquility, natural beauty, and incredible amenities. Outdoor activities are very popular here, and residents are always out hiking the numerous trails that crisscross the community. Recreation is also a big part of life here, with four state-of-the-art recreation centers that include everything from exercise facilities to meeting rooms, pools, sports courts, and so much more. Grounded in nature, outdoor sports, and recreation, it’s easy to stay active and connected in this welcoming community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Highlands Ranch is known for its diverse and exciting culinary scene. For comforting Southwestern American favorites, stop by Old Blinking Light. If you’re craving something a little more south of the border, Los Dos Potrillos serves delicious Mexican fare, while Hacienda is home to masterfully-crafted tacos and their famous Front Range Fajitas. When it comes to incredible seafood and sushi, visit Smokin Fins. For authentic Cajun dishes, such as jambalaya and local favorites like their Voodoo Pastas, spend the evening at The Lost Cajun.
For locally-sourced produce, artisan goods, freshly-baked bread and treats, and other delicacies, stop by the Highlands Ranch Farmer’s Market, which runs from May to October.
A historical concert venue, park, and amphitheater carved into the rock formation, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is an iconic Colorado venue. Just a short drive away tucked against the foothills, it hosts everything from music concerts to comedy specials, the “Film on the Rocks” summer series, and even yoga.
Just a few miles from Highlands Ranch, shop for high-end apparel, home decor, clothing, boutique finds, and everything in between at Park Meadows, Colorado’s largest shopping mall.
Things to Do
With close proximity to the big-city amenities of Denver and the many ski resorts and mountains that have made Colorado such an outdoorsy destination, Highlands Ranch is perfectly located for residents to fully embrace all of the beauty, convenience, and grandeur of this stretch of open space.
There’s always plenty of excitement and fun happening in this gorgeous locale. Enjoy live outdoor music during the annual Summer Concert Series in Highland Heritage Regional Park. Trek the various hiking trails throughout the area, work out at one of the community’s four state-of-the-art recreational centers or practice your swing at the two 18-hole golf courses. Known for its bison herd and home to historic ranch structures and stunning mountain views, make sure to visit Daniels Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Schools
The Douglas County School District provides Highlands Ranch residents and their children with great public schools and amazing private schools. Below are a few notable schools.
