Reunion, The Other Highlands Ranch

Reunion is a master-planned community near Denver International Airport. Like Highlands Ranch, Shea is the developer.

I honestly didn’t think they could do it – I didn’t think they could pull it off. Being a Denver-native, and frankly, a lover of the southern suburbs, the idea of a master planned community with recreation centers, community events, parks, and trails (a la Highlands Ranch) in northeast Denver sounded like a hoax to me.

Of course, leave it to Shea Homes to open the doors for a fantastic family community in an area just begging to be noticed.

Oh, did I mention that Shea also develops Highlands Ranch on the south side of Denver suburbs. The original development of Reunion began in 2001 in the northern, rolling hills of Commerce City (which is technically a Denver suburb, but feeds into Brighton Public Schools).

Explore the master-planned community of Reunion, Colorado by clicking the map. This is a popular north Denver suburb.

When I first showed homes there in 2006, I have to say that it was hard to be impressed. Although the real estate market was booming at the time, the community was moving quite slowly. Sure you could get a lot of house (brand new) for the money, and be a stone’s throw away from DIA airport. But ,out there, you were virtually in the middle of… well… nowhere. Lots of vacant lots and 25 minutes to the grocery store made the community feel a bit like a ghost town to my hip San Diego buyers. So we quickly fueled up the gas tank and fled to Saddle Rock.

Now, in 2011, I am more than happy to say, “Reunion, you’ve come a long way, baby!” The 2010 US Census Bureau just reported that Commerce City is the 4^th fast growing city in the state of Colorado. After seeing the way this community has matured, I believe they owe it all to Reunion.

What used to be dusty pull-offs in the road are now thriving retail centers – with services that range from orthodontics to liquor. The large red barn-like building is Reunion’s infamous, 21,000 square foot recreation center complete with it’s own water park. The community itself has really diversified to offer a variety of newer and brand new homes from builders such as Richmond, Shea and Brookline homes.

Price points begin as low as the high $100Ks and taper out in the $500Ks. What I really like about this community is the design. The entire community scattered with parks and trails – perfect for all sizes. The actual Reunion Park is 8 acres and features a lake and a beautiful, outdoor amphitheater. The homogenous characteristics of the neighborhoods might not be for everyone – but I think it lends a clean and crisp presentation that really attracts a lot of young families.

Currently, Reunion boasts 1500 homes, but the long-term plan anticipates up to 10,000 homes. Clearly at this price point and with these amenities, Reunion is a community to keep an eye on. Watch out Highlands Ranch, I sense a new rivalry brewing!