Diamond Ridge

Diamond Ridge is a quiet, picturesque neighborhood just south of downtown Denver in the valley of the Rocky Mountains. The neighborhood's landscaped yards and well-maintained homes coexist beautifully with the Community Wildlife Preserve found at its center. “There is so much wildlife in the area,” says Linda Sylvia-Barr, an associate broker with eXp Realty LLC who posts videos on YouTube informing homeowners about real estate in Colorado. ‘Residents will see deer walking and everything. There is much openness for outdoor activities right outside their house.”

The Community Wildlife Preserve is where residents explore a trail that loops through the open space. It is meant for walking, biking, and quiet strolls to unwind while taking in the local flora and fauna. Upon entering the neighborhood, homeowners are greeted by statues of grazing deer and large rocks that are sprinkled throughout the community. The attention to natural details is also celebrated by the homes, which have enough space between them to highlight the picturesque views on the other side. Each home sits on about two acres of land, with plenty of room to landscape, and wide driveways that lead to multi-car garages. The contemporary mountain-style homes feature facades with stone detail and wooden doors, an ode to the surrounding environment. Along the backsides are balconies and patios with unobstructed views of the Colorado landscape. Residents can also enjoy the perks of a community pool, spa, and tennis courts, thanks to the neighborhood’s HOA. Houses in Diamond Ridge were built in the early to mid-2000s and range from $1 million for 3-bedroom homes to $2.6 million for larger homes with amenities like outdoor recreation courts and in-home theaters.

In addition to its own nature preserve, Diamond Ridge is close to several parks great for outdoor recreation. The famous Rock Park is a 4-mile drive south and is home to Castle Rock, a historic landmark along the park's trails. Further up, visitors can take an easy hike to the top of the rocks, which offers panoramic views of the area. Closer to home is Gemstone Park, just on the other side of Diamond Ridge Parkway. The park is home to a playground, a rock-climbing wall, and basketball and tennis courts. If you’re lucky, you may stumble across a few prairie dogs that are known to live along the trails.

Douglas County School District provides students with great schools to choose from. Castle Rock Elementary, located nearby, has been awarded a B from Niche, and Mesa Middle School has received a B-plus. High school students will attend Douglas County High School, which offers several International Baccalaureate courses. It’s one of the only schools in the world that offers IB courses for art, music, dance and theatre, and has received a grade of B from Niche.

Natural Grocers is a short 2.5-mile drive from the neighborhood, making grocery shopping a convenient trip, and located across the street is Milestone Crossing – home to big-box stores Walmart and Target. Residents can head to Press Waffle Co., a 3.5-mile drive, to indulge in an array of waffles and brunch dishes. A local favorite is Crave Real Burgers-Castle Rock, which serves one-of-a-kind burgers paired with classic cut fries. After an energizing meal, shoppers can head to the Outlets at Castle Rock, home to various retail stores like Lululemon, Coach, and H&M.

Homeowners can purchase locally made furniture at Aquarius Creations, found within the neighborhood. They make hand-crafted custom wooden pieces, emphasizing sustainability. A 10-mile drive from the community leads to Cherokee Ranch & Castle. The historic ranch has its on-site castle, with guided tours that also include the grounds. It also offers activities like teatime, scotch and bourbon tasting, and princess parties in the castle for the little ones. There is also quick access to downtown Denver via a 30-mile drive along I-25 N when looking to explore the city. Homeowners in Diamond Ridge can enjoy all that Colorado has to offer, whether they’re looking out at the landscape from the comfort of their back porch or walking along one of the many nature-filled trails in and around the neighborhood. “When people buy a home in Diamond Ridge, they intend to stay here,” says Sylvia-Barr.

Written By

Matthew Simmons

Photography Contributed By

Karl Brewick

Video By

Samantha Houtchens