Living in Lone Tree CO can be a fabulous opportunity for you and your family! According to the City of Lone Tree, the area was largely uninhabited until settlers arrived in the late 1800s. Settlers came from Austria and other countries and started ranches and farms in the area. The community was relatively small and agricultural until the late 1900s. Lone Tree was incorporated as a city in 1995, getting its name from a prominent tree in the area. After incorporation, people began moving to Lone Tree in large numbers.
Is Lone Tree Colorado a good place to live? Yes, Lone Tree Colorado is a great place to live, offering a family-friendly and welcoming community with plenty of stores, restaurants, and things to do. Lone Tree is best known for its attractions like the Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree Golf Club, and Park Meadows Mall. Lone Tree's motto is "Deep Roots: New Heights."
Moving to Lone Tree may be the perfect thing to do. But before you prepare for moving day, you should understand what living in Lone Tree CO is like. Here's what to know about living in Lone Tree CO.
Where Is Lone Tree Colorado?
Where is Lone Tree Colorado, and what county is Lone Tree CO in? Lone Tree is in Douglas County, inside the Denver metro area. Lone Tree is a suburb of Denver, and it is 17.6 miles from Denver to Lone Tree. Lone Tree borders Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Meridian, Meridian Village, and Castle Pines.
Northern Lone Tree is well-developed with commercial and residential sectors. Southern Lone Tree is less developed, with large open areas used for industrial purposes and farming. There are no notable geographic features in Lone Tree. RTD Denver provides light rail services for residents living in Lone Tree CO, and moving to Lone Tree. The E Line makes five stops in Lone Tree, while the R Line makes two stops. You can also order FlexRide shuttle rides to many locations in Lone Tree. You can use the FlexRide service map to see where you can order rides.
Lone Tree Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Lone Tree population in 2020 was 14,253, up by 39.5% since 2010. Lone Tree is one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado, more than tripling its population since 2000. Lone Tree is currently the biggest city based entirely in Douglas County, though it's smaller than the towns of Castle Rock and Parker. The Lone Tree population density is 1,433.3 people living in Lone Tree CO per square mile, roughly 3.5 times higher than the countywide density.
Notable people living in Lone Tree CO include Gitanjali Rao, Jack Stoll, and Maddison Bullock. Notable Lone Tree demographics include:
- 50.8% male, 49.2% female
- Median age of residents living in Lone Tree CO: 41.1
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Lone Tree CO: 77.4% White (75.0% non-Hispanic), 9.4% Asian, 8.9% two or more races, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
- Median household income of residents living in Lone Tree CO: $125,699 (roughly 1.35 times higher than the Colorado median)
- Educational attainment of people living in Lone Tree CO: 98.2% of residents over the age of 25 have graduated from high school, 69.8% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born percentage of residents living in Lone Tree CO: 13.8%
Lone Tree is one of the wealthiest communities in the Denver metropolitan area. Over 60% of households living in Lone Tree CO make over $100,000 a year, with 28.6% making over $200,000. Only 4.6% of people living in Lone Tree CO live below the poverty line, half the Colorado rate. Lone Tree is also one of the oldest communities in the Denver area, with a median age that is 3.9 years older than the Denver area median age. 18.2% of residents living in Lone Tree CO are 65 years of age and older.
Here are the Lone Tree crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall crime rate: 11,483 offenses per 100,000 people living in Lone Tree CO (215.5% higher than the Colorado rate, 394.1% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 479 crimes per 100,000 people living in Lone Tree CO (2.7% lower than the Colorado rate, 29.5% higher than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 11,004 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Lone Tree CO (249.6% higher than the Colorado average, 463.0% higher than the national average)
The City of Lone Tree reported in December 2024 that the community is experiencing a high rate of residential burglaries, which is causing the high overall crime rate. Burglars have stolen cash, jewelry, high-value bags, and other expensive items from homeowners, particularly in the Heritage Hills neighborhood.
Burglars have broken into unoccupied homes, so you should lock your doors and windows whenever you leave. People break into Lone Tree homes through shattering large windows or glass doors at the rear of properties. Consider placing furniture and other bulky objects in front of windows and doors to deter thieves.
The Lone Tree Police Department employs 53 police officers living in Lone Tree CO.
Lone Tree Colorado Cost of Living
Lone Tree Colorado cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Denver cost of living statistics to make a rough estimate. The Denver cost of living index compares the cost of living in the Denver area to the national average. The Denver cost of living index is 110.3, meaning items in the area cost 10.3% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $140,251 a year to cover the cost of living in the Denver metro area. Lone Tree can have a high cost of living, especially if you're raising children. If you're moving to Lone Tree by yourself, you can spend less money and enjoy an affordable Lone Tree Colorado cost of living, as a single only needs to earn $60,381.
Housing is a high expense for singles and families alike, though Lone Tree CO real estate contains upscale homes for sale and apartments for rent. According to Redfin, Lone Tree CO homes for sale have a median sale price of $845,000, with an average cost per square foot of $265. According to RentCafe, Lone Tree apartments cost $2,075 a month.
Typical Lone Tree* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $3.85
- 12 regular eggs: $5.56
- 1 pound of bananas: $0.88
- 1 head of lettuce: $2.01
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.32
- Average Lone Tree* utilities per month: $174.46
- 1 pair of jeans: $61.50
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for Denver
Lone Tree Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Lone Tree
Lone Tree has a few official neighborhoods, including gated communities. Before you start moving to Lone Tree, you should look at these neighborhoods to find the right place to live. Here's what to know about the best places to live in Lone Tree.
Heritage Hills | Gated Lone Tree Neighborhood With Upscale Lone Tree CO Homes for Sale
Heritage Hills is a gated community located in central Lone Tree. The community offers upscale homes for sale, including sprawling properties with four bedrooms and over 4,500 square feet. Amenities, floor plans, and features vary among Heritage Hills homes for sale, but you can find homes with swimming pools, central courtyards, and vaulted ceilings. Most properties in Heritage Hills were built since 2000, so they don't need to be updated or renovated. Nearly all homes in Heritage Hills cost at least $1 million, and most homes cost over $2 million.
RidgeGate | New Lone Tree CO Homes for Sale in a Master-Planned Community
RidgeGate is a master-planned community and a new development in Lone Tree. RidgeGate is a mixed-use community with homes for sale, condos, townhomes, and businesses. The diversity of homes in RidgeGate means you can find any type of property you like, including eco-friendly properties and large estate homes.
You can buy two-bedroom townhomes with 1,400 square feet of space and amenities like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances for $530,000. You can buy five-bedroom homes with 5,300 square feet and an open-concept floor plan for $1.9 million. While living in Lone Tree CO RidgeGate, you can visit shopping centers like Lincoln Commons, which contains a Target and a Cabela's.
Weather Lone Tree and Climate
Lone Tree has a cold semi-arid climate, with warm summers and freezing and partly cloudy winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of weather in Lone Tree, with an average temperature of 72 degrees and an average high of 85 degrees. Temperatures peak in early July but remain warm until mid-September.
They decline steadily throughout the autumn and early winter, with January being the coldest month of the year. The average temperature in January is 31 degrees, with an average low of 21 degrees. Average lows remain below freezing between early November and early April.
Lone Tree receives an average of 9.4 inches of rain and 20.4 inches of snow per year. Unlike other cities, Lone Tree can be snowy in the spring and fall. Lone Tree receives an average of 3.6 inches of snow in April and 1.9 inches in October. Despite the high snow, weather Lone Tree is relatively clear throughout the year, with each month having at least 55% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days.
You can experience a few types of severe weather Lone Tree. Severe snowstorms can occur in the winter and spring. According to Denver 7, a snowstorm in November 2024 produced 24.9 inches of snow in Lone Tree. Thunderstorms can also occur in the summertime. You should check weather Lone Tree forecasts throughout the year to make sure you don't experience severe weather.
July is the best month to visit and start moving to Lone Tree. The high average temperatures mean you can visit outdoor spaces like Bluffs Regional Park wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. 69% of days are sunny, so you can visit community members at outdoor attractions throughout the city.
Things to Do in Lone Tree
You can find many things to do in Lone Tree, including top shopping malls, entertainment venues, and hiking trails! Fun things to do in Lone Tree include shopping. Park Meadows Mall is the best shopping mall in Lone Tree, with a Nordstrom, a JCPenney, and an Orvis. Sprouts Farmers Market is a top grocery store, offering natural and organic groceries.
Sandbox VR is a virtual reality center and one of the top points of interest for teens and families. Groups of up to six people can participate in one of nine different experiences, including games based on Squid Game and Rebel Moon. Each person is given their own VR headset in a facility with Hollywood-style motion capture cameras and body trackers, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your experience.
8429 Park Meadows Center Drive #125, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 720-500-1112
iFly is a family-friendly and kid-friendly indoor skydiving center. You can order packages of two to ten flights, allowing you to get training and practice your skills with a professional trainer. iFly is one of the most fun things to do in Lone Tree for birthday parties and special events.
9230 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 303-768-9000
The Lone Tree Arts Center is the top performing arts and live music venue in Lone Tree. The center seats up to 500 people and is home to music performances, community programs, and theatrical productions, including Shakespearean shows.
10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 720-509-1000
Additional Things to Do in Lone Tree
South Suburban Parks and Recreation protects parks in Lone Tree and plans special events throughout the year, including educational programs and athletics classes. You can visit the Lone Tree events calendar to see what events are upcoming.
Lone Tree Restaurants
Colorado is well known for its incredible dining options, with Colorado cuisine blending Native American, Mexican, and Western flavors and traditions. Lone Tree restaurants are similarly diverse, and you can enjoy romantic, kid-friendly, and affordable eating experiences.
Yard House is the best restaurant in Lone Tree for alcoholic drinks. Yard House offers over a dozen cocktails, over a dozen wines, and over 50 beers on tap. You can enjoy burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and dozens of other dishes.
8437 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 303-790-7453
Sazon is a modern Mexican restaurant with happy hour and margarita menus. You can enjoy upscale Mexican dishes like Oaxacan chicken, carnitas, carne asada, enchiladas, and street tacos.
9447 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 303-627-5741
The White Chocolate Grill is a family-friendly and casual American restaurant with steaks, baby-back ribs, sandwiches, and other dishes. White Chocolate Grill offers unique desserts for two people, making it suitable for date nights.
8421 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, 303-799-4841
Jobs in Lone Tree CO
According to DataUSA, 8,343 people had jobs in Lone Tree CO in 2023, up by 37.2% since 2013. The community added over 2,000 job opportunities between 2013 and 2023 in a range of job sectors. Professional services, health care, and finance are the three largest sectors in Lone Tree jobs. Most job sectors in Lone Tree have median earnings of $100,000 a year, with professional services and finance Lone Tree jobs having median earnings of over $200,000 a year.
According to Payscale, the Lone Tree salary is $85,000 a year, and the Lone Tree hourly rate is $23.52. Major employers in Lone Tree include Charles Schwab, the Sky Ridge Medical Center, and Park Meadows Retail Resort. You can use Indeed to find jobs in Lone Tree CO, and you can apply for City of Lone Tree jobs on the municipal government's website.
Lone Tree Schools
Douglas County School District serves all students living in Lone Tree CO. You can use Douglas County School District boundary maps to see which Lone Tree schools your children are zoned for.
US News considers Lone Tree Elementary School to be the top elementary school in Lone Tree. US News ranks it in the top 100 elementary schools in Colorado, with 72% of Lone Tree Elementary students testing at or above the proficiency level in reading. There are no middle schools in Lone Tree, but many students living in Lone Tree CO attend Rocky Heights Middle School. US News ranks Rocky Heights Middle School in the top 50 middle schools in Colorado, with 68% of students testing at or above the proficiency level in reading.
Eagle Academy High School is the only high school in Lone Tree. It offers an alternative education plan with afternoon and evening classes, personalized support, and smaller classroom sizes. Eagle Academy allows students to work jobs during the day, and these jobs can provide credits toward graduation. If you want your child to pursue a traditional education, your child can attend Highlands Ranch High School in Highlands Ranch, which has a graduation rate of 93%.
Lone Tree is home to a few private schools. Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County is a K-12 school offering a classical education, including Latin language classes. Lone Tree is not home to any colleges or universities. The Lone Tree Branch of the Douglas County Library system is the official library of Lone Tree.
Lone Tree Statistics and Information
- County: Douglas County
- Lone Tree area: 9.81 square miles
- Lone Tree zip codes: 80112, 80124, and 80134
- Lone Tree area code: 303, 720, and 983
- Lone Tree elevation: 6,011 feet
- Lone Tree time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Lone Tree: Denver International Airport (DEN), 30.9 miles from Lone Tree
Lone Tree Map
You can use this Lone Tree map to find the best restaurants in Lone Tree, amenities, and things to do in Lone Tree!
Start Living in Lone Tree CO
You're not alone in wanting to start living in Lone Tree CO! Young professionals can enjoy the great job opportunities at locations like Denver Tech Center and convenient access to Downtown Denver. Families with young children can send their students living in Lone Tree CO to top-rated schools like Eagle Ridge Elementary.
Now that you know about living in Lone Tree CO, you can actually start moving to Lone Tree. Homegrown Moving has a team of the top Lone Tree movers, with over 30 years of experience. Call 303-587-6200 for a free estimate.
