Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Ranch is a master-planned community in Douglas County, Colorado designed to support a high quality of life with a strong connection to the land.

It is also a top choice for homebuyers, consistently earning top positions among master-planned communities:

• #1 in best-selling master-planned community in Colorado since 2023
• #1 best-selling master-planned community in the Denver-Metro market since 2021
• Ranked in the Top 50 best-selling master-planned communities nationwide since 2021

The community features preserved open space, parks, trails and wildlife corridors woven throughout. Homes are built by a curated group of Colorado-based builders and include a range of options. Home types include single-family homes, multi-generational designs and low-maintenance attached homes.

Sterling Ranch is located in Douglas County, approximately 20 miles south of Denver and about 25 miles from the Denver Tech Center. The community sits between Roxborough State Park and Chatfield State Park, offering convenient access to both Colorado’s outdoor recreation and the Denver metro area.

With preserved open space, trails and parks integrated throughout the community, Sterling Ranch offers a setting that balances natural surroundings with proximity to nearby communities such as Highlands Ranch and Littleton, where residents can access shopping, dining, healthcare and everyday services.

Sterling Ranch is a master-planned community created by multi-generation Colorado natives with deep experience in real estate, water resources and business. The founders acquired the land in 2004 and set out to thoughtfully steward it into a community designed for long-term sustainability, innovation and quality of life.

The land itself has a long and carefully preserved history, having been cared for by only three families over more than 160 years, beginning with the Sterling family in the 1860s. That legacy of stewardship continues today through a vision centered on responsible growth, respect for the natural environment and creating a place where families and future generations can thrive.

Sterling Ranch is a master-planned community spanning nearly 4,000 acres, with approximately 1,500 acres preserved for open space, trails, parks and recreational areas.

The community plan currently includes nine villages, with four villages currently active and additional villages planned to develop over time. To date, more than 3,000 homes have been sold, reflecting steady growth as the community continues to evolve. At full build-out, Sterling Ranch is planned to include 16,000 homes, reflecting the community’s long-range vision.

Development at Sterling Ranch is intentionally phased, with an estimated build-out horizon of 20 to 30 years. This approach allows infrastructure, amenities and neighborhoods to grow thoughtfully alongside the community.

Sterling Ranch features a curated group of nationally recognized and Colorado-based home builders. Current builders include David Weekley Homes, Lennar, Lion Residential, Pulte Homes, Richmond American, Sheffield Homes, Taylor Morrison, Tri Pointe Homes and Trumark Homes.

Each builder offers a distinct selection of home designs, floor plans and architectural styles, giving buyers flexibility to find a home that fits their lifestyle and preferences. Builder availability varies by village and is subject to change.

Homes at Sterling Ranch include a variety of options designed to fit different lifestyles including single-family homes, multi-generational homes with secondary suites, townhomes and paired homes. The community also includes apartment homes available for lease.

Homes at Sterling Ranch generally start in the $400s, with pricing varying by neighborhood, builder, home type and floor plan. The community offers a wide range of options, allowing buyers to find a home that fits their budget, lifestyle and design preferences.

Yes. Many builders at Sterling Ranch offer quick move-in homes, with availability changing frequently. Buyers are encouraged to check current listings on the Sterling Ranch website or visit individual builder websites for the most up-to-date information.

Sterling Ranch is designed as a multi-generational community and does not include age-restricted neighborhoods.

A great place to start is the Sterling Ranch Community Information Center, located at 8155 Piney River Avenue, Suite 110, Sterling Ranch, CO 80125, where you can learn more about the community and next steps. Buyers are also encouraged to tour model homes to experience different home styles and builders firsthand.

For additional information, visit SterlingRanchColorado.com or contact a Community Ambassador at (720) 661-9694 or info@sterlingranchcab.com.

Children living in Sterling Ranch have access to a variety of public and private education options, including schools right here in the community and highly rated Douglas County School District (DCSD) schools nearby.

Schools in Sterling Ranch

John Adams Adacemy

7979 Butte Creek St.
Roxborough, CO 80125
720-441-4790

Primrose School of Sterling Ranch

8159 Piney River Ave.
Sterling Ranch, CO 80125
303-319-6377

Nearby DCSD Schools

Elementary & Primary Schools

Coyote Creek Elementary School 

2861 Baneberry Court
Littleton, CO 80125
303-387-6175

Roxborough Primary School

8000 Village Circle West
Roxborough, CO 80125
303-387-6000

Roxborough Intermediate School

7370 Village Circle East
Roxborough, CO 80125
303-387-7600

Middle & High Schools

Ranchview Middle School

1731 W. Wildcat Reserve Pkwy.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303-387-2300

Thunder Ridge High School

1991 W. Wildcat Reserve Pkwy.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303-387-2000

Coming to Sterling Ranch

A new Douglas County School District Pre-K–5 elementary school is planned to open in Providence in time for the 2027–2028 school year and will serve up to 750 students.

School assignments and opening timelines are subject to change. Families are encouraged to confirm current school information directly with DCSD.

Sterling Ranch offers both on-site and nearby options for shopping, dining and gathering.

On-site: Ranch Social at the Sterling Center
Ranch Social at the Sterling Center serves as the community’s built-in commercial and social hub. It includes Atlas Coffee (which transitions to Salta, a craft wine & cocktail bar in the evening), Living the Dream Brewing Company, rotating daily food trucks and a large community gathering space with a media wall used for events and programming. Ranch Social also includes Agora Marketplace, which offers everyday essentials and convenient pre-packaged meals.

Community events and entertainment
Sterling Ranch offers an active calendar of lifestyle programming with more than 250 community events each year, ranging from large community-wide celebrations to smaller resident-led gatherings. A wide variety of clubs and social groups, including fitness, book, game and hobby groups, adds to the community’s entertainment and social life.

Nearby shopping and dining
While Sterling Ranch’s on-site commercial offerings continue to grow, residents also enjoy convenient access to established shopping and dining destinations in nearby communities such as Highlands Ranch and Littleton. These areas offer grocery stores, restaurants, retail and everyday services, all within a short drive.

Sterling Ranch is surrounded by a wide range of outdoor recreation and natural amenities, both within the community and nearby.

Within Sterling Ranch, more than 30 percent of the community is preserved as open space, including over 30 miles of walking and biking trails and over a dozen community parks located throughout multiple villages. These include a mix of larger destination parks and smaller neighborhood and pocket parks, providing convenient access to outdoor space across the community. Additional parks and open spaces are planned as Sterling Ranch continues to grow.

A standout amenity is Prospect Park, an eight-acre all-abilities park designed for inclusive play and recreation. The park features accessible playgrounds and a turf field, with additional amenities planned as the community continues to grow.

Recreation within Sterling Ranch also includes the Overlook Clubhouse, a community recreation center featuring a lap pool, splash pad, fitness center and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for residents.

Recreation options also include a new pickleball complex with eight glass-enclosed courts at nearby Burns Regional Park, adding to the community’s growing lineup of active lifestyle amenities.

Beyond the community, residents enjoy easy access to Chatfield State Park & Reservoir and Roxborough State Park, along with regional trail systems including the High Line Canal Trail, Deer Creek Canyon and Waterton Canyon. These nearby destinations offer hiking, biking, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Together, Sterling Ranch’s extensive trail network, inclusive parks, pickleball facilities and proximity to regional open space support an active Colorado lifestyle close to home.

Sterling Ranch residents have convenient access to a range of medical care both within the community and nearby.

On-site care: The UCHealth Sterling Ranch Medical Center provides everyday services such as primary care, urgent care and physical therapy right in the community.

Nearby hospitals and acute care: For full-service hospital care, UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital is located a short drive away and offers emergency services, surgery, maternity care, intensive care and a broad range of medical specialties.

Other hospitals and medical centers are also accessible within the broader South Denver metro area, including AdventHealth Littleton in Littleton and HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in nearby Lone Tree, both offering emergency care and comprehensive medical services.

Together, these facilities give residents access to both routine medical care and comprehensive hospital services within a reasonable driving distance from Sterling Ranch.

Sterling Ranch offers a wide range of amenities designed to support recreation, wellness, social connection, and an active Colorado lifestyle. Amenities are thoughtfully integrated throughout the community, with additional features planned as Sterling Ranch continues to grow.

Community hubs and gathering spaces

Sterling Center, home to essential services, healthcare, dining, early childhood education and community spaces

Ranch Social at the Sterling Center, featuring a coffee shop, cocktail & wine bar and taproom, daily food trucks, a neighborhood market and spaces for community gatherings

Overlook Clubhouse, a community recreation center with a lap pool, splash pad, fitness center, outdoor pavilions and flexible event space

Parks, trails, and outdoor amenities

More than 30 percent of the community preserved as open space, including an all-abilities park, neighborhood parks and over 30 miles of walking and biking trails

An annual Colorado State Parks Pass credit for each household, providing access to nearby state parks

Lifestyle programming and events

A robust calendar of community programming with more than 250 events each year, along with clubs and social groups for a wide range of interests

Technology and modern living

A community-wide fiber-optic network supporting high-speed internet

Smart-home features to support convenience, efficiency and connectivity

As a master-planned community, Sterling Ranch continues to evolve. Future plans include additional parks and trails, expanded recreation opportunities, new schools and village-based commercial areas designed to support daily life close to home.

More than 30 percent of Sterling Ranch is dedicated to open space. This includes an inclusive all-abilities park, large community parks and neighborhood pocket parks. The community also features over 30 miles of walking and biking trails.

Each household also receives a credit for an annual Colorado State Parks Pass. This provides access to nearby outdoor destinations such as Chatfield State Park, Roxborough State Park and other recreational areas across Colorado.

Sterling Ranch offers an active lifestyle program with more than 250 events each year, ranging from signature community celebrations to smaller resident-led gatherings throughout the year.

Residents can take part in a wide variety of clubs, classes and social groups for all ages and interests. Options include athletic and fitness groups, book clubs, hobby and game nights, parent and life-stage groups and educational or lifestyle activities such as cooking classes, nature hikes and craft workshops. Residents are also encouraged to propose or start new clubs based on shared interests.

For the most up-to-date schedule of events and activities, residents and prospective homebuyers are encouraged to visit the Community Authority Board (CAB) event calendar.

Yes. Sterling Ranch includes a commercial and mixed-use hub known as the Sterling Center, located at 8155 Piney River Avenue, which offers a variety of everyday services, dining options and gathering spaces within the community.

Current offerings at the Sterling Center include:

Ranch Social, a community dining and gathering space featuring a coffee shop, wine bar, taproom, neighborhood market, daily food trucks and spaces for community events

UCHealth, providing primary care, urgent care, physical therapy and family medicine

Lake Family Dental, a family dental clinic

Sterling Eyecare, offering vision and eye care services

RAVE Spa & Clinic, providing wellness and aesthetic services

As Sterling Ranch continues to grow, additional commercial and mixed-use offerings are planned to support daily life close to home.

The primary fees associated with living at Sterling Ranch are Metropolitan District fees, which are included as part of property taxes and help support the community’s shared services, amenities, and infrastructure. These fees are administered by the Community Authority Board (CAB).

Metropolitan District fees help fund things like:

Maintenance of parks, trails, common areas and dog waste stations

Access to and operation of community amenities such as the Overlook Clubhouse and Sterling Center

Community events, activities and programming

Architectural and community standards review

Maintenance of underground water, sewer and stormwater systems

Development and upkeep of roads, trails, and community infrastructure

Snow removal for sidewalks, trails, park areas, mail kiosks and CAB-owned buildings

Some townhome neighborhoods may also have Homeowners Associations (HOAs) with separate dues or fees to cover additional, property-specific services, such as landscaping or private amenities.

In addition, certain design or architectural and landscape changes may require review by the Design Review Committee (DRC). Some applications may include small review fees, which are listed on the applicable DRC forms.

For a complete and up-to-date breakdown of Metropolitan District fees and related information, residents and homebuyers are encouraged to visit the New Homeowner’s section of the Community Authority Board’s website.

Utilities at Sterling Ranch are provided through a combination of special district services and standard utility providers, designed to support reliable, community-wide infrastructure.

Water and sewer: Provided by the Dominion Water & Sanitation District, with local system management and delivery handled by the Sterling Ranch Community Authority Board (CAB)

Trash and recycling: Provided by Waste Connections, with community-wide service included as part of the CAB utility setup

Electricity and natural gas: Provided by Xcel Energy

Internet: Community-wide fiber-optic internet, offering gig-speed and higher service through Quantum Fiber

Utility providers and services may vary slightly by home and are subject to change. Buyers are encouraged to confirm details with their builder during the purchase process.

Trash and recycling service at Sterling Ranch is provided by Waste Connections and is included as part of the community-wide utility setup.

For new homeowners, the first month includes unlimited curbside pickup to support move-in and home setup. After the initial month, residents may request additional services, such as extra containers or large-item pickups, which may incur additional charges billed directly to the resident.

Service details and policies are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to confirm current options directly with the service provider.

Utility costs at Sterling Ranch vary depending on the type and size of the home, as well as individual usage. Apartments, townhomes, single-family homes and multi-generational homes can have very different utility needs and consumption patterns.

For the most accurate estimates, prospective residents are encouraged to contact the Sterling Ranch Community Authority Board (CAB) for typical ranges or speak directly with their homebuilder, who may be able to share utility averages based on similar floor plans or previously completed homes.

Community governance is provided by the Community Authority Board (the “CAB”). The CAB receives funding through Metropolitan Districts within Sterling Ranch. Through that funding the CAB provides the following services:

Maintenance of parks and common areas, walking paths and dog waste stations

Access to the Overlook Clubhouse and Sterling Center

Community center operations, activities and events

Architectural and community standard reviews

Maintenance of underground water, sewer and stormwater systems

Development of trails, roads and community infrastructure

Snow removal and similar services

For more information on the CAB and Sterling Ranch Metropolitan Districts, please visit www.sterlingranchcab.com

Sterling Ranch follows community standards and design guidelines to help maintain a cohesive, well-kept and attractive neighborhood over time.

Homeowners are required to obtain prior approval for exterior modifications, additions or structural changes to homes or lots through the Design Review Committee (DRC). Landscaping installations are also reviewed and inspected to ensure they meet community specifications.

Clear instructions and guidance are provided throughout the review process, and community staff are available to assist homeowners with planning, applications and compliance.

Yes. Sterling Ranch has established community standards and architectural guidelines to help maintain a cohesive and attractive neighborhood.

Exterior changes to homes or lots, including additions, structural modifications and landscaping, require prior approval through the Design Review Committee (DRC) before work begins. Detailed guidelines and application materials are provided to help homeowners understand requirements and submit requests successfully.

Short-term rentals are not permitted for single-family homes at Sterling Ranch.

For townhomes, condominiums or apartment communities, rental rules may vary by neighborhood or property. Buyers and renters are encouraged to check directly with their builder or the specific apartment community to confirm current rental and leasing policies.

Standard Douglas County pet laws apply throughout Sterling Ranch.

Some apartment or townhome communities may have additional pet guidelines or restrictions set by their homeowners association (HOA) or property management. Buyers and renters are encouraged to check directly with their builder or the specific apartment community to confirm current pet policies.

Sterling Ranch is built with a modern community-wide technology infrastructure designed to support connected living, remote work and energy efficiency.

Key features include fiber-optic internet service available to every home, offering gig-speed and higher connectivity through Quantum Fiber. Homes are designed to support smart-home functionality, with many including integrated systems for automation, security and utility monitoring.

Additional technology features throughout the community may include smart irrigation systems to help optimize outdoor water use, real-time utility monitoring tools and infrastructure that supports future solar installations. Community-wide design elements such as intelligent street lighting and Dark Sky-friendly fixtures help reduce energy use and light pollution.

Technology features and systems may vary by builder, home type and phase of development. Buyers are encouraged to confirm specific features with their builder during the home selection process.

Sterling Ranch is designed as a smart home and smart community, integrating technology that supports convenience, efficiency, sustainability and connectivity.

Smart home features
Many homes at Sterling Ranch include built-in smart-home functionality that allows residents to manage lighting, temperature, security and utility use through mobile apps. Additional features may include smart irrigation systems that adjust watering based on local weather conditions, as well as utility monitoring tools that provide near real-time insight into electricity, gas and water usage and can alert homeowners to potential issues such as water leaks.

Smart community infrastructure
At the community level, Sterling Ranch features an underground fiber-optic network delivering high-speed internet throughout the community. Homes are designed to be solar-ready and energy-efficient, and the community incorporates intelligent street lighting that adjusts automatically to reduce energy use and light pollution. Broader initiatives also support water conservation and other environmentally responsible practices.

Smart-home features and technology offerings may vary by builder, home type and phase of development. Buyers are encouraged to confirm specific features with their builder during the home selection process.

Sterling Ranch is served by South Metro Fire Rescue, with nearby stations providing fire protection, emergency response and medical services. Law enforcement services are provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency medical services are coordinated through these agencies to support timely response throughout the community.

Sterling Ranch is a master-planned community designed to grow and evolve over time. Ongoing planning focuses on supporting the long-term wellbeing, livability and day-to-day needs of residents.

As the community develops, future plans may include additional neighborhoods, parks and open spaces, community amenities and services that support daily life close to home. Planning efforts are intentionally phased and adapt over time to reflect community needs, infrastructure considerations and long-range goals.

Because Sterling Ranch is an active growing community, specific plans and timelines may change. Residents and prospective buyers are encouraged to check official community resources for the most up-to-date information.