Castle Rock Colorado Guide
Castle Rock is Douglas County's largest community and one of Colorado's fastest-growing towns. Located 28 miles south of Denver along I-25, this town of 84,802 residents offers top-rated schools, 75+ miles of trails, a genuine downtown, and the kind of community feel that's increasingly hard to find along the Front Range.
Whether you're considering a move, just arrived, or looking to explore what your town has to offer, these guides cover everything you need to know about living in Castle Rock.
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Moving to Castle Rock
Thinking about making Castle Rock home? Our comprehensive moving guide covers the real costs, neighborhoods to consider, commute times (yes, I-25 traffic is real), and honest pros and cons you won't find in Chamber of Commerce marketing.
You'll learn what the $650,000 median home price actually gets you, which neighborhoods fit different lifestyles, and what to expect from Douglas County School District's unique choice-based enrollment system.
Read the Moving to Castle Rock Guide →
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Castle Rock Neighborhoods
From the flagship master-planned community of The Meadows to the established tree-lined streets of Founders near downtown, Castle Rock offers distinct neighborhoods for different priorities. Our neighborhoods guide breaks down each area with current price ranges, amenities, and the tradeoffs you should know about.
Explore Castle Rock Neighborhoods →
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Schools in Castle Rock
Castle Rock is served by Douglas County School District (DCSD), consistently ranked among Colorado's top districts. But here's what most guides don't tell you: DCSD uses choice-based enrollment. You're not automatically assigned to your neighborhood school—you apply to schools you want.
Our schools guide covers every Castle Rock school, the enrollment timeline, and how to navigate the choice process.
Read the Castle Rock Schools Guide →
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Things to Do in Castle Rock
Philip S. Miller Park's Challenge Hill. Downtown Wilcox Street's local shops. Coffee at LaLa's or Crowfoot Valley. Craft beer at 105 West or Honnibrook. Castle Rock has developed a genuine local scene that goes beyond chain restaurants and big-box retail.
Our things to do guide covers outdoor recreation, dining, nightlife, and the events that bring the community together throughout the year.
Explore Things to Do in Castle Rock →
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New Resident Checklist
Just moved? Our new resident checklist walks you through everything from getting your Colorado driver's license to finding the best coffee shop near your neighborhood. We've included timelines, contacts, and the local knowledge that helps you settle in faster.
Get the Castle Rock New Resident Checklist →
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Castle Rock at a Glance
| Stat | Data |
|------|------|
| Population | 84,802 (2025) |
| Growth | 17% since 2020 |
| Median Home Price | $650,000 (2025) |
| Median Household Income | $143,031 |
| Elevation | 6,224 feet |
| Distance to Denver | 28 miles south |
| Commute (off-peak) | 35-40 minutes via I-25 |
| Commute (rush hour) | 60-75 minutes |
| School District | Douglas County School District (DCSD) |
| Municipality Type | Incorporated Town |
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Explore Castle Rock
Find local businesses:
Browse Castle Rock businesses on DougCo Directory for restaurants, coffee shops, services, and more.
See what's happening:
Check Castle Rock events for festivals, markets, and community gatherings.
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Stay Connected
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