Incorporated in 1995, the City of Lone Tree, Colorado is a self-governing municipality that has quickly established itself as a vibrant, innovative, and luxurious community in the Denver South region. Serving as a regional center for shopping, dining, and entertainment, Lone Tree offers urban sophistication while maintaining the small-town charm that comes with a population of just over 14,000, making it an attractive destination for professionals, families, and leisure-seekers alike. The city’s strategic partnership with Denver South plays a major role in fostering continued economic growth and thoughtful infrastructure planning, enhancing the overall quality of life in the region and promising a bright future ahead.
Quality of Life and Community
Lone Tree’s quality of life stands out with its family-friendly, culturally rich lifestyle that has cemented it as an ideal place to live, work, and kick back. With top-tier amenities, excellent public services, and a strong sense of community, Lone Tree offers all the elements for exceptional living.
As home to Colorado’s largest shopping center, the Park Meadows Retail Resort, Lone Tree is a regional destination for shopping and dining. With more than 185 stores and restaurants, it provides an upscale retail experience that attracts visitors from across the metro area. Beyond retail, Lone Tree showcases its commitment to arts and culture with the renowned Lone Tree Arts Center, which hosts live performances, concerts, and educational programs year-round. For those who love the outdoors, Bluffs Regional Park and Trail offers stunning views, miles of trails, and a perfect escape into nature.
Families in the area benefit from top-rated schools in the Douglas County School District and healthcare access at Sky Ridge Medical Center, ensuring exceptional education and medical care close to home. The city also fosters a strong connection between residents and leadership through programs like the Citizens Police Academy, providing opportunities for community engagement and local involvement.
Economic and Business Development
As a Colorado business hub, Lone Tree has become a magnet for organizations with thriving industries in healthcare, retail, technology, and construction. Major employers like Charles Schwab, Sky Ridge Medical Center, Cochlear, Kaiser Permanente, and the Kiewit Corporation drive the local economy, bringing job opportunities and growth to the region.
A major Lone Tree development shaping the city’s future is the Lone Tree City Center, an ambitious mixed-use project designed to create a walkable, transit-friendly downtown. This development will serve as a vibrant Denver South mixed-use community, blending office space, retail, residential areas, and public spaces to foster economic vitality and community interaction.
Lone Tree also supports startups and tech companies through partnerships with organizations across Denver South, reinforcing its reputation as a city committed to innovation and forward-thinking business development.
Transportation and Infrastructure
As a leader in transit innovation, Lone Tree’s transportation offers access to the RTD Southeast Light Rail Extension, connecting the city to downtown Denver and the surrounding areas. Strategically located along major highways such as I-25 and C-470, Lone Tree provides enhanced accessibility for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The city has made significant investments in Denver South’s transportation technology and connected infrastructure projects, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing transit systems and improving mobility. Efforts to integrate sustainable transportation options include the development of bike-friendly trails and eco-conscious planning, promoting environmentally responsible growth.
The RTD Bus and Rail’s E and R Lines make five stops in Lone Tree: County Line, Lincoln, Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree City Center, and RidgeGate Parkway — the latter serving as the southern terminus of both lines.
One of Lone Tree’s most popular transportation programs is The Link On Demand, a free, on-demand shuttle service that has been enhancing mobility in the city for over a decade. This innovative program makes it easy for residents, workers, and visitors to get around without needing a personal vehicle, reinforcing Lone Tree’s commitment to accessible, efficient transportation.
Future Growth and Vision
Looking ahead, Lone Tree is focused on the RidgeGate East expansion, which will introduce new housing, commercial spaces, and cultural venues, all designed with an emphasis on sustainability. This development will coincide with plans for the Lone Tree City Center to seamlessly blend business, leisure, and transit access to create an exciting and rich urban environment. In addition to its plans for a thriving new downtown space, the city is dedicated to revitalizing its Entertainment District through strategic redevelopment efforts supported by the Lone Tree Urban Renewal Authority. By leveraging urban renewal tools, Lone Tree aims to enhance infrastructure, attract new businesses, and create a more dynamic destination for residents and visitors. Future plans to encourage a live, work, and play environment also include the development of Lone Tree’s first and only regional park, an 80-acre space available to employees, residents, and visitors in the Denver South Corridor.
The collaborative efforts between Lone Tree and Denver South aim to establish a forward-thinking ecosystem that balances growth, quality of life, and economic success. Through strategic planning and innovative initiatives, the city is poised to continue its trajectory as a leading community within the region, offering outstanding opportunities for businesses, residents, and investors.
