Living in Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands: What’s the Difference? (2026 Guide)

If you’re considering a move to Durango and want a quiet, forested neighborhood with a strong community feel, you’ve likely come across two of the area’s most popular residential communities: Edgemont Ranch and Edgemont Highlands. They sit next to one another geographically, share a similar mountain aesthetic, and attract relocating families, retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers looking for peaceful, wooded living just outside of town.

However — despite the similarities — these two neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles, home styles, HOA structures, and long-term value profiles. Understanding the differences between Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands can help you choose the right fit for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

This 2026 guide breaks down everything you need to know.

 

1. The Big Picture: What Makes These Two Neighborhoods Different?

Both communities sit off Florida Road (CR 240) northeast of Durango, offering quick access to town, Mercy Hospital, local trails, and the Florida River. They share the same “Edgemont” identity but were developed during different eras with different visions.

High-level differences between Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands:

Both offer peace, trees, wildlife, and a quiet setting — but the experience of living in Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands can feel very different depending on your lifestyle priorities.

Explore nearby trails on COTREX:
👉 https://trails.colorado.gov

 

2. Location: Close to Town, Yet Different in Feel

Though they sit beside each other geographically, the layout and terrain vary.

Edgemont Ranch

• Sits slightly lower in elevation

• Feels more spacious due to older development patterns

• Roads wind through a mix of meadows and wooded areas

• Homes are spaced farther apart

Edgemont Highlands

• Slightly higher elevation with denser tree cover

• Feels more “tucked into the forest”

• Neighborhood layout feels more curated

• More recent development = newer infrastructure

Both are roughly:

• 10–15 minutes from downtown

• 5–10 minutes from grocery stores and restaurants

• 10 minutes from Mercy Hospital

Durango Utilities Overview:
👉 https://www.durangogov.org/utilities

For buyers debating Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands, the question often becomes:
Do you prefer a slightly more spacious, established neighborhood or a newer, modern, trail-focused community?

 

3. Home Styles & Architecture

One of the biggest differences between the two communities is architectural style.

 

Edgemont Ranch Architecture

Edgemont Ranch has been built out over several decades, creating a mix of:

• Traditional Colorado mountain homes

• Cabin-style houses

• Stucco + timber designs

• Some contemporary remodels

You’ll see more individuality here because homes were built by different builders over many years. This appeals to buyers who do not want a uniform neighborhood.

 

Edgemont Highlands Architecture

Edgemont Highlands offers:

• Newer homes

• Mountain-modern architecture

• More consistent design guidelines

• Larger windows, natural materials, clean lines

Many buyers comparing Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands choose Highlands for the modern aesthetic. It feels fresh, cohesive, and upscale without being flashy.

 

4. Lot Size, Privacy & Landscaping

Both communities offer a beautiful forested setting — but the feel is different.

Edgemont Ranch

• Generally larger lots

• More spread-out homes

• Many homes have long driveways

• Natural vegetation varies (open meadows + wooded pockets)

Perfect for buyers who want more elbow room.

Edgemont Highlands

• Smaller or mid-sized lots with denser pine forests

• Homes feel cozy and tucked into the trees

• Lots are strategically placed to preserve privacy despite smaller acreage

Ideal for buyers who want a “deep woods” feel without being far from town.

Colorado State Forest Service (forest & defensible space resources):
👉 https://csfs.colostate.edu

 

5. Amenities: Trails, Open Space & Community Features

Edgemont Ranch Amenities

• Extensive system of public trails within the HOA boundaries

• Designated Florida River fishing access

• Open space woven throughout older phases

• Tennis/pickleball courts in certain areas

Edgemont Highlands Amenities

• Private community trail system available only to residents

• Well-maintained open spaces

• Community lodge/gathering spaces (varies by phase)

• River access depending on specific sub-neighborhood

If comparing Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands, the amenities often feel more modern and curated in Highlands, while Ranch offers a more open, free-form trail network.

 

6. Wildlife, Trees & the Natural Environment

Living in either community means enjoying:

• Deer

• Foxes

• Birds of prey

• Seasonal bear activity

• Heavily wooded surroundings

But the environment differs:

Edgemont Ranch

• More open meadows

• Mix of ponderosa pines and Gambel oak

• Slightly more sunshine due to varied topography

Edgemont Highlands

• Dense pine forests

• Shaded pathways

• A more immersive forest feel

Buyers deciding between Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands often base their choice on how “deep in the trees” they want to feel.

 

7. Daily Living: Commutes, Quietness & Lifestyle

Noise & Activity Levels

Both are quiet, but:

• Ranch feels more “spread-out rural neighborhood.”

• Highlands feels more “modern mountain community.”

Commute Times

Nearly identical for both:

• 10–15 minutes into town

• 10 minutes to schools and medical services

Driveability in Winter

Both share Florida Road, which is well-maintained. Within the neighborhoods:

• Ranch roads feel wider and more open

• Highlands roads feel more enclosed by trees
  Neither is extreme, but buyers sensitive to shaded roads sometimes prefer Ranch.

 

8. HOA Structure & Long-Term Value

Edgemont Ranch

• Older HOA

• More flexibility in home styles

• Larger lots help preserve long-term value

• Fewer design restrictions

Edgemont Highlands

• More structured HOA design guidelines

• Newer builds = higher modern appeal

• Strong long-term buyer demand

• Trails + architectural consistency add value

Many relocating buyers who prioritize low maintenance lean toward Highlands because of its newer homes and consistent modern design.

 

9. Prices & Market Trends

Prices fluctuate with inventory, but in general:

Edgemont Ranch

• Larger lots → often higher price per lot

• Variety of homes → wide pricing range

• Great for buyers wanting privacy without brand-new construction

Edgemont Highlands

• Newer builds → consistent demand

• Strong resale values due to aesthetics & amenities

• Appeals heavily to out-of-state buyers

Browse current listings in both neighborhoods:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

 

10. Which Community Is Right for You? (Quick Guide)

Choose Edgemont Ranch if you want:

• Larger lots

• A more diverse mix of homes

• A classic Colorado mountain neighborhood feel

• More sunlight and open space

• A lower-density, established community

Choose Edgemont Highlands if you want:

• Newer, modern homes

• A cohesive community aesthetic

• Private community trails

• A deep-in-the-forest feel

• A quieter, more curated neighborhood

When comparing Edgemont Ranch vs. Edgemont Highlands, the right choice comes down to your personal lifestyle priorities.

 

Thinking About Buying in Edgemont Ranch or Edgemont Highlands?

I’ve helped many buyers evaluate both communities, compare lots, analyze long-term value, and choose the right fit for their lifestyle. If you’re relocating, retiring, or looking for a second home, I can help guide your search.

Start browsing homes:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

Download my relocation guide:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/relocation

Reach out directly:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/contact

Let’s explore whether Edgemont Ranch or Edgemont Highlands is the perfect match for your next chapter.