DOUGLAS & ELBERT COUNTIES

Douglas County Offices
100 Third Street
Castle Rock 303-660-7400
www.douglas.co.us

Douglas Chamber of Commerce
420 Jerry Street
Castle Rock 303-688-4597
www.castlerock.org

Elbert County Offices
215 Comanche Street
Kiowa 303-621-2341
www.elbertcounty-co.gov

Elbert County Chamber of Commerce
244 Main Street
Elizabeth303-646-4287
www.elizabethchamber.org

Sheer natural beauty is one of the reasons that Douglas County has become one of the fastest growing regions in the state. During the 1990s, the county grew by a staggering 145 percent. Situated at the geographic center of Colorado, the county offers a variety of terrain from alpine splendor to enchanting foothills and sweeping plains. Only about one-fourth of the residents reside in the incorporated municipalities, growing cities that provide amenities to those living in peripheral subdivisions or the beautiful countryside. Bordering Douglas County to the west, Elbert County is a sparsely populated expanse of gently rolling hills and abundant wildlife as well as rodeos, ranches, and farms.

This region southeast of Denver is strategically located between Colorado’s two largest cities, Denver and Colorado Springs. Both the household income level and the percentage of residents with college degrees are impressive, the majority commuting to jobs and offices in the metro’s most dynamic employment centers. Newcomers will find this focal point of the Denver/Colorado Springs development corridor to be the ideal blend of quality lifestyle and robust business environment.

Services
The development and expansion of the 470 beltway has transformed existing Douglas County towns and encouraged the development of beautiful new master-planned communities with an ambitious vision of continued expansion. Nearby in the south metro communities of Littleton, Englewood, and Aurora, residents of Douglas County can access state-of-the-art health-care institutions that meet every need.

One of the nation’s fastest growing districts, Douglas County School District maintains a “lighthouse” position, offering support and coordination on the district level while giving area schools the flexibility to build their own instructional programs. Choices for parents include open enrollment, charter schools, and many special programs. The possibilities for higher education close to home include several community colleges and state universities in addition to private institutions and career or vocational training.

Lifestyle
The pioneer spirit that carved thriving communities from undeveloped land is still evident throughout Douglas County, where suburban sophistication harmonizes with rustic rural living. Housing options in this panoramic region range from multi-acre ranches and horse properties to magnificent new construction in the heart of idyllic master-planned communities. Castle Rock’s array of shopping districts and factory stores meet every retail need, although the regional malls of Denver’s south metro cities are easily accessible.

County planners are dedicated to preserving land for the traditional activities of farming and ranching as well as for parks and open space. The region’s outstanding recreational areas include more than 146,000 acres of Pike National Forest, two state parks, a state recreation area, county and municipal parks, and miles of scenic trails through vast open spaces. Offering an unparalleled lifestyle between two of Denver’s most exiting cities, Douglas County is only beginning a dynamic cycle of growth and development.

DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Castle Rock
Municipal Offices
330-660-1015
https://www.crgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
303-688-4597
www.castlerock.org

Serving as the seat of government for Douglas County, the town of Castle Rock is situated in panoramic Plum Creek Valley between Denver and Colorado Springs. Rising out of the rolling hills, the city took its name from the signature geologic “castle” formation that stands silhouetted against crimson sunsets. Rich land for lovely residential development, horse properties, excellent schools, a rural lifestyle, and quality commercial and industrial enterprises keep the city growing and expanding. Retail development is prolific in Castle Rock, from quaint historic shopping districts to the Prime Outlet Mall. Local amenities like exceptional golf courses complement the close proximity of Pike National Forest for every imaginable outdoor adventure. Planners are committed to maintaining the exemplary beauty of the area, setting aside large tracts of land for parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Many lovely new residential developments add to the overall appeal of this balanced community.

Highlands Ranch
County Offices
303-660-7400
www.highlandsranch.org
Community Information
www.highlandsranch.com

Chamber of Commerce
303-791-3500
www.highlandsranchchamber.org

One of Denver’s largest master-planned communities and one of the nation’s most high acclaimed, Highlands Ranch offers a modern suburban atmosphere with award-winning schools and “old-fashioned” neighborhood living. Just 12 miles south of Denver along the active southern business corridor, Highlands Ranch provides a variety of professionally designed homes by premier builders in all price ranges. The community boasts more than 2,200 acres of open space including community and neighborhood parks and more than 120 miles of trails. Recreation centers at Northridge and Eastridge provide a wealth of recreational programs and amenities, although golfers will find two courses right in Highland Ranch. Nearly 2,000 acres of this balanced community have been designated for office, industrial, and commercial use—already home to more than 1,000 businesses. Wildcat Mountain Reserve, an 8,200-acre habitat enhancement, lies in the southern section of the community.

Lone Tree
Municipal Offices
303-708-1818
www.cityoflonetree.com

Chamber of Commerce
303-791-3500
www.highlandsranchchamber.org

One of the Denver area’s newest cities, Lone Tree is a south metro community just west of Interstate 25 and south of the 470 freeway. Lone Tree offers residents the friendliness and warmth of small-town living in close proximity to metro business parks, cultural attractions, and fine shopping malls. The city is strategically located adjacent to the newly developed Meridian and Inverness Business Parks and the Denver Technology Center for convenient commuting. Centennial Airport is just a short drive from home for private aircraft facilities. Handsome developments like the private gated community of Heritage Estates or the Lone Tree Country Club with its Arnold Palmer designed championship golf course combine with homespun activities and festivals for an eclectic blend of affluence and friendliness. Nearby Park Meadows is a new state-of-the-art shopping complex with leading department stores and popular national retailers. The town is exceptionally proud of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra and its reputation as a vital, involved, and creative community.

Parker
Municipal Offices
303-841-0353
www.parkeronline.org

Chamber of Commerce
303-841-4268
www.parkerchamber.com

One of Colorado’s fastest growing cities, Parker draws newcomers to its unequaled quality of life. Combining urban convenience, open space, dynamic local economy, and a family oriented lifestyle, the city also provides panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Incorporated as recently as 1981, Parker has transformed from a rural equestrian community to an exciting small city with scenic open space and carefully planned residential and commercial development. Residents enjoy quick access to Interstates 25 and 470 as well as the Denver Technological Center. Extensive multi-purpose trails join an abundance of equestrian facilities. Blue-ribbon schools, a year-round arts commission, family recreation center, shopping malls, swimming pools, golf courses, and a wealth of parks and recreation programs add to the quality of life.

ELBERT COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Elizabeth
Municipal Offices
303-646-4166
www.townofelizabeth.org

Chamber of Commerce
303-646-4287
www.elizabethchamber.org

The largest town in Elbert County is Elizabeth, which also boasts the first stop light in the area. Perched at 6,450 feet above sea level, Elizabeth serves as a hub for the small-acreage subdivisions clustered around its periphery. The town’s rural character is mirrored in popular rodeo events and summer music festivals from folk to bluegrass. A considerable percentage of residents in the Elizabeth area commute to Denver or the south metro employment centers. Surrounding Elizabeth, housing options in Colorado’s “serious horse country” range from modest single-family homes to million-dollar country manors or farms and horse properties as large as 600 acres. Interstates 25 and 470 are just 35 minutes from town, and residents can supplement the local retail shops and services with nearby commercial centers that include a major mall and factory outlet center. This rapidly growing community desires to preserve its rural character set against the backdrop of rolling grassland and vistas of the Rocky Mountains.