Highlands Ranch residents may feel as though they have been let in on a little secret. Their city, a suburb just 12 miles south of Denver, is an exceptional place to call home. But, the word is getting out. Highlands Ranch was recently named the Most Livable Mid-Sized City in the United States.
A New York based financial services firm, SmartAsset, analyzed 174 mid-sized cities with populations over 100,000 (this excluded the 100 largest cities in the U.S.). Our very own Highlands Ranch came out on the top of that list.
Facebook/Chamber of Commerce of Highlands Ranch
SmartAssest used several factors to determine which cities were, in fact, the most “livable.”
Flickr/Cathy McCray The criteria that was used to compile their report included each city’s median home value, median monthly housing costs, as well as its Gini coefficient (a measure of income equality). Also factored in was median household income, unemployment rate, percentage of residents below the poverty line, and percentage of residents without health insurance. Lastly, they looked at average commute time to work.
With a population of just over 107,000, Highlands Ranch was deemed so livable because of it’s strong local economy. This community is bursting with jobs, and with a low unemployment rate comes a high number of residents with health insurance.
Facebook/Highlands Ranch Metro District
Highlands Ranch is also known for its uncongested commutes, as many residents live and work in the same area.
Flickr/Ben Simo
Founded in 1981, this northwest Douglas County city is a 22,000 acre master-planned community that is a true gem. Residents have affectionately dubbed their city “the bubble” due to its low crime rate, top-notch schools, and plentiful jobs.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Colorado had a strong presence on this list of Most Livable Mid-sized Cities in the U.S.
Facebook/City of Centennial Government Centennial was not far behind Highlands Ranch with its second place ranking. Although Centennial residents have a bit of a longer commute to work (average of 25 minutes), the unemployment rate is very low. Arvada also made the top 10, ranking eighth with its high availability of jobs that tend to pay well.
Coloradans living in these highly rated Denver suburbs will proudly confirm that the numbers don’t lie. These cities are truly a wonderful place to live and work.
Facebook/Chamber of Commerce of Highlands Ranch
Flickr/Cathy McCray
The criteria that was used to compile their report included each city’s median home value, median monthly housing costs, as well as its Gini coefficient (a measure of income equality). Also factored in was median household income, unemployment rate, percentage of residents below the poverty line, and percentage of residents without health insurance. Lastly, they looked at average commute time to work.
Facebook/Highlands Ranch Metro District
Flickr/Ben Simo
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Facebook/City of Centennial Government
Centennial was not far behind Highlands Ranch with its second place ranking. Although Centennial residents have a bit of a longer commute to work (average of 25 minutes), the unemployment rate is very low. Arvada also made the top 10, ranking eighth with its high availability of jobs that tend to pay well.
Do you reside in one of the cities that made the list? What do you love about your community? Share in the comments below.
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