Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Highlands Ranch History
In 1978 Highlands Ranch was purchased by The Mission Viejo Company. As the suburbs of Denver expanded, The Mission Viejo Company desired to build a new planned suburb in northern Douglas County, akin to its first planned development of Mission Viejo, Ca. Initial plans were drawn up, many of which are still being realized. These plans laid out several major streets and called for several schools and recreation centers, as well as a town center and public library. Large parcels of land were sold to private housing developers. As these developments appeared, they often carried their own names, creating a series of segmented neighborhoods throughout Highlands Ranch. Plans for Highlands Ranch also included a snaking “Green Belt” which provided for undeveloped land for recreation. The plans also allowed for a large number of public parks and bike paths.
The first Highlands Ranch homes for sale were built in 1981, near South Broadway. Simultaneously, the state built a new beltway through the area, SH 470, which opened in 1985. Many of the first residents of Highlands Ranch houses complained about the initial lack of commercial development. Residents had to drive many miles (usually into Littleton) for groceries, video rentals, or medical care. The first public school, Northridge Elementary opened in 1982. (see homes for sell near Northridgde Elementary). The same year also saw the completion of the Northridge Recreation Center, (see homes for sale near Northridge Recreation Center) an athletic club available to all Highlands Ranch home owners. The first secondary school, Highlands Ranch Jr/Sr High School, opened in 1987. This institution became solely a high school, named Highlands Ranch High School (see homes for sale near Highlands Ranch High School) in 1991 with the building of nearby Cresthill Middle School (see homes for sale near Cresthill Middle School). The first public library also opened in 1991, housed in a strip mall.
Amazing Growth of Highlands Ranch real estate
Over the next twenty-five years, the population of Highlands Ranch grew exponentially. Highlands Ranch celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1991 with a population of 17,000 residents. Over the next ten years, Highlands Ranch continued to develop on a massive scale. In 1997, Highlands Ranch was acquired by Shea Homes, which continued to expand the community. The year 2000 saw the opening of a much larger Highlands Ranch Public Library as well as the establishment of the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce.
Highlands Ranch Today
Highlands Ranch celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006, reporting a population of 86,000 residents. Despite a growing number of local businesses, Highlands Ranch houses have often been labeled as a “bedroom community” of Denver. Many residents commute to Downtown Denver or the Denver Technological Center.
Highlands Ranch has experienced growing pains. Traffic continues to be a major issue on the town’s arteries as well as SH 470. Developers have engaged in battles for water rights throughout Highlands Ranch. Now Highlands Ranch contains, four rec centers, and five high schools, and continues to grow.
