An event series that brings people together
On any given summer weekend, Painted Prairie’s High Prairie Park is likely to be buzzing with activity. On this particular Saturday morning, a tent market of artisan food, craft, and gift sellers welcomes a happy crowd eager to find something local, new and interesting. Residents with kids and dogs in tow catch up on the latest, and take in Painted Prairie’s ever-evolving vistas which include a stunning view of the Rockies, more and more thoughtfully designed homes and a developing Town Center which has broken ground on Painted Prairie’s northern border just across from Gaylord of the Rockies.
This open-air market is just one of the regular events that characterizes Painted Prairie’s commitment to community. Every spring through fall, residents (and anyone who wants to experience the neighborhood) are treated to a full series of free events including movie nights, concerts, home tours, a fall festival, resident nights and more. The consistency and success of these events has given Painted Prairie an enviable distinction among Aurora’s developing communities. It’s a place that authentically welcomes diversity and gives its residents ample opportunities to come together and celebrate.
Jacci Cradle, who is one of Painted Prairie’s pioneer residents, is a big fan of the focus on community. “Painted Prairie has become a place that feels like home for my family because of the strong sense of community and the diverse and inclusive atmosphere,” she says. “It’s a place where we can connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and truly feel like we belong. The shared values of unity, diversity, and sustainability in the community align with what our family holds dear.”
An award-winning focus on the great outdoors
Another distinction you’ll find at Painted Prairie is that open space is not an afterthought here. The entire community was designed to prioritize communal areas that are woven in and among clusters of homes. Front porches look out on landscaped parks, connecting green spaces beckon walkers and runners, and multiple community gardens dot the neighborhood, one of them walkable from every home. This innovative masterplan has been recognized as Community of the Year three times: locally in 2021 by the Denver MAME awards, nationally in 2022 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and most recently in 2024 by the Gold Nugget awards, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious residential design awards.
An innovative take on residential life
Painted Prairie has embraced the neo-traditional philosophy which pairs a revival of traditional styles and ways of life with the best current technology, elements and influences. The result is a neighborhood that feels like a traditional hometown but offers all the modern home advantages that today’s builders offer. The mix of homes is impressive. Not only are the styles beautifully varied from traditional to farmhouse to modern, but the variety of home types gives residents choices that extend beyond single-family to paired homes and ultimately townhomes, which will comprise the residential component of the Town Center. Painted Prairie has engaged 11 highly-regarded local and national builders, and their offerings are compelling. It’s worth a visit to tour their models, and see what life in a brand new home feels like — you won’t be disappointed.
An autumn celebration
If you’re looking for a good time this fall, don’t miss their Prairie Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 5. It’s an annual get together that pulls out all the stops. Along with the traditional pumpkin patch and horse-drawn hayrides, there is an open-air artisan market, costume contest with prizes, DJ, food and coffee trucks, face painters, balloon artists and bounce house for the kids, games and of course, an opportunity to experience the neighborhood and tour the models. The vibe is always welcoming, and who knows, you might just find your forever home.
