Amenity-focused master-planned community
Highlands Ranch prices range from $675K–$703K as of 2026, positioning it above Littleton but below Lone Tree and Greenwood Village in the south metro. Douglas County RE-1 (A−, #5 in Colorado) serves the community, with Rock Canyon HS ranking #9 statewide and Mountain Vista HS at #17. At 105,000 residents, Highlands Ranch is Colorado's largest single master-planned community. The Highlands Ranch Community Association manages 4 recreation centers and the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area with 70+ miles of trails — an amenity package that HOA fees of $171/quarter make exceptional value by any metro Denver measure.
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Highlands Ranch.
Highlands Ranch is served by Douglas County RE-1, rated A− by Niche and ranked #5 in Colorado. Rock Canyon HS ranks #9 in Colorado, Mountain Vista HS ranks #17, and STEM School ranks #14. Many residents cite schools as the #1 reason for choosing Highlands Ranch. The district has the highest median household income among DCSD communities. Note: district boundaries vary — verify enrollment eligibility by address.
Highlands Ranch is approximately 18 miles south of downtown Denver via I-25 and C-470. The off-peak drive to downtown is 24–30 minutes by driving to the County Line light rail station. The commute to the Denver Tech Center (DTC) is a key advantage at just 10–15 minutes. Highlands Ranch has no direct light rail service — residents drive to the County Line E Line station.
As of 2026, the median home price in Highlands Ranch is approximately $675K–$703K, with premium properties reaching $800K–$860K. Pricing reflects the community’s extensive amenities, top-rated schools, and proximity to DTC.
The Backcountry Wilderness Area offers 8,200 acres of open space with 26 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) manages 4 recreation centers totaling 329,000 square feet, with pools, climbing walls, batting cages, and archery. Over 70 miles of community trails connect all neighborhoods. The annual HRCA assessment is $684/year ($171/quarter).
Highlands Ranch’s violent crime rate is 2.3 per 1,000 residents and the property crime rate is 16.7 per 1,000, per NeighborhoodScout and FBI UCR data. These rates are below both state and national averages. The overall crime trend has been stable.
Highlands Ranch’s cost of living index is approximately 143.6 (national average = 100), or about 44% above the national average. The effective property tax rate is roughly 0.52%–0.63% (Douglas County). As an unincorporated community, the base sales tax is 5.0% (state 2.9% + county 1% with no city tax). Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax.
Highlands Ranch has 80+ restaurants centered around Town Center. Highlights: • Old Blinking Light — American with Southwestern influences • Nick-N-Willy’s — local pizza chain founded in Highlands Ranch • Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar • 3 Freaks Brewery, Grist Brewing, and Downhill Brewing nearby • Highlands Ranch Farmers Market (summer Sundays) • Town Center shops and dining district
