Life in a master planned community is about much more than simply buying or building a home. It’s about being part of a community of people eager to live and raise their families in a safe and welcoming environment stocked with plenty of amenities.
The Denver/Aurora area is booming; nothing makes that more evident than the influx of up-and-coming master planned communities making their way onto the map. New parks, new trails, new community programs and, of course, new homes are typically all part of the mix.
If you are thinking about taking advantage of the many benefits offered to residents of a master planned community, browse through the six communities listed below. These communities, located throughout the Metro Denver area, have been identified as some of the most desirable by Metrostudy, a leading provider for primary research and analysis on residential real estate development.
Copperleaf
Copperleaf takes the top slot for master planned communities in Aurora, giving residents a bit of welcome breathing room just east of Denver while keeping them close to top-notch schools in the Cherry Creek School District, as well as recreational opportunities. A total of 134 homes were sold throughout the Copperleaf Community last year. With three builders to choose from – Richmond American, Lennar and DR Horton; the home choices are endless.
Copperleaf sits in prime location just a short drive from the Aurora and Quincy reservoirs, the Anschutz Medical Campus, The Children’s Hospital, and DIA. With a pedestrian-friendly layout, The Arboretum Pool & Clubhouse, and five neighborhoods each designated with its own park, Copperleaf truly embodies the neighborhood feel that a master planned community is designed to do.
Stapleton 
Denver’s Stapleton area is making headlines for its swift growth, with 561 homes sold throughout the community last year.
Stapleton boasts a variety of nine different neighborhoods with a mix of new homes as well as homes being resold to new families and residents.
Claims to fame include proximity to downtown Denver, walkability to local businesses and the Stapleton Farmers Market.
Leyden Rock
Loads of open space still abounds in Leyden Rock, a master planned community conveniently located 16 miles from Denver, 15 miles from Boulder and 10 miles from Golden. A total of 132 homes were sold in this area last year.
Leyden Rock residents looking for easy access to nature are in the right place. Ralston Reservoir, Standley Lake and Coal Creek Canyon Park (just to name a few) are all within a short drive of home.
Green Valley Ranch
This community is located in Northeast Denver, an area that has seen a striking transformation from open grasslands to single-family homes on tidy lots.
The transformation has also included a massive population influx, accounting for a notable percentage of Denver’s 45,000 new residents over the past decade and the sale of 132 homes in 2014.
Green Valley Ranch highlights include the GVR Golf Course, GVR Beer Garden, and the GVR Recreation Center.
Highlands Ranch
While many think of Highlands Ranch as a city, it is actually considered to be a master planned community. This sprawling master planned community was officially founded in 1981 and already boasts a population of 93,000. Located south of Denver in Douglas County, Highlands Ranch is home to a combination of existing homes, new homes under construction and the Highlands Ranch mansion. The area saw the sale of 253 homes last year.
High Point 
Just 10 minutes from DIA, High Point ranks 14th on Metrostudy’s list of master planned communities. High Point has made great strides in 2014, having closed on 79 homes, and growth in 2015 is expected to continue.
This pedestrian friendly community is home to High Point Academy, a charter school within the Aurora Public School District, a 5-acre park complete with playing fields and picnic area, a community center, pool, and conference resort. Still to come for this community is a business district, and 13 miles of trails and paths and a stop along the Light Rail to DIA.
No matter where you decide to plant your roots in the Denver area, choosing a master planned community helps to ensure your landing is safe, friendly and connected to everything you need to create a happy home.