Castle Rock finally got its coronation. The Douglas County town, a kingdom of outlet malls, has been named one of the best small cities in America.

Personal finance website WalletHub named Castle Rock as its 15th-best small city to live in in 2026 on Sept. 29. And while the affluent city of nearly 89,000 shines in the top 20, a few other metro locales managed to crack the illustrious list, too.

“While small cities may lack some advantages of big cities, like robust public transportation systems, they make up for these shortcomings in other areas,” Chip Lupo, an analyst with WalletHub, said.

According to the list, WalletHub compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, using 45 key “indicators of livability,” including safety, cost of living, school systems and restaurants per capita. The cities were then placed into a percentile, with Lexington, Massachusetts sliding into the number-one spot and the 99th percentile.

But we’re not here to talk about Massachusetts and its tea parties.

Castle Rock, too, landed in the 99th percentile and was ranked 80th out of 1,318 cities in affordability, 65th in economic health, 64th in education and 32nd in safety. The only thing that brought it down was its quality of life ranking, which was 449th.

The quality of life score was based on a multitude of factors, including average commutes to work, parks and restaurants per capita and entertainment per capita — like the number of overall attractions. So, the Outlets at Castle Rock may not be as impressive as holiday traffic on Interstate 25 may lead you to believe.

What the list did not point out was the overall affluence of each location — shockingly, the higher the income, the better a place it is to live. For example, the number-one Lexington has an average annual household income of approximately $311,976, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The average annual household income of Castle Rock is $171,148.

Meanwhile, the lowest-ranked city on the list — West Memphis, Arkansas — has an average annual household income of $42,674. Second-to-last Alexandria, Louisiana, came in at $47,113. Who’d have thought?

Castle Rock wasn’t the only Colorado municipality to do well on WalletHub’s list, though. Broomfield came in the 95th percentile, Parker in the 93rd, Windsor in the 91st, Lafayette in the 88th, Littleton in the 87th and Loveland in the 73rd.

Three of those are within Douglas County, one of the richest counties in the state and a top-10 richest county in the country. (If only their county commissioners could stop throwing together controversial elections every year, and it would be set.)

But Colorado didn’t just take up positive spots on the list. Wheat Ridge and Grand Junction both fell into the 61st percentile. Longmont landed in the 59th, Englewood the 44th, Brighton the 33rd, Commerce City the 22nd and Northglenn the 15th. Maybe Northglenn’s upcoming drone delivery service can boost it up in 2027, though.

As published on: https://www.westword.com/

By Sage Kelley.   September 30, 2026

Town Council recently approved a plan for the grocery store to be built in Dawson Trails.

As the Dawson Trails community is taking shape in Castle Rock, where streets, homes and future businesses are beginning to develop, residents will likely have a King Soopers to call their own.

Following two years of planning, Castle Rock Town Council has recently approved a site improvement plan for a King Soopers to be built southwest of the Dawson Trails Boulevard and Gambel Ridge Boulevard intersection.

In addition to a 100,054-square-foot grocery store, the development will include 410 parking spaces, 15 grocery pick-up parking spaces, 20 bicycle spaces, a pharmacy with a drive-up window, a designated spot for pick-up of online orders and a 5,418-square-foot fueling station with seven fuel pumps and a kiosk.

With another King Soopers in the town, some residents wondered if this location would be replacing another. A representative from Kroger told the town council that the Dawson Trails location will be in addition to the other locations.

“We anticipate the third store will kind of alleviate pressure from the Ridge store and also Promenade,” the representative said. “No signs of closure anytime soon.”

The site was originally part of the Castle Rock Ranch Planned Development in 1986, but over the past couple of decades, the property has been rezoned twice, allowing for such a development to occur.

The Dawson Trails Planned Development is a mixed-use development with several planning areas. According to the town staff report, the proposed King Soopers is located within the east character area mainly due to the proximity to Interstate 25, the Crystal Valley Interchange and Dawson Trails Boulevard.

Aaron McLean of Galloway & Company, who was presenting to the town on behalf of King Soopers, said the grocery store is part of an overall larger development with at least 10 lots.

The report states that the type of development permitted in this location will be higher in density and include a wide range of non-residential uses such as office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, commercial and other permitted uses to provide a variety of employment and shopping.

Other tenants that are expected to be in the planning area include a restaurant, coffee shop, financial institution and a car service.

“This store and fuel station is also surrounded by other stores,” Tara Vargish, director of the development services department, said. “They all tend to balance each other out.”

King Soopers details

Through multiple neighborhood meetings, McLean said there were some revisions made to the site plan to address some concerns.

“Architectural elevations were enhanced, the access was adjusted,” McLean said, adding that the company also addressed questions about general operations and lighting. 

Standing no taller than 46 feet with full cut-off lighting, the store will be situated on the western half of the lot with the main entrance and parking oriented toward Dawson Trails Boulevard. The grocery pick-up parking and the pharmacy drive-through window will be located on the south side of the building.

Although the required parking was to be just over 500 spaces based on calculations, there will be 410 spaces provided.

According to the staff report, the town’s Municipal Code allows up to a 25% reduction in the number of required parking spaces for a commercial development, however, King Soopers requested a 19.5% reduction in the number of spaces required.

In a parking study, they cite the reduction is due to the number of short-term parking spaces for online pickup orders, with pickup hours anticipated to be between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., home delivery of online orders from the Kroger Fulfillment Center and the drive-through pharmacy service.

As the study also cites data from the Institute of Transportation Engineers Parking Generations, it states that the proposed King Soopers seeks to align its site-specific parking requirements with current nationwide standards that reflect changing transportation patterns.

The study adds that there could also be an environmental benefit.

“Right-sizing the parking requirements for a specific use represents a step towards prompting a sustainable development which reduces the heat island effect created by a vast acreage of impervious asphalt,” the study states.

When asked if town staff thought the proposed parking was sufficient, Vargish agreed it was based on the information provided about how the store functions.

Access to the site will be from Gambel Ridge Boulevard and Dawson Trails Boulevard. A private drive and pedestrian-oriented district will also be in the planned area, which McLean said will be constructed with the initial phase of the King Soopers development.

The fueling station is expected to be accessed from a private street to the north.

Since the grocery store sits lower than the adjacent subdivision, Twin Oaks, a 50-foot-wide buffer is prescribed by the Dawson Trails Planned Development on the west side of the lot as well as increased landscaping.

With anticipated hours of operation to be similar to the Promenade King Soopers, which is 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Dawson Trails King Soopers is expected to be open in 2027.

As published on: https://www.castlerocknewspress.net/

By Haley Lena.  August 6, 2026

Douglas County is coming for kids’ travel ball, swim meet and basketball tournament weekends — plus their parents’ hotel nights, meals and everything between.

Why it matters: County-backed sports projects could turn our kid-heavy county into a regional youth sports hub.

• The facility — expected to open in 2028 — would include six basketball and 12 overlapping volleyball courts.

And Colorado Aquatics Foundation launched a $3.2 million fundraising campaign for a facility at Sterling Ranch’s massive Zebulon Regional Sports Complex that’ll open in 2028.

• It could include a 50-meter pool once used for the Olympic Trials.

The big picture: Many Douglas County parents say recreation facilities haven’t kept pace with the nationwide youth sports explosion.

Combined plans in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker and Sterling Ranch project at least 10 fields, dozens of court configurations, ice sheets and pools.

Follow the money: Douglas County’s putting $7.5 million from its 0.17% parks tax into each of three projects: Gold Crown, High Note Regional Park and Salisbury Regional Park’s expansion.

• Zebulon could use up to $100 million in Certificates of Participation.

Zoom out: Americans spend about $60 billion annually on participatory sports tourism.

• Gold Crown Foundation officials estimate its site’s economic impact would be $14 million—$19 million per year.

What they’re saying: County Commissioner Abe Laydon called the push “the most significant parks and open space investment in county history.”

Yes, but: Opponents have raised questions about Zebulon’s financing.

The other side: County officials cite a 2024 survey showing residents prioritized recreation facilities.

Zoom in: Colorado Aquatics Foundation faces an Oct. 31 deadline to join Zebulon’s first phase or risk higher costs.

• “It’s not hyperbolic to say that this is an opportunity of a lifetime,” foundation president Jerrod Brown tells Axios.

KT Development will design, build, program and operate Zebulon.

What’s next: Parker’s Salisbury expects to finish its first phase in September, adding four grass baseball-softball fields and two synthetic-turf multipurpose fields.

• Lone Tree’s High Note Regional Park broke ground this year, and its first phase should open in 2027 with two lighted synthetic multipurpose fields and a 200-seat beer garden.
• Gold Crown and Zebulon follow in 2028.

As published on: https://www.axios.com/

By Robert Sanchez.   August 6, 2026

Castle Rock has long been a choice location for businesses looking to locate in a community where amazing landscapes are equal to the development opportunities. Set in a prime location midway between Denver and Colorado Springs, this historic standalone Colorado town offers companies a variety of commercial real estate options for businesses looking to expand and succeed. In fact, the town is in the midst of solidifying around $1 billion in new development, including over $250 million in the Historic Downtown which has benefited from companies like OAK Construction, Hollis and Miller Architects, IBEX, IBS Corp., SRP Companies, and a variety of small and start up business in the Craft Co-Working space. Castle Rock is bursting with a variety of thoughtful development opportunities that are in alignment with its long-term goals.

Mayor Jason Gray stated: “Our success has its roots in making sure our community has all its needs met for our long-term future, economically, financially, while at the same time knowing that services like the cancer treatment center at Adventist Health Campus and health car are only viable with a certain level of population. We need people to support all our great downtown businesses and restaurants and so we have to stay diligent to the balance of it all.”

Key projects include:

The Brickyard Project

As reported by Olivia Young of CBS News, The Brickyard Project is a proposed development that includes a 150,000-square-foot recreation center, boutique hotel, a variety of dining options, and multiple luxury for sale and rent residential options on a 31-acre site just west of Interstate 25 and minutes away from downtown Castle Rock. Confluence Companies is the developer behind the project and has completed other highly successful projects in Castle Rock, including Riverwalk, Riverwalk Luxe and Encore in downtown Castle Rock.

The project is named Brickyard because of its location at the former Acme Brick Manufacturing site. Confluence Companies is taking some of the cues from the old brick factory and repurposing the facility into a community gathering space for residents and guests to enjoy.

The first phase of development includes the new 145,000-square-foot town recreation center, which focuses on court sports including basketball, volleyball and pickleball. It will also have one of the best competitive natatoriums in the state, fitness facilities, and an indoor track. The development will also create a new road connecting the site to Plum Creek Parkway and expand a trail directly connecting the Brickyard to Downtown Castle Rock through the site and extending to the Miller Activity Complex.

Confluence hopes to break ground on “The Brickyard” this summer and open the rec center in 2027.

Dawson Trails

As highlighted by David Hicks Lampert, and the Dawson Trails website, Dawson Trails is a new residential and commercial development on over 2,000 acres located at Interstate 25 and Crystal Valley Parkway, a new interchange currently under construction. A total of 5,850 new homes have been approved along with 3,200,000 square feet of available commercial space.

The District at Dawson Trails is adjacent to the new interchange and will provide a balanced variety of commercial uses focused on regional retail, light industrial and office space. It will also provide a mixed-use town center as well as condominium, apartment and other higher-density residential development. Costco is under construction and is projected to open in 2027, simultaneously with the completion of the Crystal Valley Ranch interchange.

The Village will be located in the heart of Dawson Trails with easy access to the amenities of the community. It will feature a diverse collection of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, stacked flats and apartments. The Village will also provide neighborhood retail and commercial uses.

City Hotel Renovation

As reported by Olivia Young of CBS News, the City Hotel in Castle Rock was built in 1872 and served many of the town’s earliest settlers. The building was once advertised as the main place to stay in town at .75 cents per night, according to old newspaper ads. It has remained standing for over 150 years and now with former Mayor Tim White and his firm White Development they are working to restore the property and bring it back to its former glory!

White purchased the building in 2012, operating it as affordable housing before closing it down in 2018. He now plans to turn it into a boutique hotel, restaurant and retail space, capitalizing on the location and views of the town’s beloved rock, with the hope of reigniting it as a focal point of Downtown.

The firm plans to break ground in the next few months and reopen the building in 2027.

Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space

As shared by the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation, development isn’t the only focal point for Castle Rock. Jeremy Pittman, the chair of the Castle Rock EDC stated, “We are looking to build a balanced, incredible community that blends thoughtful development with amazing Parks and Open Space”.  Jeff Brauer (Director of Parks and Recreation noted, maintaining our parks, trails and open spaces is a high priority to our residents and to the Town Council.  In fact, in 2024, the Town of Castle Rock contracted with the land planning firm Wenk and Associates to begin the master planning process for Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space.  The process seeks to define the vision, goals and strategies for the use and management of the property and ensure alignment with the conservation values of the conservation easement.

The goals of the Lost Canyon Open Space master plan include:

• Protecting and preserving the site’s natural habitat and cultural resources.

• Providing public access to the site for passive outdoor recreation and education.

• Integrating the site into the town’s existing open space and trails network.

• Providing a buffer from expanding development pressures.

• Finding a balance between conservation and recreational access.

Castle Rock has skillfully navigated and made key investments in the right infrastructure and tools to ensure the community is successful for the long haul.  Much of the credit goes to Castle Rock Town Council and their respect for personal property rights, understanding of the competitive landscape of the Metro Denver area, and balancing the needs of a true standalone community. Because of the thoughtful strategic planning and forward-thinking leadership, Castle Rock has drawn a great deal of attention to becoming a place where businesses and residents are both proud to be a part of a thriving and vibrant Colorado community.

As published on: milehighcre.com

By Frank Gray, president & CEO, Castle Rock Economic Development Council

The first neighborhood in the Dawson Trails development received approval from the Castle Rock Town Council to include more than 200 single family homes and nearly 15 acres of open space.

The town council on Jan. 7 unanimously approved a site development plan for the first homes in the Dawson Trails development off I-25 and Crystal Valley Interchange, south of the planned Costco on the future Dawson Trails Boulevard.

The neighborhood will include 229 single family homes, 14.9 acres of open space and amenities such as a park and paved and unpaved trails.

The neighborhood is one part of the larger Dawson Trails plan approved in 2022 that lays out more than 5,800 housing units, around 750 acres of open space and 3.2 million square feet of commercial development, retail, industrial and office space.

Council member Tim Dietz said he was happy to see that the Dawson Trails development will be built more appropriately for the town, as compared to a past plan for the property. Previous zoning for the Dawson Trails development would have allowed up to 7,900 housing units and 17.5 million square feet of commercial space.

“This could have been 8,000 homes by now if it would have worked 40 years ago, so this is a much better plan,” Dietz said.

As published on: https://www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/

By McKenna Harford