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Highlands Ranch

Colorado · Denver Metro
Elite Dance4-SeasonMid Cost
80
/ 100 match score

Planned community south of Denver with one of the lowest crime rates in the Denver metro. Douglas County schools are among the highest-rated in Colorado. Access to Colorado Ballet and world-class outdoor recreation.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
13/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
6/10
Healthcare Quality
13/20
Dance Training
12/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
10/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
4.4%
$15,840/yr
Est. after-tax income
$251,335
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$99,000
$78,000–$120,000 range
Annual surplus
+$152,335
King: 2.5×
Rent: 3BR family home
$2,300–$3,800/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$650,000
Dance Training
Colorado Ballet (Denver, 20 min north) — a nationally elite company with a serious school. DCPA conservatory programs accessible. Multiple elite studios throughout Douglas County.
Healthcare
Sky Ridge Medical Center (Lone Tree) is a top-ranked regional hospital. Children's Hospital Colorado accessible 25 min. UCHealth and SCL Health systems within reach.
Career & Remote Work
CO flat income tax 4.4%. Charles Schwab HQ relocated to Westlake (near Highlands Ranch). Lockheed Martin in Littleton. Strong remote-work community with outdoor lifestyle balance.
Musical Theater
Strong
DCPA in Denver (30 min north) has conservatory and youth training programs that serve as the professional anchor for the metro. Multiple competition-active MT studios throughout Douglas County. Douglas County School District has been expanding performing arts investment. Active Colorado competition circuit. Strong BFA pipeline from the Denver metro — Highlands Ranch families have full access to one of the better regional training ecosystems in the Mountain West.
Safety
Violent crime rate:80 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +Colorado Ballet (elite company nearby)
  • +Very low crime — safest Douglas County community
  • +Top-rated schools
  • +Flat 4.4% income tax
  • +Exceptional outdoor recreation access
Cons
  • −CO income tax 4.4%
  • −Altitude (5,900 ft)
  • −Traffic I-25 corridor
  • −Winters cold despite sunny reputation
  • −Sprawl character
Quick Stats
School rating
9/10
Healthcare rating
8/10
Tech job market
excellent
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.