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Highlands Ranch, CO

Frequently asked questions

Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by Douglas County, Colorado, United States. The CDP is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population of the Highlands Ranch CDP was 105,631 at the United States Census 2020, making it the most populous unincorporated community in the State of Colorado. The Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District provides services to the community, which lies in ZIP Codes 80126, 80129, 80130, and 80163 (for post office boxes).

Like many parts of the Colorado Front Range, the first residents of the area were Native Americans. The area was populated by a number of nomadic tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Because it was part of the Mississippi River Drainage Area, it was claimed by France by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and it was named as part of "Louisiana" in 1682. The Spanish gained Louisiana in 1763, and returned it to France in 1801. This area of what is now Northern Douglas County, was in the Louisiana Purchase when it was sold to the United States in 1803.

The Stephen H. Long's Expedition of 1820 entered the area at the beginning of July 1820. That was the first documented exploration of the area by European or United States explorers.

Much of the Denver Metro Area began to be settled as ranch land starting in 1859, but because of a lack of water in the area, it was not permanently settled until around 1870. The first legal settler of the area was Curtis H. Field, who purchased land just on the west side of Santa Fe Drive from the U.S. government on February 25, 1870.

The Highlands Ranch Mansion (or "Castle Isabel") was built over a period of several years, from 1891 to 1904. The first owner of the house was Samuel Allan Long, who purchased a 40-acre homestead in northern Douglas County in 1884 and later expanded it to a 2,000-acre farm. By 1891 he had built a modest farmhouse on the property and called it Rotherwood after a boyhood farm. The name "Rotherwood", a reference to a boyhood farm of Long's, was found etched above the original front door that led experts to believe so. Long was a prominent innovator of dry land farming techniques in Colorado during the late 19th century.

Located on Colorado State Highway 470 in central Colorado, Highlands Ranch is 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Denver and 13 miles (21 km) north-northwest of Castle Rock, the county seat.

As a suburb of Denver, Highlands Ranch is part of both the greater Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. It borders several other Denver suburbs including Littleton and Centennial to the north and Acres Green and Lone Tree to the east. In addition, Highlands Ranch borders Chatfield State Park to the west. As Highlands Ranch is a CDP, its boundaries are defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and have no legal standing. The Highlands Ranch CDP has an area of 15,548 acres (62.920 km2), including 16 acres (0.065 km2) of water.

Highlands Ranch has amazing health and wellness centers and programs for its residents. The Broadmoor Spa is located at the renowned Broadmoor resort; this spa offers luxurious treatments in a beautiful setting. The Spa at St Julien provides a range of services including massages, facials, and body treatments. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a luxurious spa located in downtown Denver, offering a wide range of treatments and services. The Spa at Vail Athletic Club offers a serene escape with mountain views and a variety of treatments. The Peaks Resort & Spa is situated in Telluride; this spa combines luxury with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. The Lodge at Vail Spa located in Vail Village, this spa offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps.

Top Sites in Highlands Ranch, CO are Highlands Ranch Mansion, Play Street Museum - Highlands Ranch, and AMC Highlands Ranch 24.
 

Population: 101,514 (2022). Elevation: 1,773 m (5,817 ft). ZIP Code: 80126, 80129, 80130 and 80163. Area codes: 303 & 720. Area: 15,548 acres (62.920 km2).

FAQs

Is Highlands Ranch, CO expensive to live in?

To live comfortably in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, a minimum annual income of $136,080 for a family, and $82,400 for a single person is recommended. A typical home costs $709,800, which is 109.9% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 34.6% more expensive than the average Colorado home, at $527,200. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Highlands Ranch costs $2,480 per month, which is 73.4% more than the national average of $1,430 and 33.5% more than the state average of $1,650.

Is Highlands Ranch, CO a good neighborhood?

Highlands Ranch is in Douglas County and is one of the best places to live in Colorado. Living in Highlands Ranch offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Highlands Ranch there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Highlands Ranch and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Highlands Ranch are highly rated.

What is Highlands Ranch, CO known for?

The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and ranch stand today as valuable pieces of history, reflecting the lifestyle of early settlers and pioneers of the area now known as Highlands Ranch, Colorado. More than 100 years old, this magnificent structure has been home to some of Denver’s more notable families. For many years, it was believed the Mansion’s first owner was John Springer. 

Sources

Douglas County

Wikipedia

Highlands Ranch Metro District

Bestplaces

Niche

Broadmoor Spa

The Spa at St Julien

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

The Spa at Vail Athletic Club

The Peaks Resort & Spa

The Lodge at Vail Spa

Highlands Ranch Mansion

Play Street Museum - Highlands Ranch

AMC Highlands Ranch 24

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.