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.
1/2
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
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Harrison McWilliams,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Dakota Ridge, CO sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Dakota Ridge, CO over the last 12 months is $600,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in an amazing outdoor recreation corridor, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Friendly Hills neighborhood is move in ready! You'll appreciate the open floor plan with the eat in kitchen, living room/dining overlooking the family room where you can enjoy the gas fireplace on cool evenings while watching TV or catching up on paperwork at the dedicated workspace craft station. It
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this charming property that boasts a variety of appealing features. The home's interior is freshly painted in a neutral color scheme, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The living room is accentuated by a cozy fireplace, perfect for those chilly evenings. The kitchen is a chef's dream with an accent backsplash adding a
Introducing the Cameron! This sophisticated 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers a luxurious living experience and a main floor office. Revel in the Colorado experience from the private rooftop deck, a perfect retreat. Inside, discover a seamless blend of style and functionality with gray shaker cabinets and luxury vinyl planking in the kitchen and great room. The kitchen dazzles with a honeycomb
Welcome to 13676 W Grand Dr — a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in the sought-after Bear Creek Meadows South community. Thoughtfully designed with modern finishes and smart upgrades, this home perfectly blends comfort, style, and location—offering the best of both Denver and mountain living.Step inside to discover a bright, open layout with soaring 9-foot ceilings and rich
Welcome to 4275 S. Braun Ct. in Morrison, CO, an immaculate single-story home in unincorporated Jefferson County offering the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience. This beautifully maintained residence features nearly 3,816 sq.ft. of finished space with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (or 3 bedrooms plus a versatile office). The open layout showcases vaulted ceilings, sun-filled Anderson
2653 SQ FT TOTAL. BONUS SPACES! In addition to two bedrooms, this Dancing Willows townhome includes a spacious loft & office with built-ins, main-floor office nook, and a finished basement plus room to expand or storage you may crave. The layout blends comfort and flexibility for work, guests, or hobbies. Soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and a gas fireplace create a bright and inviting main
Welcome to 12208 W Dorado Pl #207, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo tucked into a quiet and serene location of the Cambridge in the Foothills community. Enjoy mountain views from your private back deck — the perfect spot for your morning coffee or evening unwind.Inside, you'll find thoughtful updates throughout, including a refreshed kitchen with modern finishes, upgraded
Beautiful townhome, spacious, birght and open floor plan. both bedrooms are giant and huge walking closets. Full unfinish basement which perfect for storage and fitness room. Available immediately
New Stainless Steel Appliances, White Quartz Countertops, Gourmet Sink, Kitchen track lighting, deep gourmet sinks & sprayers and rectangular bathroom sinks. Call for details! Tanemara Apartments is located just off of C470 at Simms and Bowles in beautiful Littleton, CO. We are only minutes from shopping, restaurants, schools, movie theaters, parks, tons of trails for biking/hiking and the
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
