Thinking about a spring or summer move to Highlands Ranch but not sure where to start? Relocating from out of state is a big lift, especially when you are juggling jobs, school needs, and timing your current home sale. You deserve a clear plan and local guidance that removes the guesswork. This 90‑day timeline gives you step‑by‑step tasks, insider tips, and trusted resources so you can land smoothly in Highlands Ranch and feel settled faster. Let’s dive in.
Highlands Ranch at a glance
Highlands Ranch sits in unincorporated Douglas County, just south of Denver, with a strong network of parks, trails, and community amenities. Local services are managed by Douglas County, the Highlands Ranch Metro District, and the Highlands Ranch Community Association. If you are comparing addresses, confirm services at the county and district level since the area is not an incorporated city.
- Learn about county services and boundaries on the Douglas County site. Visit Douglas County resources.
- Explore amenities and community rules through the Highlands Ranch Community Association.
- For parks, facilities, and district services, check the Highlands Ranch Metro District.
Commute planning is important. You will use C‑470 and nearby I‑25 for access across the south metro and to the Denver Tech Center. Public transit includes RTD bus routes; there is not a direct rail line to Highlands Ranch, so plan accordingly. See route and schedule details with RTD.
Families are served by the Douglas County School District, which uses boundary maps and open enrollment policies. Review deadlines and documents early if you need to enroll this summer. Learn more at the Douglas County School District.
Your 90‑day move plan
Use this timeline as a checklist. Adjust the pace if you are buying, selling, or both.
90 to 61 days out: plan and source
- Financial prep and lending
- Get a written mortgage preapproval if you plan to buy. Choose a lender familiar with Douglas County and metro‑district nuances.
- Set your budget, including closing costs, moving expenses, and a contingency buffer for appraisal gaps or travel.
- Neighborhood research
- Start your out‑of‑state home search
- Schedule virtual tours with your agent. Ask for 3D walkthroughs, floor plans, accurate room measurements, and recent utility bills.
- Create a shortlist based on commute, budget, and HOA requirements.
- Plan the timing of your current home sale
- Discuss listing strategy and contingencies. Consider whether to sell first and rent temporarily, write a contingent offer, or use a rent‑back.
- Spring and summer typically see higher buyer activity, which can help with timing.
- Get moving and storage quotes
- Price long‑distance movers and storage now. Book early for popular dates.
- Research short‑term housing in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, or the DTC area if you need a landing pad.
60 to 31 days out: lock in contracts and logistics
- Offer and acceptance (if buying)
- Protect your interests with inspection and appraisal contingencies if financed.
- Negotiate a clear closing window and consider a seller rent‑back to bridge timing.
- If possible, schedule a pre‑offer or early inspection on high‑interest homes.
- Prep your current home for sale (if selling)
- Stage and schedule professional photography and virtual tours.
- Gather HOA or metro‑district documents to provide to buyers early.
- School and childcare
- Start DCSD registration and collect required documents such as proof of residency and immunization records. Confirm deadlines at the DCSD website.
- Utilities and services for your new address
- Schedule electricity and gas activation with Xcel Energy.
- Confirm water and sewer provider, which may be a local district or the metro district. Use the South Metro Water resources to understand regional providers, then verify by address.
- Confirm trash and recycling through your HOA or the county and schedule internet installation after closing.
- Packing and decluttering
- Label by room and create an essentials box. If using storage, lock your unit and move‑in date now.
30 to 8 days out: coordinate the details
- Inspection and repairs
- Schedule a licensed inspector and add specialized checks as needed, such as roof, HVAC, or a sewer scope.
- If you are remote, ask for photo or video proof of agreed repairs.
- Closing logistics
- Confirm a remote or in‑person closing with your title company and lender. Verify wire instructions by phone using a trusted number to avoid fraud.
- Schedule your final walkthrough and confirm all keys, remotes, and HOA transfers.
- Temporary housing and move day rules
- Finalize dates for short‑term housing. Confirm any parking, elevator reservations, or move time windows with the HOA or building management.
- Healthcare and medical records
- Transfer prescriptions and gather medical records for family and pets. Identify local providers and book first appointments.
7 to 0 days: move week and your first days
- Utilities and first‑day setup
- Confirm activation of electricity, gas, water, and internet. Take meter readings on day one and report any issues immediately.
- Keep emergency contacts on hand, such as a locksmith, plumber, and electrician.
- Documents and registrations
- Set a reminder to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Review state rules and deadlines at the Colorado DMV.
- File your change of address with the USPS and update voter registration and insurance.
- School and schedules
- Finalize enrollment, confirm bus pick‑up details, and review school calendars with the Douglas County School District.
- Home safety checklist
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, locate the main water shutoff and circuit breaker, and find HVAC filters and outdoor units.
Out‑of‑state home search strategy
Buying from a distance is doable with the right standards and local support.
- Insist on complete visual clarity. Ask for professional photography, a 3D or Matterport‑style tour, detailed floor plans, and a live video walkthrough where you can pause and ask questions.
- Use a thorough inspection plan. Schedule a full home inspection and add specialized inspections when needed. If repairs are negotiated, ask for receipts and photo verification.
- Consider contract options. If you need to sell first, a contingent offer may still work depending on market conditions. Alternatives include a bridge loan or a seller rent‑back. Your lender can outline costs and timelines so you choose the safest path.
- Confirm remote closing steps. Many title companies support remote signings. Verify notary requirements and always confirm wiring instructions by phone with a known number.
Utilities and service setup checklist
Provider availability varies by address, so confirm each service early.
- Electricity and gas: set up or transfer with Xcel Energy.
- Water and sewer: verify the correct district. The South Metro Water site explains regional providers, but confirm for your specific home.
- Trash and recycling: check with your HOA or county for the assigned hauler and pickup day.
- Internet and TV: schedule installation windows as soon as you have a closing date.
- Home security: transfer codes or schedule new service.
- Irrigation systems: ask about winterization or activation timing, which can affect spring move‑ins.
On move day, gather meter readings, keys and garage remotes, HOA gate codes, facility passes, and any permits required for parking or elevators.
Schools, enrollment, and records
Highlands Ranch is served by the Douglas County School District. Placement depends on boundaries and open enrollment capacity. If you are planning a summer move, start early.
- Review boundary maps, required documents, and registration windows at the Douglas County School District.
- Prepare proof of residency, birth certificates, and immunization records.
- If you need specialized programs or transportation, contact the district to understand timelines and eligibility.
Always use neutral criteria when comparing schools and focus on curriculum, programs, logistics, and commute.
Commuting and transportation
Plan your daily route and backup options before you buy or lease.
- C‑470 and I‑25 provide access across the south metro and the DTC. Travel time to downtown Denver varies by time of day.
- RTD offers regional bus service that connects to major hubs. There is not a direct rail line into Highlands Ranch at this time. Review options on the RTD website.
- If you fly often, plan your route to Denver International Airport during peak hours and consider toll options when comparing neighborhoods.
HOAs, HRCA rules, and move logistics
Many Highlands Ranch neighborhoods include HOA rules in addition to HRCA community standards. This affects paint colors, exterior changes, parking, and even move‑in logistics.
- Request CC&Rs early and review architectural approval timelines, which can be 30 to 60 days.
- Confirm how and when HRCA facility access or passes transfer. See amenity info at the HRCA site.
- Ask about move‑in requirements, such as reserved loading zones, parking permits, or elevator reservations.
Temporary housing options
If you need breathing room between selling and buying, short‑term options are available in Highlands Ranch and nearby Lone Tree or Parker.
- Consider furnished rentals, extended‑stay hotels, or a month‑to‑month lease.
- Compare parking policies, pet rules, and school proximity.
- Prices and availability rise in spring and summer, so book as early as possible.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Assuming all addresses use the same providers. Verify every utility by address and schedule installations early.
- Overlooking HOA and metro‑district fees. Request full documents up front and budget for transfer fees.
- Tight closing windows without a backup plan. Use contingencies, a rent‑back, or temporary housing to reduce stress.
- Appraisal gaps and inspection surprises. Keep a contingency fund and line up specialty inspections when needed.
- Wire fraud. Confirm all wire instructions by phone using a verified number from your title company.
Your next steps
Relocating should feel organized, not overwhelming. With a clear plan, local resources, and a steady advisor, you can make smart decisions and enjoy your first weeks in Highlands Ranch. If you want a custom move timeline, virtual tour support, or help coordinating utilities, schools, and closing dates, connect with Lane Lyon to request a free home valuation or consultation.
FAQs
How do I time my sale and purchase for a Highlands Ranch move?
- You can sell first and rent temporarily, write a contingent offer, negotiate a seller rent‑back, or consider a bridge loan. Each option trades cost, risk, and flexibility, so align the choice with your timeline and lender guidance.
What should I do first if I am 90 days out from moving to Highlands Ranch?
- Secure a mortgage preapproval, shortlist neighborhoods based on commute and HOA rules, schedule virtual tours, and collect moving quotes. Start school research and note key enrollment deadlines.
Which utilities should I set up before closing in Highlands Ranch?
- Plan for electricity and gas with Xcel Energy, confirm your water and sewer district, schedule internet installation, and set up trash and recycling transfers. Verify each service by address and ask about deposits.
How do school boundaries and open enrollment work in Douglas County?
- Boundaries determine your neighborhood school, and open enrollment depends on capacity and deadlines. Review current maps and requirements on the Douglas County School District site and contact the district with questions.
Is there rail service to Highlands Ranch, and how can I commute?
- There is not a direct rail line to Highlands Ranch. Most residents use C‑470 and I‑25, with RTD bus routes connecting to regional hubs. Review routes and schedules on the RTD website.
