Buying a Home in Highlands Ranch: A Complete Guide for New Residents

Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is a master-planned community south of Denver, renowned for its scenic surroundings, top-rated schools, and welcoming atmosphere. Spanning over 22,000 acres, Highlands Ranch is ideal for families and professionals, offering an appealing balance of urban convenience and outdoor adventures. This guide unveils everything you need to know about buying a home in Highlands Ranch for prospective residents.

Understanding the Highlands Ranch Housing Market

The real estate market in Highlands Ranch is varied, from stylish townhomes to large single-family homes with expansive yards. Many homes here feature modern layouts, energy-efficient designs, and ample outdoor spaces, perfect for residents who enjoy Colorado's abundant sunshine and active lifestyle.

However, given the market’s competitive nature, new buyers should be prepared to act swiftly on properties that meet their criteria. Partnering with a local real estate agent who understands market trends and can offer tailored advice is essential for securing the right home and managing the complexities of a high-demand area.

Commuting and Accessibility

While Highlands Ranch is suburban, its location offers easy commuting options to Denver and other nearby cities. Major highways, such as C-470 and I-25, connect Highlands Ranch to Denver’s downtown, the Denver Tech Center, and other key locations, making it ideal for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter home environment.

Public transportation is also available through the RTD (Regional Transportation District) bus service, which provides an efficient alternative to driving. With various transportation options, residents can enjoy the convenience of city life while maintaining Highlands Ranch’s relaxed, community-centered lifestyle.

Navigating the Home-Buying Process

Establishing Your Budget and Financing

Setting a budget is a critical first step. Prospective buyers should consult with lenders to understand their borrowing capacity and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Mortgage pre-approval establishes a realistic budget and strengthens offers when it’s time to bid on a property. Buyers should consider Highlands Ranch's current median home prices, property taxes, and homeowner association fees to get an accurate estimate of the monthly financial commitment.

Touring Homes and Making Offers

Once a neighborhood is selected, touring available homes helps buyers understand the features that best suit their needs. Given the competitive market, it’s advisable to act quickly on properties that meet essential criteria, ideally working with an agent who can schedule timely showings and guide buyers in making a strong initial offer.

Completing Inspections and Appraisals

After an offer is accepted, the inspection and appraisal process ensures buyers have full confidence in their investment. Home inspections identify any necessary repairs or maintenance needs, while appraisals confirm that the property’s market value aligns with the loan amount.

Finalizing the Sale and Moving In

The final steps involve reviewing documents, securing homeowner’s insurance, and working with the agent and lender to coordinate closing. At closing, buyers complete the paperwork to transfer ownership, marking the official start of their life in Highlands Ranch.

Amenities and Outdoor Lifestyle

Highlands Ranch offers an outstanding variety of recreational facilities and outdoor spaces, which draw many residents to the area. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) operates four large recreation centers, each offering pools, gyms, sports courts, and numerous programs, from fitness classes to summer camps. For those who value an active lifestyle, these centers are essential to the local experience.

Highlands Ranch also offers over 2,500 acres of open space, including 70 miles of trails that wind through parks and green spaces with breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Local favorites include Civic Green Park, a community gathering spot, and Redstone Park, a hub for sports and outdoor activities. Whether residents are into hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Highlands Ranch’s parks and trails offer endless possibilities.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

Highlands Ranch offers a rich mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Highlands Ranch Town Center is a local hotspot, featuring a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and popular restaurants, catering to various tastes and preferences.

The seasonal Highlands Ranch Farmers Market is a highlight for those who enjoy fresh produce and local products, offering an array of goods from regional farms and artisans. Just a short drive away, Park Meadows Mall and nearby retail centers provide additional shopping experiences, from brand-name stores to unique specialty shops. Residents also enjoy movie theaters, live music venues, and annual festivals that celebrate local culture, adding to the area’s appeal.

Ready to Make Highlands Ranch Your Home?

Highlands Ranch offers new residents a unique opportunity to experience a lifestyle that balances outdoor adventure, suburban comforts, and community engagement. From its beautifully designed neighborhoods to its recreational amenities, Highlands Ranch has something for everyone.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, contact Brian Grimm today to explore the exciting opportunities waiting for you in Highlands Ranch, Colorado!

_{*Header photo courtesy of Brian Grimm}

Brian Grimm

Co-Founder | Realtor®

Primary phone
(303) 807-6923
License Number
#100069566
Email
[email protected]
Address
4610 S Ulster St, #150,
Denver, CO 80237

About The Author

A Colorado native going back three generations, Brian was born and raised in Littleton and has lived in Douglas County for over 20 years. He primarily serves his hometown, Littleton, and also serves Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock.

Brian’s wife Sarah Grimm became licensed in 2003 and was his guide into the real estate industry. He started working as her unofficial assistant, giving him the chance to gain unique hands-on training in the field by being involved in the business, even if not in an official capacity. He learned the ins and outs of the job by creating marketing plans, meeting clients, and even installing open house signs.

In 2015, Brian and Sarah decided to become partners. Once licensed, they formed the boutique brokerage Luxe Living. Sarah served as Brian’s managing broker for three years while continuing his training. Unfortunately, Sarah had to step down to take care of her health, so Brian took over her former position as managing broker.

Brian’s favorite part of the job is assisting clients and agents alike. He takes pride in being a trusted guide to people experiencing a significant upheaval or transformative change. Brian is a communicative, supportive, caring, and hard-working professional who can simplify what can appear to be a complex process.

By giving his clients clarity, he empowers them to make crucial decisions with confidence. Brian does this by asking questions, spending time with his clients upfront to find out what their goals and motivating factors are to keep them on track. As a former electrician, Brian also offers years of residential construction experience. In 2020, Brain was awarded the 2 Carat Diamond Award by the South Metro Denver Realtor Association, and in 2021, was awarded the 3 Carat Diamond Award.

Living in the beautiful mountainside with his wife and adorable twin children, Brian loves the relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, and abundant outdoor activities. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and snowboarding. During baseball season, you’ll often find Brian at the Coors field cheering on the Colorado Rockies.

Brian and his wife, a two-time cancer survivor, are passionate advocates for the Believe Big Organization and the American Cancer Society. They donate a portion of all of their transactions to these foundations.