Reviews & Comments
Highlands Ranch, CO
Update on my feelings of Highlands Ranch -
9/24/2007I received an email from "D & J" from Utah wondering if my feelings have changed about Highlands Ranch since last year. (There was incorrect contact information, so I will post my reply here.) Since last year, my feelings about Highlands Ranch have only continued to improve. I am more attached to this place than ever before!
Yes, the cost of living is slightly higher than you'll find in other places, but you get what you pay for in terms of: location; housing options (every type of housing is available here); roadways/sidewalks; enviornment maintenance; recreation centers; open space trails; public/private golf courses; library; shopping; entertainment; different religions; extremely low crime rates; and quality people. In my opinion, it's ALL worth it! (Of course that's up to everyone to decide for themselves.) The extracurricular activites for kids tend to be a little higher in price, but the quality of the programs make up for it.
The school system here in Highlands Ranch is wonderful, but I know there are some people who disagree with me. Anyone can check out the Douglas County School District website (www.dcsdk12.org) to compare CSAP scores and overall placement of Highlands Ranch schools compared with the rest of the schools in CO. Northridge Elementary was just rated in the top 2% of elementary schools in CO, and provides the "Discovery Program" for gifted and talented students. There are also a few charter schools in Highlands Ranch that you could look into, but I haven't looked for info. on private schools.
Some people may think Highlands Ranch is only about nice houses, families with kids, and voting a certain way. But there are "singles", childless couples...and you really can vote anyway you want! There are many social groups to join that you can find listed in the Highlands Ranch Herald (www.highlandsranchherald.com). Basically, everyone I've ever met in HR have been so kind (but busy too).
If you're looking for a great place to live with decent moral values, beautiful neighborhoods, very competent schools, and "feel-happy" weather, then Highlands Ranch is the perfect place!
If you don't like the Highlands Ranch H.O.A. (about $39/month, billed quarterly and includes access to the rec. centers), you might like areas of Littleton, Centennial, Lone Tree or Castle Rock too. A great resource for finding real estate in CO is www.recolorado.com. It's a free, no-contact, no obligation MLS.
(I am NOT affilited with any o
Highlands Ranch, CO
We LOVE Highlands Ranch -
6/19/2006We moved here from Utah for a job transfer. We were a little apprehensive at first, but Highlands Ranch is one of the best places we've ever lived. The whole city is beautiful, well kept, and fun to drive around--looking at all the homes and parks. The 4 recreation centers (swimming pools, tennis, batting cages, workout rooms, basketball courts, inside/outside tennis courts, child care, volleyball courts, rock climbing wall, etc.) are spaced very well throughout Highlands Ranch. The neighborhoods are well equipped with parks, walking paths and biking trails throughout. The community activities/gatherings are plentiful and open to the public mainly for free, or a very small fee! They also have an extensive selection of classes (for better than average prices) for everything you can think of: t-ball, dancing, soccer, gardening, karate, the list goes on and on and on. The community association fees are very reasonable, and the amenities definetely are worth the price. There are great garage sales in Highlands Ranch usually from about Thursday-Sunday (beginning early spring through early fall)as well, and you just never know what treasures you'll find! The schools in Highlands Ranch are phenomenal. They have such great teachers and parental involvement is frequent and encouraged. The activities and programs in each school are fantastic. They emphasize music, PE, computers and art, as well as all the normal curriculum--which is wonderful since a lot of schools across the country have had to cut programs based on lack of funds. Highlands Ranch also has a very low crime rate, and police frequently patrol all areas. Granted, no city is free of crime, but I feel VERY safe here. The sense of community and kind neighbors are the "norm" in Highlands Ranch. We are here to stay!