Real Estate Housing Trends for Highlands Ranch CO
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has an attractive market for homebuyers and investors. This comes as no surprise, thanks to its combination of well-established neighborhoods and modern amenities. The community is thoughtfully planned, supported by solid infrastructure, and focused on maintaining a high standard of living.
If you’re one of the many potential buyers or investors looking for a property in the area, understanding the current housing trends in Highlands Ranch is essential. That Bearded Guy breaks down what’s happening in the market right now, so you can make smart choices and get the most out of current pricing and opportunities.
Why Highlands Ranch CO
Highlands Ranch stands out for its consistent planning and long-term vision. With a focus on maintaining quality infrastructure, local amenities, and accessible services, it’s built to meet the needs of both growing families and working professionals. This balance makes it one of the most dependable communities in the Denver metro area.
A Master-Planned Community
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is intentionally designed to handle a large population while maintaining a suburban feel. The community is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique character but unified by consistent architectural guidelines. Its commercial hubs, like the Highlands Ranch Town Center and Civic Green, offer shopping, dining, and entertainment, reducing the need for residents to leave the community for daily needs.
Easy Access to Outdoor Recreation
Nestled near the Rocky Mountains, Highlands Ranch provides easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing. The unincorporated community has more than 70 miles of hiking and walking trails, and 22 parks and open spaces, including backcountry wilderness areas. Additionally, four state-of-the-art recreation centers offering pools, fitness facilities, sports courts, and community programs are strategically placed in the community for accessibility.
Integrated Road Connectivity
Thanks to its well-organized road system, there is efficient traffic flow in the community. The road system is centered around major arteries, like Highlands Ranch Parkway and Broadway, that connect to the C-470 and nearby highways. Schools, fire stations, and a hospital (UCHealth Highlands Ranch) are integrated into the road layout. And, while primarily car-dependent, the design supports access to bus routes and nearby light rail stations for commuting to Denver.
Office and Commercial Hubs
The Highlands Ranch Town Center is a central feature in the community. It is a walkable commercial district with shops, restaurants, and offices. There is also Highlands Ranch Business Park, where employers offer job opportunities in tech and professional services.
Phased Development
Started in 1981, Highlands Ranch was developed in phases. This approach ensured infrastructure kept pace with population increase and allowed developers to adapt to changing needs. The Highlands Ranch Community Association performs ongoing maintenance and upgrades to keep the infrastructure functional and up-to-date with modern standards.
Top Schools
Highlands Ranch is served by the Douglas County School District. It is ranked 11th on TestPrep’s Most Envied School Districts in America. It consists of 23 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 8 high schools. The notable schools in the community include:
- Rock Canyon High School: A comprehensive public school with a 22:1 student-teacher ratio. It is one of the best public schools in Colorado.
- Mountain Vista High School: Known for strong academics and community involvement, with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1.
- ThunderRidge High School: Offers a variety of athletic and academic programs
- STEM School Highlands Ranch: A K-12 charter school focusing on science, engineering, and mathematics.
Current Market Snapshot of Highlands Ranch CO
The housing market in Highlands Ranch remains competitive but steady. Home values are rising gradually, and properties are moving quickly—signs of a healthy and active market. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, understanding these numbers can help you time your decisions wisely.
Median Home Prices: $736,700
The median home value for Highlands Ranch is approximately $736,700, a 0.5% increase year-on-year (YoY), which is relatively stable, indicating a steady market without significant fluctuations.
Median Sale Price: $717,951
The median sale price for homes in the community is around $717,951, an increase of 3.3% YoY, reflecting the growing demand in the area.
Median List Price: $729,653
The median asking price for homes listed on the market is currently around $729,653, which is a bit below the median sale price. But, given the selling price increase from the previous year, it remains a competitive market for buyers.
Median Days to Pending: 7 to 12 days
The Highlands Ranch housing market currently favors sellers, with homes only spending 7 to 12 days on market after being listed, which is not surprising given the stable demand for properties in the master-planned community.
Average Rents in Highlands Ranch CO (as of May 2025)
The average rent in Highlands Ranch is higher than the national average. This indicates strong demand in the area for rental properties, making it an attractive area for rental property investments.
- Overall Average Rent: $2,616 per month, a 3.8% increase in price YoY (year-over-year)
- Apartments: Start at $1,250 per month
- Houses: Ranges $900 to $12,000 per month
- Median Rent in Highlands Ranch CO: $2,359 per month in the rental market (as of May 2025)
Neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch CO
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, each catering to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly environment, luxury living, or proximity to outdoor amenities, the community has something to offer. With various Highland Ranch, Colorado homes for sale, this master-planned development continues to attract homebuyers looking for quality living in the Denver metropolitan area.
Northridge
Northridge is one of the oldest and most established areas in Highlands Ranch. It combines mature charm with modern amenities. With its central location, Northridge residents can easily access Highlands Ranch Town Center and major roads.
Features
- Proximity to Northridge Recreation Center, offering a wide range of recreational facilities, including tennis courts and indoor and outdoor leisure and lap pools
- Tree-lined streets
- Mature landscaping
- Civil Green Park, where farmers’ markets and festivals are regularly organized
Housing
Homes range from older single-family residences to newer builds with median prices at $700,000. There are affordable single-family homes in its sub-neighborhood, Richmonde Pointe, that are priced around $300,000 to $550,000.
Appeal
The neighborhood is ideal for families and professionals who prefer convenience, an established area, and a strong community vibe.
Eastridge
A family-friendly haven east of Colorado Boulevard and south of C-470, Eastridge is known for its quiet, residential feel and proximity to amenities like the Eastridge Recreation Center.
Features
- Near the Highlands Ranch Library and post office
- Access to trails connecting to open spaces like Sand Creek Park
- Strong school presence, including East Ridge Elementary and Cresthill Middle School
- Less busy street traffic, making it ideal for families with young children
Housing
The area offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, with median list prices around $712,000 to $744,000. Palomino Park in East Ridge features condos and townhomes priced at $305,000 to $600,000.
Appeal
Eastridge is perfect for families prioritizing safety, schools, and a suburban atmosphere with modern amenities.
Southridge
Located in the southern part of Highlands Ranch, Southridge is known for its spacious lots and proximity to natural areas like the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
Features
- Home to the Southridge Recreation Center, which offers pools, fitness areas, and classes
- Close to trails and open spaces, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities
- Includes upscale neighborhoods like BackCountry, a gated luxury community with a median listing price of $1.6 million
- Access to Rock Canyon High School and nearby shopping at Southridge Retail Center
Housing
The neighborhood features larger homes and bigger lots. Residential property list prices range widely from $500,000 to over $1,000,000.
Appeal
Southridge is great for buyers who prefer larger properties, luxury homes, or a closer connection to nature while still being near community amenities.
Westridge
Positioned west of Broadway, Westridge is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to trails and parks like Redstone Park.
Features
- Westridge Recreation Center provides extensive recreational facilities
- Abundant trails connecting to Chatfield State Park and the High Line Canal
- Family-oriented with schools like Eldorado Elementary and Ranch View Middle School
- Mix of established newer homes, offering diverse architectural styles
Housing
Pricing typically ranges from $400,000 to $700,000, but the median price range in the area is $712,000 to $744,000.
Start Your Next Chapter in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch offers the ideal balance between community-centric living and progressive development. With its top-tier schools, expansive recreational spaces, and diverse housing options, it’s more than just a place to live — it’s a place to thrive.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, don’t navigate the market alone. Reach out to That Bearded Guy for personalized guidance and expert insights tailored to your real estate goals. Call Mitchell at (303) 210-2982 to get started.
