Denver metro, CO relocation guide
Moving to Highlands Ranch, CO
About Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch (population 105,631 in 2020) is a large unincorporated master-planned community in Douglas County, about 15 miles south of downtown Denver — one of the largest such communities in the United States. Developed from the 1981 purchase of the historic Highlands Ranch cattle ranch by Mission Viejo Company, it is governed by a metro district and homeowners associations rather than a city government. It pairs dense suburban neighborhoods with the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area, four recreation centers, Douglas County schools.
Home prices in Highlands Ranch
The median list in Highlands Ranch is $700,000.
Top places in Highlands Ranch
- Highlands Ranch Mansion — 1891 historic mansion and event venue on the original ranch (shown in the Commons photo below).
- Backcountry Wilderness Area — 8,200 acres of trails, wildlife, and prairie behind the community.
- Northridge Park and the community's four recreation centers.
- Highlands Ranch Town Center and the Marketplace shopping.
- Highlands Ranch Library (Douglas County Libraries; shown in the Commons photo below).
- Redstone Park and the skate park.
- Daniels Park — mesa-top overlook with bison herd, just west of the community.
Commuting from Highlands Ranch
- Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~30–40 minutes (approximate; via C-470/I-25; longer with traffic).
- RTD E Line light rail from nearby Lincoln Station (Lone Tree) to downtown in approximately 40–50 minutes (approximate); local bus and Park-n-Ride connections serve the community.
Schools in Highlands Ranch
Public schools: Douglas County School District RE-1. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Highlands Ranch FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Highlands Ranch, CO?
The median list in Highlands Ranch is $700,000. Median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Highlands Ranch, CO?
Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~30–40 minutes (approximate; via C-470/I-25; longer with traffic). - Which school district serves Highlands Ranch, CO?
Highlands Ranch is served by Douglas County School District RE-1. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.