Highlands Ranch, CO Area Guide

What do the locals think about Highlands Ranch?

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Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch is a located just outside of Denver along C470, with easy access to both C470 and I-25, a major north-south highway. Highlands Ranch has easy access to the metropolitan area as a whole and Denver itself, including the Denver Tech Center and Stapleton International Airport. There is easy highway access to Buckley Air Force Base and highway access provides a corridor into and out of the Front Range foothills, access to recreation areas in the mountains and is a gateway to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak areas.

While many cities and towns in Colorado were founded as mining towns during and just after the Gold Rush of 1849, Highlands Ranch is a younger metropolitan area with a history based in ranching and farming. While there was some growth at the end of the 1890’s that focused on agriculture, its latest growth spurt began in the early 1980’s as a master planned community was the result of Denver’s expansion.

While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national median, Highlands Ranch does boast views and recreational opportunities that are unequaled in many other parts of the country. Residents are able to combine the convenience of living in a metropolitan area along with a myriad of outdoor activities. These individuals have made Highlands Ranch both their home and their jumping off point for outdoor adventures. These activities include, among other activities, biking, hiking, camping and mountaineering. For some it’s an ideal world. Both nearby Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are easily reached for recreational purposes while employment centers such as metropolitan Denver and the nearby Tech Center provide access to work opportunities. Numerous public parks and green beltways provide opportunities that are just outside a resident’s door.

Highlands Ranch is unique in maintaining its independence as an unincorporated city area managed by an association, the Highlands Ranch Community Association, rather than an elected government. The HRCA is a locally run non-profit. Because of its location on C-470, a major highway in the area, there is easy access to other nearby metropolitan areas and Denver. This highway access creates a traffic corridor west to and through the Rockies, and south to Colorado Springs.

“Local” is the best way to describe Highlands Ranch. While there are several small but local business to meet the needs of the community, there are few large business enterprises. Locals support a variety of independent enterprises, restaurants, coffee shops, and wineries and craft brewers. These range from smaller diners and cafes, burger and beer joints to pizza restaurants, family friendly restaurants, and a variety of ethnic restaurants.

Whether you are looking for a casual or fine dining, sightseeing or rock climbing, indoor or outdoor adventure, there is something in Highlands Ranch for everyone.