Moving to Castle Rock, Parker and Douglas County, Colorado
Moving to Castle Rock, Parker or Lone Tree? The Giles Team can walk you through it. We're McLean and Ginger Giles, Realtors with Coldwell Banker Realty. This guide answers what movers ask us most: where the towns sit, how property taxes and metro districts work, who to call to turn on the water and lights, and what to do in your first 90 days. The facts on taxes, utilities, transit and the DMV come from town, county, state and Census sources, and we show the date we checked.
Which towns does this guide cover?
- Castle Rock is the county seat of Douglas County. It sits on I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, at about 6,224 feet.
- Parker is in northern Douglas County, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Denver. Parker Road (State Highway 83) runs through town, and E-470 crosses its north side.
- Lone Tree is the city just west of Parker along I-25. It has five RTD light rail stations. See the Lone Tree section on our Parker page.
- Franktown is unincorporated Douglas County, with acreage, wells and septic systems.
- Elizabeth is in Elbert County, just east of Franktown on Highway 86. See our Elbert County page.
How big are Castle Rock and Parker?
Castle Rock had about 83,800 people in mid-2025, and Parker had about 66,000. Here are a few Census Bureau figures side by side.
| Castle Rock | Parker | Douglas County | |
|---|---|---|---|
| People, July 1, 2025 (estimate) | 83,815 | 65,985 | 399,396 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them (2020 to 2024) | 78.8% | 71.8% | 77.4% |
| Average trip to work, in minutes (2020 to 2024) | 28.6 | 26.1 | 27.1 |
| Owners' own estimate of their home's value (2020 to 2024) | $652,900 | $646,300 | $713,600 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Castle Rock town, Parker town and Douglas County, Colorado (population estimates V2025; American Community Survey 2020 to 2024), checked October 24, 2026. The last row is what owners told the Census survey their homes were worth. It is not a sale price. For what homes actually sold for, see our monthly market report and home value page.
How do property taxes work in Douglas County?
Your bill is the home's value, times an assessment rate, times the mill levy. The county Assessor sets the value. Schools, towns, fire districts and other taxing districts set the mill levies each December.
- For tax year 2026, Douglas County lists residential rates of 7.05% for school districts and 6.8% for other local government, with a 10% adjustment off the first $700,000 of value for local government.
- Tax statements go out in January. You can pay in full by April 30, or in two halves: the first by the last day of February and the second by June 15. If a date falls on a weekend, it moves to the next business day.
- Every home has its own mix of taxing districts, so two similar homes can have different bills. The tax statement shows each district.
We pull the tax statement for any home you are considering. For tax questions about your own situation, ask the Douglas County Assessor or Treasurer, or your tax professional.
Sources: Douglas County Assessor, "Calculation of Property Taxes" (douglasco.gov/assessor/residential-property-tax-calculations); Douglas County Treasurer, "Important Property Tax Dates" (douglasco.gov/treasurer/important-property-tax-dates). Checked October 24, 2026. Rates are set by law and can change.
What is a metro district, and why does it matter?
A metro district is a separate local government that charges its own property tax for a neighborhood's streets, water lines, landscaping and amenities. The Town of Castle Rock explains that a developer usually creates one when a neighborhood is first built. The extra mill levy keeps paying off the cost of those improvements and covers some upkeep.
- Not every neighborhood has one. Many newer ones do.
- Levies vary widely from one district to the next. The Town of Castle Rock publishes a report that compares them.
- Budget questions go to the district itself, not to the Town.
- Before you make an offer, ask which district the home is in, and look at the current levy on the tax statement.
Some Parker-area neighborhoods have metro districts too. We'll pull the documents for any home you are considering.
Source: Town of Castle Rock, "Frequently Asked Questions, Finance" (crgov.com/FAQ.aspx?QID=620), checked October 24, 2026.
Who provides water, power, gas and trash?
It depends on the town and sometimes the street. Here is what each town says on its own website. Confirm the providers for your exact address.
| Castle Rock | Parker | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Castle Rock Water serves customers inside Town limits. Your title company sets up service when you buy. | It varies by subdivision. The Town lists Parker Water and Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District, and Stonegate Village Metropolitan District. |
| Electric | The Town lists CORE Electric Cooperative (formerly IREA). | CORE Electric Cooperative (formerly IREA). |
| Gas | The Town lists Black Hills Energy. | Xcel Energy. |
| Trash and recycling | The Town does not provide it. Your HOA may, or you sign up with a private hauler. | The Town does not provide it. Ask your HOA or choose a private company. |
Sources: Town of Castle Rock, "Customer Service" (water) and "Other Services" (utilities, trash); Town of Parker, "Services Provided by Other Agencies" (parkerco.gov/142). Checked October 24, 2026.
How do I get around?
Most people here drive. I-25 runs through Castle Rock and Lone Tree. Parker Road and E-470 serve Parker. The Census average trip to work is about 26 to 29 minutes, but your commute depends on the hour you drive it, so test-drive it before you buy.
- Light rail: Lone Tree has five RTD light rail stations. The E Line runs to Union Station in downtown Denver and ends at RidgeGate Parkway Station in Lone Tree. The R Line runs to Aurora.
- Bus to Denver and Colorado Springs: On October 24, 2026, Bustang's South Line listed stops at Colorado Springs, Woodmen, Monument, Sky Ridge Station in Lone Tree, and Denver. It did not list a Castle Rock stop.
- Castle Rock transit hub: The Colorado Department of Transportation is choosing a site for a Bustang mobility hub on I-25 in Castle Rock. Its project page lists site selection for 2025 to 2026, with design starting in 2026.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (mean travel time to work, 2020 to 2024); City of Lone Tree transportation page and RTD station pages (stations and lines); RTD E Line schedule; ridebustang.com/routes/south-line; codot.gov I-25 Mobility Hub Site Selection Study, Castle Rock (January 2026 update). Checked October 24, 2026. Schedules and plans change, so check each agency.
What should I do in my first 90 days?
- Driver license: Colorado counts you as a resident if you work here, own a business here, or live here 90 days in a row. After that you have 30 days to transfer your license. You need an appointment.
- Car: You have 90 days to title and register it at your county motor vehicle office. You will need proof of Colorado auto insurance. Vehicles more than seven model years old may need an emissions test, and the state names Douglas County as one of the counties where that applies.
- Utilities: Water is usually set up through your title company. Call the others as soon as you have a closing date.
- Property tax: Ask your title company how the first tax payment is handled at closing, and mark the Douglas County due dates above.
- Schools: Public schools in Castle Rock and Parker belong to the Douglas County School District (RE-1). Use the district's boundary tool for any address. We don't rate schools.
- Active-duty military: The state has different license and vehicle rules for you and your spouse. See our military relocation page and the Colorado DMV page.
Sources: Colorado Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle, "Welcome to Colorado" (dmv.colorado.gov/new-to-colorado), checked October 24, 2026. Ask the DMV and your tax professional about your own situation.
How does buying from out of state work with the Giles Team?
You work with both of us, start to finish. Tell us your timeline and we plan around your trips here.
- Talk. Where you want to live, what you need, and when you have to be here.
- Get pre-approved with a lender of your choice.
- Sign a buyer agreement. Since August 17, 2024, agents who use the MLS need a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home together. We explain it before you sign.
- Tour homes in person, on a trip planned around your calendar.
- Write the offer. Price, terms and dates. Our guide to Colorado contract dates and deadlines explains the dates.
- Inspections and due diligence. On acreage, that includes the well and septic. See our Acreage Guide.
- Appraisal, loan and closing with your lender and title company.
More on the buying steps: Buy a Home.
Which town fits what you want?
Visit more than one. We describe places here, not the people who live in them. Each page has the full picture.
| Place | What's there | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock | Historic downtown, The Rock, Philip S. Miller Park, master-planned neighborhoods such as The Meadows, and acreage outside town limits. | Castle Rock page |
| Parker | Historic Mainstreet, the PACE Center, the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, planned communities and acreage to the east and south. | Parker page |
| Lone Tree | Park Meadows, the Lone Tree Arts Center, Sky Ridge Medical Center, RidgeGate and light rail. | Lone Tree section |
| Franktown and Elizabeth | Rural homes on acreage with wells, septic systems and room for horses, subject to zoning and covenants. | Franktown · Elizabeth |
Moving to Douglas County questions we hear often
Is Castle Rock in Douglas County?
Yes. Castle Rock is the county seat of Douglas County. Parker and Lone Tree are in Douglas County too. Elizabeth is in Elbert County.
How do I know if a home is in a metro district?
The property tax statement lists every taxing district for the home. Ask us for it before you make an offer.
When are Douglas County property taxes due?
Pay in full by April 30, or pay half by the last day of February and half by June 15. Weekend dates move to the next business day.
How soon do I need a Colorado driver license?
Once you are a Colorado resident, the state says to transfer your license within 30 days and register your vehicle within 90 days. Check the Colorado DMV page for your situation.
Is there light rail near Castle Rock?
The closest light rail we point people to is in Lone Tree. RTD's E Line ends at RidgeGate Parkway Station there. Check RTD for current routes and schedules.
Can I buy a home before I move?
Yes. Tell us your timeline and we'll plan showings around your trips, and keep inspections, the appraisal and closing on schedule with your lender and title company.
Do you help military families move here?
Yes. McLean Giles holds the Certified Military Residential Specialist (CMRS) designation. See our military relocation page.
Talk to the Giles Team about your move
Call or text (720) 593-2378, email team@gilesteam.com, or send us a message. Want the numbers? Get our free monthly market report.
Giles Team | Coldwell Banker Realty South Metro · 6501 E Belleview Ave, Suite 500, Englewood, CO 80111 · (720) 593-2378 · team@gilesteam.com
McLean Giles, Colorado license FA.100052648 · Ginger Giles, Colorado license FA.100052642
Checked against Census, town, county, state, RTD, Bustang and CDOT sources on October 24, 2026. Rules, rates and schedules change; confirm for your address.
