Castlewood Ranch

Named repeatedly as one of the best places to live nationwide, Castle Rock, Colorado, is known for its small-town friendliness, welcoming environment, and over 400 acres of state parks featuring canyons, mountains, and unspoiled natural beauty. Hidden amongst the beauty is Castlewood Ranch, a neighborhood providing residents both the peace of the outdoors and the conveniences of a bustling small town.

Walking along the winding streets, you may see blue junipers amongst the arid landscape. Spacious 1,600-square-foot contemporary homes featuring open floor plans, two-car garages, fenced-in backyards and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains make up most of the market. “Castlewood Ranch is mainly a master planned community with an HOA, along with a few mansions. It’s a newer part of town, so many of the houses are less than 20 years old,” says Steve Thayer, Broker/Owner of The Thayer Group with Keller Williams Action Realty.

The average list price hovers in the $600,000s, while larger, million-dollar luxury homes are scattered around Matney Park, with backyard views of Castlewood Canyon State Park. It’s a bit out of the way so the streets are quieter and almost all the homes have beautiful views,” Thayer says. Locals are spoiled with gorgeous scenery along the Mitchell Creek Canyon Trailhead right in the neighborhood. Here, you can stroll along the one-and-a-half-mile trail as you breathe in the fresh air and try to spot a black bear or mountain lion in the distance.

With a B+ rating on Niche, kids in the neighborhood attend Flagstone Elementary School and Mesa Middle School. Douglas County High School, boasting a B ranking on Niche, offers a wide array of Advanced Placement courses for students, helping them prepare for and gain college credit. Douglas County High also has a competitive athletics program, with the girl's cheerleading team winning the state championship in the 2022-2023 school year.

Those passionate about the outdoors have easy access to endless outdoor recreation, from hiking to mountain biking to horseback riding. Whether it's exploring the Castlewood Canyon State Park, with Cherry Creek flowing along the canyon floor for scenic rest stops, or the Gateway Mesa Open Space and Trails, with over 276 acres of grassland mesa and a mix of greenery ranging from spruces, firs, Ponderosa pine trees and wetlands. If you want to stay in the neighborhood, Matney Park is right there. With 10 acres of green space that includes a basketball court, bike paths, pavilions and a playground, it's a great spot to let the kids play after school. Disc golf lovers can rejoice, as there is also an 18-hole course located across the street from the playground.

While it's known for epic hiking and gorgeous landscapes, downtown Castle Rock also features a bustling dining scene, such as Union An American Bistro, serving gourmet small plates, such as shaved honey sriracha brussel sprouts to an Italian spin on eggrolls. Then, there's The Block & Bottle, offering elevated comfort food. However, their brunch menu is elite, with items such as the breakfast hangover burger and the Monte Cristo sandwich topped with spicy raspberry jam. Don't forget to stop by Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse for a lively ambiance. With 13 craft brews on tap, you can sip on a refreshing wild raspberry ale or indulge in a classic limoncello spritz.

Castle Rock's small-town vibe is apparent through various community events. Start off the summer with the Summer Ball, where families can dance under the moonlight, to the annual pie bake-off in November. Philip S. Miller Park's amphitheater has become one of Colorado's most popular music venues, where locals can enjoy live music through the Summer Concert Series and where they hold the fundraiser Tunes for Trails, Perks for Parks. Locals can grab fresh produce at the weekly farmers market from May to October or head to King Scoopers, about two and a half miles away. With Denver about 30 miles away along Route 25, shopping outlets, a lively upscale downtown, and untouched beauty, Castlewood Ranch has all your daily necessities while encapsulating the stillness of the Wild West.

Written By

Lillie Duston

Photography Contributed By

Karl Brewick

Video By

Kristen Wilson