Residential community near the Rocky Mountain foothills
Set about 20 miles southwest of Denver, Dakota Ridge is an outdoorsy unincorporated community close to major attractions like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The area has a population of about 33,000 per the 2020 census, and major employers include Lockheed Martin Space Systems and CoorsTek Technical Ceramics. Much of the area is residential subdivisions with sidewalks, pocket parks and clear views of the Rocky Mountains. The community’s reservoirs and trails make it desirable for homebuyers according to Alan Arata, a Realtor for Keller Williams Clients’ Choice Realty who’s sold in the area. “You have a family feel here,” he says. “The neighbors are talking to each other and decorating houses.”
Willowbrook offers an easygoing suburban lifestyle under gorgeous mountain views.
Spend an afternoon working on your aim at Fehringer Ranch Disc Golf Course in Friendly Hills.
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Tight housing inventory in Dakota Ridge
Mid to late-20th-century ranch-style and split-level homes sit along cul-de-sac subdivisions in neighborhoods like Willowbrook and Friendly Hills. Newer, modern Craftsman homes built in the 2010s and 2020s are spread throughout the area in HOA-controlled communities. Arata says there’s not a lot of building happening in the community, and it’s more of a “move out, move in situation,” making the home values increase. The median price for a single-family home in Dakota Ridge is around $635,000, but pricier properties fall in the $1 million to $2 million range. Condos and townhomes built between the 1980s and early 2000s are gathered in different pockets around the community. These one to three-bedroom homes have modern traditional styles with brick and vinyl facades; the median price for a townhouse is about $525,000.
Split-level homes with brick accents can be found in Foothill Green.
Ranch homes are popular in Foothill Green.
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Paddleboarding at Big Soda Lake
Dakota Ridge is filled with small lakes and ponds and backs up to the expansive Bear Creek Lake Park. The 2,000-acre site has paved and unpaved trails, an archery range and two lakes for boating and fishing. Big Soda Lake has a beach with volleyball nets and paddleboard rentals. Locals can also check out several golf courses nearby, like the 18-hole Homestead Golf Course, which has a driving range and pro shop. Arata says fishing is a popular pastime at spots like Bergen East and West Reservoirs is a popular pastime. Easton Regional Park has a playground, athletic fields and Hine Lake, where families like to stroll.
Bear Creek Lake Park offers opportunity for many activities such as mountain or road biking.
Spend a day boating at Bear Creek Lake Park
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Assistance to those with dyslexia in Jefferson County School District
Jefferson County School District No. R-1 serves the area and receives an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Since Colorado is a “school choice” state, families outside of the district can apply to attend during open enrollment at certain times of the year. The district houses over 100 elementary, middle and high schools. Specialized programs like Study Abroad and Project-Based Learning are available to students, and the district even offers assistive technology support for those with dyslexia. Dakota Ridge Senior High also gets an A-minus rating and has career pathways in health care, hospitality and automotive disciplines.
Mount Carbon Elementary is a great place for children to start their education.
Summit Ridge Middle School maintains a B-plus Niche grade.
Dakota Ridge Senior High School is a public school located in Littleton, Colorado.
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Going to Littleton for orchestra concerts
For events, entertainment and the arts, folks travel just outside the community to Littleton. Colorado Dancesport is a local dance studio offering private lessons that competes in ballroom competitions worldwide. Breckenridge Brewery hosts classical concerts by the local Arapahoe Philharmonic throughout the year. Dakota Ridge is about 8 miles southeast of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre where visitors can take yoga classes, watch films and see musical performances.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is open while acts set up for their events.
Dakota Ridge residents can see the Arapahoe Philharmonic perform throughout the year at the Breckenridge Brewery.
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Biking along the highway and riding RTD-Denver buses
Colorado State Highway 470 runs along the west side of Dakota Ridge, giving access to other towns like Morrison and Ken Caryl. Driving is a major form of transportation here, but some roads have bike lanes like South Kipling Parkway on the eastern border. The 2-mile C-470 Bikeway runs perpendicular to the highway and connects to Bear Creek Lake Park in the north. RTD-Denver buses also stop frequently within the area. AdventHealth West Littleton ER is on the west border, and Denver International Airport is a 40-mile drive via 470.
Retail finds at Bowles Crossing
A few shopping areas and strip malls with local businesses are found in Dakota Ridge. Locally owned sports bars and taverns are also scattered across town. Residents grocery shop at Safeway and grab a bite at several restaurants in the Kipling Marketplace up north. The Bowles Crossing shopping mall has tenants like Red Lobster, retail giants like Ross and an AMC theater in the Bowles Crossing shopping mall. Locals can browse through small clothing boutiques in nearby Littleton’s Main Street.
Bowles Crossing provides additional storefronts in a walkable outdoor mall style.
Across the street from Alkire Akres, grab brunch or dinner at Antonio’s Italian café.
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Community-centered police and preparing for harsh elements in Dakota Ridge
According to the Colorado Crime Statistics portal, overall violent crime increased from 2023 to 2024. Property crimes like robbery also increased, but motor vehicle theft specifically decreased in the same time frame. The office has a dedicated team of officers who work on crime prevention in the county through special events like meeting with the Citizens’ Advisory Council and organizing a Ride Along Program.
Dakota Ridge experiences all four seasons, and the area can get a significant amount of snowfall. Jefferson County advises residents to stay prepared by investing in tire chains and insulating pipes in their homes. Houses on the west side of town might be at risk of wildfires.
Written By
Hannah Baggenstoss
Photography Contributed By
Karl Brewick
Video By
Tyler Belile
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Dakota Ridge Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dakota Ridge, CO sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Dakota Ridge, CO over the last 12 months is $610,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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