Littleton vs. Highlands Ranch: Where Can You Get More House for $700K in Today's Market?

Bryan Messick

Published August 3, 2026

If you are house-hunting in the Denver area with a $700,000 budget, two cities likely top your list: Littleton and Highlands Ranch. Both offer excellent schools, outdoor access, and strong community amenities, but they deliver very different value propositions at the same price point.

What $700K Buys in Littleton (Detached)

Littleton's median detached home sold price sits around $769,000 as of August 2026. At $700,000, you are shopping slightly below the median, which means you are looking at established neighborhoods like Columbine, parts of Downtown Littleton, or the Ken Caryl Plains. Expect a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,800-2,200 square feet, likely built in the 1970s-1990s, with a 2-car garage and a manageable lot size of 6,000-8,000 square feet.

The advantage: Littleton offers more character, mature trees, larger lots in established areas, and closer proximity to Downtown Littleton's dining and light rail. Property taxes are reasonable, and many neighborhoods have no HOA or minimal HOA fees.

What $700K Buys in Highlands Ranch (Detached)

Highlands Ranch's median detached home sold price is approximately $745,000. At $700,000, you are also shopping below the median, but Highlands Ranch's newer construction stock means you may find a 3-4 bedroom, 2,500+ square foot home built in the 2000s with modern finishes, an attached 2-car garage, and a smaller lot (5,000-6,500 square feet).

The trade-off: Highlands Ranch has a metropolitan district and HOA that adds $100-$200 per month in fees. However, those fees fund community pools, recreation centers, and extensive trail systems. The commute to Denver is similar: both cities have RTD light rail access.

Attached Home Comparison

If you are open to attached homes (condos and townhomes), $700K stretches significantly further. In Littleton, the median attached home sold price is approximately $420,000, meaning $700K buys a premium townhome with upgrades, or a condo in a highly desirable location. In Highlands Ranch, attached median prices are around $465,000, so $700K buys a larger, newer townhome with 3 bedrooms and a 2-car garage.

The Verdict

For more square footage and newer construction: Highlands Ranch wins. For character, lot size, and lower ongoing fees: Littleton wins. The right choice depends on your lifestyle priorities, and both markets are appreciating at healthy rates, making either a sound long-term investment.