Like many parts of the Denver metro area, the story of Highlands Ranch homes begins with the gold rush of the late 18th and early 19th centuries which brought many hopeful settlers to the interior of Colorado. As Denver continued to grow, the community of Highlands Ranch remained a series of quaint farms and homesteads where local ‘celebrities' such as Dad Rufus 'Potato' Clark and John Springer maintained their prosperous crops and cattle businesses.
It wasn't until the late 1970's that Highlands Ranch real estate really began to take off. At this time a development company called The Mission Viejo Company hoped to create a planned development area similar to their first venture, the deliberate community of Mission Viejo, which is just outside the limits of Los Angeles, California. The Highlands Ranch community would be located in northern Douglas County near the interchanges of C470 and I-25 and feature grandiose undertakings such as a community center, large activity areas and several schools and plazas. A 'Green Belt' would also be created to accommodate the bike and running paths that Coloradans expect and so desire.
In fact, despite its somewhat 'mechanical' creation, the natural aspect of Highlands Ranch is one of its finest. Boasting 22 parks, 70 miles of trail, two skate parks, eight tennis courts and scores of open space, Highlands Ranch families are just as close, if not more, to nature as other inhabitants of Denver suburbs.
As many various development companies began to build Highlands Ranch houses, they inadvertently created the unique subsections and neighborhoods that make the area what it is today. From the moderate and comfortable villas of Stonybridge to breathtaking multi-million dollar homes in Highwoods, there is something for almost any buyer. In fact, many of these ambitious efforts are still being fulfilled, leaving open more and more future options for purchase.
From the first homes built in 1981 to present day, Highlands Ranch has seen exponential growth and cultivation as a result of families enjoying suburban peace within an earshot of the excitement of downtown Denver. By 1991 the area had grown to over 17,000 residents, quite a change from its farming roots of yester years. Other milestones include the formation of the Highlands Ranch Public Library and Chamber of Commerce, both created in 2000.
At its 25th anniversary in 2006, Highlands Ranch boasted an impressive 86,000 residents, proving that it is a viable and important economic and social force in the livelihood of southern Denver. With Lucent Technologies headquartered there and the proximity to The Denver Tech Center, many of those with families find Highlands Ranch to be convenient and functional for both work and play. Considered a 'bedroom community,' Highlands Ranch's design and utility makes it one of the most unique areas in the country.
To learn more about the Highlands Ranch area, please contact The Herman Group.