Please join us in welcoming Daniela Calvo as Painted Prairie’s new Communications and Lifestyle Director! With over six years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and event planning, and five years of industry experience, she will continue to build our community’s progress in fostering a connected, engaged and inclusive environment.
“My favorite part of the job is building genuine connections and creating memorable experiences,” says Daniela. “Although I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, Colorado has been my home for over seven years. I’m excited to meet you all and continue building the vibrant spirit of our community through engaging events and clear, open communications.”
In her new role, Daniela will organize signature community events, enhance lifestyle programming, and drive communications efforts that bring neighbors together and celebrate what makes Painted Prairie so special. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, she can connect with more residents, ensuring everyone feels welcome and represented.
“I’m excited about harnessing the incredible resident energy that’s already here. With groups forming organically, like the book, fitness, and garden clubs, it’s clear our residents are passionate about making Painted Prairie special,” says Daniela. “My goal isn’t to reinvent the wheel; I want to be the supportive fuel for their momentum.”
We want to support the People of Painted Prairie who make our award-winning community a truly exceptional place to live. If you see her out and about, make sure to stop by and say hi!
We’re excited to celebrate McStain Neighborhoods, one of Painted Prairie’s trusted builders, for winning the 2025 People’s Choice Award at the Denver Parade of Homes!
The Parade of Homes is a premier event showcasing newly designed model and custom homes throughout the Denver metro area. This year, visitors toured 67 homes from 21 builders, voting for their favorites both in-person and virtually. McStain Neighborhoods earned top honors in the $350,000–$500,000 category for their model home at 5696 N Killarney Court in Aurora, standing out for design, functionality, and craftsmanship.
Winning a People’s Choice Award is especially meaningful because it reflects the opinions of homebuyers themselves. This recognition highlights McStain’s commitment to creating award-winning model homes in Aurora that resonate with modern families. From flexible floorplans to thoughtful design details, their homes combine style, comfort, and livability.
At Painted Prairie, we’re proud to have McStain Neighborhoods as part of our builder lineup. Their innovative approach and focus on resident needs enhance our community, offering homes that are not just beautiful—but functional and inspiring.
If you haven’t yet explored McStain’s model home at Painted Prairie, now is the perfect time. Find us today and see firsthand why it captured the hearts of Parade visitors and earned this prestigious recognition!
Picture a smaller new home community in Aurora with big advantages—that’s Painted Prairie. From streets lined with style-varied homes, plentiful pocket parks and community gardens, and a commitment to community-building and laid-back vibes.
In a world that moves quickly and pivots constantly, Painted Prairie offers a sense of consistency and growth. Our residents have truly shaped the community, laying the foundation for connection, vitality, and a welcoming spirit. The homes here continue to evolve, bringing fresh and unique designs. Some were even curated specifically for our community!
These expanded choices reflect just how far we’ve come in five years.
When Painted Prairie launched five years ago, we started with just five builders—KB Home, David Weekley Homes, Epic Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and Meritage Homes. Even then, our vision and momentum were clear: in 2020, we earned recognition as one of the Top 10 New Home Communities in the Denver Metro. At that time, our home offerings were more limited, with paired villas, alley-loaded homes, and a handful of single-family options.
Fast forward to today, and the story is so much bigger. Not only do we now see resale homes from those original builders, but our new home community in Aurora has grown to feature ten builders actively selling new homes in the community. Buyers can now choose from an incredible mix of townhomes, paired homes, garden court homes, and luxury single-family homes, offering more variety and price points than ever before.
Check out our model map for additional builder information and locations.
As a neo-traditional community, our parks were designed and built from the very beginning. This ensured that when our first residents moved in, they could truly take advantage of what the community had to offer. With more than 30 acres of open space and plenty more on the way, there is so much to do and explore here!
In 2019, we built the scenic bridge at the Arroyo, offering sweeping views from Longs Peak to the Denver skyline. Soon after, the Hearth Wall was added as a prairie-inspired gathering space where residents can connect and relax. In 2020, The Fort was introduced as a playful space for kids, inspired by pioneer forts. Community gardens followed, giving neighbors a shared space to grow, gather, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Inspired by the prairie, its early settlers, and Harvey Dunn’s iconic painting The Prairie is My Garden, High Prairie Park was created to reflect the colors, textures, and movement of the landscape. From swaying grasses to the open sky, every element was carefully crafted to create a space for residents to explore and connect.
Over the past five years, our amenities have expanded into a truly unique collection of spaces for play, relaxation, and connection. From ski chair swings to the beach, the orchard and Red Tail Sail, and from the Adventure Run to Butterfly Landing, each addition brings something special for residents to enjoy—and there’s still more to come as the community continues to grow.
Looking ahead, the future Town Center will be a vibrant mixed-use hub with shopping, dining, and gathering spaces designed to bring neighbors together right here in the community.
Check out our parks brochure to learn more about our amenities.
Painted Prairie isn’t just about new homes—it’s about the people who make the community come alive. Our residents, the People of Painted Prairie, have shaped the neighborhood through their stories, traditions, and shared experiences.
By the end of our first opening year, we had roughly 330 residents. Five years later, we have more than 2,000!
Empty nesters have found our homes ideal for both future “kids’ space” and current “me space.” Since 2020, we’ve welcomed our first Olympic athlete, a freelance aviation journalist, a Norwegian chef with the Denver Broncos, a beloved lemonade stand entrepreneur, and more!
Get to know who your future neighbors could be by reading the rest of our People of Painted Prairie stories.
Painted Prairie isn’t just another new home community in Aurora—it’s a place to connect, grow, and thrive. With unique parks, fresh home designs, and exciting plans for the future, there’s never been a better time to explore life here. Recognized multiple times as Community of the Year over the past five years, Painted Prairie continues to set the standard for what modern community living can be. Visit today and see just how much we’ve grown!
Looking for free, family-friendly fun in Aurora, CO this summer? The Painted Prairie community has you covered with a vibrant lineup of public outdoor events. Summer 2025 brings the return of our iconic Music in the Park and Movie in the Park series, all located in our treasured High Prairie Park. Cozy up under the stars while watching fan-favorite flicks, or dance along to live performances from some of the area’s top local bands, and make sure to grab a bite from our on-site food trucks. Make sure to mark your calendars, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Did you make it to our first Music in the Park of the season featuring Soul School at Painted Prairie this past weekend? If not, don’t worry, there’s more fun ahead! The park came alive as people danced to the sounds of Golden Oldies, Motown, Country, Jazz, Rock, Funk, and more.
Next up: That Eighties Band takes the stage on Friday, August 22nd from 7:00-9:00 pm, bringing all your favorite throwback hits. Come early at 6:00 pm to grab a bite from Los Dos Potrillos, serving authentic Mexican food, enjoy ice cream from Em’s Ice Cream truck, and visit Three Little Lemons, our neighborhood lemonade stand!
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars on a warm summer evening! At Painted Prairie, our Movie in the Park events bring the big screen to High Prairie Park for a truly unforgettable evening. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite people for two exciting movie nights this summer.
The Avengers: Saturday, July 26th
Join us for an action-packed night of adventure and watch Marvel’s heroes save Earth! We’ll start the movie at sunset (8:15 pm), but come early at 6:00 pm to grab food from a local food truck and treat yourself to ice cream.
Cruella: Friday, September 19th
End the summer in style with this bold and stylish take on the origin story of Disney’s most fashionable villain. The movie starts at sunset (7:00 pm), with food trucks and ice cream arriving at 6:00 pm.
Whether you’re looking for free family fun or just need an excuse to enjoy top-notch entertainment in the great outdoors, our Music and Movies in the Park series is the perfect way to get out and about. With beautiful sunsets, delicious local eats, and unforgettable performances, what’s not to love about summertime in Aurora?
Looking for your next place to call home but considering options beyond the Metro area? 5280 just named Aurora one of Denver’s best suburbs, not only for its more affordable home prices and mortgage payments, but also for its access to parks, open spaces, and an impressive variety of global cuisine.
Painted Prairie was highlighted as a standout master-planned community, recognized for our rapid growth and welcoming atmosphere for families. Combining suburban connection with urban ease, this is a place former city dwellers can comfortably call home.
With this in mind, let’s get into the nitty gritty of why Aurora was crowned as an elite place to live, causing home buyers to flock to the area.
With a median home price of $463,000 compared to Denver’s $615,000, Aurora offers a more accessible path to homeownership, especially for families earning the area’s average household income of $84,000. Lower monthly mortgage payments, greater financial flexibility, and the ability to afford more space or desirable upgrades: it’s an all-around win.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or returning to the 2025 housing market, Aurora provides a compelling alternative to the rising costs in the city of Denver. From move-in-ready options to custom builds, you’re sure to find something that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Being the most racially diverse city in Colorado isn’t just beneficial for creating a welcoming environment for all to enjoy, but it also means that the food scene is diversifying, too! Foodies: You’ll love visiting the plethora of restaurants that Aurora has to offer. Make sure to check out some of our favorites:
Aurora is perfect for anyone looking to stay connected to the outdoors. From scenic trails and neighborhood parks to master-planned communities like Painted Prairie, where green space is just outside your door, it’s an easy choice for those who prioritize nature.
If you work at Denver International Airport or love to travel, the location offers another major advantage. No more hour-long, $100 Uber rides. Living in Aurora means you’re just minutes away.
With its unbeatable blend of affordability, cultural richness, outdoor access, and community-focused living, it’s no wonder Aurora is earning recognition as one of Denver’s top suburbs. Read the full 5280 article here.
At Painted Prairie, we understand the pressure brokers face to close deals quickly—especially in today’s fast-moving housing market. More buyers are entering with tight timelines, prioritizing move-in ready homes, energy-efficient features, and long-term value.
Our master-planned community brings it all together in one place. With nine award-winning builders and built-in support designed to streamline your sales process, you can easily match buyers with the right home—fast.
Below, we’ve outlined three key ways we help you do just that.
No matter your buyer’s situation—whether relocating for a new job or needing more space for a growing family—we have stylish inventory (some are even celebrity-designed!) and move-in ready options that are good to go. Just add furniture!
These quick-delivery homes help eliminate common buyer objections like build timelines or uncertainty around finishes, making it easier for clients to move forward with confidence. The result? Faster closings and fewer obstacles for you.
Our suite of digital resources is designed with broker efficiency in mind. From model home video tours to interactive site plans, you can easily pre-sell homes and qualify buyers before they tour our community.
These tools help you save time, streamline the sales process, and confidently present more home options—making it easier to match your clients with their perfect fit.
Our builders offer simple, competitive, and transparent co-op programs—so you always know what to expect.
When you reach out about the community, you’ll likely connect with Kristen, our Broker Relationships Manager. She serves as your personal guide to Painted Prairie, helping you present the community to clients, initiate conversations with builders, and access the tools you need to close the deal.
We also go the extra mile to celebrate our broker partners! Through our robust broker program, you’ll enjoy monthly recognitions, exciting annual prizes, and year-round support designed to keep you motivated and appreciated.
At Painted Prairie, we’re here to make your job easier—and more rewarding. Our resources and broker support give you everything you need to close with confidence.
The real estate industry is constantly changing, but one thing remains clear: first-time homebuyers are entering the market by storm. In today’s climate, new home construction is emerging as a beacon of opportunity.
In 2024, 40% of homebuilder sales were to first-time buyers, while existing home sales dropped by 9.3%, according to Elliot Eisenberg, The Bowtie Economist.
This shift shows a notable trend: new construction homes for first time buyers are gaining popularity—and for good reason.
It’s understandable that first time home buyers may have hesitations—this is a big investment, after all! Those ready to take the next step from renting to buying have historically drifted toward resale vs buying new construction, which used to cost about 17% more than a previously-owned home.
The market is constantly changing, and in 2025, the median price of a newly-built home is actually 1% less than that of an existing home. First-timers: this is your chance! Freshly built homes are a great investment, offering lower maintenance, personalization, move-in ready options, and many builders also have attractive incentives that you won’t find anywhere else.
Slower traditional home sales mean more opportunity for buyers—especially those looking for a fresh start. For first-time homebuyers, new construction homes offer modern features, energy efficiency, and fewer upfront maintenance concerns. Even better? Builders are offering attractive incentives like rate buy-downs, reduced closing costs, and lower down payments to make ownership more accessible.Top builders like KB Home, Toll Brothers, and Pulte Homes are leading the way—and you’ll find all three right here at Painted Prairie.
The long-term benefits of buying a new construction home are great for nervous starter-home seekers! New homes mean modern appliances (many under warranty), energy-efficient designs, fewer repairs, and lower utility bills. Plus, customization is easier and more affordable than renovating an older home. New homes for first-time buyers offer more than just a place to live—they offer peace of mind. If you’re exploring homeownership in the Denver or Aurora, CO area, discover Painted Prairie—where modern living, thoughtful design, and a vibrant community come together.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make—why not keep that investment close to home?
We’re proud to partner with some of the most respected names in Colorado homebuilding. Our builders aren’t just constructing homes—they’re shaping a community rooted in quality, character, and connection.
Get to know the three locally-based builders bringing their legacy and innovation to Painted Prairie!
Berkeley is a homegrown Colorado builder known for thoughtful design and a personal approach. With a variety of home styles and floorplans, they offer something for everyone—from first-time buyers to those looking for a little more space. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, modern finishes, and responsive customer service makes them a favorite among locals.
With decades of homebuilding experience, Remington is a trusted name in the Denver Metro area. Their homes reflect a blend of timeless design and livable functionality, tailored to meet the needs of today’s families. Known for their attention to detail, flexible floorplans, and easy customization options, Remington is a builder that grows with you.
McStain has a 50-year history in Colorado and was recently acquired by Scott Felder Homes, bringing national strength to their local legacy. McStain is beloved for its energy-efficient homes, sustainable building practices, and dedication to eco-conscious homeowners. Their homes are designed for modern living—smart, stylish, and environmentally responsible.
These three builders share deep Colorado roots, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a passion for building community. Whether your clients are looking for their first home or a forever home, Painted Prairie’s collection of builders offers options for every lifestyle. Explore our inventory of homes by Berkeley, Remington, and McStain today!
