Once home to nomadic tribes including the Cheyenne and Arapaho, and later a sprawling cattle ranch, Highlands Ranch has grown into one of the most successful master-planned communities in the West. The first homes in Highlands Ranch were built in 1981 and since then the community has grown exponentially. Highlands Ranch real estate now offers a range of housing options including single family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi-story mansions.
The Highlands Ranch Metro District maintains 22 parks, 4 off-leash dog areas, 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, and 2,200 acres of natural open space areas; in fact, the majority of homes are located a short walk from a park, open space, or trail. Community pools, skate parks, an outdoor in-line hockey rink, lighted tennis courts and ball fields, and community gardens round out the outdoor recreation choices, while the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) maintains four state-of-the-art recreation centers that offer an abundance of amenities. Residents enjoy magnificent views of the Rockies and nearby reservoirs seamlessly integrated with urban conveniences and shopping.
With its distinct residential character and national acclaim, Highlands Ranch is considered a near perfect suburb and a wonderful place to live. It was recognized by Forbes as one of the top places to move in the nation, Business Week named Highlands Ranch one of the best places to raise kids, and house hunters can easily find accommodating price points.