History of Highlands Ranch
Like most of Colorado's Front Range, the first residents of Highlands Ranch were Native Americans. The Spanish were the first European explorers to visit the Highlands Ranch area, but the French were rewarded with actual land claims. Highlands Ranch was part of the Louisiana Purchase at the time it was sold to the U.S. in 1803.
In 1859, Highlands Ranch was permanently settled. During this year a man by the named of Dad Rufus "Potato" Clark purchased a 160-acre from the United States, and Clark soon became known as the "Potato King of Colorado," amassing wealth by planting and selling potato crops. Following Clark, many other residents moved to the area, planting various crops and raising livestock.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Colorado Gold Rush was responsible for attracting many more people to the area. Denver, which is located just 12 miles to the north of Highlands Ranch, experienced a major growth spurt at this time. Despite all the growth, Highlands Ranch remained a farming and ranching town for many years. When residents needed to purchase clothing, supplies, and other necessary items, they would travel to the nearby town of Littleton.
Highlands Ranch was eventually purchased by Mission Viejo in 1978. Viejo's intention was to build a new planned suburb in northern Douglas County, similar to the development of the L.A. suburb of Mission Viejo, California. The suburban plans included of several major streets, a number of schools and recreation centers, a town center, parks, bike paths, and a public library. Housing developers Richmond Homes purchased several large parcels of the land.
Highlands Ranch Real Estate
Highlands Ranch real estate grew substantially when the first Highlands Ranch luxury homes and Highlands Ranch investment homes were built in 1981. The suburban community's first public school, Northridge Elementary, opened in 1982, along with the development of the Northridge Recreation Center, an athletic club open to all residents. In 1987, Highlands Ranch Junior/Senior High School was unveiled, and later became just a high school once Cresthill Middle School was constructed.
Shea Homes eventually acquired Mission Viejo in 1997. At this time, more plans were developed to expand Highlands Ranch. In 2000, Highlands Ranch Public Library was built, along with the founding of the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce.
To this day, Highlands Ranch remains a growing and idyllic community. Highlands Ranch real estate is thriving, as the community continues to engage in both residential and commercial development on a large scale. Residents recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of Highlands Ranch in 2006. Even as the community grows, the area remains a quiet "bedroom community" of the great city of Denver. With such close proximity to the city, residents have access to a plethora of jobs and other economic opportunities, and many residents commute to Downtown Denver or to the Denver Technological Center for employment.
|
