Friday, 7/26 – FREE Movie in the Park: Black Panther + Food Truck!
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, our community came together for a day full of delicious food trucks, vibrant world music, and talented artists like face painters and caricature artists. Residents engaged in fun, crafty activities that highlighted the diversity and inclusivity of our neighborhood.
Take a peek at a few of our most cherished memories from our first-ever Painted Prairie Spirit Day. We’re thankful for the overwhelming support and participation from our community. See you all next year!
Did you know that Colorado boasts the second-largest aerospace economy in the United States, home to over 300 aerospace companies?
According to the Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC), the aerospace and defense sectors are pivotal drivers of our local and state economies. With five military commands and three Air Force bases—highlighted by Buckley Air Force Base—these facilities attract top talent and foster ancillary industries within Aurora.
Private companies specializing in aerospace, cybersecurity, and space missions have positioned our city as a premier destination for industry leaders nationwide, solidifying Colorado’s status as a leader in aerospace employment. With an easy commute (in some cases – less than 20 minutes) to the Buckley Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Port, and many local aerospace and defense companies, Painted Prairie is the perfect location for civilians and military personnel to make a home in our community.
Located approximately 10 miles from Painted Prairie, the U.S. Space Port is a key aerospace facility aiming to establish Colorado as a central hub for commercial space activities. Its mission includes supporting both government and private sector space missions, from satellite launches to potential space tourism ventures.
This initiative leverages Colorado’s robust aerospace infrastructure and expertise, complementing the state’s existing network of aerospace companies and research institutions.
Buckley Air Force Base plays a crucial role in national defense as home to the 460th Space Wing, which oversees global missile warning and space surveillance systems. The base supports over 93,000 active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired personnel, along with their families. Its strategic location in Aurora and Colorado’s thriving aerospace community makes it a cornerstone for critical operations.
Buckley Air Force Base alone employs over 12,000 personnel, stimulating local industries like healthcare, retail, housing, and education. The base’s contracts with local businesses further bolster the regional economy, extending its impact beyond direct employment.
The Denver Metro area benefits from a highly educated workforce from local universities, specializing in aerospace, engineering, and technology. These institutions collaborate with aerospace and defense contractors on research projects, offering students real-world training. This synergy between public, private, and academic sectors drives innovation, contributes billions to Colorado’s economy, and supports tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
Painted Prairie’s location within Aurora’s Platinum Triangle offers numerous benefits, including proximity to many of the high-paying jobs and employers in engineering, administration, research, manufacturing, and bioscience. The area boasts top-tier educational institutions like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, providing students with opportunities to learn alongside industry experts.
Whether you’re part of the aerospace and defense industries or not, Aurora’s robust economic landscape makes it an ideal place to settle down and thrive. With the region poised for growth, Painted Prairie stands at the heart of this emerging community.
To discover more about the area and Painted Prairie, reach out to our Relocation Expert, Michelle Tripp, at [email protected].
As a grandparent, deciding where to spend your retirement years is a decision not taken lightly. Many Boomers and Gen Xers are relocating to Colorado for a lot of reasons. While the reasons are many, three big ones stand out: being closer to grandkids, the exceptional quality of life, and access to top-notch healthcare. Why do these factors make Colorado (and Painted Prairie) the perfect place for this next chapter in your life? Take a look below.
Colorado’s (and specifically, Aurora’s) job outlook has attracted many young professionals to the Painted Prairie community and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. For more information about the anticipated growth in the Northeast Aurora quadrant, take a look at our recent blog post highlighting the potential in our area.
We all know that setting down roots and establishing yourself in a new community is important to many young families. As our families settle, the flexibility of retirement and the need to stay active, and engaged in their grandkids’ lives becomes one of the most compelling reasons for a move to Colorado. The joy of watching them grow up, attending their school events, and being an active part of their daily lives is one of the biggest motivating factors in Baby Chasing – a term coined for grandparents following their grown children to new areas to be closer to their grandchildren.
Science also has something to say about the benefits of living closer to your grandchildren. Studies have shown that close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren can lead to happier and healthier lives for both (American Psychological Association, 2023). By living close by, grandparents can provide support, share wisdom, and create lasting memories with their grandkids—important for their development and grandma and grandpa’s emotional well-being.
Colorado is renowned for its exceptional quality of life. From its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant cultural scene, there’s always something to explore and enjoy. The state offers over 300 days of sunshine a year, promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle (Visit Aurora, 2022). This kind of environment is perfect for retirees looking to stay active and engaged. Moreover, Colorado’s commitment to healthy living and sustainability ensures that active adults who move to Aurora are met with similar values and lifestyle aspirations.
For active grandparents, Painted Prairie makes it easy to get out and explore our parks, and other attractions with their grandkids. Our proximity to the cultural and entertainment attractions in and around Aurora and Downtown Denver is an easy drive to spend the day at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, hike the many trails in the City of Aurora park system, explore the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, go to the Denver Zoo, or take in a Colorado Rockies game on a hot summer day. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who enjoys a peaceful day at the park, Painted Prairie is perfectly positioned for you to stay active and engaged.
Need to jet away to visit family in another state? With easy access to Denver International Airport, you’re just a few hours away from a multitude of domestic or international locations. Painted Prairie is an easy drive to the airport for convenient travel anywhere in the world.
Health is a top priority, especially as we age. Colorado is home to some of the nation’s best healthcare facilities, including the renowned UCHealth University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, and several new medical campuses, you are never far from expert medical care. Access to high-quality medical care ensures you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and receive prompt, expert treatment when needed. Additionally, Colorado consistently ranks high in healthcare quality and accessibility, offering peace of mind that your health needs will be well taken care of (WalletHub, 2024).
If your family has made the decision to move to Painted Prairie, and you’re considering the same move, here’s something to think about – moving here is about embracing the Colorado lifestyle. Being near your grandchildren, enjoying an outstanding quality of life, and having access to superior healthcare make this move a perfect fit. Want to learn more about our community? Contact our relocation expert, Michelle at [email protected].
Our list of world-class builders keeps growing! We’re thrilled to welcome two new new builders — Toll Brothers and Pulte Homes — to Painted Prairie later this year.
Toll Brothers has announced three new attached home styles – brownstones, rowhomes, and tandem town options at the Town Center at Painted Prairie. Uniquely designed to fit your active lifestyle, these brand-new homes bring walkable, urban living right to your doorstep. Situated in the heart of the Town Center, residents have easy access to many amenities within a short walk from their front door.
Built with the homeowner in mind, Pulte Homes offers floorplans to fit your lifestyle and budget. Beginning this fall, Pulte Homes will bring new floorplans and models to provide more options for Painted Prairie buyers. Steps away from pocket parks and green spaces, these new single-family homes are great choices for first-time buyers, empty nesters, and families looking for a place to call home.
Want to stay in the loop about new homes and builders coming to Painted Prairie? Set up your email preferences here.
Painted Prairie’s award-winning event series is back, and to celebrate our fifth year of hosting unforgettable events, we’re taking it up a notch. Mark your calendars and get ready to shop, watch movies, and dance to local favorites. There’s something for everyone.
Start your day at Painted Prairie and support your neighbors and community. Join us for locally sourced produce, hand-crafted goods, food trucks, and a bounce house for the kids to burn off that early morning energy.
Get ready to party as we celebrate the start of summer with Soul School and its unique brand of Motown, oldies, and funk at High Prairie Park. Local food trucks will be open and ready at 6pm to serve up tasty treats, so come hungry and ready to have fun!
We’re rocking the park with Colorado’s one-and-only Hazel Miller & The Collective when they bring their eclectic mix of jazz, R&B, Blues, and original music. Food trucks start serving at 6pm!
The Painted Prairie Movie in the Park series is back and better than ever. Grab your lawn chairs, enjoy a delicious meal from our local food trucks (start at 6pm!), and watch classic, all-time favorite movies while taking in the views of the Front Range.
Catch all the action when Black Panther hits the outdoor screen at High Prairie Park! Popcorn, candy, and sweet treats await for early moviegoers.
Encanto and The Barbie Movie
Bring a sleeping bag for the kids and let them “camp out” while watching and singing along to Encanto. Stay for the double feature at 8:45 pm. — The Barbie Movie.
Make it a party and come dressed to impress in your best Barbie Ken costume for our second feature. Popcorn and candy concessions are available for purchase at the park while supplies last.
The Northeast Aurora’s most popular event is back for the fifth year in a row! We’re ready to once again celebrate all things fall at Prairie Harvest Fest.
Costume contest, local food trucks, live DJ, local food trucks, local artisan booths, carriage rides, and more! You don’t want to miss this year’s event.
To learn more about our 2024 Events Calendar and to RSVP, visit our events page for details.
*Weather permitting; vendors subject to change; concessions while supplies last.
We’re excited to share that our newest phase of development with two new parks and three new builders is underway! Bordering Himalaya Road, 56th Avenue, and N. Lisbon St., this new phase will be a great addition to our ever-changing community. Residents in this new phase will enjoy easy access to 56th Avenue, and 64th Avenue via a short trip up N. Lisbon Street, and two new parks.
We welcome back McStain Neighborhoods and are pleased to welcome Tri Pointe Homes to our lineup of world-class builders. They’re joining KB Home in our newest neighborhood between N. Lisbon St. and Himalaya Road, just north of 56th Avenue. This new neighborhood will surround two new parks – “Ruby” and “Violet.”
As Colorado’s third largest and most diverse city, Aurora has always held a prominent position in terms of employment, commercial development, and residential prospects. The employment clusters are growing more than ever, especially with the blossoming development of the Platinum Triangle area – an impressive 21,000-acre vicinity located south of Denver International Airport (DEN).
Dubbed the Platinum Triangle by local leaders and positioned in the northeast quadrant of Aurora and southern Adams County, the area is bound by three major employment anchors/magnets all within a 20-minute drive to and from Painted Prairie.
Bordered by the Colorado Air and Space Port, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, and Denver International Airport (DEN) to the north, the area is poised to become an impressive commercial destination and highly desirable residential area – with Painted Prairie at its core. Anchored by health and bioscience, aerospace and defense, logistics and manufacturing, and next-generation space exploration, the Platinum Triangle is anticipated to attract approximately 20,000 jobs over the next five years.
The development and expansion of commercial, mixed-use, and residential within its boundaries, is highly appealing for national and international companies to locate their headquarters. Attracted by a highly skilled workforce, nearby housing options, commercial amenities, logistics capabilities, accessibility, and proximity to abundant outdoor recreation, these corporations are excited about the potential within the Platinum Triangle boundaries.
“The community’s foresight to create a mix of commercial and business centers, in addition to the investment for connections to future amenities, access to air travel and major interstate highways, and natural bike paths and trails by public/private partnerships make this area highly desirable for major national and international companies to plant their operations.”
Yuriy Gorlov, Vice President, Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC).
First, its location next to the third busiest airport in the world makes it an exceptional logistical advantage for employers and employees. Accessibility to air transport is not only crucial for businesses that need to ship products nationally and globally but also for industries such as tourism, which require significant human mobility. In this context, companies considering expansion or relocation have found the Platinum Triangle region very appealing.
Additionally, with growing commercial infrastructure, businesses have ready access to the extensive talent pool in Aurora and the surrounding area. Job seekers and anyone looking to start a business will be attracted to the promising job and business opportunities within the Platinum Triangle area.
According to Axios, the Midwest, and Mountain West are America’s new business hotspots, with Colorado’s new business applications spiking to 115% between December 2022 and December 2023.
Apart from these commercial aspects, there is an often-overlooked human element in this evolving equation – the prospect of living close to the workplace. Shorter commuting times mean more leisure and family time. When people are happier, they are more likely to be productive at work. Most commuters live closer to work within the Platinum Triangle area than the average 30-minute drive time in the Denver metro area and enjoy a short 10-15-minute drive time to work every day.
As the area grows, and as the Town Center at Painted Prairie comes to life, residents will be able to walk or cycle to their offices, cafes, or entertainment spots – thereby, enjoying a work-life balance that is not found in typical suburban living.
Long commutes bring physical and mental stress to the local workforce. The lure of having a home near work has been gaining substantial traction – and is easy to do in the Platinum Triangle. For anyone seeking this sort of convenience and balance, Painted Prairie and the surrounding area are an exceedingly attractive choice.
Companies have realized that the Platinum Triangle is the place to be. Many have placed their headquarters, manufacturing, training, and logistics facilities in the area, and in doing so are bringing thousands of people to the area during the day. In addition, several data centers and manufacturing companies are looking to open operations in the next few years to support the smart factories and medical tech facilities in the area.
Recently, both Pepsi and Coca-Cola announced plans to build new bottling plants. United Airlines has also announced plans to expand its training center at DEN, and Amazon, Dollar General, FedEx, and Kroger have all located and expanded their facilities in the area to take advantage of efficient shipping routes and the talent pool needed to keep things moving.
Kärcher, a German-based global provider of cleaning technology, opened its North American headquarters in the Porteos Business Park, a popular destination for companies looking for commercial and industrial space in the area. The new facility is located approximately three miles from Painted Prairie and is the North American home base for its logistics, administration, training, manufacturing, and showroom operations.
Western Industrial Contractors (WIC), an engineering and construction company serving industrial clients throughout the United States and internationally also built its headquarters nearby. Serving the Airport, Automotive, Food & Beverage, Parcel, Postal, and Power and Heavy Industrial industries, the company is well-positioned to service its clients locally and internationally.
In the 30 years since DEN opened, it has become the largest economic driver in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. DEN continues to expand and is ahead of schedule to account for its anticipated growth. DEN built 39 new concourse gates, increasing the overall capacity at the airport by 30 percent. The new gates, on all three concourses, allow DEN’s airlines the opportunity to grow and for DEN to accommodate new airlines, including international carriers. The airport is on track to reach 100 million passengers in 2027 — five years ahead of schedule. It also employs 40,000 people.
With the influx of new companies in the logistics industry, manufacturing, aerospace and engineering, and biotechnology, the demand for skilled labor in these sectors will increase and with it, higher salaries. Not to mention the ancillary jobs that support these industries – business operations, data centers, IT professionals, medical staff, education employees, and construction workers.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort, which sits across the street from Painted Prairie recently announced its own renovation and expansion plans, adding to the $800 million initial investment, further setting its position as the hospitality hub of the area. Many of the resort’s employees live in Painted Prairie and are part of Aurora’s booming hospitality and tourism industry. There are 1,500 people employed here and the resort welcomes 450,000 visitors annually.
It’s estimated that in the next five years (2029) the Platinum Triangle area could see 20,000 new jobs.
With all this new development, several new and future high-profile infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for increased mobility and connectivity in and around the Platinum Triangle boundaries. Significant improvements to interchanges along E470 and Interstate 70 and interior roadways will further enhance the desirability of the Platinum Triangle for businesses and the people who work for them. E470 is adding a third lane in each direction and there will be seven expanded or new connection points from I-70 and E470 in the area in the next few years.
Physical roads and infrastructure aren’t the only expansion in the region. Comcast is expanding its next-generation network, the Xfinity 10G Network to serve the immediate and surrounding area. Extending new fiber-rich highways to connect homes and businesses throughout the community. The planned expansion adds to Comcast’s ongoing $1.2 billion investment in Colorado over the last three years.
The growth within the Platinum Triangle brings additional services such as schools, retail, recreational facilities, eateries, and healthcare facilities. From pre-k to college, there is a wide range of educational opportunities to learn and grow in the Platinum Triangle. There are currently more than a handful of schools planned and starting construction.
Advent Health is breaking ground on a medical office building with an ER, and Intermountain Health has completed phase one of its latest medical facility off I-70. The Fitzsimons Innovation Community works closely with researchers and scientists in the local medical community and is a national and international leader in biotech research. There are nearly 30,000 employees on this campus between the hospitals and more than 80 start-ups.
There are 17 universities and two-year technical schools in and around the area. Some of these schools include Community College of Aurora, Pickins Tech, CSU Global, and many more. Aurora Public Schools, local independent charters such as High Point Academy, and many private schools provide quality education options for new and returning students.
The investment in a home in a high-growth area not only lends itself to convenience, but it attracts new businesses, as well as entertainment and lifestyle options, which increases home values as the area grows. Already, business, education, and medical facilities are popping up all around the area to account for the future expansion and migration of more families.
“After you layer in the quality of the workforce and the availability of high-paying jobs now and in the future, the Platinum Triangle creates a really attractive place to live and set down roots for a long time.”
Yuriy Gorlov, Vice President, Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC).
Aurora, with its Platinum Triangle, exemplifies the exciting possibilities of well-planned urban development. Its growth potential for businesses and Painted Prairie’s allure as an award-winning residential area sets both apart, positioning it as an epicenter for both personal and professional growth.
As the boundaries between work and living spaces become increasingly blurred, Painted Prairie is proud to be a part of the evolution of the next great place to work, live, and play.
Ever wonder what it would be like to actually talk to a live person who knows the ins and outs of a new community before you visit or even right after you visit? Well, Painted Prairie has the solution. Our Community Ambassador, Michelle is here to help answer your questions about this award-winning community to help you find the right spot to set down new roots.
Here’s how it works:
That’s it! Michelle will call you at the designated day and time. Bring your list of questions to ask about Painted Prairie, the surrounding area, our amazing parks, or our builders. Want to set up a time to speak to our builders? Michelle can help you schedule a meeting with our builder sales counselors to help you find the perfect home. It’s like having your very own personal shopper to help you every step of the way.
We’re looking forward to talking to you, and see you soon!
