Considering a move to Lone Tree’s 80124? You are not alone. Executives and households choose this south metro pocket for newer neighborhoods, convenient retail, and straight shots to the Denver Tech Center and downtown. If you want an easy relocation with fewer surprises, you need clear steps, local context, and a plan that fits your timeline.

This guide gives you a practical overview of 80124, including commute and transit options, trails and retail hubs, how HOAs and metro districts affect your budget, a move timeline, and a proven virtual tour and fast-offer process tailored for out-of-area buyers. Let’s dive in.

Where 80124 fits in the south metro

80124 covers much of Lone Tree, including the RidgeGate master-planned area in southern Douglas County. You are just south of the Denver Tech Center, with Parker to the east and the wider Denver metro to the north and west.

Housing here trends newer. You will find single-family homes and townhomes from the 2000s and 2010s, mixed-use condos, and lifestyle communities with planned parks and trails. RidgeGate adds a modern, mixed-use feel with integrated amenities and quick highway and light-rail access.

Commute and transit overview

Highways snapshot

Lone Tree sits at the junction of major corridors. I-25 runs north to the Tech Center and downtown Denver, and south toward Colorado Springs. C-470 provides an east–west beltway connection. E-470, a tollway to the east, is a common route to Denver International Airport. Drive times vary with traffic and weather. Typical ranges often cited are about 15 to 30 minutes to the Tech Center, about 20 to 40 minutes to downtown, and about 30 to 60 minutes to DIA depending on time of day and route. The best approach is to test-drive your commute at peak and off-peak times or ask for recorded drive clips.

Light rail options

Lone Tree is served by RTD light rail through the Southeast Rail Extension, completed in 2019, which added stations that connect Lone Tree and RidgeGate to the wider metro network. Review current lines, frequency, and Park-n-Ride options on the RTD site, and confirm schedules for your target work hours. You can learn more about the extension and service updates on the RTD page for the Southeast Rail Extension and explore RTD’s rail services and maps.

Everyday life: retail, parks, and trails

Retail hubs to know

You have everyday conveniences close at hand in 80124. Park Meadows is the dominant regional shopping destination, with a full range of retailers, dining, and services. Preview stores and hours on the Park Meadows site. In RidgeGate, the town center area adds restaurants, groceries, and neighborhood services within a walkable, mixed-use setting. Explore plans and current offerings at RidgeGate’s official site.

Lincoln Avenue and nearby corridors round out the essentials with additional dining and services. This cluster of options makes it easy to settle in quickly after you move.

Parks and trail network

Lone Tree and RidgeGate were planned with an integrated trail system that connects neighborhoods to parks, open spaces, and civic areas. Multi-use paths support walking, jogging, and cycling, with access points across the community. Review trail maps and park details on the City’s parks and recreation page. Many neighborhoods also include playgrounds and programmed green spaces that host community events.

Schools and enrollment basics

80124 is served by the Douglas County School District. School assignment depends on your home’s address, and boundaries can change over time. Before you go under contract, verify your prospective address using district resources and contact the district for enrollment steps and any required documents. Start with the Douglas County School District to review enrollment and boundary information.

If you are evaluating private or charter options, call each school for availability and application timelines. For extracurriculars, ask about athletics and performing arts schedules to align your move with tryouts or auditions.

HOA and metro district essentials

What to know before you buy

Many properties in Lone Tree include either an HOA, a metro district, or both. It is important to understand the difference:

• HOA: a private association that enforces community rules, manages amenities, and collects dues for common-area maintenance.
• Metro district: a local government entity that finances and maintains infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, stormwater, and parks. Districts can levy property taxes and fees, and bond repayment can affect your long-term tax bill.

Your annual property tax statement often includes mill levies for one or more metro districts, which can make the effective tax rate higher than a non-district property. HOA dues vary based on amenities and management. Plan for the possibility of both.

Due diligence checklist

Request and review the following for any home you are considering:

• HOA documents:

  • CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations
  • Recent meeting minutes from the last 12 to 24 months
  • Current budget and reserve study
  • Current dues, special assessment history, and any pending assessments
  • Management company contact and enforcement policies

• Metro district documents:

  • District boundary and service maps
  • Current mill levy and recent levy history; property tax statement breakdown
  • Bond or loan disclosures with amortization timing
  • Intergovernmental agreements that impact services
  • Any district-provided utility rates or fees
  • District board meeting minutes and budgets

• Other confirmations:

  • Seller disclosures about any pending litigation
  • Providers for trash, snow removal, and street maintenance
  • Responsibility for park and sidewalk maintenance

For official tax details and how district levies appear on bills, consult the Douglas County Assessor or Douglas County Treasurer. For background on district governance, see the Special District Association of Colorado at the SDA of Colorado and the Colorado Division of Local Government’s page on Special Districts.

Plan your true monthly cost

Budget using a full carrying-cost view. Your net cost equals mortgage plus property taxes, HOA dues, utilities, and any required trash or snow fees. Metro district bonds can last for decades, so review levy history and bond schedules to understand long-term tax implications. HOAs often have rules about architectural changes, parking, and leasing. If you plan to rent or remodel, confirm what is allowed before you buy.

Relocation checklist and timeline

Use this timeline as a starting point. Adjust it to your closing date and family needs.

60–90 days before your move

• Get pre-approved and include estimated metro district levies and HOA dues in your affordability analysis.
• Engage your local agent to align must-haves, school needs, commute tolerance, and your timing.
• Begin your home search using a mix of virtual and in-person strategies.
• If you are also selling, set a listing timeline and plan for temporary housing if needed.

30–45 days before your move

• For any property under contract, request HOA and metro district documents and review them or engage an attorney.
• Schedule virtual tours and request recorded drive-time videos for target commutes and neighborhood walkthroughs.
• Line up your lender, title company, and inspection services. Ask about remote closing options.
• If you have students, contact schools for enrollment requirements and deadlines.

14 days before your move

• Confirm your moving company and any interstate requirements.
• Set up utilities. Confirm who provides water and trash service, since some districts handle these.
• Start your address change with USPS, financial institutions, and subscriptions.
• If you are buying, schedule your final walkthrough and confirm resolution of contingencies.

7 days to closing

• Finalize furniture and appliance deliveries.
• Confirm wire instructions with the title company by phone. Never send funds to personal accounts.
• Review closing documents with your agent and, if desired, an attorney.
• Arrange for keys, garage remotes, and access codes.

First 30 days after move-in

• Register vehicles and update your driver’s licenses per Colorado timelines.
• Complete school enrollment and connect with your new school community.
• Register with your HOA and set up payments. Introduce yourself to HOA contacts.
• Learn neighborhood routes for trash and snow schedules and identify emergency exits.

Virtual tours and fast-offer support

How virtual tours work

A clear process makes remote buying efficient and low-stress:

1. Intake and pre-qualification. Share your must-haves, school needs, and pre-approval. You will get an estimate of total cost including taxes and HOA dues.
2. Property information package. Receive a digital brochure with floor plans, 3D tour links, high-resolution photos, a neighborhood video with commute clips, an HOA and metro district summary, recent comps, and estimated monthly costs. Any rules that could affect your plans, such as leasing or pet policies, are flagged early.
3. Synchronous or asynchronous tours. Walk homes through narrated video, Matterport 3D, and floor-plan overlays, or schedule a live FaceTime or Zoom tour for real-time Q&A. Use a shared checklist to capture specific shots like mechanical rooms, storage, or views.
4. Follow-up documentation. Get recorded commute clips at different times, parking and amenity access, and a one-page digital neighborhood brief covering schools, transit, corridors, and retail hubs.
5. Inspection and confirmation. For serious interest, schedule an in-person confirmation or fast-track inspection contingency. Local inspectors can provide quick video and written reports.
6. Technology and security. Use secure file sharing and e-signature tools for disclosures and contracts. Always verify wire instructions by phone with the title company.

Submitting strong offers remotely

When speed matters, a proactive plan wins time and reduces risk:

1. Pre-offer readiness. Keep pre-approval or proof of funds current and confirm financing options for quicker closes.
2. Offer documents package. Prepare a complete packet with timelines and clear contingency language. Early occupancy or rent-back options can help you align closing with your move.
3. Escalation and earnest money strategy. Discuss an escalation clause if appropriate and set wire plans in advance. Know who will initiate funds and how.
4. Inspection strategy. Choose a standard contingency with a short window or a limited contingency if you understand and accept the risk. Use vetted inspectors for rapid photo and video reports.
5. Closing logistics and timeline. Coordinate with a title company that supports remote signing and e-recording where allowed. Work with your lender on appraisal timing and possible waivers.
6. Communication plan. Set clear response timelines for counters and paperwork so nothing slips through while you are traveling or working.

Next steps

Relocating to 80124 should feel organized, not overwhelming. With clear due diligence, a smart commute plan, and proven remote workflows, you can move with confidence and keep your schedule on track. If you want a tailored plan for your timeline, reach out to Kerri Dowling. Let Kerri be your guide.

FAQs

What are typical commute times from Lone Tree to DTC and downtown?

• Drive times vary by traffic; ranges often cited are about 15 to 30 minutes to the Tech Center and about 20 to 40 minutes to downtown, so test-drive your route at peak and off-peak times.

Does Lone Tree have RTD light rail service?

• Yes, the Southeast Rail Extension serves Lone Tree and RidgeGate; review current lines, frequency, and Park-n-Ride options on RTD’s Southeast Rail Extension and rail services pages.

How do I verify school boundaries in 80124?

• Check address-based boundaries and enrollment steps directly with the Douglas County School District, since assignments depend on your specific home location.

What is a metro district and how can it affect my tax bill?

• A metro district is a local government entity that funds infrastructure through property tax mill levies; review levies on your tax statement and visit the Douglas County Assessor or Treasurer for details.

Where can I find Lone Tree park and trail information?

• The City maintains maps and amenity details on its parks and recreation page, with multi-use trails that link neighborhoods to parks and open space.

What do you include in a virtual home tour for out-of-area buyers?

• You receive a 3D tour or narrated video walk-through, floor plans, system and storage highlights, neighborhood and commute clips, and a one-page brief on schools, transit, and retail hubs.