We’re Andrew & Alana, and we help people buy and sell homes in South Denver and across the Front Range. Every other Thursday, we’ll share what we’re watching around South Denver and the Front Range: the developments, the numbers, and the local spots and events worth knowing about. This is our first issue, so thanks for being here!
In this issue:
📍 P · Places & Projects: Castle Rock’s new I-25 exit is partly open
🛠 U · Useful Finds: The “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” doesn’t exist
🔎 L · Larger Picture: Why the stores keep following the rooftops
📊 S · Stats & Signals: Denver-area home sales hit their lowest September on record
☕ E · Explore Local: A composting day, a holiday gift fair and Castle Rock Starlighting
📍 P · PLACES & PROJECTS
Castle Rock's new Crystal Valley I-25 interchange is partly open.
Since July 2, 2026, all northbound on- and off-ramps at Castle Rock's Crystal Valley interchange have been open, and drivers heading north on I-25 can use the new Exit 179 to reach Crystal Valley Parkway. Southbound ramps are still under construction, and the town expects the full project to wrap up in 2027.
That timing matters for what's next to it. The Dawson Trails development has 5,850 homes approved to be built over many years, and its planned Costco is expected to open once the interchange is complete. No firm opening date has been announced.
Also on the map: a King Soopers-anchored Lone Tree Village Center is under construction and expected to open in early 2027, and G-Que BBQ broke ground in Parker near South Parker Road and E-470, with an opening planned for late 2026. Both are targets, not confirmed dates.
🛠 U · USEFUL FINDS
A "Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request" doesn't exist.
Viral AI-generated videos have told older homeowners that Congress created a property tax relief form. Douglas County says there is no federal form, law or stimulus program by that name, though its assessor's office has been getting calls asking for it.
Real relief does exist. The Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption can lower taxes for eligible homeowners 65 and older. Forward this to a parent or neighbor, and find the real programs on the Douglas County Assessor's website or call 303-660-7450.
🔎 L · LARGER PICTURE
Why the stores keep following the rooftops.
A Dataplor analysis of seven department-store and off-price chains found about 330 of their roughly 380+ store openings since 2020 were in smaller cities and suburbs, compared with about 59 in major cities. It lines up with where people are moving: Census data shows outer suburbs grew 1.3% a year from 2010 to 2023, versus 0.03% for urban cores.
That's the same pull behind a Costco in south Castle Rock or a King Soopers in Lone Tree. Retailers tend to follow households, and each new opening makes an area a little more convenient to live in. Worth watching if you're deciding where to buy.
📊 S · STATS & SIGNALS
Denver-area home sales hit their lowest September on record.
Denver-area home sales fell 21.39% from a year earlier in September, the lowest total for the month in records dating to 2008. Active listings ended the month at 13,567, which is 4.76 months of inventory. Homes that sold went for 98.45% of list price, and median time on market was 32 days, down from 35.
Fewer sales, but the homes that do sell are still going close to asking.
Data: Denver Metro Association of Realtors, September 2026, 11-county Denver metro via REcolorado. This is metro-wide, not Castle Rock or Parker specifically.
☕ E · EXPLORE LOCAL
Coming up
Nov. 14: Holiday Gift Fair, Highlands Ranch
Nov. 21: Castle Rock Starlighting
Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Elk Ridge Park, 7005 Mira Vista Ln. Castle Pines residents can bring leaves and pumpkins to be composted, and local farms use the leaves as a soil amendment. Bag your leaves ahead of time, but you'll empty them out at the event, since bags aren't accepted. Leaves should be as clean as possible. Garden waste, large brush, branches and commercial landscaping materials aren't accepted. Free for Castle Pines residents.
Holiday Gift Fair, Highlands Ranch
Saturday, Nov. 14. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., indoors at the Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 University Blvd. Handmade gifts, seasonal decor and finds from local artisans. Admission is free.
On Saturday, November 21, from 2 to 6 p.m., downtown Castle Rock kicks off the holiday season with vendor and nonprofit booths, a Kids Zone, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and complimentary hot chocolate, with beer, wine and spirits for adults. The night ends with the lighting of the star atop Castle Rock, followed by fireworks (weather and fire danger permitting). The star was first lit in 1936, and the Chamber of Commerce created the Starlighting event in 1962.
Is there a project, restaurant or event in your part of South Denver we should look into? Reply to this email ([email protected]) and tell us. If you're thinking about a move and want to talk through your options, you can reach us at [email protected] or 720.467.1416
Andrew & Alana Borremans
The Borremans with Kenneth James Realty
