Highlands Ranch 69 Good
Highlands Ranch Livability #110 ranked city in Colorado#8,046 ranked city in the USARanks better than 72% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Highlands Ranch

PROS
  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

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What's it like Living in Highlands Ranch?

Highlands Ranch, Colorado is a moderately-sized city with a population of 107,017 residents. In Highlands Ranch, there are 4,410 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 87%, the majority of the Highlands Ranch population is White; this is followed by 6% Asian and 1% Black. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Highlands Ranch, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Highlands Ranch is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Colorado, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Highlands Ranch, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, employment, housing and more.

Highlands Ranch, CO receives 68/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #128 in Colorado and #8,264 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Highlands Ranch ranks very well for education (B-) and housing (A+). Highlands Ranch does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Highlands Ranch, the unemployment rate stands at 2.61%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Highlands Ranch has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Highlands Ranch real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Highlands Ranch. The median home price for Highlands Ranch homes is $493,600, which is 86.5% higher than the Colorado average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Highlands Ranch, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 7.1% lower than the Colorado average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Highlands Ranch

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Compare Highlands Ranch, CO Livability

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      Highlands Ranch transportation information

      Statistic Highlands Ranch Colorado National
      Average one way commute26min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.8%75.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.4%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.7%3.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%1.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home16.1%7.0%4.6%
      Source: The Highlands Ranch, CO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).