The new year is just a few short weeks away, and there’s much to look forward to in and around Painted Prairie. The economic outlook for the city of Aurora, and Colorado as a whole, is looking bright for anyone considering a move. Whether moving up or down, Northeast Aurora is experiencing a significant economic boom that benefits families, retirees, and anyone in between.
The expansion of several diverse industries is driving this growth in Aurora. Sectors such as aerospace, government, bioscience, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more don’t just promise job security; they’re shaping a promising foundation for a thriving community and boundless growth opportunities.
Several notable businesses are propelling this economic growth. Companies like Philip Morris International, Dollar General, and United Airlines have chosen Northeast Aurora as their home base. Their presence equates to job creation, better services, and new and emerging businesses, leading to an overall quality of life boost.
While Northeast Aurora is shaping into a powerhouse in its own right, a broader perspective reveals a similar growth pattern throughout Colorado. New businesses in diverse industries continue to flow into the state, promising multifaceted development. These adjacent businesses throughout the state are essential to a thriving economy.
In 2023 Colorado added 3.5 million jobs, marking it the third-best year for job growth since 2020. The state’s annual job growth rate sat at a steady 2.3%, slightly outpacing the U.S. average. (Denver Post 3/2023). Notably, the service-producing sector outshone others by increasing 30,100 jobs, while the government sector also made significant strides by adding 23,000 positions. The best part? Many of these jobs are within a 20-mile radius of Painted Prairie.
The divergence in job growth across the state paints an intriguing picture. Despite being Colorado’s largest population center, Denver noted a decline in job availability due to various factors, including high housing costs. Meanwhile, Boulder and Colorado Springs seized the limelight by adding more than 6,000 jobs.
The real star of the show is Northeast Aurora.
Aurora has demonstrated consistent job growth. In November 2023, the city boasted approximately 193,884 employed individuals, marking a steady surge from previous years. Industries contributing significantly to this rise included educational services, healthcare, social assistance, professional, scientific, management, administrative, waste management, retail trade, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services.
The continued job expansion in Aurora goes hand-in-hand with the city’s wage growth. Compared to Colorado’s 3.2% growth rate, Aurora stood tall with a 5-year compound growth rate of 4.1%. This growth extended to businesses, seeing a 3.9% compound annual growth between 2014 and 2019, slightly overtaking Colorado’s 3.3%.
These figures, paired with the arrival of notable businesses such as Philip Morris International, Dollar General, and United Airlines, paint a vivid picture of Aurora’s economic upswing into 2025 and beyond. The city’s evolution is a testament to Colorado’s resilient economy and the enticing prospects it offers.
In a nutshell, Northeast Aurora, Colorado, packs a powerful punch for people considering relocation or looking for a new home. The burgeoning industries, powerful businesses, and strategic statewide efforts create a promising outlook for 2025.
What does this look like for homebuyers? More housing options! Living in Colorado is a dream for many people. Finding a new home in the right neighborhood is a dream come true! Finding a home where you’re one of the first to plant roots – is priceless. That’s why Painted Prairie was strategically placed in what will become the next greatest economic epicenter of Colorado. Offering easy commutes, flexible lifestyle choices, and homes in price ranges that suit each buyer’s tastes.
Since breaking ground in 2020, the community has welcomed over 900 families. With two phases of development near completion, and more on the way, Painted Prairie will eventually be home to over 3,400 residences. From townhomes and paired villas to single-family homes for empty-nesters to multigenerational families and everything in between.
Explore over 50 floorplans and more on our Explore Homebuilders page. We’ve listed each builder’s contact information so you can reach out and find your dream home in Colorado’s next boomtown.
As the famous Colorado saying goes – “Tis a privilege to live in Colorado!
Situated in the heart of the Rockies, many residents of other states tend to think that the whole state of Colorado is nothing but mountains with snow all year round. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Colorado offers a colorful canvas of four distinct seasons, a place where residents, visitors, and newcomers can experience the brilliance of spring’s wildflowers, the summer sun, the display of autumn’s leaves, and the inevitable switch to the snowfall of winter.
In reality, Colorado has about 300 days of sunshine every year, outshining the national average. This generous sunshine graces each season, giving a daily reminder that the state’s everyday experience is going to be a bright one.
While touched at times by unpredictability, Colorado’s weather seldom ceases to amaze residents, who, in turn, adapt and thrive in this diverse climate. Whether it’s turning snowfall into skiing adventures or summer storms into an excuse to cozy up indoors, Colorado residents are pros when it comes to embracing the adage “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes.”
Our spring season can mean bright sunny days on the Front Range, and carving tracks on the slopes on one of the many ski resorts on the Western Slope. The Front Range, where Painted Prairie sits, is marked by slow-warming temperatures and blossoming flowers, offering residents a gentle transition into summer.
Summertime in Colorado is the perfect time for exploring the countless trails, and visiting our state and national parks – all while enjoying a dry and relatively low-humidity climate. The Pacific Ocean-influenced weather along the Front Range and on the Western Slope provides for warm, comfortable days for a mountain bike ride complemented by pleasantly cool evenings.
Fall is when Colorado earns its moniker of Colorful Colorado. Marked by crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and a leaf-peeping bonanza ranging from the radiant gold of aspens to the robust orange of oaks. If you’re on the Plains, the autumn season is brilliantly mild, extending the appeal of summer with less heat.
Winter in Colorado embraces its reputation for snow, but it does so in a uniquely Colorado way. The snowfall creates a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, while the sunny blue skies make the cold exceptionally bearable. Again, the Front Range shines, providing plenty of snow without the punishing cold. Typically, the snow along the Front Range doesn’t stick around for long. Usually melting (due to our sunny days) in a few short days in most parts of the state.
Above all, Colorado’s four seasons shape a lifestyle that is dynamic, invigorating, and ever-evolving. Whether you lean towards mild winters or cherish the semi-arid seasonal shifts along the Front Range, Colorado is the place to soak up a truly four-season experience.
The holiday season is upon us! As we welcome this festive season filled with pumpkins, candles, ornaments, and more, our homes are a big part of dressing for the occasion. Thanksgiving turkeys roast, Hanukkah menorahs flicker, Christmas trees twinkle, and Kwanzaa mkekas brim with fruit. These gatherings are not just about the holidays they represent; they’re celebrations of home and everything it stands for.
Each of us has a unique definition of what home means. For some, it’s a haven of peace after a long day, for others, it’s a space to express creativity through décor, and for many, it embodies a sense of belonging, where traditions are kept alive, and new ones are created.
We often underestimate the role our homes play during festive moments. Think about how the whiff of a familiar family recipe brings back memories or how a certain corner of your living room becomes the perfect place for the Christmas tree year after year. These seemingly small details engrain themselves into our stories, forming a collage of experiences that are often tied to this special time of year.
Did you know that holiday seasons are prime opportunities for homeownership as well? The thought of setting the dining room for Thanksgiving dinner, sitting by a cozy fireplace on Christmas morning, or beautifying the patio for Hanukkah gatherings in a new home, builds memories and provides a sense of place for your families and friends.
Owning your home sends roots into the community, provides stability, and grants the freedom to make the space truly your own. Remember that homeownership is not just about four walls and a roof; it’s about the rhythm of life that unfolds within.
This holiday season, as your home takes center stage, consider the priceless value of creating these memories in a place you can call your own. Take a moment to recognize the empowerment, equity, and personal wealth that homeownership can offer. Let your celebrations bring you closer to the understanding that home isn’t just where the heart is, it’s where your story begins.
Recently, KB Home partnered with Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors – along with its trade partners – to build a brand-new, energy-efficient, and mortgage-free home for a deserving U.S. Army veteran in Painted Prairie.
During a ceremony held at Painted Prairie in early October, U.S. Army veteran Dan Rose and his family accepted the keys to their brand-new home on 61st Avenue. The home is built for wheelchair accessibility and features many touches to enhance Dan’s mobility throughout the home.
Dan was a U.S. Army Engineer in charge of clearing explosives from roads. In 2011, he was wounded when his truck drove over an IED in Afghanistan, sending him and his vehicle flying into the air. The blast broke his pelvis and multiple vertebrae. Dan was flown to Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for spinal fusion surgery. His injuries left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Five years after his injury, Dan found new hope through the use of an exoskeleton suit that allowed him to walk. Soon after, he met his wife, Lisa, got married, and had their daughter.
Since his accident, Dan has been a role model for his wife and daughter by participating in sports, traveling, and being a husband and father. The family’s last home was not wheelchair accessible and was difficult to navigate with his chair.
We are proud to welcome SGT Dan Rose and his family to the Painted Prairie community and wish them nothing but the best memories in their new home.
For a list of corporate sponsors, trade partners, and vendors who worked with KB Home to complete the home, click here.
About Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW)
JAH4WW has built homes for 29 veterans nationwide, and it hopes to raise that number to 35 by the end of 2024. Allen is a former NFL defensive end and founded the nonprofit in 2009 after visiting several U.S. bases in Iraq during a USO tour. The organization is committed to building mortgage-free, accessible homes tailored to the needs of each veteran, recognizing their sacrifices and enhancing their quality of life.
About KB Home
KB Home is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders. Founded in 1957 as Kaufman & Broad in Detroit, Michigan. It was the first company to be traded on the NYSE as a home builder. Its headquarters are in Los Angeles, California. The company has built 600,000 homes since its founding.
It’s time to break out the warm, earthy color palettes. Think rustic oranges, deep reds, and the various hues of brown brought by the falling leaves. These colors are perfect for a cozy fall aesthetic to welcome neighbors, friends, and family as we kick off the holidays (and football season).
Invest in textures this fall. Textural contrasts, like a heavy woolen throw against a smooth leather couch, can add warmth and depth to your interiors. Mix in cozy fabrics like velvet and fleece, perfect for those cool autumn nights. Feeling a little crafty? Check out HGTV’s 50 DIY Fall Wreath Ideas for inspiration.
Whether you like it or not, October can be called the official start of the holiday season. From Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, and Oktoberfest celebrations there’s always something being celebrated in October. If you have kids, you know it’s hard to keep little hands busy as the days get shorter. Try one of these fun (yet classy) fall decor crafts the next time your little get the bug for a craft project.
Want more ideas? Check out this article we found at Good Housekeeping. Lots of great ideas for pumpkin-themed crafts for kids.
Remember, the ideal home is not only about following the latest design trends. It’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and meets your lifestyle needs. We wish you all the best this season.
Get into the Prairie Harvest Fest spirit with our exclusive new Painted Prairie-only mocktails! Perfect for celebrating during Prairie Harvest Fest and all season long.
Our mocktail classes will run every 30 minutes from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on October 5th at High Prairie Park.
Here’s what you’ll be crafting in the class:
Feeling a little spooky? Then you’ll love the Midnight Mocktail, inspired by My Sweet Apetite’s recipe. This refreshingly dark drink uses blackberries for a sweet, tart blend that instantly puts you in a hauntingly good mood.
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This recipe isn’t just convenient (you can use fresh or frozen berries), it’s also flexible. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of vodka or rum to your shaker, and adjust the lemon-lime soda accordingly to your cup size!
Looking for something with an apple-orchard-picking vibe? You’ll love our Apple Ginger Fizz, inspired by My Bartender’s recipe, and perfect for sipping under a cozy fall blanket.
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With this drink, you can adjust the sweetness by choosing different types of apple cider – unfiltered or fresh-pressed cider will give you a richer flavor. If you like your spices, add a pinch of ground cloves. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of bourbon, rum, or caramel-flavored vodka to your shaker, and adjust the ginger ale accordingly to your cup size!
We’re super excited for you to join us at Prairie Harvest Fest and fall in love with the flavors of the season. Cheers!
This fall, Painted Prairie is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion with the addition of new model homes from world-class builders McStain Neighborhoods, Pulte Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, and Toll Brothers.
We’re so glad you asked! The new models will be located near the future intersection of 56th Ave. and N. Lisbon St., within the new Ruby and Violet Park Neighborhoods. Here, you can explore the stunning single-family and townhome collections showcased by Tri Pointe Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and Pulte Homes. Toll Brothers’ new models will be located in the future Town Center.
McStain Neighborhoods is currently accepting pre-sale offers on its Parkway Collection. These solar-ready two-story townhomes offer energy savings, comfort, peace of mind, and stunning exteriors, and modern finishes for active lifestyles. To stay up-to-date on the latest from McStain at Painted Prairie, visit the website.As the fall season approaches, keep your eyes peeled for more updates regarding these new models and builders at Painted Prairie. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective homeowners to find their dream home in one of the best master-planned communities in Colorado! Sign up for our emails to be one of the first to know when these new models open.
Tri Pointe Homes’ newest models are currently under construction at Painted Prairie just in time for the holidays. This collection promises to deliver modern and innovative housing designs that cater to the lifestyles of today’s homeowners. Information on pricing and floorplans coming soon. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated.
Pulte Homes’ new single-family homes at Painted Prairie will offer modern architecture with quality features already built in. This builder prides itself on ensuring new homes are pre-wired for connectivity and come with several smart home products and features. From doorbell cameras to convenient electric car charging stations, you have plenty of options for simple living. To learn more about Pulte Homes, visit the website.
Toll Brothers will begin building homes in the future Painted Prairie Town Center in late winter/early spring of 2025. For anyone wanting a more urban feel, these townhomes and rowhomes are the perfect fit for walkability and easy access to convenient amenities within the Town Center. To learn more about Toll Brothers, visit the website.
As the air gets a wee bit crisp and the autumn season approaches, Aurora is gearing up for a series of exciting events that will bring the community together to celebrate culture, food, fun, and creativity. Here’s a summary of the must-attend happenings for September and October 2024.
Vail Octoberfest Lionshead • September 6-8 • Lionshead, Vail
Nestled in the European-inspired town of Vail and taking place over two weekends in Lionshead Village and Vail Village, the Vail Oktoberfest brings an international audience together to celebrate an authentic Bavarian festival. Clad in dirndls and lederhosen, Vail Oktoberfest attendees prost, polka dance and eat all weekend long.
Open-Air Market at Painted Prairie • September 7 • High Prairie Park
Discover some of Denver’s best crafters at our Saturday market in High Prairie Park. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, crafts, and much more. Grab breakfast at our on-site food and coffee trucks, browse the market for unique finds, and enjoy a relaxing summer morning at Painted Prairie. (Food trucks available 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Wine Walk • September 12 • Southlands
Indulge in a delightful evening featuring local wineries showcasing their best selections. Stroll through Southlands as you sip and savor exquisite wines paired with delicious bites from nearby restaurants.
Movie in the Park at Painted Prairie • September 13 • High Prairie Park
Bring your chairs and blankets to High Prairie Park and catch a two-fer featuring a couple of our favorite empowering icons. Encanto will start after sunset at 7 p.m., and Barbie will follow immediately after at 9 p.m. Come early starting at 6 p.m., and grab something to eat and drink from K’s Concessions and Mac ‘N Noodles food trucks!
Breckenridge Oktoberfest • September 13-15 • Downtown Breckenridge Colorado
The 28th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest, presented by Breckenridge Brewery, will blend cherished traditions with exclusive collectible steins and the distinct flavors of Breckenridge Brewery.
Agricultural Festival • September 14 • Plains Conservation Center
Celebrate Aurora’s rich agricultural heritage at the Agricultural Festival. Families can enjoy educational activities, live demonstrations, farm animals, and local produce, making it a perfect day out for everyone.
Colfax Canvas • September 14 • Fletcher Plaza
Explore creative expressions at Colfax Canvas, where local artists showcase their talent through murals and street art. This festival celebrates the arts with interactive installations and performances highlighting Aurora’s cultural diversity.
A Taste of Home: Open House Tours • September 21 • Painted Prairie Models
Join us in our kitchens (and all of the other rooms) for a tasty tour of Painted Prairie’s 11 delectable models. Sample free bites at each builder, explore all they have to offer, and experience the true flavor of our discovery meets diversity community.
Aurora Mini-Con • September 23 • Aurora Municipal Center
A must for comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts! Aurora Mini-Con offers panels, vendors, cosplay contests, and guest appearances. Join fellow fans for a fantastic day filled with all things geeky.
Havana Street Global Night Market • September 28 • Leezakaya – Parking Lot
Dive into the flavors of the world at the Havana Street Global Night Market! This lively event features a variety of international food stalls, local artisans, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect way to experience global cultures without leaving Aurora.
Prairie Harvest Fest • October 5 • High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie
It’s our fifth year of celebrating all things fall at Painted Prairie. This year’s Prairie Harvest Fest is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet! Join in the fun with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, an open-air market, a ton of kids’ activities, and plenty of fun for adults and pets too!
Enter to win our Costume Contest and see if you will land some sweet prizes from the Gaylord of the Rockies. Don’t forget the food trucks are back bringing local favorite flavors from in and around Aurora. Prairie Harvest Fest is a perfect family outing to get you in the mood for fall family fun.
Freefall Bluegrass Festival • October 11-13 • International Bridge Vail Village
The 2nd annual Bluegrass Fest is a two-day family-friendly free event in the streets of Vail Village with food, drinks, kid activities, and all-day bluegrass music.
Treat Street • October 19 – 20 • Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
This family-friendly event is all about candy and fun! Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe environment, with a variety of booths and activities.
Fall-O-Ween • October 19 • Southlands
Combine the best of fall and Halloween in this fun-filled event packed with activities, games, and seasonal treats. Dress up in your favorite costume and join the celebration!
Fall Into Fun Festival • October 19 • Aurora Municipal Center
Families will love the wide array of activities at Fall Into Fun Festival, from arts and crafts to live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your autumn days!
Boo N’ Brew Candy Crawl • October 26 • Town Center at Aurora
Sip on some craft brews while enjoying an evening of candy crawling! Perfect for adults looking to celebrate Halloween with a twist.
2024 Halloween on Havana Street • October 26 • Gardens on Havana
Get ready for a spooktacular evening filled with costume contests, trick-or-treating, and festive activities. This event is perfect for family fun and getting into the Halloween spirit!
Havana Street Global Night Market • October 26 • Leezakaya – Parking Lot
Missed it in September? Here’s another chance! The Havana Street Global Night Market returns for another round of global cuisine and cultural experiences.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the fun throughout Colorado this September and October! Whether you love food and culture or just want to enjoy a beautiful fall day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Special thanks to Visit Aurora, GoBreck.com, and On Havana Street for assistance.
