Neighborhood Guide

Buffalo Highlands

Commerce City, CO 80022

Data Verified: Jul 4, 2026

About this Area

Buffalo Highlands is a picturesque and rapidly growing neighborhood in Commerce City, Colorado, known for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and a serene, suburban atmosphere. Established in the late 1990s, this community was designed to offer a blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, attracting families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat within easy reach of Denver. The neighborhood's name pays homage to its historical roots, as the area was once home to vast herds of buffalo and later became a hub for agricultural development. Today, Buffalo Highlands is celebrated for its wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and meticulously designed homes that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge adds to its appeal, offering residents unparalleled access to nature and outdoor recreation.

Buffalo Highlands features a diverse range of architectural styles, including ranch-style homes, modern farmhouses, and custom-built residences, with median home values around $448,400. Lots in this neighborhood are generously sized, typically ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, providing ample space for gardens, patios, and outdoor living areas. The real estate market here is robust, with a mix of resale homes and newly constructed properties that cater to a variety of budgets and preferences. Many homes boast energy-efficient features, such as solar panels and high-efficiency HVAC systems, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. The neighborhood's proximity to Denver and major highways ensures strong demand, making it a competitive market with homes often selling quickly.

Buffalo Highlands is designed to provide residents with a high quality of life through its abundance of amenities and recreational opportunities. The neighborhood is home to the Buffalo Highlands Park, a 20-acre green space featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails that wind through the natural landscape. Residents also enjoy easy access to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where they can explore over 15,000 acres of prairie, wetlands, and woodlands teeming with wildlife. For shopping and dining, the nearby Thornton Town Center offers a variety of retail options, including grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty shops. Additionally, the neighborhood is served by top-rated schools like Tarver Elementary and Horizon High School, ensuring excellent educational opportunities for families.

Buyers are drawn to Buffalo Highlands for its idyllic setting, strong sense of community, and economic stability, with a median household income of $98,858. The neighborhood's location just 25 minutes from downtown Denver and its proximity to I-76 and E-470 make it an ideal choice for professionals who value both tranquility and convenience. Families are particularly attracted to the excellent schools, abundant green spaces, and safe, welcoming environment. The community's well-planned infrastructure, low crime rates, and active homeowner association contribute to its reputation as a premier place to live in Commerce City. With its combination of natural beauty, modern amenities, and growth potential, Buffalo Highlands offers a lifestyle that is both fulfilling and financially sound, making it a top contender for homebuyers in the Denver metro area.

Homendo Valuation Index
Quality of Life 85
Environment 92
Education 83
Safety 89
Demographics
Population
59,556
Density
2,800
Median Age
34.1
Income
$98,858
StatisticZipCityCountyStateUSA
Population 59,556 64,640524,4085,810,774332,387,540
Median Age 34.1 33.934.637.538.7
People per Household 3.10 3.012.822.452.54
Median Household Income $98,858 $106,756$91,387$92,470$78,538
Avg Income per Capita $38,215 $41,021$40,167$50,489$43,289
Real Estate Market
Median Value
$448,400
Median Rent
$1,264
Available
352
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Median Sale Price$448,400$463,200$458,400$502,200$303,400
Median Age of Home2321353845
Homes Owned71.9%75.1%66.4%60.6%58.2%
Homes Rented23.6%21.2%30.0%30.8%31.3%
Homes Vacant4.5%3.7%3.5%8.6%10.4%
Quality of Life
IndexZipCityCountyStateUSA
Cost of Living Index119.1119.1119.1119.1100.0
Commute Time (min)29.230.029.725.526.6
Work from Home12.7%15.5%13.4%18.8%13.5%
Climate
Jan Low
15.0°
July High
90.7°
Rain
15.0"
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Jan Avg Low (°F)15.015.015.015.015.0
July Avg High (°F)90.790.790.790.790.7
Annual Precip (in)15.015.015.015.015.0
Safety & Crime
Violent Crimes (per 100k)
TypeZipCityCountyStateUSA
Assault350.5350.5350.5350.5350.5
Murder4.54.54.54.54.5
Robbery63.063.063.063.063.0
Property Crimes (per 100k)
TypeZipCityCountyStateUSA
Burglary348.0348.0348.0348.0348.0
Theft1754.21754.21754.21754.21754.2

Neighborhood Insights

AI-Ready Analysis for Buffalo Highlands

Buffalo Highlands is an economically balanced community located in Commerce City. The neighborhood is offering a healthy balance of homeownership and rental opportunities..

Demographically, the area is popular among young professionals and growing families (Median Age: 34.1), creating a unique community atmosphere. With a median household income of $98,858, residents enjoy a quality of life that supports local commerce and community maintenance.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

The real estate market in Buffalo Highlands is currently active. The median home value stands at $448,400, reflecting the desirability of the Commerce City area. For investors or those looking to lease, the median rent is approximately $1,264.

According to Homendo Network, the area's inventory turnover (Vacancy Rate: 4.5%) suggests a competitive market where quality homes tend to sell quickly.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

Buffalo Highlands holds a Homendo Safety Score of 89 and an Environmental Quality Score of 92. These metrics are calculated based on local crime statistics per 100k residents and environmental factors like air quality and park density.

Compared to the broader Commerce City region, this neighborhood offers a specific balance of security and outdoor accessibility that appeals to safety-conscious buyers.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

The educational landscape in Buffalo Highlands is rated at 83 on the Homendo Index. Located within the Adams County jurisdiction, residents have access to a network of public and private institutions. Families often choose this area specifically for access to these educational resources.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).
Location
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WalkScore™
Walk
Very Walkable
76
Transit
Some Transit
31
Bike
Bikeable
50
School Ratings

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